I am so excited to finally get this out to you lovely readers. My apologies for the small delay but blah, blah, blah...do you ya really care?
Anywho I hope I get a few kudos for posting my second largest chapter(:
I wanted to welcome all my new readers... Hey! Shout out to lawsbian, I see you finally joined the party and thank you for reviewing all of my chapters (:
Special thanks to my beta Sonnoc I couldn't do it without you kid (;
I have no idea when the next chapter will be posted seeing as March is a busy month for me. However, I will try not to keep ya waiting too long. Btw my Birthday is coming up and your reviews would be a wonderful gift (;
Enjoy!
How I Met Her Mother
Treats, Tricks, and Thieves
"Spence honey, the way to make anything better is by making a meal." He places a plate of apple, banana, cinnamon waffles, my absolute favorite, in front of me.
I lick my lips as I grab my fork and knife to dive into the warm sweet treat.
"What are you making better dad? What did you do?" I say with a mouth full of food wondering if he can understand me.
He lets out a hardy laugh. "I didn't do anything sweetheart; sometimes it's nice to have a precaution meal." We laugh. "We both know how easily upset your mother can get." I nod in agreement. "This is a trait you get from her you know." He points his finger at me.
"Remind me to thank her for that." I say sarcastically.
He grabs his unused dish cloth off his shoulder and throws it at me. "It's not that bad, waffle."
He's been calling me this since I started eating waffles at the age of two. My dad humors me by making them different every morning.
"The person who truly loves you will find it quite adorable. I know I find your mother's erratic nature irresistible." He gives a warm smile.
"Besides this meal isn't made for your mother, it's for you. I woke up with you on my heart this morning." He clears his throat."I haven't seen Candy around lately; doesn't she usually come by at this time?"
I look down at the pieces of waffle clinging to my fork as I dunk it in syrup over and over again. I finally look up at my dad with sad eyes.
"I don't think any meal can make this better and it's much too late for a precaution meal." I give a small smile.
It's been a month since my mother ran Candy off and I became Debbie's slave. I went against Debbie's demands and risked contacting Candy through text and phone calls, but she never answered. I would have gone to her house but I can never get out of Debbie's sight long enough to do so.
"Debbie should be here soon, right?" My dad questions with concern in his eyes.
I nod my head in
confirmation as I try to hold my food down becoming sick at the thought.
"Meals can be gestures or expressions of how you feel. Don't make a meal for just anyone." He gives me a stern look. "I know this advice seems pointless now but good advice never expires."
End of Flashback
I lift up from the bed with a smile on my face. I really don't like how Ashley and I were separated last night and on top of not having wonderful sex we didn't really resolve anything. I have been lying here for a while now thinking of what I can do to make it better and I hope this meal helps. I have always cooked for Ashley as an expression of my love. I never had to make a meal as an apology, but here goes everything.
After washing up I go in the kitchen to get everything ready to make Ash's favorite. I know it won't make things better forever, but at least for a little while…I hope.
*Ashley*
I float out the room to the smell of my favorite breakfast… homemade red velvet French toast, with vanilla bean rice cream that's drizzled with caramel praline. I sit down, close my eyes as I inhale and lick my lips at the aroma. I look over to Paula downing hers, as I wait patiently for mine.
I look at my babe who looks like a breath of fresh air even with her tussled hair and tired eyes. She must have not gotten any sleep last night, I tossed and turned myself, we're not use to not being in each other's embrace. Plus getting up at four in the morning doesn't help.
"Why are we up so early?" The older blonde yawns.
"I want to show you a good time while you're out here Paula." There was some truth in that statement, we all need to have some fun after yesterday.
"Mom?" Spence whines in annoyance as she looks at her mother in dismay. She holds up a bowl of plain yogurt, with granola, fresh mango, pineapples, blueberries, and strawberries on top.
"Yes honey?" She places her last bite of French toast in her mouth.
"Mom, I told you the French toast was for Ashley." I whip my head in the direction of the thief.
I feel like the lady who hit the other lady in the head with a tray. Where is a tray when you need it? Hmmm, maybe I can use a glass plate.
"I made you your favorite." I'm taken out my of attack plan by my frustrated girl who extends the bowl in front of her mom.
"You're sweet honey, but I thought I be a little more adventurous with my food." She says before looking down at her empty plate. "I didn't know that there were assigned plates." She smiles at her mini me
"There aren't mom but-"
"We really should get going." I interrupted trying to ease the tension, mostly my own, and start the fun…hopefully. Spence gives me an apologetic look.
"Its fine, I'll take the yogurt." She goes to hand it to me.
"Wait, did you eat?" She reluctantly shakes her head no. I give her a disapproving look. She always gets on me about eating when she won't eat herself.
"Spence, you eat the yogurt and I'll get something on the way." She tries to protest but I won't have it.
Once everyone showered, and boy did I need the warm water against my skin to relax my nerves, Spence and Paula are waiting for me since I opted to shower last. I pull my hair back into a bun placing my wine color custom made Gucci top hat on my head. I step out the bathroom with my Aldo wine riding boots, frost green custom wool Fendi tights cover with the upright and upside down F in the print, with a white Donna Karan blouse, mustard Prada vest with a dark chocolate blazer.
I look at Spence wearing a white lace with wavy sleeves and navy skinny jeans. Spence always adds a little color to herself here and there since we met, but never as much color as the day I took her to 'Grub.' She's wearing mustard yellow three inch pumps with a matching tank top that shows just a little under her blouse. I look at her wavy locks and smile a little to myself.
A few minutes later Spence and I are waiting in the driveway in my 1969 turquoise Caddie, with one thick white stripe on both sides and matching white tires. The build is the original frame but the parts, tires, and seats are all brand new. This beauty cost me a pretty penny.
The older blonde is having a hard time moving in the stiletto heels Spence wore on our first date with a white form fitting button up with boot cut black jeans. I am debating if I should drive off once she places her hand on the handle, so she'll stumble and land on her knees causing herself to be dragged as I speed down the street. She'll deserve it after eating my breakfast! Okay, I 'm over it.
She reaches for the car handle and I pull off a little before she can open it, okay...I'm not over it. Spence hits my arm while giggling a little. I know she is as annoyed with her mother as I am.
I stick my head out the window to look back at Paula. "I'm so sorry, the car jerks sometimes. It really has a mind of its own, you know?"
She smiles while tip toeing towards the car to fill in the small distance I made. "It's ok honey"
We finally pull up in front of the Beverly Center; we're here before the sun. It's six o'clock in the morning and foggy out. The sale starts at eight but there's already a line to get into the mall.
I point to our spots on the side walk and we open our carry bag with our folding sports chairs inside and have a seat. I don't go to any sporting event or go camping but I have portable tents and chairs for these sales.
I notice little Latinas selling Champurrado I get up and buy some for the three of us. I love Mexican hot chocolate it always has the right hint of cinnamon, whole clove, and spices.
Its eight o'clock and we're finally inside on the most beautiful escalator because right above it there's always some whimsical hanging decoration. Today they have neon white, orange, yellow, red, and green parasols gather together, from a far it could be mistaken for jelly fish. I smile at them before looking to my side to get a glimpse of Spence smiling too. I look behind and even Paula is in awe at the sight.
Once inside I map out all the stores I want to hit. I reach for Spence but Paula intercepts. Really?!
"Spence and I were talking last night and we thought we would shop together." She says while pointing between the two of them. Spence gives me an apologetic look. "Since you buy mostly clothes and shoes, we wanted to browse body care." She gives a smug smile.
"Oh." I look down a little sad before looking up with a weak smile "Okay, I'm just use to me and Spence always shopping together." I say with a tone of defeat.
2 Years earlier
"I don't know Ash" She chews on her bottom lip as we pull up in front of the mall where there's a line of twenty people already waiting to get in.
"Come on babe." I squeeze her hand before I tilt her chin up for her to face me.
I know she doesn't like being surrounded by crowds of people. She always says it's because of the way her mother invaded her personal space and how controlling Debbie was made her like to be away from people. I look at her worried face before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Babe, I'm right here…everything is going to be fine."
"You sure?" she looks like she's going to be sick. I nod my head while brushing a single strand of hair behind her ear.
We get out the car with our folding chairs placing them behind the twenty unprepared hopefuls standing for at least an hour now, minus the few sitting on the dirty curb. I cringe at the sight of designer jeans touching concrete.
I shake off the feeling and sit next to my girl. I grab her hand placing it close to my chest as I look into her eyes to try to insure her that everything will be fine.
I have been to this sale every year for as long as I can remember. I only missed it once last year because I knew taking Spence into a crowd on Halloween then after Christmas would be pushing it. I did shop online, but it's not the same as touching and smelling the fabric that you had to wrestle for.
I am taken out my thoughts by Spence burying her face into my neck and as much as I enjoy the gesture I know it means she is extremely nervous. I wish I had a way to ease her tension, while keeping our clothes on.
The answer comes to me as I hear my favorite Latina ringing her bell for hot chocolate. I know how much food comforts Spence since her dad always made something just for her whenever she was feeling anything less than happy.
"Baby-"Spence cuts me off by squeezing on to my arm tighter as if her life depended on it.
"Babe, I'll be right back I'm just going to grab us some hot chocolate." I look into her eyes. "It will be fine." She loosens her grip and I run to get the drinks.
I come back with the warm liquid and Spence's eyes sparkle with delight. I watch her cheeks turn slightly pink as they warm up with each sip. I reach for her hand and she gives it to me with no hesitation.
"Spence we're going to have a grand time. It will be a memory you'll never forget." I kiss her knuckles.
End of flash back
I don't know if it's a memory Spence ever forgot, but I know it meant the world to me and still does.
"I'm sorry, it's just that my mom has never been to one of these things and I-"I cut her off
"It's ok Spence, really go have fun with your mom." I smile lightly.
"Wait Ash." She calls from behind me and I smile a little thinking she can't shop without me.
"Yes Spence?" I try to hide my excitement it's hard because the smile on my face won't go away.
"I need one of your credit cards." She stands on her tip toes wiggling her fingers.
"Oh."
I reach in my purse disappointed and hand her one of my platinum cards. I guess she can't shop without me, well at lease without my money. I walk away sadly.
We decided to meet back up for lunch, my breakfast, around eleven and the way the lines are we probably won't eat until eleven thirty maybe twelve. I notice two women holding hands walking past me and I'm jealous of the form of affection that used to belong to me.
"Hey honey," The older blonde draws my attention to her by dramatically swaying her hair out of her face.
"Oh honey, did you not get any food?" She asks with her hand over her chest causing me to instantly notice the California Pizza Kitchen bag in her other hand as well as a matching bag in Spence's hand.
"I thought we were meeting here to eat?" I say with frustration in my tone.
"When I talked to you, I thought you meant we would meet here after getting our food." She laughs lightly. It's taking everything in me to keep my pimp hand weak.
I stand up without another word to walk over to Great Khan. I order my carrots, cabbage, mushroom, water chestnuts, onions, with noodles covered in oysters, ginger, lemon, and soy sauce stir fried in front of me.
I am greeted by Paula and her face of disapproval when approaching the table… Ugh! Then I look over to my babe's beautiful eyes that are filled with apology. I sit down where Spence squeezes some hand sanitizer in my hands that I rub together. I place my fork into my noodles spinning them onto the fork then open my mouth wide to place it into my mouth.
"Ashley you didn't want any meat?" Paula questions. This is the third time today she has come between me and my food.
There are three things you don't get in the way of when it comes to me… my love, my money, and my food, so far she is two for three. I place my fork down and give her a tight lip smile.
"Paula I am a flexitarian meaning my diet is mainly vegetarian, but I occasionally eat meat. Honestly I don't eat much meat except for the holidays and when I take Spence on a- umm Spence and I go out to eat." I smile nervously before shoving some noodles into my mouth.
I look at her with a smile "Aren't you a flexitarian Paula? She gives me a confused look. "You seem like the kind of girl who likes tossing salads or getting your salad tossed." I rub my knee in the spot Spence just kicked me.
"Ash, can you come with me to the bathroom for a minute?" Her blue eyes are telling me I'm in trouble.
"Ummm, I'm sure your mother would like to go with you instead." I smile meekly.
"It's ok Ash, you can go with her, I'm fine." Paula smiles brightly.
"Umm, I'm sure you would like me to stay with you and keep you company. Umm, not wanting to be by yourself in a new place." I give a pleading smile.
"Nonsense, I'll be fine and if I need you the bathroom is just a few steps away." She points at the rest room for emphasis.
"Okay." I hesitate.
Really Paula this is the moment you decide to give Spence and me some space? That's some great timing mommy dearest. I walk slowly behind Spence towards the restroom.
"Ashley seriously?" She questions with annoyed eyes once we get inside the restroom.
I put my hand to the back of my neck to rub it and let out a puff of air. "Spence it's not like she knows what that means."
"But you and I know exactly what it means." I smile. "It's not funny." She says while pointing her finger that I suck into my mouth. "Ash!" she whines and I toss her against the wall.
I start kissing up her neck while losing my hand in her hair. "You know you want this as much as I do." I whisper in her ear before biting it.
I unbutton her pants as I slide my hand into her panties and start to play with her already throbbing clit.
"Ash stop, don't…my mom is a few steps away, no... we can't." She moans softly.
I continue touching her as I bite on my lip while looking into her eyes. "Do you really want me to stop?" I ask while slowly moving my hand away.
She grabs my wrist holding my hand where it is then licks her lips. She swallows hard as she sides her ginger down my jaw line before shaking her head no.
I go deep inside her watching her try to catch her breath as she leans her head back in pleasure.
"Ash?" I am taken out my fantasy by the annoyed blonde.
"Yes?" I raise a brow nervously.
"Are you coming or what?"
"I wish."
"Huh?"
"Oh… nothing."
When we walk back to the table I'm sad to say the conversation didn't go like it did in my head. There was no touching besides her slapping my hands away. Only nos, don'ts, and stops were about not teasing her mother.
Once at the table I dive into my now cold stir fry. I don't mind because I think you can taste the flavor more when it's room temperature.
"Ash?" the older blonde calls. At least I got one bite in this time.
I swallow the food in my mouth "Yes Paula?"
"How was your shopping experience?" she asks with a wide smile.
"I lean back in my seat and let out a heavy sigh"
Four hours earlier
I walk into Versace Collection after being bumped into and almost run over by the women piling in after the employees opened the doors. Once able to move freely I passed women in thousand dollar clothing fighting over equally expensive shirts, sweaters, and skirts like two year olds over a worn out toy.
I refuse to be a part of the foolery until there she was a multicolored lace button up limited edition Versace shirt. This beauty was originally from the 80s brought back in stock for this sale, stock of five. I admire the unique blouse that is now only seven thousand dollars after the twenty percent discount.
How could anyone let this slip out of their han-
I look at the woman with the orange spray tan, cheap blonde dye job with stringy hair, who stunk of cheap perfume holding my blouse she snatched from me.
"Excuse me, can you return my blouse." I stick my hand out.
She looks at me with her fake eye lashes covered in clunks of cheap liquid eye liner.
"I don't see your name on it." She chews hard on her gum on one side of her mouth.
I chuckle "You don't have to see my name on it because my hands were on it before you snatched it." I place my hand on my hip, rolling my eyes and neck.
She chews even harder on her gum causing me to focus on her cheap beauty supply one dollar red lip stick piled on her lips.
"Whatever, finders keepers." She rolls her eyes and starts to walk away.
I know I said I would not become uncivilized, but I am from the streets, skid row, and we used to fight over free clothing donated to the shelter, so honey boo boo better step off.
I speed walk behind her and being the Aries that I am… I ram into her. She falls over while lifting her hands in the air losing her grip on the shirt and I grab it before it hits the ground.
I smirk down at her "Losers weepers "I walk off to finish shopping; besides this shirt will look way better on me than her anyway.
When waiting in line at Armani Exchange this woman is so close to me I can feel her hot breath on my neck. Every inch I move she moves too, she is so close to me she can climb my back if she wanted. Like seriously what the hell? It's not like if she moves two inches back a group of female clowns will pack in the small space.
I get sneezed on In Dolce & Gabbana.
Ironically a crowd of women march across my shoes in Steve Madden shoe store.
After shopping a number of stores I go to my car to drop off my bags to make room in my hands and arms for new ones.
When placing bags in the car I feel something tug on my purse and I think my strap is snagged on a tree branch or something. I turn around to be greeted by the face who's trying to steal my purse.
He looks at me and I look at him he tugs and I do the same. There are no noises made just both parties pulling and staring wide eyed.
I realize what I have in my opposite hand and swing it on top of his head; he lies on the ground knocked out cold.
Good thing I carry around a Spashley glass bottle of water with me everywhere I go.
I grab a napkin from my purse and wipe the blood off my water bottle.
I run behind the mall to the police station to report the incident and lead them to my car to arrest the thief.
Once we get back to my car there's a small circle of blood where the man is suppose to be.
"Are you sure this is where you left him, ma'am?" The plump officer asks with an eye roll and chuckle.
"Yes I'm sure, it was no more than ten minutes ago, and we would have been here sooner if you weren't stuffing your face." I poke my finger into his chest.
"Look ma'am, we're trying to help you." The tall lanky officer says in a dry tone and smirks at his partner.
"Nothing was broken or stolen, so why be upset? Don't have a cow." He erupts in laughter followed by snickers from his partner.
"I almost got my fifty two thousand dollar Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork hand bag stolen." I half way shout. This bag cost more than a year salary for you two, so of course I'm upset or like you say having a cow or better yet a pig." I narrow my eyes on them.
"If you don't shape up and do your job I will have my lawyer Helen Houston make sure the only police work you two will be doing is parking enforcement." They swallow hard.
Helen was known for being a shark in the courtroom and the bedroom; if I wasn't with Spence I would give her another go.
"So what did you say this guy looks like?"
I smirk satisfied as I am taken out my thoughts by both scared cops holding their pens and pads waiting for me to answer.
End of flash back
I finish my story leaving out the details of violence and outburst of course."Oh, our day was pretty relaxing; there were no lines in the body care stores." Paula finishes with a sigh of relief.
"Sadly we didn't get to go to Sephora, they have this box of makeup on sale for one hundred dollars." She smiles at me expectantly.
"Would you like to go?" She jumps up and grabs Spence while I grab all the bags.
We make our way to Sephora and instead of getting the box of makeup and leaving, Spence and her mom are browsing as I sit by the entrance and wait for them to finish.
"Ashley you should try on some make up." The older blonde says cheerfully.
"No, that's ok. "I only wear eye shadow and lipstick I'm good on all that other cra- creation" I correct myself realizing who I'm talking to. I may not care for her but she's still Spence's mom.
I smile a little looking for Spence. She must have gotten separated in the lip gloss aisle; even though, she doesn't wear makeup she'll wear the hell out of some gloss.
"Come on you're already here and it will be fun, I'll get the makeup girl." Before I can object she takes off to get the makeup girl I suppose.
"See isn't this fun?" The older blonde asks as the makeup girl puts on her final touches to my face.
"That is a lovely shade of blush on you." She places her hands on either side of my shoulder and we both smile at my reflection in the mirror.
"Whores wear blush, ladies pinch." My smile fades at the comment and hers stays.
She moves her hands and moves over to let the makeup girl resume her spot to add the lip stick she went to find.
"At least that's what my mother used to say." The older blonde walks away.
After our makeup adventure I wanted to get something to substitute the rice cream that Paula finished last night. We're sitting at Pink Berry where I got red velvet cake pieces as toppings to try and make up for the French toast that she stole this morning. The yogurt is good but it doesn't take the place of either item.
" Ash?"
"Yes?" I look at the older blonde.
"Can I have the keys to your car to put my bags away?" I hand her the keys. "I'll take both of your bags also." She grabs all the bags and scurries off.
I watch the older woman disappear into the crowd of people.
"Ashley what in the world is wrong with you!?" Spence says leaning closer to me before leaning back and crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"What?" I say furrowing my brows together in confusion.
"You have hundreds maybe thousands of purses, why didn't you let him take that one!" she half way screams before her voice cracks. "You could have been killed." She wipes the single tear that escapes her eye.
I put my head down. I feel terrible for making her so upset. "It's not about the purse Spence." I whisper.
"Then what Ash?" her voice is raspy.
"I had something inside it that I couldn't lose." I swallow trying to moisturize my now dry throat.
"Like what Ash? Your credit cards! What was so important to risk your life?" The tears are falling freely now.
I can't tell you." I nibble on my lip a little.
I hear her slam her fist on the table. "So you're keeping secrets from me now Ash?"
"At least I'm not making you one." I look up and catch the hurt in her eyes.
We sit there silently for a while which seems like forever. I finally try to clear the tension first by clearing my throat.
"Sooooo, how was shopping at the after Christmas sale with your mom" 'and without me' I think the last part.
She lets out a sad chuckle. "It was interesting"
A few hours ago
"Where would you like to go?" I ask my mom.
"Are there any fragrance places?" She questions
"I meant to ask you… since when do you wear fragrances?" I ask with narrow eyes.
"I have become more open minded lately." She smiles
I feel my chest lighten and my nerves ease as I think of the possibility of her being open to my sexuality.
"Do you always shop with Ashley's credit card?" I swallow the lump in my throat.
"Yeah." I breathe out hoping she'll let it go.
"Why?" She questions and even with my back is to her I can feel her staring at me intensely
"Ash makes more money than me seeing as I make no money." I play with my fingers.
"When she moved in I was able to pay my half of the rent with grants and scholarship money, but sometimes you don't get approved or it take months to receive a check. Ash didn't want me to worry about a job so she offered to pay for the rent and other things."
"Spence honey why didn't you just ask your dad and I for the money?"
"At the time I didn't know why you had to stop paying my tuition, but I knew it had to be important. When I found out it was for dad's medical bills I'm glad I didn't ask because I would have felt horrible taking away from that."
"Funny we could afford to pay for the Bahamas, but not your tuition." She smiles guilty.
"Sometimes the luxuries are necessities." I reach for her hand and give it a gentle squeeze.
After going to the Body Shop and Bath & Bodywork we make our way into Victoria Secret were we part ways.
I look around waiting for my mom; I don't really purchase anything from retail body care stores. I usually go to small business merchants with handmade organic products. I smile to myself thinking how Ash introduced me to it.
"Spence what do you think of this?" She asks holding a red thong.
I leave my mouth agape. I think I am trying to say words but none are coming out.
"I was thinking of getting this with the matching top." She pulls a lacy red tank from behind her back.
I sit on the plush seat trying to catch my breath as I fan myself.
We leave Victoria Secret with three hundred dollars worth of lingerie for my mom. I shiver at the thought.
End of flashback
"Three hundred dollars?" I question blue eyes with a raised brow.
"Ash you spend more than that on a pair of shoes."
"I do use my money to buy what I or my girl wants. I didn't know I was buying your mother stuff also. I wasn't even asked if it was ok. So now I don't have say on what happens with my money?"
"Why are you making this out to be bigger than what it is?" She questions in a small voice.
"Because this is about something bigger and you know it."
"Ash this is the longest time we have been away from my mom since she got here. Can't we just enjoy it?" She pleads while tilting her head.
I reach for her hands as we lean our forehead together closing our eyes and letting out a heavy sigh. We open our eyes to stare into each other. I lean in and peck her lips softly before pulling away and letting her hands go. I know her mother will be back soon.
Right on cue I hear the older blonde from down stairs waving us down. We get up and head for the elevator. Once we reach down stairs we see the excited woman waving to a sign she's standing next to.
"Spaz for a spa day dance contest by KJLH." I read out loud.
"How great would it be to say I visited LA and won a dance contest?"
I look at her with a brow raised and look over at Spence's wide eyes.
*Paula*
I watch my daughter stare at me with wide eyes and Ashley's raised brow. I guess it is a bit of a shock since I never told Spence I used to love to dance when I was a teenager and that's how I met her father.
I leaped in the air landing on the tip of my toes spinning with my hands held together above me. I release one lower to do a side bow. I sway my body to the music inside my heart as I hum the melody. I exhale and sigh as I open my eyes.
"Ahhh!" I stumble back grabbing my chest
"I'm so sorry." The young brunette boy with kind eyes and an even kinder face says as he helps me catch my balance.
"I didn't mean to startle you; I just saw how beautiful you danced and couldn't help but watch." He smiles a smile that made my heart melt and show on my cheeks.
"You think I dance beautiful?" I say looking at my ballet shoes never releasing his hand."
I slowly look up to catch him nod firmly.
"Oh, I'm sorry." He smiles meekly letting go of my hand and I wish he didn't
"What I don't understand is why you're here behind the mirror of the other dances and not on the other side with them."
I sigh a little looking over my shoulders to see the other dancers on the other side of the mirror.
"I always wanted to dance for as long as I could remember. My mother says all dancing is wild and I would dance my way into the devil's arms." I finally look back at him. "I used to believe that until I realize there's nothing wild about ballet, it takes hard work and discipline."
"I been coming here since I was twelve, today would make four years." I play with my fingers and nibble on my bottom lip.
"Happy Birthday." He reaches into his pocket. "I've watched you dance for those four years and I knew I would want to watch you dance forever if I could." He looks down at the object in his hand.
"After a year of watching you I decided I would talk to you. I thought what better way than on your birthday. I knew it was your birthday because that day after you danced you sat down and blew out a candle on a cup cake and ate it alone. I always wanted to join you."
He looks up at me. "Well, that night I used some of my money I saved up from working here and bought you this."
I take the object he hands me. "Oh my God it's beautiful –"I pause embarrassed for not knowing his name.
"Arthur." He takes the necklace from my hand. "May I?" I nod as he places the thin sterling silver chain on my neck. I touch the sterling silver ballet slippers that hang from it.
"Thank you." I choke out past the tears in my throat. I turn around to look at him.
"I held on to this for three years never getting up the nerve to give it to you. Honestly if you didn't catch me watching you today I might not be giving it to you now." We watch each other in a comfortable silence until he broke it.
"Well I guess I should get back to cleaning." He grabs his mop and roll away bucket.
"Arthur?" I call to him timidly.
"Yes –"He pauses and I smile.
"Paula."
"Paula." He repeats with a smile
"You said you always wanted to join me for my birthday cup cake and there's no time like the present." I smile a gesture he returns.
"I would love to. Just give me a second to wash my hands?" I nod and he exits the room.
I spent every day with him after he was done with his shift. He watched me dance the first couple months and applauded.
By the third month he helped me dance by catching me as I would leap into his hands and hold my pose.
We were inseparable until the moment I had to tell my mother I was pregnant. He wanted to come, but I knew this was something I had to do on my own.
"Mother" I rub the charm on my necklace as I wait for her to turn and face me, which she doesn't. "I have something to tell you that you will find unpleasant." I say closing my eyes, biting my lip, while standing on my tippy toes clicking my heels together.
"Don't move so much child you'll attract bad spirits." I stop all movement and stand at attention.
I swallow all my nerves "Mother I'm pregnant" I barely whisper.
I'm not sure if she heard me until I feel the stinging pain on my face. "Mother?" I whisper past the tears coming from my throat to my eyes that are falling freely down my cheek.
"I am not your mother...you're dead to me." She comes inches to my face. "You will get rid of that baby." I touch my stomach.
"How can you say any of those awful things? Aren't you the one who always says life is a blessing?"
"It's a mother job to guide their children in the right direction and I refuse to watch my only child walk down a path to hell."
"This path might not be ideal but something so beautiful between two people to create something even more beautiful can't be wrong."
"You speak worldly words that have no place in this house."
"But we are part of the world."
"Just because you're in the world doesn't mean you have to be of it" She spits"Once we get rid of the sin inside you we can lead you back in the path you were meant to take. Hopefully Pastor Smith's son will still want you seeing as you are jaded."
"I don't want to be with Pastor Smith's son… I love Arthur!" I scream barely audible because the tears are becoming overwhelming
"Watch your tone." She says with a stern look. "Who is the Arthur and what does he do?" She asks as if she has a bad taste in her mouth.
"Arthur is the most beautiful person I've ever met inside and out and he's so kind and sweet and wonderful"
"What does he do?" Her voice unimpressed
"He's a college student studying Sociology. He has such a big heart he wants to be a social worker for teens."
"If he wanted to help people he would become a pastor and you would be a pastor's wife." She spits.
"I don't want to spend my life being an accessory to someone else's life. I deserve to have my own life mother." I plead.
"College student?" She looks at me with realization in her eyes. "How old is this Arthur?"
I breathe deep "He's eighteen."
"You whore!"
"No, no, no… I'm not a whore"
"How many men." she stretches the last word out "have you let have you?"
"He's my first, my only…my forever."
"Get rid of that baby or get out of my house."
An hour later Arthur came and picked me up on my porch after I packed up all my things.
"Everything is going to be fine. I look into his kind eyes and believe the words. He hands me a white paper bag.
"What's this?" I question looking at the bag.
"My father used to always tell me that a meal can make anything better." He opens my door and helps me before putting the bags in the trunk. He gets in the driver side and puts on his seat belt. "Go ahead open it." he smiles.
I open the bag and smile wide "Arthur." I look at him lovingly then back at the warm sponge cake with strawberries and ice cream. "Where did you get this from?"
"I made it" He says matter a factly and starts to drive. "I remember you telling me it's your favorite and how you haven't had it homemade or at all for that matter since your grandmother passed. I felt there was no time like the present for you to have it again." He smiles at me as I dive into the comforting dessert.
We moved into his studio apartment until I had the baby. He took extra shifts cleaning up the dance studio and got another job cleaning at my high school to earn enough money to pay for our two bedroom apartment.
When Glen got older Arthur paid for a babysitter so I could finish school. Arthur was always at work and class at night. We barley saw each other until I turn eighteen and took a small job which allowed him to cut down some shifts at one of his.
My mother wouldn't come by to see Glen or approve or come to my wedding that's why I had to wait until I was eighteen to be married.
After my first day of college I looked at the man who worked so hard to get us where we are. I rub my charm remembering my old dream realizing my new one is right in front of me. I never would have thought this would be the path I would take but I am happy I did.
End of Flashback
Don't look so surprised Spence, I use to love to dance. Actually that's how your father and I met.
"I didn't know that." My daughter says with her eyes narrowed.
"Oh you didn't?" I turn away to sign up for the dance contest not daring to look at her.
"Your grandmother didn't like the idea of your father and I being together. She didn't come back around until you were eight. I didn't talk about it because I didn't want you to feel differently towards her. I was happy to know even though she didn't accepted your father and I she accepted all of you."
That's why I got into psychology to study mothers and why they do what they do. I wrote my dissertation on mother and daughters relationships.
"It must be hard having a mother who doesn't accept you and makes you feel that your desire to be happy is letting her down." Ashley says.
Before I could answer I hear my name called to get on stage. I smile and walk over to the stage with the other contestants.
*Ashley*
I feel an elbow in my side "Ouch" I rub the offended area. "What was that for?"
She points her open palm towards her mother. "Really Ash, why do you have to say things like that?" she crosses her arms over her chest.
"It's not like it's not true." I mumble
"Pardon me?" She narrows her eyes.
I don't know when she's cuter when she's say 'pardon' or when she's mad. I smirk and sigh at the sight.
"Ashley?" The babe softly shouts.
Oh right, reality. "I am just saying you would think her having a mother who was hard to please would make her a bit easier."
I see Spence breath in deep but before she can speak again the music for the contest starts.
Spence and I shake our heads at the girls trying to booty pop to 'Eye of the Tiger'. We then stare at in awe watching her body move with the beat perfectly.
Every girl gets a chance to show her stuff for thirty seconds before being voted off by the crowd. Paula is hanging in there strong, the crowd loves her.
After two more songs and a number of contestants cut the host shouts to the crowd, "Lighting round, is there anyone who hasn't signed up willing to go up against our dancing queen? If there aren't any takers the winner of our first Spaz for a spa day will be-"
"I'll do it" I raise my hand.
I don't need a spa day when I have free spa days when ever I want from a regular at my shop who happens to be the owner of a spa. But hey, this should be fun and that's the reason I came out in the first place, plus why should Paula get what she wants so easy?
I walk to the stage ignoring the disapproving look Spence is giving me and won't even look at the look Paula is giving.
"This round will be at least two minutes and the audience will decides who gets it"
They start to play Brittney Spear's 'Me Against the Music' and Paula already steps up then back then right hand crossing her left side then left hand crossing her right. She does spirit fingers in her face before doing a spin. I feel like I am in a 80s video when there were actual dance scenes.
I am frozen in my spot as I watch Paula in her zone as she kicks up her legs before turning into a figure four then doing a spin. I am impressed she can do all this in Spence's heels, but couldn't walk to the car any faster this morning. The host looks at me and I have missed everything he said but I am guessing by his stare it's my turn.
I might not know how to dance but I damn sure know how to be sexy. I spread my legs apart and sway my hips. I take off my top hat to slide it down my face stopping under my eyes, which I use to flirt with the crowd.
I continue to slide the hat down to show my lips where I slowly slide my tongue followed by its ring across them and I hear a few cat calls, even the host is fanning himself.
I drop my hat to the side of me lean my head back and release my bun. I shake out my hair before leaning forward and letting it fall in my face then shake it to the beat.
I lean my head back again rolling it with my shoulders before rolling back up and blowing a kiss at the new crowd of women who run to catch it. I chance a glance at the babe who's giving me a death stare.
The host looks back at Paula who spins and holds up one leg to take off one shoe then does the same for the other. Once she's barefoot she spins on her toes with her hands above her before leaping in the air and landing in a split.
"Mom how does it feel to win… is it everything you ever dreamed?" Spence jokingly questions her smiling mother.
"It is and more." The older blonde jokes back while placing her head on her mini me as they walk arm and arm behind me to the car.
"Where's my car?" I say to the empty spot where my car is supposed to be.
Spence walks next me looking at the spot with wide eyes and mouth agape.
"I don't understand because if my car is moved even by a tow truck it will send alert to my phone. If it was broken into it will alert me and the police. I don't pay two thousand dollars a month to my insurance company for nothing."
I place my hand on my forehead and shake my head. "I don't understand. The only way it wouldn't alert me is if someone got in with my keys."
"I am so sorry." I faintly hear the older blonde
Spence and I look at the guilty party.
"Excuse me." I question with irritation.
"I checked my purse while you were talking and I must have left your keys in the car when I went to put the bags in."
"You did what?" I whisper in disbelief. I relax a little when feeling a gentle hand caress my arm.
"Ash, don't you have a tracking device in your car that you can access through your phone?" Spence reminds me.
"Yes, your right." I pull out my phone and see that the thief is not far from where we are. Okay how should we do this?"
"We will not do anything." Spence says while pointing her finger to the three of us "But you will call the police and hand them your phone so they can catch the guy."
As much as I want to catch the thief myself there's no time to argue. I hurry up and dial the nearby police station.
Ten minutes later officer dumb and dumber come strolling along with a jelly donut in hand. When they realize it's me who called their eyes widen and they drop their jelly filled treat. They take out their pens and pads and rush to my side.
"We are so sorry ma'am we would have been here sooner but-"I cut them off and tell them the situation.
They take my phone after writing everything down and rush to their cop car.
"What did you do to them?" Spence whispers to me a bit intrigued and impressed.
"I just had to show them whose boss." I smirk and wink at her making her to blush.
An hour later the cops come back one driving my car and the other driving the thief in the back seat of the cop car.
I run to my car to check if anything is missing and thank God all my bags are there. I run to look in the back seat of the cop car to be greeted by the same green eyes and pale face from earlier who tried to steal my purse.
When he sees my face and me trying to open the door to kick his ass his mouth opens and eyes widen in terror. The two officers have to try and pull me off the side of the car. It takes Spence's voice calling my name to get me to relax.
"What the hell?" I shout
"Ash?" Spence gives me warning eyes.
"I mean did you come back for revenge?!" I shout into the gated window.
The young man who looks to be the age of eighteen or nineteen continues to looks straight not daring to look at me. I slam my hand against the gate causing him to move quickly to the other side of the car.
"It's a good thing we caught him when we did." The plump officer says with his hand griping his belt as he rocks back on his heels.
"Yeah, he was coming out the liquor store, it's seems he stopped to get a cold pop." The slim officer says before smirking at his partner
"Aint nobody got time for that!" They say in unison before busting into laughter after referencing YouTube sensation Sweet Brown.
They stop immediately when they see that I am not amused. Usually I would find it funny especially since I usually quote the woman myself, but not today.
The slim officer clears his throat. "Since the gentlemen stopped at the store to get a Big Red soda it gave us enough time to catch him before he made it to his destination to get rid of your bags and car."
I know this question might be redundant but do you want to press charges?" I faintly hear the office say.
I am too into my thoughts of how nasty a Big Red soda tastes. I smile a little remembering the small debates me and Kyla would have over the drink which she loved.
"Ma'am would you like to press charges?" Officer slim asks again.
"Of course I want to-"my words get caught in my throat when I look at the boy's face. It's clear he's not a criminal just a fool taking the wrong path.
"No I don't want to press charges." I walk up to the car ignoring everyone's shocked face.
I get close to the gate and whisper loud enough that only he can hear me. "Listen here you little ass wipe, if you steal anything else I will personally come and find you and a glass bottle will be the least of your worries."
I shake my head. "You're not cut out for this life kid and that's not a bad thing. Find another way. I start to walk away but turn around when remembering something else to say. "Oh, and also go to the hospital you might have a mild concussion."
It's been a long day and its only 3:00pm. We're in the car back to the house; I decided to hold off going to Rodeo Drive for another time.
Once we get to the house we sit in silence for a while clearly exhausted from today. I close my eyes letting my body wind down, it's nice to have a moment of peace. I can't believe all the theft that went on today from my breakfast to my car. I exhale and sink more into the couch.
Spence, Paula, and I lift up furrowing our eyebrows in confusion when we hear the door bell.
"Who can that be?" I whisper to myself.
I usually have Spencer's favorite flowers delivered at different times every day to surprise her. It's only four o'clock the delivery guy is not supposed to be here for another two hour.
"I'll get it." I walk to the door open it and see a man with a clip board. "How may I help you?" I question with a bow raised.
"I'm here to pick the furniture."
"Pick up the furniture?" I jump a little holding my heart startled by the older blonde. I didn't even hear her come up behind me.
I snap out of it "Yeah take back the furniture to have it reupholstered." I giggle nervously looking at the man's confused face.
"That's ok…" I look at his name tag "Juan, we'll keep it a little while longer. See we have someone visiting and we're going to need it."
I grab my purse off the hook by the door and reach in to hand him hush money.
'This is for your time." He looks at the amount in his hand and smiles before walking away. Benjamin always does the trick.
"I'm hungry, what about you two?" Both blondes nod their heads in agreement.
After eating our Grand Lux Asian pizza and short rib tacos that I had one of the many female employees that I'm close with, pick up and deliver after her shift. We watched a Lifetime movie before the doorbell rings again. I check my watch and it must be the flower guy this time.
I place the Birds of Paradise on the table and watch Spence's eyes light up like they always do when she see them. She opens the card and smiles at it. She looks at me and mouths a 'I love you' and I mouth it back while Paula is still watching her movie.
"Spence honey." Paula calls to her
"Yes mother?" She gives an eye roll that Paula doesn't see.
" I was thinking of today's unfortunate events and it really made me concerned for you."
"What? Mom stuff like that doesn't happen all the time as a matter fact that was the only time."
"Wait a minute let me finish. The older blonde cuts her off by holding up her hand.
I don't think this city is safe for you. I have been thinking about you moving back home. I knew you had school but since you just received your doctorates there's nothing keeping you in LA right?"
I look at Paula who's looking at Spence as we both wait for her response. I don't know what I'll do if she goes back with her mother. My chest starts to tighten at the thought as my body becomes over heated. I hold on to the wall for support as I try to make my way to the bedroom to lie down. I can't deal with this right now.
Talk to me...what did you like, love, hate? All feedback is welcome (: