“It’s not a decision you have to make now.” He looked at me with narrowed eyes and I felt my insides flare up.
“I have no interest in politics.”
“Then what are you going to do? Play football?” he scoffed. “You ruined your chances for the Pro’s a long time ago.”
“Thanks for your belief in me, dad.” I said, dryly, unmoved by his scathing remarks. The truth was, I never wanted to play pro-football in the first place. “I’m thinking about going back to college. I’m not sure where yet and maybe I’ll study psychology.”
“Psychology.” He frowned. “What are you going to do with that?”
“Become a psychologist?”
“I guess you can get into law school with any major. If you want to become a doctor, I suggest studying biology or chemistry.”
“I don’t want to be a lawyer or a doctor.”
“But you want to be a shrink? Who are you going to help? Your crazy mom?”
“How dare you.” I stood up and looked at him with hate. “I wish she’d leave your sorry ass of a husband. You’re the one who has driven her crazy.”
He looked at me with distaste and stood up as well. “You’re my son, Bryce, so you know I have worked my hardest to make your life easy and carefree, but you are fast using up your resources, son. I suggest you come up with a plan quickly and leave.”
“Oh, I plan on it.” I turned my back on him and walked to the door. I looked back at him before entering. “But I’d think long and hard about how you treat mom and me, you wouldn’t want it getting out how you treat your family and spend most of your time with your whores.” I slammed the door behind me as I walked out and ran up to my room. I couldn’t believe that I had just threatened my dad. It was long overdue.
I picked up the phone to call Lexi, but I realized I didn’t have her phone number. I really hoped that she came tonight. I wanted to talk to her. To kiss her. To whisper sweet nothings in her ear. She made me feel alive. She made me feel like life was worth living. I wanted to tell her about my idea of being a psychologist. I figured I could really help people. I hoped that she would be encouraging; I needed somebody to have some faith and trust in me, even if it wasn’t deserved.
“Bryce honey, your friends will be here soon.” My mom knocked on my door and opened it. “Why, don’t you look handsome?” She stared at me in my new jeans and navy Rugby short and smiled. “If you weren’t my son and I was a bit younger, I’d give those girls a run for their money.”
“Mom,” I laughed and gave her a hug. “That’s so inappropriate.”
“Maybe I need to start being inappropriate.” She looked at me seriously for a second. “I heard what you said to your dad.”
“Oh mom.” My eyes widened. “I’m sorry.”
“No,” she squeezed my arm, “you’re right. I thought I was staying in this marriage for you. That’s what I told myself. But I don’t know why I’m still here now. I don’t want this life anymore.”
“Mom?” I looked at her in shock, surprised to hear her voice firm and clear.
She laughed at my expression. “I know, I know. You don’t expect to hear your old mom talking like this,” she sighed. “I’m sorry, son.”
“Mom, don’t be sorry,” I hugged her tight, “I’m soo proud of you.”
“Well, don’t be too proud until I’m out of this house.” She smiled, weakly. “But that’s enough for now. Let’s go have a party.”
“Let’s go party.” I grinned at her. I knew that tonight was going to be a great night. A really, really great night. I felt like all of a sudden everything was starting to go right in my life. I was soo proud of my mom. I just wanted us to pack our bags and leave, but I knew that it wouldn’t be quite that easy.
DING DONG! The doorbell rang and my mom and I grinned at each other.
“Let’s get this party started,” she smiled and I kissed her on the cheek before running down to answer the door.
“Bro, wassup?” A bunch of my football buddies walked in the door and we gave each other bear hugs. “Looking good, Evans.”
“Hey guys, what’s up?” I was excited to see the old crew of guys. They all looked pretty much the same, though Josh and Ryan had gained weight.
“Great, man.” Ryan threw an arm around my shoulder. “Though I could do with a beer.”
“You sure you old enough to drink?” We all laughed at my joke. Ryan had a baby face and had always looked young for his age.
“Dude, I hope you have multiple kegs.” Ryan punched me in the arm and I laughed. “Oh, hey, Mrs. Evans.”
“Hi, boys.” My mom smiled at the guys and flicked her finger. “Follow me into the kitchen if you want some food and drinks.”
“That’s what’s up,” Josh laughed and ran after my mom.
“What would you guys like?” My mom pulled out a plate of nachos, chicken wings, hot dogs and chips and the guys grabbed plates and started eating quickly. I laughed at the sight and saw how happy my mom was. I’d have to make sure to eat at home more often so that I could make her happy and support her decision to leave my dad.
DING DONG. The doorbell went again and I rushed to answer it. Unfortunately, my dad got there first. “Why hello, Suzannah, what a pleasure to see you again. Why, Meg, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Mayor Evans,” they echoed and blushed as my dad complimented them. I hurried over to the door.
“Hey, guys,” I smiled.
“Bryce.” Suzannah walked over to me and stopped right in front of me. “You look wonderful.”
“Thanks.” I looked into her sparkling blue eyes and smiled back, warmly. “You look great as well.”
“Oh thanks,” she giggled, “I try.” She twirled around in her tight, blue dress and I watched as her golden hair flew through the air. She looked as beautiful as ever. Maybe even more than she did in high school as she had filled out a little bit. “Is your girlfriend here?” She looked around and I sighed.
“I don’t have a girlfriend, Suzannah, and no.”
“Oh,” she pouted, “I wanted to meet her.” She grabbed my arm and pushed herself into me. “But I guess that gives us more time to catch up.”
“She is coming tonight.” I tried to pry away from her.