Climbing back behind the wheel, I drive across town and grab two roast beef dinners from our local diner, then head to the neighboring town to visit my mom. Pulling into her drive, I notice that the house is dark. I shut off the truck and grab the bags with a deep breath leaving my lips. I’m mumbling to myself as I make my way to the door.
She’s probably already drunk and passed out. Maybe Vesper is right. I need to figure out how to get her into rehab or give up on her completely. I can’t keep doing this to myself.
I pull open the screen door and walk inside, finding her on the couch, burning candles lining the shelves and table in front of her. “What’s going on?” I ask, setting the bags of food down on the table.
“The damn electric company shut off the power again.” She leans forward, grabbing a cigarette and lighting it.
“Again? Mom, you can’t keep doing this. You know, every time they turn it back on, they charge a reconnect fee. It would cost way less if you just paid your bill on time.” I shake my head as I dig her food out of the bag and hand it over.
“I can’t pay it if I don’t have the money, Amy. You know that.”
“What did you spend your money on, huh?”
“I don’t have to explain anything to you.” She opens the plastic container, picking at her dinner.
“Mom, I…” I sit on the couch at her side and hold my head in my hands. “I can’t keep doing this with you. You must get help. I mean, you’re drinking more than half your income. You don’t have any food in the fridge. You don’t have any power, and I’m sure the water will be next. Are you even paying rent?” I sit back and look at her.
She acts like I have no right saying any of this. Her nose is wrinkled with disgust and her eyes are squinting at me. “Amy, you need to mind your own business. I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself.”
“Really?” I ask, almost amused. “What would you eat if I didn’t bring you food? What would you wear if I didn’t wash your clothes? This place would be a rats’ nest if I didn’t come and clean it.”
“Well, if I’m such a pain in your ass, then stop coming over here and sticking your nose in my business. Leave!” She stands and gestures toward the door, nearly falling over from her quick movement. “I don’t ever want to see your face again.” Her nostrils are flaring, and her red, bloodshot eyes are narrowed on me.
I grab my bag of food and stand. “Fine. Call me when you’ve come to your senses.” I storm out the door without a look back.
Baby Shock Page 18