Simply Falling

Chapter 23

After trying on a few dresses, I finally find one I like.

"Liv! Can we go now?" I ask, annoyed.

She nods. We pay the bill and leave.

"I really like the clothes you bought, Kia. It brings-"

My stomach growls loudly. Liv looks at me with widened eyes.

Then she looks down at my stomach.

Then, we burst out laughing.

"Let's meet Becky and Elly at the food courts." She says.

We decided to eat at an Italian restaurant.

When the food arrived, we dug in.

At least I did. I only hope I didn't look like a pig.

What? The food was so good!

Liv ordered a ton of food.

She can eat a horse and still not gain a pound.

It's not fair.

"Wow, I'm stuffed." Liv says.

We laugh.

She did eat a lot.

"You guys ready to leave?" Mom asks.

We nod and she and Elly argue over who pays the bill.

Mom insisted she wanted to pay, while Elly refused to let Mom pay.

In the end, the bill was split.

We pass by a few stores on our way to the parking lot.

I see something that catches my eye.

It's a beautiful locket with a delicate, gold chain.

Attached to it, is  a heart shaped pendant with a delicate silver border.

I stare at it in awe, not noticing Liv and my mom going ahead.

"You like it?" Elly asks me suddenly.

I jump.

"Yeah. It's beautiful." I say in awe.

"Then why don't you buy it?" She asks, confused.

I check the price of the necklace and do a double take.

The number of zeroes on that price tag is way more than my mom's paycheck.

It is way more than I expected and too expensive.

I sigh sadly.

I walk out the store and find Elly waiting for me.

"Well?" She asks expectantly.

"It's fine. I won't buy it." I say sadly.

"Why not?" She asks.

"It- It's too expensive." I say, embarrassed.

She wouldn't understand, after all, she lives in a mansion of a house with a swimming pool.

"Maybe you can buy it later. But we should go now." She says.

I sigh.

Then, I give the necklace one last sad and longing look, and walk away with Elly.

"Kiara, did you have fun?" Mom asks me.

I'm still getting used to her asking me about my life.

"Yes, Liv and I bought some stuff for our school dances." I say.

"When is the dance?"

"Some time in December. I think December 5th." 

"That's just three weeks from today! Do you have a date?"

"Mom, I've never had a date before." I say, embarrassed.

"I doubt that'll be the case for long." She says, winking.

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"Oh you'll see." She says.

What's with everyone keeping secrets?

"So, how are things between you and Carlos?" She asks, obviously trying to stay calm.

"I don't really know, mom." I say.

She gives me a look that says, spill.

"His girlfriend, Zara didn't come to school yesterday and so I told Liv what a pain she is. Carlos heard me. He agreed with me. Can you believe that?" I say.

She laughs.

"Oh Kiara. Don't you get it? Carlos likes you! I wouldn't be surprised is he breaks up with Zara for you." She says.

"I honestly hope he does that. I hate Zara." I mutter.

"You like him, don't you?"

I'm about to protest and deny it, but then I realize, love might actually be real.

Of course, I don't love Carlos.

Heck, I'm not even sure I like him.

You know what?

Maybe I do.

Maybe I do like him.

Not knowing what to say, I blush and nod my head.

"Mom, is love real?" I ask.

"Sweetie, love is as real as life. You fall in love, but you can fall out of it too." She says wisely.

"Mom, Can- Can I ask you a question?" I ask hesitantly.

"Of course sweetie."

"Well, I just want to know what happened to our dad." I say, carefully.

She sighs.

"I knew there would come a day when you would ask this question. It's only fair if you know the truth." She says.

"Paul, Your dad, and I dated for a few years in college. I thought I was in love with him. He said he loved me. We got married, we had Fiona. Then, one day, I think I realized I didn't love him. I wanted to get a divorce. I told him how I felt, and he was shocked, heartbroken and sad. I had hurt him. He loved me but I didn't love him back. In fact, I don't think I ever did.  just liked the thought of falling in love, the thought of getting married and having a family. We filed a divorce. Soon, we were left with so many questions. Who would take Fiona? Where would he live? After a few weeks, we decided that I would move out and take Fiona with me. Paul was still sad and hurt. I didn't mean to hurt him at all. A few years later, I decided I wanted another daughter. Since I wasn't seeing anyone at that time, I decided to adopt a child. Your parents disowned you when you were three and Fiona was four. As you and Fiona grew up, she started mistreating you. I thought Fiona was right because she was my own daughter. I was ignorant and I started mistreating you as well. I regret it to this day. But I definitely don't regret adopting you. I hope you know that I love you." Mom says.

When she finishes, her eyes are sad and glazed.

I hug her.

"I love you too, Mom." I say.

"I hope you find the right person and fall in love with them and that they too love you back." She says, softly.

A comfortable silence engulfs us, each of us in our own world.

A/N: This chapter was kind of emotional. Vote if you like this chapter. Don't forget to leave a comment!