Chapter 6

/-Hazel-/

For some reason, Rodney's mother chose breakfast instead of lunch. It was an odd request because I had school and wouldn't even get to spend time with her.

Although a part of me was happy I wouldn't have to spend so much time with her, the other wanted one of Rodney's parents to actually like me.

I press the doorbell and adjust my dress. Yes, I wore a cute sunflower dress which I hoped would be decent enough for her.

The door opened to reveal a female version of Rodney.

“Oh my goodness! You must be Hazel,” she gasped. “It's so nice to meet you,” she wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me in a hug.

“Nice… to meet you too… ma'am,” I choke out, patting her back gently. She releases me and pulls me in.

“Rodney wouldn't shut up about you. When he said you were pretty, I thought yeah, he thinks every girl is pretty but damn honey, you are gorgeous.”

The compliment made me blush. Unlike her husband, she was really sweet.

Speaking of husbands, my annoying professor was nowhere to be found.

“We made toast and eggs for breakfast. Sorry I couldn't do anything fancy, that's Mykel’s job,” she laughed.

Rodney joined us soon.

“Hey babe. I see you two have already met,” he planted a chaste kiss on my lips.

“Of course. Your girlfriend is absolutely stunning. You made the right choice.”

“Your mom is lovely,” I tell him with a smile. He archs his brow.

“You didn't have anything to say about my Dad,” he chuckles, causing a frown on my face. “Mom, this is Hazel, my girlfriend. Hazel, this is Rebecca, my mother,” he introduced.

Before I could say anything, we heard footsteps descending the stairs. I glanced to meet the last person I wanted to see. I caught Rebecca rolling her eyes.

“Dad…” Rodney called but he merely gave a curt nod in response. He looked fully dressed for work, in a loose white shirt and jeans.

He headed to the dining without a word to his wife or me.

“Let's head to the dining, honey,” Rebecca smiled at me. I followed her slowly, my eyes drifting between the woman and her husband. They seemed rather cold to each other.

At the dining, she served all of us except Mykel. For some reason, my mind was picking up every detail.

Mykel said nothing and proceeded to serve himself.

“So Rodney tells me you school in the college Mykel works,” Rebecca steered the conversation into dangerous ground.

“Yes, mom. He's her art professor. Crazy right?” Rodney chips in before I could answer. I force a smile, uneasy with the whole conversation.

“Really? Poor kids,” shs mumbles and my head snaps to her. Poor kids? What is that supposed to mean? I glance at Mykel but he's busy eating like nothing is happening.

“I hope he's not bothering you kids. I've been with this man for years so I know how overbearing he can be,” Rebecca said lightly even though her words were deep.

It is not in my place to feel embarrassed or sorry for him, considering all he has done to me but that statement is just plain disrespectful, especially before a guest.

“Come on, mom. I'm sure Dad doesn't cause them trouble. He's a natural when it comes to teaching,” Rodney defended.

“Whatever,” she rolled her eyes. “At least he is fending for himself now instead of leeching off me.”

Mykel stands suddenly with his plate and walks to where I assume is the kitchen.

“Can you pass me the milk?” I ask Rodney, fully aware that there is no milk on the table. I just needed an excuse to get to the kitchen so I could talk to Mykel.

“It's finished but I could get some for you in the fridge,” he offers.

“No… no… there is no need for that. I can get it myself,” I declined, getting off my seat.

“You're a guest, sweetheart. You don't need to,” Rebecca tries to sweet-talk me.

“I insist. You've done enough for me already.”

I go towards the door I saw Mykel disappear into. As expected, I find him washing his plate.

“Professor,” I call but he ignores me. “I know it's really none of my business and I have no right to pry into your family matters but why would you let your wife disrespect you that way?”

He wipes his hand with the towel and faces me, “like you said, it's none of your business.”

Right! I should have just minded my business. Besides, she's his wife. She knows him better than I do.

I huff and turn to the fridge to grab the milk.

“You have twenty minutes to get to school for the first period, which happens to be my class. For your sake, I hope you have that apology ready.”

My jaw drops as he walks out of the kitchen. Asshole! He deserves everything his wife said to him.

I slam the fridge shut and head out.

“Hey, where are you going?” Rodney asks as I grab my things.

“I'm sorry for cutting short our breakfast but I need to be in school in twenty minutes,” I say quickly.

“What? But I can…” I shut him up with a hasty kiss. “I'll see you later. Nice to meet you Rebecca.”

I practically run out of the house just as I sight Mykel getting into his car. I reach his passenger seat and pull the door open.

His surprise is evident when I slip next to him.

“What do you think you're doing?”

“Avoiding being late for my first class of the day. I mean, I can't be late if I'm coming with the professor right?” I shrug.

“Do you have the letter?” He asks.

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because I didn't write it.”

“There is no need for you to get in my car then because you will not be attending any of my classes from now on,” he stated.

“What?!”

“You heard me. Get of my car and walk to school. Hopefully, by the time you get there, you'll be ten minutes early for your second class.”