BAD REP(103)

“They're Riley's actually,” I said a little shortly.  We fell into a kind of awkward silence.  My mom finished her iced tea and put the empty glass in the sink.

“Maysie.” She began, facing me.  My shoulders sagged in preparation of whatever she was about to say.   She must have recognized me bracing myself because she took a hold of my hand.  “I know your father can come across a little gruff.”  I wanted to roll my eyes at that understatement.  “But he loves you.  Very much.  And he just wants what's best for you.”  I nodded, not trusting myself to say anything positive.

My mom leaned in and dropped her voice to a near whisper.  “We've been getting your checks, sweetheart.  And even though we were disappointed with your irresponsibility with the credit card, I think it's wonderful that you're taking care of that.”  Back handed compliment number one.  Check.

I gave my mom a fake smile.  “Just doing what I should do.  I'm sorry I messed up,” I admitted honestly.

My mom squeezed my hand.  “I know you are, honey.”  She reached out and brushed my bangs back from my face.  “I wish you'd let your bangs grow out.  They cover up your beautiful face.”  Back handed compliment number two.  Check, check.

I was saved from getting defensive by Riley and my dad coming into the kitchen.  I got my dad a glass of iced tea and I spent the next fifteen minutes trying to withstand the cutting commentary on my college life.  Riley, bless her, tried to intervene where she could.  But there was only so much she was able to accomplish when faced with the full force of my father's attack.

“Wow, look at the time. Don't you have to get over to campus for your tour?” Riley interjected during one of the many awkward silences that filled the kitchen.

“Oh, wonderful!  I do so love the campus tours.  So fascinating!” My mom enthused, grabbing her purse off the counter and following my dad out the door.

I turned to Riley before leaving.  “Thanks for the help in there,” I whispered, so my parents wouldn't hear me.

Riley's eyes widened a bit.  “I don't remember your dad being so...um...”

“Dickish?” I added before Riley could finish.

Riley choked on a laugh.  “Well, I was going to say intense.  But sure, whatever works.”  I grabbed my purse and slung it over my shoulder.  “Good luck at lunch,” Riley said quietly and I had to suppress a groan.  Lunch.  I had almost forgotten.  Given the mood my dad was in, that was going to be a damn blood bath.

I followed my parents out to their car, a brand new Jeep Cherokee.  “Nice car, Dad,” I commented, hopping in the back.  My dad adjusted his mirrors and turned the air conditioner on.

“Yes, maybe you'll be able to afford something like this someday.  That is if you can get through college without some sort of catastrophe.”  Ouch.  That hurt.

I bit on my bottom lip to stop myself from yelling at him.  Was it any wonder my self-esteem sucked?  I had been dealing with this sort of shit my entire life.  And my mom just sat there, smiling like he had just commented on the f*cking weather.

After the dreaded lunch, I was expected to bring my parents around to the Chi Delta house.  Not that I wanted to do that...at all.  Not only because things were so tense with the other sisters.  But because my parents made no effort to hide how much they despised the whole concept of Greek life.

“Um, Mom, Dad.  There's this cook out thing this evening for parents and I thought we could go,” I ventured vaguely.

My mom perked up.  “Oh, that sounds lovely.  Where is it?”  I took a deep breath.  Here we go.

“It's at the Chi Delta house,” I let out in a rush.  I could see my dad frowning in the review mirror and my mom's mouth formed a little 'o' as she took in what I had just said.

“Well, that sounds...nice,” my mom said hesitantly, looking at my father's reaction.

“A bunch of the sisters will be grilling out.  You know hamburgers and hot dogs.  That sort of thing.  And there will be music.  And it's just a way for the parents to see the house and to meet some of the girls,” I hurried on.

My father cleared his throat.  “I think we should go,” he said finally.

My mom looked over at him in surprise.  I had to say, I was completely shocked as well.  “You do?” I asked in a small voice.