“Well, you’re a lucky girl.”
“So, what did you and Trevor do? Please leave out the sex parts.”
“Well then, I guess there is nothing to talk about.” She perks an eyebrow at me.
“First, eeewww. And second, I’m glad that you two are happy.” I hug her shoulders. Marley and Trevor really do make a great couple, but I don’t want to hear about my twin in the bedroom, at all.
We walk towards the center of the mall, where we are meeting my mother. I’m still unsure why, but she called me last night and asked me to bring Marley along. Levi and I have spent every moment of the weekend thus far in my bed. It wasn’t just the sex we had. It’s the talks. I’m still nervous about the draft and him leaving to go to Pittsburgh. I know in my head that it’s the right thing for him, but my heart is nervous with us being so far apart. Levi told me to trust him, and that it will be fine. I do trust him, and I know that he wouldn’t lie to me.
We see my mother sitting at a coffee bar, drinking an espresso. She’s wearing a pair of dark jeans, a simple blouse and high heels. She looks so young and carefree. That’s something that I haven’t seen from her in a long time. If it wasn’t for her hair and eyes, I’d think it was someone else. She looks up and waves us over. As soon as I’m close to her, she jumps up and hugs me tightly, and then hugs Marley. We both are taken aback.
“Wow. When was the last time we had a girl’s day, huh?” Mom asks brightly.
“Um. Never,” Marley answers and I give her a stern look. “What?” She asks me.
“Okay, so I’m trying to make it sound like I’m not a bad parent.”
“You’re not a bad parent, Mom.” I have the urge to roll my eyes at her. “But really, what are we doing here?” Mom points to where she was sitting and we follow her to sit down.
“Okay, so I’ve recently had a revelation about my life and my love ones.” She reaches over and pats my hand. “Your dad and I are better than ever and I couldn’t be happier.” Her face is beaming with pride. “Then the whole Levi and Valentine’s Day situation brought it all together. I miss my daughter and I want to start anew.”
Tears glass over my eyes as I stare at mother. Words can’t express how much I want this too.
“That’s great,” Marley interrupts. “But what am I doing here?”
Mom rolls her eyes, which is very uncharacteristic. “Really, Marley? You’ve been coming to our house since before you were putting on makeup. You’re my second daughter. I just didn’t gain 45 pounds with you. Now you’re dating my son, so you’re stuck.”
All three of us laugh. It’s a great feeling of relaxation and comfort.
“Okay, Mom, why are we here, for real?”
“Well, you girls are going on spring break and the weather is becoming warmer. I think it’s time for all three of us to get new wardrobes.”
Marley and I just stare at her.
“Um, Ms. McCarthy that seems like a nice idea, but I can’t afford that.”
“Mom, I can’t be spending money like that either.”
She laughs at us both. “You aren’t paying for it. I am. I am paying for all three of us. We are going on a shopping spree.”
“Count me in then,” Marley quickly says.
“Mom-”
She puts up her hand to stop me. “Presley, please. I want to do this. I want all three of us to do this. Please.” My mother is begging me. I can’t believe my ears. I finally give in and nod.
We begin our shopping spree. We hit every single store in the mall. I get an amazing new bikini for spring break and a several new outfits. Marley does the same.
We need a break, so we settle for lunch at the food court. We grab food, drinks, and find a table.
“I’m starved. Didn’t realize spending other people’s money would tire me out,” Marley jokes as she bites into her chicken sandwich. I just shake my head as I dive into my salad.
Mom clears her throat before she says the one thing that makes my stomach turn. “How long have you and Levi been having sex?”
Marley begins choking and I stop mid-bite.
“Mother.” I quickly swallow my food before it comes back up. “I don’t want to talk to you about this.”