After the fifth person bumped into me, I glare at Jean who laughs at my irritation. She'd been holding my arm successfully keeping me from reacting to said shoulder bumps. Unfortunately, for me, today the mall was crammed with people and double bummer for me triple the rowdy children.

If I'd known the mall was having an inside mini fund-raising carnival with a small "petting zoo" (the sign said "petting zoo" but the petting zoo was filled with puppies and kittens needing homes from the local Shelter), I would've declined Jeans shopping trip invite. Today was a rare and precious day - I had the privilege of having the day off. My father, little by little, has started to work and run his business again. I made it clear that there was no rush for his return, but I was thrilled for his recovery. Today, my father demanded work a full day and quickly sent me on my way to enjoy an off carefree day. Not remembering the last time I enjoyed an entire day off I should have known better on how to act - I should have hid myself instead of lounging about in plain sight. Jean found me relaxing on the long couch with cucumbers on my eyes and a foot peel masking my feet. My sweet, gentle, monster of a sister coerced and dragged me to the mall.

After hour three and store five thousand, I put my foot down announcing I'd wait for her at the "petting zoo - kitten corner." After what seemed like an additional 3 hours, Jean found me surrounded by the most adorable kittens in the world. I've always loved cats, but sadly never had the pleasure of having one. Mother didn't like animals in the house – as it was another mouth to feed.

I lift my head looking toward the sweet voice that called me. Jean held up numerous bags walking toward me. She loudly announces that each bag held "cute" outfits. I loudly announce that I too have had an eventful day showing her the numerous kitten-Rocky selfies and I reluctantly leave Kitten corner with her.

She sighs, "Rocky…"

I stare into Jean's worried face lifting my eyebrows in confusion as I take all her shopping bags from her. She looks exhausted.

"Rocky. I think you should get a dress or a pretty outfit. Mom will be furious if you wear..."

I shake my head slowly. I will NOT be my mother's puppet begging for attention. I REFUSE to be my mother's trained monkey again. Char will understand if I'm forced to leave early or worse get dragged out by my mother for not dressing up.

I proudly announce to Jean that I'll be wearing a clean white T-shirt and some new-ish jeans I bought last month. No way in hell is my mother forcing me to wear a ball gown to my best friend's house for a private party. NO WAY!

Jean places her arm around me and squeezes gently.

"I'll never understand you Rocky. Why can't you just do what she asks? It makes me sad when she yells and hits you."

I simply shrug.

As we head for the mall's exit, I can't help but wonder…will my mother drag me out by my hair in front of everyone? Regardless of the abuse, regardless of my age, regardless that I am taller and about 15 pounds heavier with muscle mass, and regardless that I have Kenpo, Krav Maga, Jiu-jitsu, and judo training, I've never tried to protect myself or hit my mother back.

Darcy Yoon let out a rough loud sigh - feeling disgusted by what "they" called a mall here. The mall, he had the misfortune to visit, was filled with dirty-faced children running back and forth and parents bumping into him not paying attention to how rude they were being for touching his expensive suit. He was two seconds away from leaving, but his eyes drifted to a smiling, laughing face he recognized. She was sitting cross-legged in an area called Kitten Corner – surrounded by different sized kittens. They were climbing her like a tree. She currently had one hanging off her left long braid, one black kitten on her shoulder, and about six kittens on her lap. She was smiling, an expression he had not seen from her, at least not towards him. She began to take selfies with the many kittens. Without even thinking, Darcy found himself sitting on a bench that sat across from Kitten corner giving him the perfect hidden spot to continue watching the one woman that kept crossing his thoughts. Because of his consumed thoughts, he hadn't noticed that sitting next to him on the bench was a mother who had two children running around screaming nonsense like wild animals. Darcy finally noticed when one of the said wild animal's gripped his pant leg with dirty cotton candy covered hands. Darcy looked down in horror at the little miscreant. He let out an irritated sigh as the mother apologized and left with her two candy-stained animals. When Darcy once again looked toward the Kitten Corner, he noticed Lizbet had moved positions giving him the most perfect view of her. Darcy slowly felt a smile spread across his face. It was the first genuine smile he had since coming to Arizona. He remained there until he saw Jean. Darcy quickly rose and briskly walked in the opposite direction. He didn't want to be caught looking at the one face he should not be gawking at – Lizbet's.

I was elbow deep in a broke down M1150 Assault breacher vehicle when my phone rang. It was Jean's ring tone. Jean only called me at work when it was important.

"Hey Jeany. What's up?"

Out the corner of my eye, I saw Eric Thompson perk up - walking closer. He has confessed several times his love for Jean, and I gave him the stink eye as he drew nearer. He was all but 22-years-old and so wet behind the ears I felt like his mother.

"Guess what Roc? Carol Benally invited me to a lunch date at Nether Fields Manor tomorrow. AT the Manor, the actual Manor not restaurant, can you believe it?"

I paused for a second before replying.

"That's great Jeany." I was happy for my sister. None of us in our circle have been to the Manor – we've only been inside the Restaurant. Her excitement worried me though - Carol or Louise didn't once voluntarily talk to us and seemed to not want us peasants near them.

"Mother wants to take me shopping again – she said the dresses I just bought are not grand enough. My question to you is what should I wear, what color…?" She trailed off but began to cough.

"What's wrong Jean?"

"I'm a little under the weather. We just picked up my meds."

"Meds? What do you mean meds? Is it so bad you need medication?"

"Oh Rocky don't sound so Motherly. I have what is called walking pneumonia and bronchitis."

"What? Jean, maybe you should reschedule. With walking pneumonia, you need rest – as a nurse you know that. You shouldn't be going around town shopping for dresses and then going to dinner dates with the evil ugly stepsisters from Cinderella."

"You know Mother won't listen to reason."

"Please, please cancel. Please! Plus, the news said it'll be a very wet day today - you might get stuck in the mud somewhere or get trapped at the Manor - their drainage system along that entire street is horrid. Remember the original Restaurant owners tried to hire us to fix their runoff and drainage system but with everything wrong with their old pipes, drains, and the street connecting it was estimated to cost them over seventy thousand to fix, which was an amount they did not want to pay. Please don't go Jean."

"The rain won't be too bad today. I've already confirmed Rocky, and mother said I must go. With the meds I'll be fine. I'm a little nervous though. What do I talk about with them? They have never worked, they are from the upper class, they've never been without money, they went to private school, they have never worried about unpaid bills. Carol is unmarried and Louise has been married for 10 years. What on earth do we talk about? Can I talk about my work?"

I roll my eyes at the thought of talking to those hags. "Jean, I'm pretty sure they'll be doing all the talking. They are wanting information from you and about your family. They'll be asking all the questions. I think this is a sort of interview for you, they will be sizing you up, seeing if you are rich, accomplished, or native enough for their brother." Sadly, I don't think Jeany will pass this test.

Jean coughs, "Don't be ridiculous Rocky. You need to give them a chance. Wish me luck. I'll call you when I'm on my way home tonight." Jean coughs two more times and hangs up.