Love Used For Crime Ch.2

My steps were quiet as I slipped through the front door, a pair of silver keys jingling in my left hand.

The house was silent and dark. It was obvious that Mom and Dad had fallen asleep earlier tonight. The television was still on though. Sometimes Dad would watch what he wanted to, think he was going to come back, and then say he is tired, and walk upstairs to bed. Tonight was one of those nights.

“Well, what d’ya know,” I whispered, looking with interest at the light flashing screen. “It’s David Beckham!” My eyes were absorbed into his beautiful, sexy images. “Now that’s what I call a fit body!”

“Sara? Is that you, darling?”

I turned my head and looked up at the descending figure. “Hey, Ma.”

“Why did you come back so late? I told you to come home an hour ago,” she said lightly.

“Yet you aren’t angry?” In fact, she didn’t sound angry at all.

“No, darling. Not at all. I still remember what I was like at your age. I never wanted to come home.” She laughed quietly. “Yes! I was a silly girl in those days. But now I’m older, and have duties to attend to.”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah. Duties.” My eyes wondered to her face.

She is beautiful, yes, but aging. Her once smooth, silky skin is now slightly wrinkled and pale. Her eyes are tired and happy, and her heart is always beating in a jolly rhythm. She is a wonderful person, and a brilliant mother.

“Dad’s asleep, I’m guessing,” I continued.

“Yes, darling. He’s been working all day, you know. Came home late and asked where you went. I told him that you went out, and left it at that.”

That’s one thing I like about Mom. Though she is sweet, she refuses to be bossed around.

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied kindly.

“Just be happy, my dear.” She sat beside me on the small couch and said, “Now tell me where you’ve actually been today.”

I shrugged. “The usual, Mom. I just took a longer time, that’s all.” I didn’t like lying to her, but it was becoming a habit now. “And I, uh, ate dinner over there, so, uh, that took some time.”

She stared at me, disbelievingly. “You are telling me the truth, aren’t you, Sara?”

I tried to hide away my doubt and answered, “Of course, Mom.” I smiled at her. “I would never lie to you.”

She grunted. “Darling, child. You are sweet, but not perfect. Anyway,” she said, “best get some rest now. I heard you walk in, so I thought that I’d come and greet you. After all, who knows where you’ll be tomorrow?” She sighed and used her hands to push herself up. “Coming, sweet heart?”

I glanced at the clock. “I guess it’s late.” I stood up and tossed back my hair.

My mother touched my cheek gently. “My darling girl is so beautiful. You look like a princess, you know.”

“I wish,” I whispered.

Her smile faded. “You must believe it, darling. If you say that you aren’t beautiful, you’re going to make feel as if I was ugly and that God cannot create beauty. Have confidence.” She patted my cheek gently and took her time walking up the steps.
Her voice quieted as she said, “I trust you shall put yourself in bed. You’re a young lady now, I see. No more tucking in for you.” She smiled and I smiled back. “Goodnight then, Sara.”

“Goodnight, Ma.” I waited until the knob of her bedroom door turned for the second time, and then walked upstairs. I was pretty tired myself.

As I entered my room, I noticed a small piece of paper lying on the windowsill. “Now what could this be?” I read it aloud. “Dear Chick. I was still wondering if you were up to it. Call me when you’re ready. I’m sorta hungry. You can have my body anytime…Ean.”

I crumpled up the sheet of paper and tore it to pieces. “Damn that fool! I’m not going to make love to you and that’s it!” My frustration was building as I took off my shoes and changed into my nightclothes. “Some sleep. I need to get a little bit of sleep.”

I closed my eyes and fell into a deep, horrible dream.