Confronting Mom

My mom took a double take, before turning very, very pale.

"Gabi, it's time to go home. I'm not feeling well."

I was still in shock because of what had happened. I nodded, speechless.

We got into the car and silently drove home. It was about a five minute drive, so I didn't have much time to think. I also didn't have Troy to help me decide what to do. But I had to make my decision quickly. So I did. I decided to tell mom about what I knew. The sooner I told her, the better.

When we arrived at our house, we went inside.

"Mom…I have something to tell you," I confessed.

"What is it dearie? Can it wait? I'm feeling a little ill and I'd sort of like to have a nap."

"Mom, this is something you really need to hear."

"Ok. Out with it, then."

I paused for a moment, contemplating how to break it to her. I decided to be blunt.

"Mom, I know that Mr. Johnson is my dad."

My mom gasped, then slowly exhaled. The color drained from her face. First she looked upset, then confused.

"What made you think that? I told you your father was dead."

"He looked so much like the picture of dad I have. Also, one time when Troy and I were dog sitting for him, we found a newspaper clipping from your wedding and his ring that matched yours. And mom, we found the letters in your drawer from him."

She became angry.

"Why were you snooping through my stuff? Gabi, that is not acceptable!" She yelled.

"Well you weren't exactly giving me any answers, mom! What was I supposed to do?" I retorted.

She sighed weakly, and I could tell I had won. She didn't have enough energy to argue, she knew she would lose.

"Mom," I asked gently, "Why did you tell me dad died?"

She took a deep breath.

"Your father and I married young. We were deeply in love. But one day I found out that he was cheating on me. We decided that the best thing to do would be to divorce. The divorce process was quick and a month later I moved to San Diego, and he moved to Phoenix. We didn't really stay in touch. Well, he tried to write me but I didn't open his letters. I didn't want anything to do with him."

I was very confused.

"Mom, where do I come in?"

"I was just a couple weeks pregnant when your father and I divorced. He didn't know you existed. I didn't either, until after the divorce was finalized. I didn't tell him about you because I was scared about how he would react. It was a lose-lose situation."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, if he was happy about having a child, then we might have to have joint custody. I just wanted him out of my life. And I wanted you to myself. I had lost everything. My husband, my job I loved, my friends. Moving took that all away from me but it was what I had to do. I needed you. You were all I had left. And if he was upset about having a child, he might have pressured me into having an abortion. That would not have been a good thing at all."

By then I had tears in my eyes. My mom had really, really wanted me. So much that she was willing to give up her friends, her job, and her home. I was so overwhelmed by her love for me, before she even got to know me.

"Ok, I understand why you didn't tell dad. But why not tell me about dad?" I inquired.

"You are a curious girl, Gabi. I knew you'd want to find him and get to know him. After all, he was your father. But I was scared of losing you. I thought you might choose him over me, and the idea of that broke my heart."

"Wow, mom. I never would have guessed how much you've been hiding from me. But I really would like to get to know dad. We have to tell him about me. He has the right to know. Don't worry; I won't let him take me from you."

Mom looked very sad, yet I knew she had to agree with me. It was the right thing to do.

"I suppose you're right Gabi. We'll go have a chat with him tomorrow."

I smiled, and dashed upstairs to call Troy.

"Hello?"

"Oh, Troy, guess what?"

"Hmm…aliens have landed on earth and are taking over the world?

"No, silly, my-"

"Did you win a million dollars? Meet a celebrity? Has man set foot on Mars? Is your mom making brownies?"

"No!" I exclaimed, frustrated. "My mom saw Mr. Johnson. He didn't see her. I confronted her and told her what I knew. Tomorrow we'll go talk to Mr. Johnson."

Troy exhaled slowly.

"Wow. Things sure are happening fast."

"I know. Troy, will you please come with me to talk to him tomorrow? I'm really scared."

"Gabi, I will always support you. But this is something you and your mom need to deal with, just the two of you. I'm sorry, Gabs."

"I understand, Troy. Thanks."

"For what?"
"Just for being there for me. It means a lot."

"You're welcome Gabi. I love you."

"Love you too."

"Good night."

"Good night."

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Awwwwwwww. I decided not to do a cliffy this time, because I've been doing a lot of them lately. Unfortunately, this story is almost over. I'll likely do maybe two or three more chapters, and then a sequel. I already have an idea for one. I'll write a trailer soon, probably. Thanks so much to all my faithful reviewers! The reviews keep me going. So review please! I'll probably post another chapter maybe tomorrow, and after that they'll come more slowly because I'm starting school on Wednesday. Oh joy. Anyways, hope you're enjoying the story!

-freakymathgirl