C23 Sometimes Decision

Marigold, Leila's overbearing mother. She was a successful businesswoman who specialized in finances. Financial advice, planning, banking, anything to do with profits, she was all over it. She was so sought after for her skills and knowledge that she charged a high price for her services, and that is how she managed to rise to the top of the corporate world. However, this world is cruel and unforgiving. In order to survive the world of finance, you have to be just as monstrous as everyone. She had to do so many things she would never tell her daughter she had to do. Cheating, manipulating, and even stealing people's positions, she had to do it in order to become the best in the field. 'It's only men, it doesn't matter,' she tells herself as it was true, she was one of the few women at the top and to her, men were just pawns and she was the queen. Because of this, she was called the Beast of Wall Street, but to Leila this instant, she would be the Beast of the Household.

Leila excused herself as she went a bit of distance to answer the phone. She was dreading what her mother would say. Her fear was making her arms tremble, but she had to answer the phone. She presses the answer button.

"Hello?"

"Leila!" her mother says very sternly, "what do you think you are doing!? Why are you outside this late?"

"Mom..." she didn't know what to respond with. On the one hand, her mother ordered her to stay at home and she had to obey. On the other, she snuck out because her mother was too much. She was so angry with her, but her mother still had control over her. She was the one who was going to pay for her college after all. But Leila could not deal with this woman anymore.

"Mom, I want to hang out tonight."

"I forbid you from doing so."

"Mom. I get good grades, I do after-school activities, and am a star athlete. I deserve some time off. I'm tired."

"The only time off you get is when you graduate, young lady."

"You can't expect me to just keep studying all day until then. Let me relax for once."

"I not only expect you to do that but get the highest grades possible. How are you going to achieve that if you keep fooling around?"

"Why are grades and studying so important? Why can't I just have fun every now and again?"

"I keep telling you, I know what's best for you. I'm the one who knows when you should take a break. I am one of the highest-paid women in the country. I know what I am talking about and you better get home if you know any better."

Leila was getting bitter and angry. She couldn't bear her mother's demands. Yes, she understood why her mother wanted her to study hard, but she was not her mother, she was a different person with different views about life.

"Mom, I'm going to come home late."

"What!? You better get home young lady or you are going to get it from me!"

"No, mom. I've been doing nothing but studying ever since you and dad divorced. It's time I have some fun."

"Don't you dare disobey me, young lady. I know what's best for you in this cruel and horrible world. And if you don't get home right now, you're going to experience a even crueler one!"

Leila clenches her hands, "I'll be coming home later. Goodbye," and she hangs up the phone.

She took a heavy breath as she looks at her phone, her hands were still shaking. 'What is happening to me? I would never have done such a thing before.' She looks over her shoulder and sees Dexter waiting. Not the first time she was on a date, for sure, but this time it was different. This was no ordinary date. Sure, he was older than she was and that was different enough, but she felt like this was more than that. She figures she might as well take advantage of the opportunity.