Apricity

Coral Reefs, Sea Urchins, and Cousins

"Pitter, patter, pitter, patter."

I muttered to myself while staring at the dreary and cold rain all around me. I was waiting for my mom to pick me up from school, but she was running a little late. All of my other classmates got picked up, but some were still here, including me. Hailey, our class president, was leaving right now. Although it was hard to see through this pouring rain, I made out two figures trying to get into a car. An old woman and a young girl.

Hailey told me she had a grandmother that picked her up when her dad couldn't. She also told me she would make baked snacks for her sometimes.

Should I just walk home? But mom said that she would pick me up. I can't make her worry.

One by one, my classmates went home. Until I was the only one left waiting outside. Finally, I saw my mom's car drive in the parking lot. Her car stayed park for a while. I got my bag and started running as fast as I could to the car, opening the door quickly so I wouldn't get wet too much.

"Sorry. I'm a bit late, aren't I?" My mom's voice was dry. What was she doing?

"No, it's fine."

"How was your day?" She asked as she drove out of the parking lot.

"We played the flute today, but I wasn't very good at it. Other than that, my day was pretty normal..."

The image of the old woman and the young girl invaded my mind, reminding me once again of the warm relationship they had.

"Hey mom, can I...Can I ask you a question?"

She looked at me curiously, but nodded.

"What happened to my grandmother? Is she dead?"

"No."

I looked down at my feet. Water still dripping from my hair.

"Then where is she?"

My mom furrowed her eyebrow and clenched the wheel. Her knuckles turning white.

"I don't know. I haven't talked to her in years."

"Why not?"

"Because she's a good for nothing, Julie. Including the rest of my damn family. Is that what you wanted to hear?" My mom's voice rose when she said that. "Do you know that word? Good for nothing?"

I shook my head. At that moment, I should've stopped with the questions. I really should've.

"Then what about dad's family? Are they good for nothings too?"

"No. They're just pieces of shit," my mom said bitterly.

I fiddled with my fingers.

"Even dad?"

She looked at me. There was something in her eyes, an emotion held deep somewhere. But I couldn't make it out. She looked back at the road, her voice cracking.

"He's the worst of them all."

***

I lingered around the door with the name 'Chase' on it, walking past it so many times that I'd be ashamed if I counted. I wonder what he's doing right now. Is he sleeping? He said that he was going to. As someone who loves her sleep, I shouldn't try to bother him. Even if curiosity was picking at me to knock on the door.

Maybe I should just wait for tomorrow. Who says I have to talk to him right now? Although, I can admit that meeting a part of my dad's family made me nervous. Especially since I thought I'd never be in this situation. I never had to deal with the rest of my family other than mom.