If Only

Chapter Twenty-One: Chained

Basking in silence, we found solace in each other's presence. Eventually, Jared chose to break it, his voice holding quiet sincerity, "I think you should talk to your mom." I pulled away slightly, gazing at him with curiosity.

"She deserves better than the way you speak to her," he said, his tone sincere. Jared's straightforwardness was becoming a quality I appreciated more, his honesty shining through.

"Do you really think so?" I asked, glancing at his neck.

"Your dad might be harsh," he began, pausing as my gaze met his. I knew my dad wasn't perfect, but those words felt blunt from Jared.

"He can be overly critical, but don't involve your mom in your issues with him. It's clear she's not happy," he added, his words filled with care. Soon, I felt a tender kiss on my temple, his arms tightening around me. In that moment, I felt incredibly secure.

This side of Jared was a hidden gem, a secret part of him shared only with me. It made me feel special, knowing he trusted me with this vulnerable part of himself.

*****

Heading downstairs, I found my mom at work in the kitchen.

Upstairs, Jared stayed put, signaling his intent to spend the night, a thought I welcomed.

Observing my mom at the kitchen doorframe, I noticed her casual attire—a simple white shirt, brown pants, and flats. I decided not to linger and announced, "Mom?" startling her.

"How long have you been there?" she asked in surprise.

Taking a seat on a kitchen stool, I confessed, "I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier."

Her eyes widened, clearly unexpected. Drying her hands, she cautiously approached the kitchen island.

"I understand, honey," she said.

Shaking my head, I admitted, "No, Mom... I shouldn't have talked back like that. I might have issues with Dad, but you shouldn't be dragged into the middle of it."

Avoiding eye contact, she smiled warmly. "It's okay... I'm your mother. What happens to you instantly affects me. I just don't like this strained relationship with your father..."

We settled into a comforting silence. As my mom was about to resume her task, she remembered something and moved away.

"Umm... I think you deserve to know something," she began, her voice tinged with hesitation, catching my curiosity. I turned toward her, silently urging her to continue.

"Know about what?" I unintentionally sounded a bit rude.

Her hesitant eyes met mine as she fiddled with her fingers on the counter. Leaning in, I signaled my readiness for whatever she had to say.

"Your father's birthday plans for this weekend, they're not what they seem," she disclosed, and I almost rolled my eyes. When was my father not planning some extravagant birthday celebration, treating it like the most significant event of the year?

"I know, Mom," I responded, a hint of impatience in my tone. But she waved her hands in front of me, blocking my escape.

"No, Jade... you don't understand. It's all a setup. The birthday celebration isn't for your father; it's for you," she revealed. My name drew my full attention, sparking curiosity, and I felt my eyebrows knit together as I waited for her to elaborate.

"What does his birthday have to do with me?" I asked, almost snickering. There was no way my father would include me in the celebration. It was his day, and we all knew he should have the spotlight.