Chapter 96 TREATING HER LIKE THE STRANGER SHE IS.

Chapter 96 TREATING HER LIKE THE STRANGER SHE IS.
KIMBERLY.

"Are you sure about this?"I repeated again as he opened the care door for me.
My eyes searched his face one more time but he looked rather normal which calmed my nerves a little.
Maybe this was what he wanted all along, where he didn't have to worry himself over Norman or waste his emotions on him.
"I think I will be fine."Rafael said admittedly, gripping the car door tightly.
"You think?"
He sighed heavily, licking his lips."I don't want to bother myself with Norman, I already had enough of him."
"I'm proud of you."I blurted, placing my hand on his shoulder instantly.
He gave me an impressed grin."Really? You are proud of–"
"Alright, I take that back."I rolled my eyes, slipping into the car but Rafael grabbed my waist before I could, causing me to curve into his arms.
He pulled me into a bear hug gently, his weight was almost suffocating but I stayed still in his arms, tugging him closer as well.
"Thank you."He said gently into my ears.
Bobbing my head rigorously because I couldn't find the words in my mouth."Thank you too."
We stayed in that position for more than a minute before Rafael pulled away.
"Let's go."He said,dropping a brief peck on my lips.
"Yeah."I muttered, entering the car finally.
As soon as we were both settled, Rafael drove out of the quiet estate slowly.
Shortly, his phone buzzed right between us, he picked it up and stared at the screen for a moment.
"Gretchen found your Mom's location."He reported, slowing down more than before.
We were literally crawling right now but it was what I needed to distract me from having a panic attack.
"Oh."I mumbled under my breath, gripping my knees strongly.
Gosh. Stupid me thought I was ready for it all. To face her and set things straight with her.
I thought I would be able to do it and keep myself detached as much as I can but look at me freaking out just because they found her location.
Rafael's palm engulfed mine and he stroked me gently."We can postpone this–"
"No, I will go."I chimed in quickly, shaking my head.
Rafael sighed softly, focusing his soft gaze on me."Are you sure? I don't want–"
"I'm fine, she used to be a mother figure in my life, it can't be that bad."I smiled, assuring her and myself at the same time.
The worst she could do is shit talk and act like....herself.
"We can branch into a cafe and–"
"Jesus, Raf."I laughed throwing my head into the headrest."I'm still full from the heavy breakfast you made for me."
"But–"
"I'm fine."I repeated, squeezing his hand."Trust me on this."
And that seemed to ease Rafael a bit because he increased his pace but his hands never left mine until we got to a small restaurant located a few minutes drive away from the hospital.
"You called her here?"I scoffed in disbelief, glancing around.
Rafael shrugged, pulling the door handle inside."Of course. Had to let her know that you're in charge."
"That's..."I trailed off, taking my gaze upward to prevent the tears from coming out again.
"Petty? Maybe. But I'm not letting her call the shots for you this time around."
"Well, thanks."I said bashfully, getting out of the car.
Rafael walked to me as soon as I was out and pushed me backwards until I was pressed against the car.
"We can still leave, and I will handle–"
"Don't you trust me?"I cut in, heat rising through my chest.
I knew pretty well that he was trying to make me feel better but we both know how important this is to me.
It's what I haven't been able to do for years.
"I do Kim, trust me, I do."He affirmed repeatedly, staring down at us.
"You talk like you don't."
Guilt flushed his face immediately and I almost regretted why I said that but I didn't debunk it.
"Shit,you're right."Rafael chuckled nervously, sniffling as well.
"How about you go to Baxter to let go of this steam and–"
Rafael's eyes darted on my face wildly."You want me to transfer aggression to–"
"Don't you dare do that."I warned, brushing past his body even though he didn't want me to.
"She's the only one there in case–"
"Get your ass away from here, Raf."I huffed, walking into the restaurant.
My legs were literally shaking and unsteady as I found my way inside but I didn't stop.
She could be watching. She could be seeing me from somewhere and it'd be a shit show if she saw me tumbling or losing my balance.
The last thing I wanted to do is give her leverage, she didn't deserve one.
Soon enough, I heard Rafael's car zoom off the compound which meant that I'm now on my own, alone.
Pushing through the glass door which served as a barrier from getting me in, I was welcomed with the floral scent wafting in the cozy space and I knew it wasn't from any other person than Mom.
She's here. God, this is real. Absolute. Glaring.
"Look at my Pumpkin."Mom charged from my right side, her shrill voice slicing into the quiet atmosphere.
Her voice is still the same as before, just that it's now more shrill and cutting.
I tensed up but managed to turn in her direction.
My jaw dropped slightly as I let my eyes scan every details of her small frame.
She looked rather...shrunk up but glistening.
Like an old rag doll, just that she's glossed up. Her clothes hung loosely around her slim body and her legs shook as she walked in those ridiculously long heels of hers.
Everything about her screamed extravagance, but in a knock off version.
Just a glance at her is enough to see that none of her accessories or dress is from any high end brands.
Inhaling deeply, I tucked my hands into my pants, whooshing out air from my lungs.
"Miss. Selena."I stretched my hand at her for a handshake, my voice totally devoid of warmth.
She crashed instantly, gaping at me, dumbfounded.
I huffed out a smug laugh, tilting my head at her."Or wait, is it Mrs now?"