Page 113 of Beautifully Broken
I nod. “Thanks, Mom.” Turning back, I roll my eyes as the door closes behind me.
We’ll see what someone else has to say about it.
Grabbing my phone from my purse, I bring up Trevor’s message thread. I tap the camera icon, snapping a photo and sending it. I don’t expect him to reply right away, but my phone vibrates in my hand a moment later.
Trevor: You should buy that
That’s what I thought.Sorry mom.
The two of us have grown close since that day in his office. I’ve never had someone show up for me the way he does. He’s always checking in with me, seeing how my day is going. We chat about his photoshoots outside of the events he books at work. We’re constantly toeing the line between friendship or more. What started out as an innocent crush has evolved into genuine feelings for him. He has the biggest heart out of anyone I know. I think the only problem is, neither of us wants to risk our friendship.
A knock on the door pulls my thoughts away from Trevor. “Coming.”
I change quickly and pick up the small pile of clothes that I plan to purchase before opening the door.
Mom looks up from her phone. “Ready?”
I nod. “Yes.”
We walk to the register and I let mom pay for her items first, hoping she doesn’t see what I’m buying. But that doesn’t happen. She stands right next to me with her bag in hand, waiting for me.
Helen rings up my items, and when she gets to the dress, my mom speaks up. “She isn’t getting that one.”
My head whips towards her. “Mom, that isn’t for you to say.” I return my attention to Helen. “Sorry. Please include the dress.”
Mom huffs and walks toward the front of the store. I thank Helen once I’ve paid and meet mom at the exit. She doesn’t even look at me, instead she pushes through the door, moving onto the busy sidewalk.
Yup, she’s pissed.
The door shuts behind us and she spins on her heel, distaste written all over her face. “I can’t believe you bought that dress. Sophia, it didn’t look good on you.”
Someone thinks it does.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “Mom, I bought it because I liked it. I’m sorry you don’t, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have bought it.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “I seriously don’t understand why you never listen to me. Really Sophia. I better not see you wear it to the office.” She shakes her head and continues walking down the street.
I follow a step behind her, not wanting to continue this argument. There isn’t a point. Again, she isn’t willing to listen to my wants or needs.
We make it to her car and get in. She doesn’t speak until we’re halfway home.
“I hope you’re happy. What was supposed to be a good day for us is now ruined.”
I stay silent because really, what is there for me to say?
She scoffs. “Nothing to say now? Whatever, I guess you don’t care.”
Anger builds inside me.
I ruined today? Is she kidding me?
“I didn’t do anything wrong, mom. I bought a piece of clothing you didn’t like. You ruined today by throwing this tantrum because I didn’t make my decision based on your opinion.”
This time, she doesn’t respond. Her face stays forward towards the windshield. A look of pure seething pulled across it. When we pull into the driveway at home, we both get out as quickly as possible.
As I’m heading up the stairs to my room, she calls out, “I’m serious, young lady. I do not want to see you wearing that dress at my office. Or anytime you are out with me!”
She is so over dramatic!
