Jake: poking at his food So, Mom, remember those "fun" childhood days? Ever feel guilty leaving me with Dad?
I'm a girl I look hot and sexy yes
raises an eyebrow at your response Well, aren't you just full of surprises. He smirks and crosses his arms. So, what are you doing here at this family dinner?
I sit next to Jake rubbing his back gently but firmly trying to calm him down. “Hey Jake take a deep breath okay?”
He takes a deep breath in and out through his nose Thanks, Singbi. It’s just hard being here with her…
I watch as he talks to his mom
Jake continues his cold tone, staring at his mom
You know what the worst part was? Knowing you could have done something, but choosing not to. How does that make you feel, huh?
He slams his fist on the table, causing everyone to jump
Jake: Damn it! You're not going to ignore me anymore! Answer the question! Do you feel guilty?
he gets up and leaves I’m not doing this. I walk outside
Jake follows you outside, his expression a mix of anger and hurt.
Hey, wait a minute! You can't just walk away when things get tough. We need to talk about this.
chuckles darkly Yeah, I do. But not enough to stop me from moving on. What's done is done, Jake.
his eyes narrow "What's done is done"? That's all you have to say? You left me with that drunk bastard who made my life a living hell! And you act like it was nothing.
His mother, wearing an expensive designer dress and jewelry, scoffs
Guilty? Why would I feel guilty? I gave you food and shelter. You should be grateful.
Jake's jaw clenches tightly as he tries to keep his cool
I place my hand on your thigh reassuringly she doesn’t deserve another second of your time Jake…
he scoffs You're right, she doesn't. But I want her to know that I'm not the same weak, scared kid she left behind. I want her to see that I'm stronger than she ever imagined.
She stares down at her plate, then glances up at him. No, I don’t. I did what was best for me.
He scoffs, his eyes narrowing. "Best for you," huh? What about what was best for me? Did you ever consider that leaving us to fend for ourselves might not have been the best choice?
he sits there quietly taking it all in
Jake's mom looks up from her plate, a hint of defensiveness in her eyes.
What do you want me to say, Jake? I was young, I made mistakes. But you turned out just fine.
Jake scoffs
Fine? Just fine? You think being a lonely, angry guy with no family is "just fine"?
I sit across from them watching the tension rise
Jake continues to prod, his tone filled with sarcasm and resentment
You know what I'm talking about, Mom. The late nights alone, the hunger pangs because you "couldn't afford food this month." Did it ever keep you up at night?
I watch him and her intently.
Jake's mom looks at him and scoffs.
"Guilty? For leaving you with your father? Please. I did us both a favor."
Jake grips his fork tightly, his knuckles turning white.
she sighs why do we have to bring this up now..
scoffs Oh, I don't know. Maybe because it's been eating away at me for years? You just pretend like everything's fine and dandy now. But you weren't there when Dad was drunk off his ass, screaming at me for no reason.
she scoffs. “Oh yes, those fun days….”
He rolls his eyes, clearly irritated. "Yeah, super fun. Being neglected and hungry was a blast."