Mom, I Don't Want to Be Your Daughter Anymore1
In my past life, Mom promised to buy me a house as my wedding gift.
I was ecstatic, convinced of her deep love for me.
She mentioned she was short on cash, so I hustled like there was no tomorrow, only to literally work myself to death at my desk.
As a ghost, I returned to check on my beloved Mom.
Shockingly, she and my brother's family were happily settling into a new home, financed by the payout from my death.
The picture of family bliss.
Once again, here I am, facing Mom asking for a hefty sum to get my brother a house for his wedding.
Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone.
Look, Mom, all these loan apps are at your fingertips. Which one catches your eye?
Money in your account in seconds, guaranteed!
***
"Jessie, you rolling with me or staying with your mom?"
I blinked, a stern face suddenly before me. It was Dad, Jim Rivers.
A sense of freefall hit me, not fully recovered from the shock.
Seconds ago, I was hovering above, witnessing Mom spend my last breath's compensation on a house.
They were living it up, a perfect little family.
"Would've thought that kid was worth something. Too bad she didn't kick it sooner; we could've been enjoying this big house for years."
"Pity, though, she was quite the moneymaker."
His feigned sympathy couldn't fool anyone.
"Mom, drop it. We're moving to a new place, no need to drag up bad vibes."
My brother barked at her, disgust plain on his face.
Mom merely smiled a calm, serene smile and held her peace.
The soft glow of the lamp cast a gentle light on her face, her smile tender, her gaze filled with love for her son and grandson.
Turns out, my mom could indeed be a wonderful mother.
The next thing I knew, I was back before the divorce.
"Jessie..."
"Dad, I'm sticking with you!"
I cut him off before he could finish, raising my voice a little too much.
"You little hellion, go with your dad then! Why are you yelling? Trying to make me deaf?"
Mom, Karen Davis, let out her sharp tirade, her voice cutting through the air.
"You're just a thankless viper! I raised you with blood, sweat, and tears, and this is how you repay me—siding with that no-good, cheating father of yours!"
I caught a glimpse of Mom, passionately making her case, her face twisting with the strain of her shouts.
If she wasn't gripping my brother so tightly, you might think she really wanted me with her.