I'm worried about Mom. Callie hasn't been over since their fight on Friday- it's Tuesday. I kept asking if Mom was ok, and she just shrugged it off, saying she didn't want to talk about it yet.

I was glad she had therapy today. Maybe it would help her a little bit.

I didn't understand why their little argument caused them to not see each other for this long. It worried me. Maybe more was said that I didn't hear, because in my mind it was barely an argument.

I was also used to hearing Mom screaming that she hated Dad and that he was an ass and then waking up the next morning and saying it was fine. So, I think I had a messed up perception of how people are supposed to act after arguments. Even with that, this seemed a little extra.

As usual, I waited for Mom to get home. I was more nervous than usual today- and rightly so. She was crying when she walked in the door. And, she didn't even try to stop when I came over to her. Unlike her. Not that I am complaining. I don't want her to hide her emotions.

"Mom." I hugged her.

She hugged me back tightly, sniffling. She needed the hug.

I didn't say anything else, I just waited until she pulled away.

Soon enough she did, and she rubbed some of the tears off her cheeks.

I just watched her. I didn't know what to say.

Mom looked at me, and her eyes filled with tears again. "Can I talk to you? I- really need someone to talk to." She spoke quietly, her voice shaky and sad.

"Yeah." I nodded quickly. I was glad Mom finally wanted to talk about it.

"You heard Callie and I's... argument?" Mom went over to sit on the couch, so I followed. I sat close to her, incase I thought she needed a hug at some point.

"Some of it. I wasn't trying to listen, I swear." I said, as if defending myself.

"Honey I'm not mad at you." Mom rubbed her eyes. "I got really mad at her."

"What was it about? I just heard the yelling." I asked, wanting to understand better.

"She wanted to go on vacation for your spring break. She was thinking an island." Mom sighed. "I just can't afford it. And she offered to pay but that's... I don't want that."

I nodded.

"I think I got a little too defensive. She was just being nice. I hurt her feelings."

"You guys didn't break up, right? She hasn't been here in a long time." It had only been four days, in reality. But, that was a long time. Callie came over a lot- and if she couldn't come over, she and Mom would be on the phone for at least an hour. I was used to Callie being around, now. It felt weird without her.

"No, no, no." Mom shook her head. "I think we just both needed some time."

"It didn't sound that bad?" I said, as if it was a question.

"It wasn't as much the content of the argument. I think it was just- we've never spoken to each other in hostile tones like that. It was different for us. Mostly me towards her." Mom sighed.

I didn't quite understand, but I nodded.

"I'm used to having to defend myself. And doing everything for myself and you. I need to work on that." Mom admitted.

"Did you tell Callie that?"

"No."

"You should. I think she'll understand." I wanted Mom and Callie be good again. This was weird. "You should ask her to come over now."

"Now?"

"Yeah. Text her!" I encouraged. I needed Mom and Callie to be good again- I was starting to realize how big of a part Callie had in my life.

Callie agreed to stop over after her shift ended. I knew she would. I was glad.

I went in my room when I heard her knock on the door. I sat right behind my half closed door. This time I was intentionally eavesdropping. I needed to hear what happened. Hopefully I would be right, and Callie would understand.

"Hey. Thanks for coming over." Mom said when she opened the door.

"Yeah..." Callie responded.

I heard the door close, and they walked into the living room. An awkward silence.

"About Friday-" Mom started.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kept pushing." Callie cut her off.

"What? No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so defensive and... and just... mean." Mom said quickly.

"Arizona..."

"Let me finish?"

There was a pause.

"I've never had anyone willing to do such... nice things for me or Olivia. I've always had to do it. And... part of me always felt like I needed to do it to prove something. To prove to my parents that I don't need them- or to my ex that I don't need him. So, you offering something so big just... sent me into panic I guess." Mom took a shaky breath. "I need to work on it. I know. But, I can't bring myself to let you do something like that. I'm sorry... just. Not right now."

I bit my cheek. That was a lot more detailed than she told me, but, she needed Callie to understand. I hoped Callie would understand. I felt nervous for Mom.

"I- Okay. So we don't go for spring break. Maybe over the summer, or next year?" Callie said after some quiet.

I smiled a little. I knew Callie would be understanding. That was one of the things I loved about Callie.

I loved about Callie? I had never thought about it like that.

Wow.

"I'm trying, I really am." Mom said.

"I know. It's okay, I'm glad you're willing to try." Callie was so sweet to my Mom.

There was another, longer pause.

I stayed dead quiet, though I was very happy. They were ok again. Thank God.

"I love you, Calliope." Mom broke their silence.

"I love you too." Callie replied immediately.

Ok, I gotta admit that one was a little cute.

Not as gross.

I smiled to myself.