Johanna Svensson (wintergrown) wrote in morningstar_mnr, @ 2008-02-18 00:02:00 |
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Current mood: | frustrated |
Entry tags: | johanna |
Phone call between Johanna and her mother [complete]
With her only family member on the other side of the country, Jo was understandably homesick. She knew hearing her mom's voice would either snap her out of it or make it worse, so sighing a little, she dialled the familiar number and held the phone to her ear. It rang only once before her mom picked up. She'd obviously been waiting for the call.
"Hello?"
"Hi Mom. It's me."
A sigh of relief came from the other end. "Oh, hi honey! How's the big city today?"
"Well, it's, um... big. And loud. How's home?"
[Continued.]
"Lonely without my little girl."
Johanna rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smiling. "C'mon, I needed to move out. Twenty-three was verging on pathetic."
"Well, it was all kind of sudden."
"Sudden? I gave you a month's notice before I actually packed my bags. And you know that I've always hated that town. There was never anything to do or anyone to meet. I felt trapped!"
"Yes, I've heard you sing that song before. But honey, the City is dangerous. Every time I turn on the news I wonder if I'm going to see your picture."
"Yikes, Mom. That's a little dramatic."
"Well, the real world is a whole lot meaner than you're used to. And you're very trusting."
"Pleeeease. Give me a little credit?"
"It's easy to get swept away. I know what it's like to be young and impulsive, but the consequences do eventually catch up with you."
"I'm not going to get pregnant, Mom."
"Johanna!"
"Well, you could at least come out and say it. You don't want me to end up like you. Well, good news mom, I've made it to twenty-three without getting knocked up. I beat you by two years."
"Johanna Svensson!"
"Yes, Mom-ish Svensson?"
Her mom hesitated. "All that aside, what about your money situation?"
"I told you not to worry about it, Mom. I'm fine. I saved the money I made at Barry's."
"You couldn't live out there for a month on the money you saved at the diner!"
"You've always had your secrets. Let me have some of my own. And please try to be a little supportive? Gosh. If it makes you sleep easier, tell yourself I won the lottery."
"Did you win the lottery? Because if you did, it would be nice if you shared a little with your mother."
"MOM! I really miss you. And I'm really glad I called."
"Wait a second."
"What?"
"Just let me ask a question. I know you‘re branching out and trying to find yourself, but is there something else?"
"I'm looking for my dad."
"Oh, Johanna."
"Don't Oh-Johanna me. If you would just swallow you pride and tell me, I wouldn't have to play Nancy Drew! Were you raped, or something? Or did you sleep with so many men you’re not sure who the father could be? Tell me! I old enough to know the truth."
"Wasn't I a good mom?"
"Not that again! I am sick of the guilt trips. Yes, you were a good mom. Even though you made me grow up in the north pole, and quite frankly that borderlines on child abuse--!"
"Johanna, you want the truth? I made a lot of mistakes when I was your age. I partied. I did drugs. I slept around. I’ve tried to protect you from that lifestyle as best I could. My parents never protected me."
"That still doesn't answer my question."
Silence.
"Typical. Whatever. Thanks for the help. Bye, mom."