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The Fam
Chapter 39: Son

Chapter 39: Son

Jon

Miss Cindy saved my life. She saved me from an evil woman that claimed she was my new mother. What was her name again? I had already forgotten. I still remember the pain she caused me, though, the scars across my body a constant reminder. Fuck her. Miss Cindy was my new mom. She would never leave me, I thought.

I don't remember a thing about my birth parents. The only homes I knew were orphanages and foster cares. I remember sadness, confusion throughout my life. I remember violence, needles, death. I was tough, though; jaded from it all. So many orphans, so many that never found a home. They were kicked to the curb once they turned eighteen. I hung out with a few of the older ones. They never lasted long once they were out on their own. That would have been me before too much longer. I was so glad when Miss Cindy saved me. No more moving from home to home. No more abuse or neglect. I had found my true home. I had found my true mother, who I had been looking for my whole life.

Miss Cindy was so kind, but also very strict at times. She was awkward and somewhat distant, but also funny and easy to talk to. She was my hero, my idol. I want to be just like her when I grow up. Though, I know there is a deep sadness in her as well. I see it in her eyes every time I look. Pain, sorrow, loneliness, regrets. The same pain that I feel. She really is my mother. She always comes out on top, though. Always.

After a while, the scent of alcohol started to linger throughout the night. Night after night, I heard my mother's soft cries. Her friend died, Miss Elie. She was nice. I remember going to church with her. I didn't like it much, though.

My mother felt sad that she couldn't protect her friend. She would hardly talk, but would still make sure I was well-fed. She would make sure I had clean clothes and was doing my homework. Still a nagging woman even when she was depressed. The days went by, and the drinking slowed down. She started to talk to me again. We would play video games for a while. But, her work hours started to change. She would often get home late, very late. The faint scent of iron lingered on occasions. I stayed up late to greet her when she finally got back. She would greet me back with a warm smile. It was such a warm and genuine smile. But, it still could not hide the pain underneath.

I woke up one morning on a cold, autumn day. My mom was still sleeping after a long night. Busy protecting the city. That's my mom! I thought I'd surprise her with some breakfast. Anchovies and eggs were here favorite. Miss Zel, Mom's roommate, greeted me before she left for work. For some reason, I sensed a hint of sadness through her usual stone-cold gaze. Whatever, back to cooking. It was almost done. Mom was just getting out the shower once the coffee was done.

She finally came out. Breakfast was getting cold. "Good morning, Miss Cindy," I said with a smile. "I made you breakfast!" I was still too shy to call her Mom out loud, but I thought it deep down. I really hope she knows. She definitely knows.

"Thanks, kid. Aren't you the sweetest?" She said with a smile, tightly pinching my cheek until it was bright red. I'm not a fucking baby!

We sat down at the table. I waited patiently for her to try my dish, as she slowly sipped on her coffee while watching the television. Hurry up and taste it already!

"Damn, this is great!" she said, her face blushing.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah, this is on par with my mother's! You'd make a great chef, kid. Thank you so much!" she said as she devoured the plate within minutes.

Stolen story; please report.

Yeah, cooking is cool. But, I already know what I'm gonna do in life. Mom doesn't approve, but I'll become an assassin. I'll be just like her and protect the city from evil! "I made plenty, so eat up," I said with a smile.

She got seconds, even thirds. Damn, this lady can eat. She ate it all. I was so happy. Mom really loves my cooking. She stayed home that day. We played video games. She beat my every time, of course. Why is she so great at fucking video games? She helped me with my schoolwork. I hated it so much! We played more games after schoolwork, then had lunch. We ordered takeout, chicken stir-fry. We watched a few episodes of some stupid show that was on. It was really dumb, but fun, I guess. It made Mom laugh, so I guess it's alright. It was a fun day with my Mom. We hadn't done that in a while. I'm happy here. I'm so happy.

"Hey, Jon," she said, her voice lower than normal as she played with her phone. I wonder if she found a new game. "There's... someone I'd like you to meet," she smiled softly.

"Um, ok," I responded, confused, my brows furrowed. "Who?"

"They're on the first floor. They've been waiting to meet you." Another smile. This one more somber. Her voice cracked slightly. Something was wrong.

I agreed anyway, so we traveled to the first floor. She told me to pack my bags. Are we going on a trip or something? A surprise vacation with her friends? I was slightly excited. I wondered if her friend had a kid that I could hang out with. When was the last time that I had a friend my age?

She held my hand tightly the entire way down. "It'll be okay," she whispered. Of course. She was still emotional about Elie. It hadn't been that long since she died. I'll protect you, mom. I squeezed her hand back. I'm right here.

We reached the first floor, my heart pounding with anticipation. I wonder where we'll go. Disneyland? The Beach? Please tell me already! We walked past the array of cubicles, hands busy, typing rapidly at work. We reached the front entrance, where a couple stood waiting. Are we going on vacation with them? Wait a minute. Mom didn't pack her bags. I finally noticed that when she started to speak.

"Jon," Mom said, taking a long pause. "Meet... your new parents!" she said enthusiastically, though I knew she grieved on the inside. "This is Connor and Willa, your new mommy and daddy. I know it's pretty sudden, but I spent so much time trying to find you a good home. So just go and be happy. Forget all about me," she continued in a melancholic tone. She pat me on the back and pushed me along like it was nothing. Seriously? I meant nothing to you?

It all made sense, though; the events from today: The look on Miss Zel's face. Mom spending so much time with me. It was all a trick. She tricked me! Trying to get me comfortable before passing me off again. I don't get a say in any of this?

My heart stopped. I dropped my bag. I was shocked, sad, angry all at once. She can't just abandon me. We're one and the same. I need you, and you need me too. You'll be sad if I leave, even lonelier than you are now. So why? Why? "I get it. I fucking get it!" I yelled at the top of my lungs. My flustered face probably looked like... a crying little sun. I wouldn't let her see me like that, my back turned the other way. I composed myself quickly, wiping the fluid from my eyes. I don't cry. I'm tough. I turned around to confront my Mom, give her a piece of my mind. Tears streamed down her face too, even more so.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I asked, my heart pounding like a drum. I already know why. "I-It's because I'm weak, right?"

"No," she responded as her voice croaked. She knelt down on her knees and placed both her hands on my shoulders. "It's because I'm weak, Jon." Her tears would not stop. They just kept flowing and flowing like a river. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Weak? You? My Mom's the toughest person I know! Just say it out loud, idiot! Maybe then, she won't leave you. Please just say it. Call her your Mother...

"Bad guys came for Elie, and I couldn't protect her. I can't protect you, either. You wouldn't be safe with me."

"And, I'll be safer with them? Pawning me off to strangers I don't know? That's just life! Life isn't safe! I'm not your average brat, and I know that much. I wanna stay with you! Please, Mom, please!" I let it out. A complete accident. I covered my mouth in shame. Tough guys don't call for their moms, fuck! I looked back up at Mom, her eyes wide with surprise.

"You never called me that before," she said with a soft smile. It didn't change much, though. Mom was adamant about her decision. "I know this is hard, and I know you're angry at me. But, this really is for the best; for both you and me. So, just go and live a normal life. Go to school, make friends, and remember to brush your teeth every day."

"I'm not a kid. I know how to brush my teeth!" I said angrily. These damn tears... they just won't stop.

"Of course," Mom said, as she wrapped her arms around me. "You're my boy. Always," she said, her voice trembling.

"R-really?" My heart melted like a puppy. I was so happy, yet so sad at the same time. This was goodbye. It was really goodbye, to my one and only Mother.

"Yeah," she said, as she embraced me tightly. She wouldn't let go. Not for a long while. I didn't want her to ever let go.

"You're making my shoulder wet," I teased in the most sorrowful tone.

"Shut up, brat... Just shut up."