Vanessa's POV
"What are you doing here?" I asked, probably for the hundredth time today. Why was everyone popping out from the depths of hell today?
First, was my uncle Sam who I hated a lot and now was this weird woman dressed up like a washed-up celebrity, trying to leave an impression.
I glanced at her, smiling confidently and wanting to tell her all my hurtful words for her.
"Is that how to greet your mother? Aren't you happy to see me?" She asked, with a playful glint in her eyes.
I scoffed. "Like hell I am."
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and exhaled, ready to give her a piece of my mind.
"Baby, I have missed you. Won't you give me a hug?" She cooed, opening her arms.
I glared at her, and she smiled nervously, letting her hands fall to her side.
I smiled wickedly and angrily. "Bold of you to think I want to see you again. Miss you?" I scoffed again.
"Can we talk inside?" She asked, flickering her fake lashes.
"No," I answered. "Say whatever you want here. And make it quick."
She smiled, brushing her hair with her hand. "I said I missed you."
"Too bad. I never did. For all I care you could have disappeared to wherever you want. What do you want from us? Money? I am sorry to disappoint you, we don't give people like you a cent!" I spat.
Her face fell and I could see her anger flash in a second. "Don't you dare speak to me like that!"
"Or what?" I asked. "You're going to do what?"
She stepped closer to me. "I am still your mother. I deserve respect and I will have it!"
"Respect?" I said mockingly. "That left with you the minute you decided to pick your job over us. Now get out!"
How dare she come back here and act like everything was fine? I refused to ever think she was my mother. She had left Dad and me struggling without a second glance. She wanted to be a superstar.
I remembered waiting for her to send me a birthday card or anything to show that she cared, but that was a big dream. To be rich and now she had it, she thought she could walk back here and call me her daughter. She was damn wrong.
"I know you're angry because I left, but I'm back baby. I'm back for you. I'm never leaving again," she said calmly.
"I just want to fix things. If you'll let me. Let me fix…us," she said.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. She had been gone and had served Dad the divorce papers fifteen years ago, a few days to my seventh birthday, and she suddenly thought it was a great idea to fix everything back.
"Oh, wow. Isn't this lovely? You just want to fix this," I mocked.
"Well, I hate to break it to you, but not everything is easily fixed. Especially not when it involves someone's heart. Now, get back into your fancy car and get your ass out of here!" I warned.
"Essa," she called softly, touching my shoulder and I shrugged.
"Don't…ever call me that!" I spat.
"What would you have me do? For God's sake, I just arrived. I flew all the way to come see you. The least you could do is not be a brat!" she replied.
"I don't care!" I yelled. I sighed, trying to calm down and not wake the entire neighborhood.
"You don't get to tell me how to act. You left and broke my father's heart. I don't want to ever see you again. I'm done talking to you. Please, leave," I said and turned towards the gate.
I wanted to be free of her as quickly as possible.
"Wait," she said. "I didn't leave you, Vanessa. I didn't mean to."
"I…I needed to find myself. I was young and lost. I made mistakes, okay? I'm sorry. I'm here now. I want to make things right. I'm willing to make things right. Please, just give me a chance," she begged.
I shook my head, my breath rising as I felt her words touch my heart.
"I'm not asking you to forgive me, Vanessa. I don't mind you hating me, but please, don't push me away," she continued.
I felt her hand on my shoulder and my emotions got the best of me. The tears fell freely as I stood still.
"You're not my mother. You lost that title," I hissed, trying hard not to choke on my tears. She couldn't see me like this. I wouldn't let her.
I felt her hand retreat and she lashed out. "I'm not here to fight you, Vanessa. I don't get why you would hate me this much. Did your father put you up to it? What did he tell you?"
I quickly cleaned my tears and turned to face her. "No, he didn't!"
"I'm not so sure about that. I wonder what you're going to do when you find out the real truth…the whole story," she said, her expression turning hard.
I blinked, wondering what she was talking about. "What truth?" I asked.
I watched her smirk grow larger. "Ahhh, I see he didn't tell you, huh?"
"Tell me what?" I asked.
"Well, pumpkin. I'm surprised your papa never told you that…" she started but Dad's car honked before she could say another word.
He got out of the car, furious and rushed to my side.
"Are you okay, darling?" He asked and I nodded.
"Yes, Dad. Mom was…" I said, but kept quiet not wanting to give her the satisfaction.
"Mom was just leaving," I finished.
Dad turned his gaze to Mom and she smiled.
"Hello, Rawl. It's nice to see you again," she said calmly.
"I can't say the same, Carla," Dad responded.
"Can we go inside?" Mom asked.
"No," I responded.
"I was talking to your father, dear. It would be wise to let me in. You wouldn't want to rush the entire neighborhood listening to us. And I can tell they already are," Mom said, looking into Dad's eyes.