It’s always strange, waking up in a room that’s not really my own. Living here for almost three years should make it seem somewhat familiar, but I still always reach for a warm body that isn’t there. Everyone has shared a bed with their best friend at some point, and I can admit that I miss it sometimes. The only thing my hand meets is my bedside table and phone, unfortunately.

You would think after five years of being away from where I grew up, I would be mature enough to not dodge my parents when they called me. Alas, I am not. That never stops my mother, though. She’s probably the most persistent and motivated person I know.

After letting my phone ring twice, I finally answer with a sigh, “hello mother dearest, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Her sigh mirrors my own and she jumps right into the lecture she’s been saving.

“Well thank you for finally finding time in your busy sleep schedule to answer one of my calls!” I can practically feel my mom rolling her eyes, and wait for her to continue. “I thought you would never pick up and I would have to have your father or sister call you. Wesley you’re never going to believe it, another person was found dead this morning! You know I hate it that you decided to move away for school but I can’t say I’m not glad you aren’t home to see this type of violence.” Her voice keeps higher as she speaks and I almost miss what she said while trying to save my eardrums.

“What, another murder in town? Its not anyone we know, was it?” My mind immediately jumps to someone I try to avoid thinking about if possible but can’t seem to forget.

“I hate to say it but yes honey, I’m sorry.” Her dramatic pauses are killing me and my heart is practically in my throat. “It was your cousin’s fiancé, Daniel. Or was it David? Either way, you two went to high school together. I think he might’ve been a couple years older than you.” She starts rambling on about how we might know each other and I have to clear my throat a couple times to get her attention.

“Mom I’m sorry to hear about David, but why did you have to call me so early on my day off?” My voice is slightly muffled by the pillow I’m trying to bury myself in but I’m sure she could hear me clearly enough.

“Wesley Owens I am allowed to call you whenever I so please! You need to tone the attitude down a bit, young man. Now if you’d listen to me, I would be able to tell you that you need to come home for the visitation and funeral. You know how your cousin is and she wants everyone in the family there for support.” The only thing I know right now is that I need something stronger than coffee. Sliding out of bed is easy enough until my feet come in contact with the freezing floor of my kitchen.
“Mom I’m not sure if I can off for only a couple days. Especially if it’s just for my cousin’s fiancé’s funeral. Honestly, I’m not sure if my boss would go for it.” Soon my espresso machine is going and warm smells fill my small kitchen.

“Then don’t just come for a couple days, take a vacation hon. You haven’t been home in five years Wesley and I refuse to fly out to Texas for Thanksgiving again this year. Just come out for the funeral and stay a couple extra weeks.” How did I know she would do this as soon as she mentioned I needed to come home. She really never changes. It’s been the same conversation since I moved out here, she either wanted me to move back, or at least back to Colorado. Fun fact, neither one is going to happen. I love my mother very much, and I will do almost anything for her. But I’m happy, my life is here now. Trying to tell Mom that is a completely different matter though.

“Yeah, but if I take off extra who would watch Yardstick?” At the sound of his name, Yardstick, my three-legged cat makes an appearance. I found Yardstick two years ago behind the hardware store I had been working at. He was missing his leg and I honestly didn’t think he would make it through the night. But here he is, two years later and the most spoiled cat I’ve ever met.

“Bring Yardstick with you, I’m sure your father would love to see him again. Wesley, you know there’s no argument that will hold in this situation. If your boss won’t let you take off then I’ll call him myself and give that man a piece of my mind.”

“I don’t doubt that for a second, Mom. I’m sure that my boss would love to get another call from you. I’ll talk to him and then text you. I really need to go but I promise we’ll talk later, I love Mom byyyeee.” I end the call before she can say anything else and lay my head on the counter in defeat. Going home is the last thing I want to do, honestly. How am I supposed to go back after the way things ended five years ago? There’s absolutely no way I’m going out of my way to see Bailey. If he sees me, I’m positive he’ll deck me. And I wouldn’t blame him in the slightest.

Surprisingly Matt, my boss, is completely okay with me taking off a couple extra weeks. Something about how I work too much and need a social life. After getting off the phone with him, I shoot my mom a text and roll my eyes when she responds with a picture of the plane ticket she apparently bought for already. It’s for tomorrow at 8am and I guess I need to start packing. I should’ve known she would do something like that and can’t help but chuckle to myself. I guess I could use a break, the tattoo parlor I work at has been pretty busy lately and it'll be nice to get away for a minute. Who knows? Maybe this trip will be exactly what I need.