An Interruption

You start a prayer.

“Brandi Anne Chapel! What are you doing!”

You are confused. Given her tone, mom is angry with you. You just don’t know why.

“That is not how we pray here if you want to live under my roof.”

You shake your head. “What am I doing wrong?”

Mother smiles at you. “You really don’t know? Goodness, I’ve been neglecting your religious education. Remember how we used to pray when you were little?”

“I thought...”

“Here.”

She grabs your hands and inverts them.

“Let me lead. You can just repeat.”

“Ok, mom.”

“Lord of Miracles, we pray to you. Give us power and pleasure in your service. Nema!”

You are extremely confused, but just the act of prayer calms you.

“Thanks mom.”

She gives you a loving hug and kisses your forehead. “Get some sleep Brandi.”

Against all odds you drift off to sleep.

The sun wakes you. You go through your wake up ritual. Your phone dings.

“Brandi, what’s this?”

She has your phone.

“That’s just Farah texting me what to wear today.”

“Really Brandi? I love that my little girl is so popular. But, why did you stop at being the second most popular girl?”

“Farah is mean!”

“Seriously? You let her run your life because she’s mean?”

“Um, really mean?”

“That just means you need to be meaner, Brandi.”

“But...how...?”

“You can start by choosing your own clothes, then maybe fucking her boyfriend. She does have a boyfriend, dear?”

Your jaw drops. “Yes, I mean yes...but, the promise...”

“The promise? Oh dear, you’re not still a virgin are you?”

“You told me...”

“I was half joking and so high I thought you were a seagull, dear. This won’t do. You need to get laid, Brandi. You do know how to be safe, don’t you?”

You nod. You get dressed for school in stunned silence.