Page 65 of Frayed Bonds

“I knew he was going in for a pretty major operation, yes. She didn't say exactly what kind.”

“And did you know, Antonio gave her the job because she can’t afford to pay the medical bills?”

Her lack of response causes me to look up from between my fingers.

“He asked me not to say anything.”

I practically see red as I stare at my mother. “How can the two of you keep something like this from me? I’ve treated her like actual shit for the last few weeks with zero idea why she even needed the job.”

She flinches back and raises a brow at me. “Watch your tone, Ambrose.”

I slump back and run my fingers over my face. “She exploded at me today and told me that, along with multiple other colourful thoughts she had about me.

“Maybe you should be less upset with your brother for keeping a secret she asked him to keep, and more upset with yourself for being a straight-up asshole.”

There was one reason my mamá and papá worked, she was never afraid to tell him as it was, no matter how much it would piss him off.

“I have a lot going on right now. I’m pissed because he didn't even think about mentioning it to me. I’m pissed because she was late. I’m hurt hearing what she thinks of me. I feel guilty that I made her feel bad about it without knowing the real reason.”

“You seem to care a lot about what she thinks of you.”

“I do.”

“I don’t think you’ve ever cared this much about what anyone thinks of you.”

“I haven't, but hearing her say those things makes me want to prove her wrong, it makes me want to be better for her.”

“You have to want to be better for yourself, you know that right?” My mamá asks, putting a hand on my shoulder.

“I know, but right now with everything I can’t find the will to do it for myself, so I’ll do it for her.” I stare blankly at my hands in front of me, and I question how much good they've done versus how much bad they've done.

“Well, before you do that, you may want to apologise first.”

“I don't even know where to start,” I sigh.

“You’ll know, but make sure whatever you do, that it’s genuine.”

She kisses the top of my head and I allow myself to enjoy the feeling, remembering a time long before all this became my reality. When being a mama's boy was my favourite thing to do.

“Have you told her how you feel about her yet?”

“No.” As the word leaves my mouth, I realise what I've said. I didn't even hesitate about my response, as if my mind knew before I could even process the question itself.

I do have feelings for Valerie, and they all punch me in the gut at once after the realisation.

“I suggest you do that sometime soon as well,” my mamá says as she leaves me alone with the avalanche of thoughts she started.

Chapter twenty-four

Valerie

Mamá must be looking out for me, because Ambrose leaves not too long after our argument, and I can relax for what’s left of my day.

The entire morning has been an absolute catastrophe.

Firstly, my father’s doctor arrived late, which almost meant that the entire surgery would have to be rescheduled. Then, the administration office of the hospital said they could not proceed with the surgery until an additional payment was made to his account.

That left me calling the bank in an attempt for them to give me another loan so that, together with the deposit for the art commission, I’d be able to pay something towards the account.

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