Page 29 of Twisted Hunger

By the time I get home, my mom is there, and she smiles at me when I walk through the door. "I ordered pizza for supper, honey…" Her voice trails off once she gets a good look at me. "What's wrong?"

I can't hide the fact that I have been crying, and I don't want to lie to her, not when our relationship is almost healed. "I got into a fight with Brock."

"With Brock? I thought the two of you weren't talking?" I can read between the lines and know what my mother is thinking. She was hoping that we wouldn't fix the friendship.

I shrug. "He texted me earlier asking if we could talk…"

She doesn't ask me what she really wants to ask, and I appreciate it, but she does question me. "Then, what happened? Did it not go well?"

Her not asking if I used just gave her mad points in my book, and so I decide to put her out of her misery, so she doesn't have to worry. "He took the fact that I'm getting clean really well, but not the part about Beau being in my life now. I was there long enough to drink a bottle of water before we got pissed at each other, and I stormed off."

I can see the relief in her eyes when I tell her this, and then she sighs, holding her arms out for me to go to her. Like a little girl, I run to her and let her hug me tight, making it all feel better. She doesn't ask me any more questions; her way of telling me she's here when I'm ready to talk.

"He accused me of sleeping with Beau," I sniffle as the tears begin to fall again. "He's jealous because I have never given in to him…"

"I'm so sorry, baby. Guys can be such bastards," she says, trying to soothe me.

I finally pull away and wipe my eyes. "What hurts the most is that he knows my values. I may have been a drug addict, but I never wanted to be a slut, too. He knew I was saving myself, and he still accused me of it."

"Well, he's probably mad because he lost his friend who always got high with him. You two were together almost every day for three years," Mom states as she brushes some hair from my wet face.

"How do you know that?" I ask, a little shocked that she knew this.

"You may have thought I didn't care, Ryan, but I did. I gave you your distance, but I mostly knew what you were up to." She runs her hand over her face. "Maybe I went about it all the wrong way, but in the beginning, I was hurting, confused, and scared. I've only known life with your father. It took me a long time to get my feet back on the ground, but in doing so, I lost sight of your needs. I failed you, baby…and let you fall after I promised I never would."

"I think we failed each other, Mom. This isn't just on you…" I try to tell her, but she shakes her head.

"That's not true, Ryan. I'm the parent, and I left you to deal with your father's passing on your own. I thought it was what you wanted, But I know now that I was wrong."

"Maybe," I respond. "But I didn't have to go and become a drug addict because of it," I scoff.

"Honey…" the doorbell rings. "Oh, that must be the pizza. Why don't you go clean up, and I'll get the door."

"Okay." I turn to leave, but Mom stops me.

"I hope you don't mind, but I invited Bain over," she informs me.

"No, it's fine." I smile and jog up the stairs.

I haven't seen my mom's fiancé since he called me a good girl that night. I blush just thinking about it. Now that my mom and I have hashed out our problems, I'm happy she is finding happiness again. I know she still loves my dad, but even I know that he wouldn't want her to be miserable for the rest of her life. Oh, and to find a man as hot as Bain?Way to go, Mom!

Before going back downstairs, I decide to text Beau…

ME: Hey you…

HUNTLEY: Hey, beautiful. What's up?

I roll my eyes because he calls me beautiful all the time. You would think I'd be used to it, but any endearment coming from Beau's lips makes my face heat.

ME: Not much. Mom ordered pizza, and I thought you could skip out early and join us.

HUNTLEY: God, I wish! My dad already skipped out early to see his girlfriend, so I have to finish up here. Rain check?

ME: For sure. I guess I will see you tomorrow?

HUNTLEY: Definitely…

We never say goodbye to one another. Our conversations always end just like this one. I never thought my life would take this unexpected turn, but I'm so happy it did. I stare at our texts a moment longer and smile before tossing my phone on my bed and going into my bathroom to freshen up.

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