Fatal Flaws

"Aren't you cold? It's freezing" Puffs of smoke escape from my mouth while speaking. I wish I had brought a coat instead, I think to myself, pulling my arms into the sweatshirt he had given me. We've been standing out here for over an hour, watching random people coming and going. Barely speaking, besides a few words. I don't know what to say to comfort him. Nothing sounds right.

The sun has almost risen completely over the nearby buildings. It's been a long time since I've been up early enough to catch the sunrise. It's magical, in a way. The gorgeous colors collide, mixed into one masterpiece. Pink, gold, and orange rays streaked across the sky. Various-sized white fluffy clouds appear painted throughout it. It's breathtaking.

"Hayden," his mother's voice startles me from behind. "You two can go in and see her now. Hope and her friends left a while ago. I would have gotten you sooner, but I needed some alone time with her. I hope you understand, son," she looks at him, with no response. "Well, I guess I'm going to head home for a bit. I have some work to attend to that I can't put off. Robert and I will be back up in a little while. I know he would love to see you, despite the current circumstances. No matter what happened in the past, I will always love you, son, and I am truly sorry about the mistakes I've made. And I'm happy I got to see you. I want my family together." She holds her arms out, waiting for a hug.

Surprisingly, he leans in, allowing her to wrap her arms around him. He doesn't share her enthusiasm.

"By the way, Mom, this is Bex. She's Sky's roommate and my..." he pauses, unsure how to finish his sentence. Her eyes follow his towards me, taking me in for the first time. I can't read her expression. She continues eyeing me, sizing me up.

"Hello, young lady. I wish I could say it's nice to meet you, but under these circumstances, it doesn't seem appropriate. But you can call me Monica. Hopefully, we can see each other again soon, under better terms," she greets me, extending her hand. While shaking her hand, I notice the excessive amount of jewelry she has on. I don't see how I missed it early.

Her long slender fingers, adorned with multiple rings. The wedding ring she's wearing is gorgeous. A large gold band supporting a massive diamond, with tiny ones around it. I assume it costs more than I have ever had. Even her thumbs contain simple gold bands. The rest is an assortment of random jewels and smaller diamonds. Her wrists jangle with every move she makes. Several golden tennis bracelets encrusted with tiny diamond studs hang from them.

"Well, I can tell you don't want to talk, so I must be going. I hope it doesn't take long. If something happens, or she wakes before I get back, please call me Hayden. We have had our issues, but you're still my son, and I love you so much. I miss you both," she sobs, wiping her tears away with a white handkerchief.

After she leaves, we continue sitting outside, taking in the beautiful scene in front of us. I can't help thinking how different Sky and Hayden are from their mother. She's professional and proper compared to them. Skylar is a free spirit, fun and carefree. She's always the life of the party, that one girl whom everyone wants to be friends with. Then you have Hayden, a mystery. Despite spending all those nights with him, I still don't know the real him. The secret behind his anger and hatred toward the world and his family. He is one of the greatest mysteries that I vow to solve. It's obvious their family is wealthy, but neither of them shows it. Something must have happened between Hayden and his mother. I could tell he didn't want to talk to her, hardly glancing in her direction.

"Are you ready to go in and see her?" I mumbled, avoiding eye contact with him. It hurts too much to see his pain. My foot plays with the gravel spread out along the pavement, making swirls.

"No, not really. But I know I have to. I guess now is the time" he looks over at me and then toward the door. It's clear in his eyes that this is the moment he's been dreading.