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The girls gave me a couple of days off ahead of my trip so I would have time to pack. I mistakenly thought I would get to sleep in this morning, but I was wrong. My mom is pounding at my bedroom door just after 6 a.m.
Rolling over, I pull the blanket over my head. Maybe if I ignore her she will go away. I should know better. The pounding continues for five dang minutes then I finally hear the knob rattling.
“Who gave you permission to lock this door?” I hear her screaming.
I’m tense listening to her rant but as long as she is on the other side of the door, I can ignore it. Tense but not worried until she gets quiet. When Helen Conelly is quiet it means all hell is about to break loose.
Jumping out of bed I grab some clothes and head for the shower. Hopefully she will think I didn’t hear her over the water running. My shower is interrupted when the curtain is jerked open.
Mom is standing there red faced with a butter knife that she must have used to jimmy the lock open in her hand.
“MOM!” I shout grabbing the curtain to cover myself.
“You weren’t in this shower when I knocked on your door! I didn’t hear the water running. You think I’m as stupid as you?” she yells.
Knowing that fighting is useless I take a deep breath before I respond. “Mom, I’m on vacation.”
“Perfect, you can use this time to find a real job.” She says with a shake of her head.
“My job is real! I’m a tattoo artist.” I tell her.
“Out of the goodness of my heart, I let you come home after you got rid of that abomination. Then I put up with you getting that garbage degree in art. It’s time you got a real job and started earning your keep.” She talks down to me as if I were still only ten years old.
I’m so shocked at her words, my body stiffens up and I drop my towel. The disgust on her face is clear as day when she continues her rant.
“Cover yourself! Nobody wants to see those hideous marks.” She snarls, referring to my stretch marks then jerking her eyes away.
“Get out Mother, Get out and let me get dressed!” I barely get out from my clenched teeth.
Thankfully she listens this time.
It only takes a few minutes to get dressed. I head down the stairs for breakfast, hoping she got everything out of her system for today. Once again I realize I had false hope. I don’t know why I ever think anything will change.
Dad is at the table with a full breakfast in front of him. Mom at the other end of the table also has a full plate, but at my place is only half of a grapefruit and dry toast. I don’t even want to sit but I know if I refuse she will only escalate.
We are almost finished eating when my cell phone rings.
“Don’t you answer that phone at my table!” Mom states.
Looking down at the screen, I tell her “I have to, it's my boss Fiona.”
Standing from the table I hit answer before she can continue.
“Hello.” Fiona’s voice echoes through the speaker.
“Hey Fee, do you need me?” I’m hoping she says yes even though I’m supposed to be off.
“No, I’m just calling to let you know plans have changed. Instead of Baratta flying you out to Seattle tomorrow, would you mind riding with Taylor? It would mean leaving today, he’s driving.” I look over where Mom is still glaring at me before answering.
“Umm, when is he leaving?” I ask readily.
“In a couple hours.”
“That’s perfect, give him my number. I’ll be packed and ready when he gets here.” I feel the tension in my body ready to leave the moment I can get out of here.
As soon as I hang up the phone Mom is all over me again, “and just where do you think you’re going?
“Mom,” rolling my eyes in exasperation. “My travel plans got changed by one day. You knew I was going on this trip.”
Dad gets up from the table. “Arin Conelly! Don’t roll your eyes at your mother! The only reason we’re allowing you to go, is because those tatted up street rats you hang around with would raise hell.”
“Dad, my friends aren’t street rats. They belong to a motorcycle club.” I remind him.
“I don’t care if they are the President’s secret service detail. They are criminals, every last one of those meatheads.”
Nothing in this world would change his opinion so I opt to walk away before this gets worse.
“Where do you think you’re going? We’re talking to you!” My mom jumps back in as I head for the stairs to pack.
“Mr. Burns is going to be here soon to pick me up, Mom.”
“Who is Mr. Burns?” she snaps out.
“He’s a lawyer from Alaska and apparently my ride to Seattle.” I say calmly.
“You’re done working for those floozies. When you get back from Alaska you will find a decent job!” She shakes her finger sternly with each word.
I would have just walked away if she hadn’t dissed my friends but she crossed the line.
“Fiona and Lily are not floozies! Maybe I won’t come back from Alaska!” I shout before storming off to pack.