Sin Series novel Chapter 3

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THE CREAM stucco house came to view when the iron-wrought gate slid open. This had been my mother's house after her divorce from Dad. Dr. Everly Hynson never remarried and been promoted as the head of the Pediatric department in the local hospital last year. Back in London, Mum's schedule was the cause of most of their fights. She was still a resident back then. Dad was busy running our cosmetics and fragrances business while Mum was on call mostly at night. But her love over her job made her selfish in the eyes of my father.

The door swung open. Mum stood beautifully in front of me with her familiar smile. She was always curvy as far as I could remember. Her straight, blonde shoulder-length hair made her look younger than her late fifties plus she had her makeup on, and always had.

"Hello, mother!" I greeted, spreading a grin on my lips.

"My darling, Skipper. I thought you forgot your way back home."

Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms tightly around her. A feeling of breathlessness overwhelmed my senses. "I missed you so much, Mum."

"I don't feel that way, Skipper," she said with a laugh.

"Come on, Mum. We've been through this." I pulled away, staring at her beautiful hazel eyes. "I just want to prove something to Dad. When the time comes, I can stand on my own."

She closed her eyes and nodded. "I know, baby. And Mum is so proud of you." She kissed my cheek. "Let's get inside, shall we?"

Mum was a neat freak. This house still looked new and smelled clean and citrus. Everything was white from floor to ceiling, to furniture, decors, and even the grand staircases in the middle of the living room. But you couldn't find even a single living plant around. She was an environmentalist to the bone. She had this opinion that if she put plants in the house it was like cutting off their lives.

I followed her to the right corner of the house. One thing caught my attention was the door to my right ajar slightly with a yellow light illuminated the entire room. There were racks made of woods and filled with wine bottles. Dad was right after all.

My chest tightened. I took a deep breath and pressed my lips together to stop overreacting. The family room was welcoming than the living room. My pictures and Clyve hung everywhere. I sat on the custom-made cream couch in front of the huge motion-sensor television I'd ever seen.

"Did you order that?" I asked, pointing to the TV.

"You mean if I till watch Grey's Anatomy?" She smiled warmly.

"I'm not judging you." I shrugged. "I mean how odd to watch medical-related shows when it's far from the reality? You've said that, remember?"

"I know, but Grey's Anatomy is closer to reality."

I looked down at the bear's skin rag under my feet.

"That's fake, honey. I know how much you all love animals." She sat beside me, leaning her head against my shoulder.

"I know why you're here, Skipper," she said softly.

"Of course, I'm here to manage the New York branch. And might stay here for good as well since Clyve loves his job at the CNC."

"I'm your mother, baby. I know Bradd is aware of my drinking problem."

"So, it's true then?" I lifted my head and watched her closely. Dad still cared about Mum, and I thought he still loved her and still talked from time to time.

She nodded slowly. Guilt plastered all over her face. "I'm seeing a therapist and attending some seminars."

"But you still keep alcohols in your house. Is that part of the therapy? How does it help, by the way?" I sighed with frustration.

"Don't judge me now, Skipper. You've never been here for me in the first place."

"So, is it now my fault, huh?" My voice sharpened.

My mother stood up, crossing her arms over her chest. Her feature remained calm, softened even. She was aware of why I had to leave her years ago. Not only because I had to work for my Dad, but she was all-out support of my decisions.

"So, how's your apartment?" That was why I loved her so much-she never pried. And I was not ready to rip the wound open as well.

"Thanks for helping me out, Mum. I like it by the way. The place is not far from the office, so I don't have to wake up early." I smirked.

She rolled her eyes. "You never change, do you? This is New York, Skipper, and I should have chosen an apartment far from for your office so that you have to force yourself to wake up early."

"You're mean, don't you know that? Why would I wake up early if I can manage my time just right?"

"It's not about time management, Skipper. Since you started high school you always skipped breakfast and just ran out of the house with an empty stomach. It is not right to just stop at the greasy food stand and eat from there? How are you even this fit?" She motioned to my body.

"Well, it runs in the blood, I guess. And my name is Skipper, right?" I arched my brow, smirking again. "I work out every day after my job, and it helps me sleep at night. I only eat a greasy breakfast, but I eat healthy at lunch and dinner."

"Why don't you stay with me instead."

A boisterous laugh erupted. I could even hear the echo of my own voice in the entire house, but Mum was not amused at all. "Who the bloody twenty eight years old bloke still stays at his mother's home?"

"I want to take care of you, honey." Her voice remained sweet and motherly.

I abruptly stopped laughing and stood up, pulling her into a hug. "Mum, I love you so much. Let's take care of ourselves together, but I don't have to stay here to do that. You can come and visit me anytime. We can cook a healthy dinner, then have some cuppa whilst watch Grey's Anatomy together every weekend, how does it sound?"

She nodded. "I love you, Skipper."