Chapter 31: mommy 3

While Ann was getting dressed, my assistant called to say he was at the door. My mind was finally at rest. My princess was safe, even if I wasn't there to protect her.

I gave him a few instructions, then told Ann to let him in. It was even good they were staying, the guest room had never been used since I'd moved in.

After making sure Ann was safe, I decided to call my big princess, my not-so-little mom. I mean, she’s just a girl, according to her.

Me: (After five rings) "Hi, Mom. What’s up?"

Mom: "Hi, baby. I’m praying. I’ll call you back."

Me: "Where are you praying?"

Mom: "I’m in church. I’ll call you, please."

Me: "Mom, which church? I want to pray, too."

Mom: "Well, um… it’s inside the house. Oh, no, I mean behind the street."

Me: "Okay, what’s the name of the

street?"

Mom: "St. John's. No, St. Augustine. No, I mean St…"

Me: "Hey, hey, hey, Mom. Are you sure you’re not at the auction?"

Mom: "Auction? What auction? No… no… no…"

Me: "It’s okay, then. Unfortunately, there's an auction happening outside the city with a plant that beautifies skin. Someone I know wants it, I’ll just buy it for her."

Mom: "Buy it for her? Who’s she?"

Me: "My assistant."

Mom: "No, no, no, no, don’t give it to her! Boo hoo hoo hoo!"

Me: "Why shouldn’t I?"

Mom: "Nooooooooo, I want it!"

Me: "Okay, I’ll send it to the house via dispatch. I’ll pay from here."

Mom: "You can do that?"

Me: (Swallows loudly) "Yeah, that’s a small issue for me."

Mom: "Okay, okay, okay. When will it arrive?"

Me: "If I pay now, it’ll get to the city by tomorrow morning, or noon at the latest."

Mom: "Okay! Don’t forget to write the house address so the butler can pick it up."

Me: "That won’t be an issue. The main reason I called is to tell you I’m close to the house. I want to pick up some files."

Mom: "What? You’re close to the house? Um, um, um…"

Me: "Mom, is there a problem?"

Mom: "Not really. It’s just that… that…" She nervously bit her lip.

Me: "That what, Momma?"

Mom: "Will you be angry with me if I tell you?"

Me: "You still have to tell me. I’ll be home in five minutes. Oh, and let me call Dad, too."

Mom: "No, no, no, no, don’t call Dad! I’ll talk, I’ll talk."

Me: "Okay. So what is it?"

Mom: "Well, it’s just that… I actually came to the outskirts of the city to get the plant. When you called, I was already on my way to the auction. I didn’t want you to know."

Me: "You went to an auction without telling anyone? Do you know how risky that is? Do you understand your offense? Why didn’t you send someone to get it for you?"

Mom: "Well, I’ve been home for a long time. I was bored, so I thought I’d use this chance to play a little. I’m sorry. I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have run away."

Me: "It’s good you know you’re wrong. Get the plant and be back first thing tomorrow morning. No delay. I’ll sleep over and wait for you."