Page 84 of Holding On

"Get out." Becca points to the door.

"Honey, you're overreacting. It was just a comment. Now where's Mike? You never said."

"He's with his girlfriend. He won't be back until late."

"That's fine. I can wait." She smiles at Becca, knowing she's driving her crazy. This woman is very manipulative. I can't stand people who manipulate others for their own sick pleasure. My dad is one of those people.

"Actually, we were just leaving," I say, grabbing my crutches and pushing up from the couch.

"Where are you going?" Sherry asks.

I look at Becca. "My friend's having a party. I told him we'd stop by."

"And you have to go right now?"

"I told him Becca and I would be there in a few minutes."

"Oh." She frowns. "What a shame."

"We should really get going," Becca says.

"Then I guess I'll stop by tomorrow," Sherry says. "Tell Mike to be here. I want to see him."

"I will." Becca walks her mom to the door.

"Bye, honey." Her mom gives her a hug. "See you tomorrow."

She leaves and Becca closes the door, then leans back against it. "What is she doing here?"

I walk over to Becca. "When's the last time you saw her?"

"Five years ago."

"You haven't seen your mom in five years?"

"I've talked to her on the phone but it's been five years since I've seen her. She was in town for something so she took us to dinner and that was it. It was the only time I saw her since she left. Mike went to see her a few times but I refused. She made it clear she didn't want us so I wasn't going to go visit her. I thought she might come to my dad's funeral but she didn't."

"And then she just shows up here out of the blue? That's odd."

"Not if you knew my mom. I'm guessing she wants something."

"Like money?"

"No. She knows Mike and I don't have any money, and I'm sure this guy she's dating buys her whatever she wants. She wouldn't date him if he didn't."

"Then why do you think she's here?"

"She's probably just feeling guilty. Whenever she feels guilty for leaving she calls us to relieve her guilt. Maybe she's feeling extra guilty this year so she showed up in person instead of calling."

"So then maybe after she sees you guys tomorrow she'll leave you alone."

"I hope so." Becca's shoulders sag. "I can't believe she just showed up here like that."

"Hey." I lift her chin up and she looks at me. "You gonna be okay?"

"Yeah."

I kiss her. "Let's get out of here."

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