Something Beautiful

It was the sunlight that woke him up. God, was it that late?

Rob had only been home for 3 days, and he was already exhausted. Between family time, catching up with friends, and recovering from the aftermath of catching up with friends, he had barely had an hour to himself.

Luckily it was Monday. No one did anything on a Monday right? Just lunch with Josh, a beer if he could taste one without gagging, but that was it. He still had 6 more days, one night alone couldn't hurt.

He rolled over in bed and did his best to ignore the remains of Saturday night in his gut. Two day hangovers? At 25? At this rate he'd have to give up drinking by 30. He glanced at his alarm clock, the same clock that had been there since he was a boy. 11:30. Fuck. He clawed lazily for his phone, there were 5 texts waiting...all from different people. He groaned and buried his face in his pillow.

Not today. Just lunch. That's it.

He swung his legs out of bed and limped his way to the door. Not bothering to grab a shirt, he swung his bedroom door open and made his way to the bathroom. He could hear movement downstairs, a lot of movement. He quickly slid into the bathroom before anyone could yell for him. He started the shower, and as it warmed up he sent a quick 'I'm gonna be late, I don't wanna hear it, fuck you' text to Josh.

The shower seemed to brighten him up slightly, very slightly. As he was drying off there was a knock at the door.

"Rob!" yelled an annoyingly chipper voice, "Hurry up we have a big day today."

And just like that the brightness was fading.

"What are you talking about?" He asked with audible unease.

"Your aunt and uncle want to meet us at the cabin for the night." she answered, still chipper.

He hesitated for a moment, "Which aunt and uncle?"

"Dave and Kristy."

Rob's head fell dramatically and hung above his chest. He couldn't handle a Dave and Kristy night. Talk about menaces to society.

"Mom, I can't." He groaned as he continued drying off, "Not tonight."

"What??" She shrieked, "Why not?"

"Because I'm drying inside." He replied.

"But it'll be so much fun!" She said sounding giddy.

"I don't doubt that," Rob sneered, "But you may have to take me to the hospital after Dave forces me to drink 13 shots of fucking sambuca!" He pulled on his boxers and opened the door to find his mother leaning against the door frame.

"Plus shouldn't all of you deviants be working?"

"First of all, don't curse at me you little fucker." She said and punched him in the chest grinning. "Second of all it's the long weekend dummy!"

Rob buried his face in his hands and let out a muffled groan. Of course, and so many people to see.

"Normally I'd be all over it, but I'm really dying," he said with just the right amount of distress, "I need a night to myself to recharge, plus I saw them on Friday."

Her expressed softened, she stuck out her bottom lip and made a pouty face.

"Awe my poor baby has so many people that missed him." She teased as she stroked the side of his face with her hands.

"Fine, we'll have all the fun without you." She said with a playful hint of smugness.

She turned and started descending the stairs, "But if your sister dies of sambuca poisoning it's on your hands!" She declared.

He let out a sigh of relief and returned to his room, with a slight spring in his step.

---

It was a late lunch, as Josh reminded him multiple times, but it was glorious. He managed to stomach a beer, which ended up making him feel a whole lot better, so he stomached 3 more. That plus a hot meal and suddenly he was feeling something like his usual self.

He felt good enough to go for a walk along the river, which turned into a long and tipsy think on a park bench. The breeze was wonderful, and he felt a small ping of regret in his stomach. He probably should have gone to the cabin. He had hardly spent any time with mom and dad; there was still plenty of time, but he was only home twice a year.

He checked his watch, nearly 6, where did the day go. He started his walk home, felling a little sorry for himself.

---

He returned to an empty house. The SUV was gone, and so was the booze. He threw a couple of frozen mini pizzas in the microwave and combed the fridge for any forgotten soldiers. Jackpot. One singular coors light. He rolled his eyes, and then shook his head at himself. *They all thought you were a hungover piece of shit don't be a brat.* He collected his bubbling cheesy bread and slinked his way to the basement.

This was yet another reason he loved coming home. Rob's dad was an absolute sports fiend. The game day theater system he had set up in the basement was breathtaking. Two enormous couches that spanned almost the entire length of the room. No arm rests of course, how else would one lay down. Instead he had hand built individual tables, perfect for beer, wings, and frozen mini pizzas. Rob always thought they were a bit flimsy, he had lost track of the amount of times someone had bumped one mid-celebration and nearly coated the carpet in booze and wing sauce.

He constructed his table and settled in. It was the ultimate Netflix dungeon for lazy days in, and since he had the place to himself he was free to watch whatever embarrassing show he pleased. He was one and a half mini pizzas, and 2 episodes of love island in when he felt his eyes start to close.

---

He was awoken by the sound of the front door closing. He sat up quickly, slightly confused, he had definitely locked the door. He listened as footsteps thudded around above him, into the living room momentarily, then to the kitchen. He heard the clang of glass, followed by more footsteps, and the basement door opened.

There was a slight panic in his chest as he glanced at the TV and saw 'Are you still watching love island?' sprawled across the screen. He looked around in an embarrassed flurry, the apple remote was nowhere to be seen. He quickly grabbed the tv remote and switched the input to satellite TV; where his dad, bless his soul, had been watching sportscenter earlier.

"I thought I'd find you down here." An amused voice came from behind him.

He turned his head, "Mom?" he asked still a bit groggy from his impromptu nap, "What are you doing home?"

She rounded the couch and revealed a six pack of coronas, two glasses and a bottle of red wine tucked underneath her arm. She was wearing the classic cabin combo, a baggy hoodie and yoga pants. He could still smell the campfire on her.

"I know, I know," she sighed, "A night alone." She set everything down on the table he had set out and left to get her own. "And yes, I know, you feel like death." She said wagging her head slightly as she made her way back with a flimsy table. "But I thought, hair of the dog?" She grinned widely and gently shook one of the bottles of beer.

He couldn't help but smile, "You are the reason I am the way I am." He said as he reached out to grab the bottle.

"You were always a momma's boy," she winked, "You got that or do you need your momma to do it for you?"

Rob made a face at her and used another beer to pry the cap off his. "So explain, what are you doing here? Where is everyone else?"

She fixed her own table into place and dropped down onto the couch in a huff. "I told them I didn't feel right leaving you alone." She sighed as she reached over to retrieve her bottle of wine. "And you shut your mouth you can have all the alone time you want back in your dorm room mister." She prodded her finger at him and put on her best stern face.

"It's possible I may have been a little too hasty, and there's a chance I feel slightly bad about it." he said with an eyeroll. That put a grin back on her face. "How are those miscreants going to get to work tomorrow?"

She chuckled, "Well your sister has already called in sick." Her eyes widened and she poured herself some wine. "When I left she was trying to tackle uncle Dave into the lake." She sat back and took a long sip. "Her and your dad are going to get a ride in with Dave and Kristy in the morning." She nestled into her corner of the couch, "Dave sets his own schedule and Kristy lives the life of a damn teenager." She chuckled again shaking her head a bit.

"And dad will just get Andy to open up." he nodded in realization. "What a difficult life you all live out here." He teased as he took a sip of beer.

She stuck her tongue out at him, "So now that I have you all to myself," she held out her hand and wiggled her fingers, "Give momma the deets."

Over the next 2 hours they covered all of the important topics. School, girls, his future, old friends, new friends, dad, dad's bullshit, the grandparents, and everything in-between. They laughed and they drank. But only a few glasses, the conversation seemed to flow freely tonight. They were in their own little pocket in time. No phones, no one to call them away, it was just what he needed. It reminded him of old times, back when they were best friends, when he told her everything. It had been so long since someone actually listened.

It was nearly midnight when the conversation had its first lull. Rob excused himself and disappeared to the bathroom. As he washed his hands he couldn't help but smile. He missed it here. He let himself think about what it would be like moving home after school. Being able to do this all the time. Hang out with mom, go golfing with dad, get closer to his sister. But he couldn't move back after working so hard to get out, could he?

He left the bathroom and as he rounded the corner his heart skipped a beat. His mom was standing with a devilish grin, remote in hand, and love island on the television.

Rob hid his face behind his hands, "Oh my god, this isn't what it looks like!" He said peaking through his fingers.

"Oh really?" She cackled, "Because what it looks like is my manly little Robbie is now a reality TV junkie!" She tilted her head back and gave a maniacal laugh. "You have become your mother!" She squealed while doing her best villain pose.

He charged at her laughing, "It's not true!" He grabbed her waist and lifted her up onto his shoulder. "I'll never join you!"

She kicked and punched as he slammed her down onto the couch, both of them laughing like idiots. The flimsy drink tables swaying in the chaos. She had always been strong, and she hadn't lost a single step. He strained to keep her from slapping him as they wrestled on the couch. Finally he pinned her arms and she squeezed her legs tightly around his waist.

"Give up?" he asked, eyebrow raised. He looked down on her and she stared back up with a playful smirk. Her brown eyes danced in the dim lighting and he could tell it was far from over.

"Tell you what," she said matter of factly, "We'll call it a draw if you watch love island with me." She batted her eyelashes, "It would be a dream come true."

Rob scoffed and thought about it for a moment.

"Ok fine." He snapped, "But not a word of this to the others."

She gave him a wide toothy smile, "Pinky promise." And she wiggled her left pinky on her still trapped hand. He relaxed and offered his own pinky, and the truce was official.

She released her grip on his waist and they untangled from each other. He grabbed the remote and sat back, her legs propped up on his thighs. "This season is ridiculous." Rob said shaking his head, "I don't know if I want any of them to win."

His mom just stared at him, "I cannot believe after all of the shit talking you did about this show that you're the one updating me." She said defiantly.

"Oh come on I wasn't that bad was I?"

She put on her best thoughtful face, "I believe you called reality TV a scourge of the earth created for weak minds and lonely people."

"Well I mean, there are some positives I didn't see before." he paused, "For instance there are a lot more bikinis in this show than I thought there would be."

She gave him an eyeroll of epic proportions, "The truth comes out." She laughed, "Typical."

"What you can't blame me for appreciating a ridiculous body!" He said playfully defensive.

"It's true, men are simple creatures." She shook her head again, "And yet I work my ass off for 8 months and no one notices." She made a gun shot motion to her temple.

Rob had noticed. When he first arrived home he was shocked at how hard her body was when she hugged him. She had never been terribly out of shape, but she had definitely been busting her ass.

"What do you mean? Of course we noticed." He said confused.

"Well then how come the only compliments I get are from my goddamn girlfriends?" She retorted.

"Well what am I supposed to say? 'Damn mom nice body'?" He lowered his voice into a mocking tone.

"Well ya, that'd be nice actually," she smiled patronizingly, "Or at least let your father know he's an idiot, maybe inform him that gyms exist." She added with a few angry hand gestures.

Rob couldn't help but laugh at that, "Well I think even he knows he's an idiot, at least now we know he's a blind idiot." He offered.

That brought a smile back to her face, "Yes true enough."

He could see her staring at him out the corner of his eye. He wondered what she was thinking about. "I'm glad you noticed," She said in a tired voice, "I knew you would."

He turned and smiled at her, rubbing her leg comfortingly. "Give him time, He'll smarten up."

She smiled again, "Oh probably not," she said as she sat up, "Could you pass me my wine?"

He reached over to her table and retrieved her half empty glass, she took a sip and put it down on his table. "Start up an episode I'm gonna get comfy."

She started taking off her smoke riddled sweater, as she did it pulled her shirt up slightly and after all of the body talk Rob couldn't help but look. She really had been working out, he had never seen her stomach toned before. She pulled the sweater over her head and revealed the white tank top underneath. She folded it up roughly and swung her legs off of his lap, laying the sweater where they had been, resting her head on top.

They watched silently for a while, making quick remarks here and there about how stupid the people on screen were. During a particularly dumb rant from a bikini clad woman, his mother's head started shaking. She let out a sigh and sat up, "You know," she paused for a moment, "This show was a lot more fun when I was watching it without you."

Rob couldn't help but laugh at that, "Well I'm sorry, should I leave you to it?" he made mocking gestures towards the door.

"Oh shush that's not what I meant." She rolled her eyes, "All I can think about now is you ending up with one of these stunned bitches." She said shaking her open hand at the TV.

"Well that's the dream." He teased.

She pointed a finger at him, "Robert. If you ever bring home anything resembling one of these women I'll castrate you myself." She warned, "They cannot be allowed to reproduce."

"But think of how beautiful our babies would be." He smirked

She smacked his shoulder and leaned back into the couch, her shoulder resting against his. He put his arm around her comfortingly, "Don't you worry, I'll bring home a girl as smart, funny, and beautiful as you." He nudged her cheekily.

"See that you do." She smirked as she reached for her wine, "Only you wont be able to find a girl as pretty as your mom, right?" She asked with a playful sternness.

"That's right." He said and kissed her on the temple.

"Damn straight." She said with a sassy head wobble. She took another sip of wine and patted the inside of his leg. "It's so good having you back here Robbie," she sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," he said tightening his grip on her slightly, "Thanks for coming back tonight. This is the best night I've had in as long as I can remember."

She went quiet at that, he thought maybe she was about to cry. She pulled away from him and sat up cradling her glass, she turned to face him and tucked her feet beneath her. "Do you really mean that?" She asked staring into his eyes.

It was in that moment that Rob noticed something unsettling. He was suddenly disturbingly aware of his mother. Her tank top hugged her breasts in a way that seemed so sexual to him, like they were on display. Her dirty blonde hair fell across her shoulders and chest in curls. Her tight pants left nothing to the imagination, her legs were thin but strong.

"Ya," He said as he watched her take a large mouthful of wine, "I was just thinking earlier about what it would be like moving back here. Being able to do this more often."

She put down her nearly empty glass. She had hardly swallowed the wine when she leaned forward extending both of her arms, she grabbed the sides of his head tightly and kissed him on the mouth.

His mother had kissed him many times before, but not like this. She had snaked her tongue inside his mouth and let it rest against his. He could taste the wine still wet on her tongue, bitter and cold against the warmth of her mouth. She held him there for a moment, his heart rate had skyrocketed and he could feel the blood rushing to his face. She let her lips slowly slide off of his and pulled her face back a few inches from his.

"Move back." She said, there was no wavering in her voice. She was staring at him intently, her hands still clutching his face.

He was speechless, he found his hands had subconsciously moved to her waist. To push her away? He wasn't sure. "Uhhh," he stammered, "What was th..."

She kissed him again, this time more aggressively. His mouth hung open, stunned, as she continued exploring him with her tongue. Her lips massaging his. "Move back," She muttered between kisses. "I miss you...so much"

He pushed her hips back gently, separating their lips for a moment. As they parted she locked eyes with him; there was sadness in hers, along with something else.

"What is happening," He said trying to catch his breath, his head was spinning, and his heart was pounding. "What was that?"

She dropped one hand to his shoulder and grabbed at it gently, "Don't try to tell me you couldn't feel the electricity tonight," She was squirming slightly as she spoke, "I haven't felt like this since before you were born." She was breathing heavily, "Just tell me you didn't feel it." She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him towards her vigorously, kissing him again and again. "Tell me and I'll stop."

He pushed her away again, this time there was only lust in her eyes, her lips curled in together while her eyes searched his face. "Mom!" he said in shock, "What are you doing? What are you saying?!"

She stroked the side of his neck and squirmed a bit more, "I'm saying that I haven't felt this close to someone since before your father," she blurted, "I'm saying that since you left I've been trying to figure out why I feel so empty." Her words were pouring out so fast, "I mean I know all mothers lose their sons eventually, but do all mothers also think about their sons when they're fucking their husbands?" She buried her face in her hands, she was starting to rant now, "I don't know, is there something wrong with me? Am I going to hell? Do I need to see a therapist?"

Rob sat silent for a moment, breathing heavy, trying to wrap his head around what was happening to him. He thought about the evening, about how they had gotten here. He glanced at the drinks, maybe they were drunk. He had only had two beers, and the wine bottle was practically still full. It was true, he did feel something tonight. Something different, he thought he was just happy to be home.

He looked back at his mother, she had one arm wrapped around herself in a hug and the other was covering her face. Trying to calm herself.

"Do it again." he said.

She looked up from her hand, confused. "What?" She asked, with a trace of hope in her voice.