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pushing the door
with unexpected force, “...but that’s what I was.  Even though I struggled
to find a job, she told me I wasn’t getting one penny from her.  Not many
people wanted to hire a kid with no skills and no college education.  It
was her way of punishing me for defying her.” 
    Her eyes scanned the lobby, not focusing on anything in particular, a
bitter scowl crossing her face.  “Your grandmother was one callous bitch.”
    “I guess Mom learned from the best.”
    “You said it.”  Her eyes narrow as she straightens her back. 
“I didn’t let anyone stop me from getting an education.  It took a while,
but I finished.  You were probably too young to remember.  I think
you were about six or seven when I graduated.” 
    As we cross the lobby, we both fall strangely silent.  Stopping
abruptly, she turns to me, “Amber, what are you going to sleep on?  You
have no linens.”  She shakes her head, giving herself a playful slap on
the cheek.  Heading for the receptionist desk, she asks the attendant, “Is
there a mall nearby or do we need to arrange for a car?”
    “There’s a mall on the east end of campus.  It’s a short walk from
here.  They have everything…Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macy’s, the whole nine
yards.  There’s also a Target across the street from the mall. 
Here’s a map.”
    “Great, let’s go do some damage with your mom’s credit card,” she says
with a hint of mischievous glee.
    “Sounds good to me.”  Hell, that’s the least my mom can do.
    ***
    We pile everything on the open bed, and I collapse on top of it. 
Her amused face shifts into a sarcastic smile.  “Tired?”  She
chuckles. 
    “Exhausted.  I never bothered much with shopping in the past. 
I was either in uniforms or it was easier to let Mom get what she wanted. 
She always returned half of what I picked out anyway.”  I snort.
    “Well, my work is done.  I’ll let you get to bed.  I better head
over to the hotel.  The plane is leaving early in the morning.”  Her
earnest stare was unwavering.  “Amber, I want you to call me if you need
anything.  Anything at all.  Don’t worry, I’ll handle your mom.” She
smiles broadly.  “Try to have fun!  Meet new people, get wasted,
sleep around…let loose!  You are far too serious for your own good.” 
Her pale green eyes crinkle at the corners.  Hugging me tightly, she
whispers, “I love you, hon.”
    My arms squish against my sides in her embrace.  I raise my hands in
an awkward pat on her back.  I want to hug her back but I can’t, not yet
anyway.  It’s too soon.  When she finally pulls away, I offer, “Have
a safe trip back to Ohio.” I flash a conciliatory smile and walk her to the
elevator.
    I walk into my room and plop down on the bed.  To say the day was
eventful would be an understatement.  But instead of going over and over
the drama from the last two days, getting angry all over again like I usually
do, I push it out of my mind.  New beginnings.  I hope so. 
    My mind eventually drifts to Tommy.  His sapphire eyes are amazing
and the dimples turn me to jelly.  He sure is hot.   I wonder
what his lips would feel like, on mine.  My mind drifts to wondering what
they would feel like down there, too.  Where did I put my rabbit?
    I scrub my face and put on my usual shorts and tank, snuggle into my bed
to review my schedule.  I am signed up for the basic curriculum – math,
English, history, tennis, and political science.  Tennis throws me. 
I can’t believe she signed me up for my favorite sport.  I didn’t think
she remembered.  I’m surprised it’s not ballet or some shit.  Shit,
who am I kidding?  Aunt Patty selected all my classes.
    Around midnight, I settle into my comfy pillows with my new down
comforter and drift off to sleep dreaming of gorgeous men with penetrating blue
eyes.
    ***
    The door crashes open.  The lights flash on.  “What the
fuck?”  I rub my eyes trying to