The Reckless Collision

Ray.

~~~

"All I'm saying is you need to be more careful next time and get to know the person better before jumping into a serious relationship," Mom said, her voice clipped as she bit into her sandwich.

I leaned against the counter, watching her with a tight jaw as she sat behind the kitchen island, casually consuming her late breakfast. She didn't even look at me when she spoke, her focus entirely on the sandwich as she took another bite.

I could practically feel the weight of her disapproval in the air, hanging thick. The mood in the house was tense, every second dragging with uncomfortable silence. I had hoped Mom would be at work, but as it turned out, she had a free morning.

"Mom, you've been saying that for the last five days," I said, finally pouring myself a cup of coffee. My hand lingered on the pot for a moment longer than necessary. "It doesn't apply anymore, and it's certainly not helping now."

"It's for the future," she shot back, not even missing a beat.

"She is my future, Mom," I muttered, taking a sip from the steaming cup. The bitterness of the coffee matched the bitterness in my chest.

Mom looked up then, her eyes softening slightly, though her tone remained insistent. "Sweetheart, I like her too. But you saw how her family reacted to you."

I sighed, my shoulders slumping. "I don't have the time or the energy for this, Mom. I need to finish getting the house ready. Sam's getting discharged today."

Her expression faltered, but she quickly regained her composure. "I still don't understand. Why can't you stay here?"

I set my cup down, feeling the tension in my neck and back. "It's too crowded here."

She raised an eyebrow. "It's just me and Logan."

"Exactly," I said, my voice quiet but firm.

Nora pressed her lips together, then turned away for a moment, wiping her hands with the towel. I could feel the weight of her thoughts, her judgment. "But that house, Raymond," she persisted, her voice pleading.

"It will be fine. We need a place to stay, and I have a house. Why not use it?" I felt myself getting defensive, the words coming out sharper than I intended.

"Does Samantha know about the house?" Mom asked, her voice softer now but filled with suspicion.

"Not yet," I said, glancing at her. "I never told her. I planned on selling it." I could see the disapproval flash across her face, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Don't give me that look. I'll probably be back later," I added, brushing past her as I dropped my mug into the sink and left the kitchen.

I didn't wait around to listen to her objections. I was already done with the conversation.

Stepping out into the cool morning air, I moved quickly to my Impala, climbing into the driver's seat. The car hummed to life beneath me as I cranked the music up. As the beat kicked in, I pushed the accelerator, letting the rhythm pulse through my veins.

The drive was bitter-sweet, filled with a strange mix of hope and anxiety. I needed a fresh start, but that house... it felt like a shadow hanging over me. I was hoping that, with Sam there, maybe it wouldn't feel so heavy.

It didn't take long before I reached the place. I pressed the remote for the gate, the motor whining as it rolled open to reveal the house. My house.

The place had always looked great—at least to me. That's why I bought it in the first place. A two-story house in a decent neighborhood. No renovations, nothing extravagant—just enough space. When I moved in, it was supposed to be a new chapter. But the memories had a way of settling in with me, even though I never had the time to truly make it mine.