Read Online This Can't be Life by Shakara Cannon - Free Book Online Page A

I know one thing about my mother, it’s that she is still looking for a husband to take care of her. She’s always on the hunt for a rich man. I was hoping she would leave sooner rather than later, before I really told her how I felt. I knew the hate that I had for her in my heart couldn’t be good for me, but it sure was easier to hate her than to love her, especially when she didn’t love me back.
    The ringing phone jolted me out of my thoughts. I grabbed the receiver off the cradle.
    “Hello?”
    “Hey, girl. How you feelin’?” Talise asked. I was happy to hear my friend’s voice. Maybe she’ll talk me out of cursing out my mother.
    “I’ve been better. Just about to lose my mind ‘cause my crazy ass mother is here trying to act like she gives a fuck.”
    “Damn, girl, don’t say that.”
    “No, I’m serious, Talise. You know how she is. You’re just being nice because she’s my mother, but you know that she doesn’t care about anyone but herself.”
    “I hear you, girl. Don’t trip, though. I’m sure she won’t stay that long.”
    “Yeah, I hope not or I’m going to have her ass escorted up out of here. Where are you?”
    “I’m at the office. I’m about to leave, so I was calling to see if you wanted something to eat. I know you’re not eating that hospital food, unless Deon had something delivered for you?” she teased. “Is he still there? I really like him for you, Monie.”
    “He left earlier…and I haven’t even had an appetite with this woman hanging around here. I swear it’s like having a stranger here and she’s my mother. Where you gonna get some food from?”
    “I was thinking about LaLa’s. How does that sound?” she asked, knowing damned well that that was one of my favorite places.
    “Oh, that sounds sooo good.” I gave her my order, mouth watering just thinking about how good it was going to taste.
    “Should I bring your mother something?” Talise asked, jokingly.
    “Hell naw. Her ass is about to get up out of here,” I laughed.
    “All right. I’ll see you when I get there.”
    “You are the best, Talise!” I hung up the phone as my mother walked back in the room.
    “That Dr. Edmonds sure is cute. You better get his number before you leave this hospital. He doesn’t have a ring on his finger, either. I already checked. Too bad he’s a little too young for my tastes,” she said. At 5’10, my mother stood an inch taller than me, and that’s about the closest similarity. My mother has very light skin and, as of recently, wears her hair in a very short style.
    “Your hair is cute. Who cut it?” I asked, trying to break the ice a little bit. I was tired of feeling so much anger toward my mother.
    “Debra over at Celine’s on La Brea. You really like it?” she asked, smoothing it down with her right hand.
    “Yeah, she did a good job. Of course, I could do better, but hey. How long you been wearing your hair that short,” I asked. The last time I saw her it was hanging to the middle of her back.
    “For about six months now. I really like it, too. I catch a lot of men with my hair like this. Who were you talking to on the phone? Whoever it was sure improved your mood.”
    “That was Talise. She’s bringing me something to eat.”
    “Oh, that’s sweet of her. How has she been?”
    “She’s fine.”
    “Who sent you all these tulips?”
    “A guy named Deon Bradford.” I said, before I could think twice about telling her the truth. I knew she would recognize his name, but didn’t know how she’d react.
    “ Thee Deon Bradford?”
    “Yeah,” I answered, nonchalantly. It wasn’t a big deal to me, although I knew it would be to her.
    “Oh…” she said, curtly rolling her eyes. “I need to be going now. I’m meeting a couple of friends for a late lunch.” Just like that, she was back to being her cold hearted self again. She picked up her purse and started walking towards the door.
    “Feel better,” she said, without a hint of sincerity