Angel’s Point of View

“Mom,” I called as I set down the gifts as I walked back towards where she stood with some of her friends, they spoke softly and laughed hysterically. I reached out for her arms, grabbing her gently. “Mom, I need to talk to you.”

Urgency rung in my voice, but she dismissed it.

“Hold on a second,” she muttered, glancing briefly at me, before she smiled at her guest again, I wasn’t interested in whatever they were saying, and I didn’t want to wait as well. Standing on business, I growled in between clenched teeth.

“Mom,” calling out a little harsh than intended, she glanced at me, eyes widened in surprise, the other guests seemed shocked by my sudden outburst, but I didn’t mind them either.

I sucked in a deep breath before I continued. “It is urgent.”

She rolled her eyes before turning back to her guests, “Please, excuse me,” She smiled softly, fingers curled tighter against the glass of champagne, as we both walked to a more secluded place.

“What is it?” She snapped; irritation laced in her tone. “Can’t I be allowed to be a little free? Today is my wedding, I deserve some freedom.”

I rolled my eyes at how dramatic she always was, but this is completely normal between mom and me, we argue a lot, because “I am too protective.”

“You look far from someone who is in captivity,” I retorted sharply. “And if there is anyone who isn’t free, it is me.” I snapped pointing at my blue lace dress that clung to my body. “These fucking hurts, it’s so fucking tight and I told you, the dress isn’t in my size.”

“Language, young lady,” she snapped and I quieted. “I am still your mother, and you will not swear when you’re talking to me.”

“Whatever,” I murmured underneath my voice, but I was sure she heard it because a small frown formed on her face. “The reason I wanted to talk to you is because I am worried about you.” I started regardless of how she felt. “You just got married to Mr. Wolfe, but did he tell you about his son?”

“Son…” she muttered softly, and then her eyebrows raised almost immediately. “Yeah, he did. But I couldn’t meet the boy while we were dating.”

“Did he tell you why?” For some reason I needed to know how honest he had been with my mother; or if he is just another lying piece of shit.

“Yeah,” she answered, and my eyes narrowed watching her lips as she continued. “The boy was in jail.”

My heart dropped, then it would mean those women were not wrong, Mr. Wolfe had a son who was in jail. A dangerous menace to the society and now, we are family to that menace.

“And that was normal to you?” I asked a little disappointed, that she didn’t tell me. “Mom, for goodness’ sake, he could pose a threat to us. What if he gets released? Do you know the reason he went to jail?”

According to the women, he assaulted some girl, as if it wasn’t enough that we had just escaped an abusive relationship with my father, she has gone ahead to engage with someone whose son is an abuser as well.

My mind was in chaos, thinking about all the terrible things that could happen while she stays married to Mr. Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe might be a good person but apparently his son isn’t and I don’t want to take any chances with my mother…. Or me.

“He was convicted for assault and rape of a girl in his school.” My eyes widened at her sudden confession. They didn’t mention rape, no wonder, the woman spoke with so much hatred.

“Rape?” I repeated, and mother nodded, the frown still lingered on her forehead, it was a very disturbing topic to discuss but we had to talk about it; and honestly, I would have preferred we discussed this before today. “Mom, are you fucking serious?!”

“I told you to mind your language with me,” she reminded.

“The language isn’t the fucking problem, this marriage is.,” I sneered. “Don’t you realize how dangerous it is for us? We don’t even know how the son will react to his father getting married again, he most probably hates us already. We are basically walking on a mine field and even some of the time, children only practice what they see their parents doing. We are not even sure Mr. Wolfe wouldn’t be like that.”

“Angel!” Mother snapped, her eyes were glossy and I caught my breath realizing that I had said too much. Enough to bring tears to my mother’s eyes. “I love Easton so much, he brings out the best there is in me, and I am willing to love him way past his flaws. Whatever his son did wasn’t his fault, it was beyond his control, and I am not going to blame him for someone else’s mistake.”

She sniffed, and my lips remained shut, I had promised myself ever since father was imprisoned, I was going to protect my mother, I will never let her cry again.

“Today is the happiest day of my life, and as my daughter all I wanted for you was to be happy for me!” she dabbed on her eyes with the small handkerchief in her hands, as she sniffed again, trying so hard not to cry. For some reason, I regretted having this conversation, but at the same time, I just had too. She was the only family I have left and I had to look out for her. “Don’t speak about this anymore until after the honeymoon. Easton already has it rough on his reputation that his son is a rapist, the school isn’t even doing well, and the media wouldn’t even let him rest. Bringing it up is only going to hurt him. And since hurting people is what you know to do best, at least wait till after the wedding.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out, I simply watched her as she walked away from me, my intentions weren’t to hurt her… I was only worried.

But it was true that I let her cry, so I guess I deserved that, I strolled back to the hall, everyone seems happy without me, even mother. She was dancing with her husband now, her smile as bright as the sun as if she didn’t almost cry some seconds ago.

Then I realized, I was the problem, but I would rather be the problem and save my mother, than let anyone hurt her again.

I will handle this myself.