Family reunion

I didn’t exactly know what to say in response. Hell, I didn’t even really know what to call her. It felt weird to call her “mum” since she’s not my own mother, but I was in her daughter’s body, so it’s not like there was anything else I could cal her either.

“Uhhh… retail therapy? Been a stressful week, y’know,” I replied nonchalantly.

“And whose fault is that exactly?”

Though the question was obviously rhetorical and the answer was obviously Rachel, I actually couldn’t say for certain. Though I had ascertained what had happened between Rachel and her friends, I had no idea what the situation between her and her mother was.

“…at least the outfit I picked is cute, right?”

“Rachel, be serious, for once in your life. For heaven’s sake.” Rachel’s mum put her hand to her face and sighed. It had been less than a full minute since I bumped into her and she already seemed completely exasperated with me. Whatever Rachel did must have worn this poor woman’s spirit thin already.

I wanted nothing more than for the conversation to end. I had no reason to antagonise the woman, but I also certainly wasn’t going to help Rachel out of the mess she had put herself in.

“…I’m buying new clothes so I can interview for jobs. Since I can’t fall back on you anymore.” I figured some wishy-washy crap like that would be the fastest way out of this, but it appeared I was wrong.

“Good grief… I knew you were prideful, but this is a lot even for you. Do you truly hate us so much that you would rather be a job-hunting hobo than simply apologise to me and your father and come home?”

Despite the stern tone, there was a lot of hurt in her expression. It was clear that whatever Rachel had said to her parents had seriously strained the bond between, but even in spite of that her mum was trying to make amends. Despite this not being a mess of my own making, I felt a twinge of guilt. Though, not enough to stop me from digging the hole a little deeper.

“…I’ve nothing to apologise for. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have clothes to try on.”

“Ah- Rachel, wai-!”

I turned around and left, carrying on into the changing room where Rachel’s mum wouldn’t be able to disturb me further. Her previously stern tone now just sounded sad, but that did little to stop me.

After all, I was telling the truth. It was Rachel that had something to apologise for. And I was sick of cleaning up her mess.