Once Upon A Time(78)

“Payton Miller, what in God's name are you doing here?!” My mother smiled, embracing me a little too hard, as usual. I hugged her back, tears quickly welling in my eyes as I clung on to her for dear life. “Let me get a look at you!”

Her hands moved to my shoulders and she held me at arm's length, getting a good look at her daughter. Anyone would’ve thought we hadn’t seen each other in a decade when, in truth, it was only a year. Which by all accounts was still far too long.

My mother was a beautiful woman with lightening blonde hair she always wore in a bun at the top of her head. She said she wore it like that so she didn’t singe it when she baked. Julianna Miller was what we in the South call a serial feeder. The minute you stepped into the house, you’d be fed until you couldn’t eat any more. She’d tell you repeatedly she needed to fatten you up, that men like their Southern belles with curves, not skin and bone.

I took a good look at her. Her features had softened somewhat, the defined angles of her facial bone structure less pronounced. She’d aged but gracefully. It suited her.

“I’ve missed you, baby.” She smiled, pulling me in for another hug and noticing Kylie behind me. “And who do we have here? Is this Kylie?”

As quick as she embraced me, she was in front of Kylie and squeezing the ever loving shit out of her. Kylie’s eyes widened and she smiled as she hugged her back.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Miller,” Kylie said warmly as my mother finally released her from the grip of death.

“Oh, honey. Mrs. Miller is my mother-in-law, God rest her soul, you can call me Julianna,” my mother said in her usual Southern drawl. “Well, don’t just stand there, get your butts inside. I’ve made some sweet tea and some biscuits and gravy.” She turned to Kylie and whispered, “My secret recipe.”

My mother made her way inside and Kylie stood next to me and whispered, “What in the world is biscuits and gravy?”

“Oh Kylie, welcome to the South.” I smiled and threw my arm around her shoulder, guiding her inside my parents' home.

The house hadn’t changed since I left. On every piece of available wall space were family photos, some I wished were burned, others I loved. We moved into the kitchen where the scent of baked biscuits hit my nostrils and I instantly felt at home.

“Momma, those smell delicious.” I groaned, my mouth watering.

“Oh my god!” Kylie shrieked as she stepped into the small kitchen. “One, that smells utterly amazing. Two, Payton, your accent is back!”

“Kylie Jackson!” My mother turned, pointing a wooden spoon in her direction. “Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain.” She smirked, winking at her. “Only after six and when the game is on.”

I laughed as Kylie looked like she’d just had a come to Jesus with my mother. My mom was active within her church but sometimes didn’t always follow the teachings within her house. Especially when the game was on.

“Or when Daddy's had Bourbon and starts singing the Star Spangled Banner… backwards,” I added.

“Lord have mercy.” My mother chuckled. “Y’all don’t need to be seeing that.”

“Don’t worry, Momma will stop him when he starts taking off his clothes.” I chuckled.

Poor Kylie looked like she was about to stroke out. She looked at me in utter bewilderment that this kind of place and people existed.

“We’re joking, dear,” my mother said, plating up some biscuits and drizzling gravy over the top. “Mostly.”

I laughed and Kylie laughed along with me. My mother was the best ice breaker you could think of. We all took a seat at the table in the dining room and, much to my surprise, Kylie devoured her biscuit and gravy and was ready for a second helping. The sweet tea was a little more to be desired for her.

“So how long are you staying, honey?” my mother asked as she handed Kylie her second helping with a smile. “Y’all know you can stay in the spare bedroom, right?”

“We’re leaving on Monday. Thank you for the offer, Momma, but we’ve got a hotel booked.” I smiled, noticing the small frown on her lips.

“Now y’all know I don’t like you staying in those hotel rooms, strange characters that stay in those.” She pointed with her fork.

“It’s a five star hotel, Mrs. Mill— I mean, Julianna. It’s very nice,” Kylie said, stuffing her face.

“Well, if you change your mind, you know where the room is.”

“Thank you, Momma.” I smiled.

My ears pricked a moment later when I heard the front door close. Turning in my seat, I looked down the hallway and found my father taking off his boots. Standing from my chair, I ran towards him.