Chapter 1
My name is Opal Scott, I was brought up in an overly religious family who judged every move I made. Of course when I decided that I wanted to be a professor they were disgusted, it gave me a silent joy that I’ve never experienced. My mother still disagrees with my decisions, and is currently on thin ice as I have previously cut almost all of my family off. I guess I have to thank them for something though, If I didn’t end up rebelling against my parents, I wouldn’t have gotten to meet my fiancée. Tanner Michelson, Tanner and I met at Nicholls State University of Louisiana. He lived up in Lafayette while I lived down in Houma; What seems to be two different places. I grew up around a very, very country family who was always hypocritical. My dad, Paul Scott, is an overbearing alcoholic; he wasn’t the best dad but was one of the more sane one’s. Him and I are still in contact; He’s gotten a lot better than when I was little, he finally started going to rehab for his addictions. My mother, Ruby Scott, is a judgmental overly religious Christian woman; one of the most insane women you’ll ever meet. She seemed like a sweetheart in public around strangers and her friends but only her family knew what she was really like. I feel obligated to be in contact with her, she was always controlling me and always ends up guilt tripping me back. It’s hard to say no to the woman who raised me, but I know one day I will be rid of her.
It was October 21st, 2002 when she called, my birthday, I was turning 24. She called to give me a dry, uncaring happy birthday, I hadn’t seen her in about a year, I always answer her calls but never call her. I haven’t seen my father in a while but I have a very strong contact with him. My mother said “Opaline Rose Scott. Why haven’t you called me recently. You let my call go to voice message yesterday.” My mothers strong southern accent came through the phone as a screech.
“Sorry momma, I was really busy” I said with a guilt filled southern voice.
“Opal, I am you’re mother. If you’re busy when I’m calling you still have to answer. What if I was dying. Huh?” My mother always did this to make me feel guilty, but this time I didn’t apologize…
“Momma listen, you didn’t-“ I said in my annoyed southern tone through the phone.
“Oh so now you’ve got an attitude. You’re just like you father, I knew I shouldn’t have let you go to that damn college. It’s rotting your innocent mind out.” Her narcissism showed, it was hard hearing it from a sweet southern voice.
“Momma. I am a grown ass woman, I ain’t no innocent child anymore. You’re so prejudiced against my life, I ain’t your little girl anymore and if you keep on, I ain’t gonna be you’re daughter period.” I did it. I finally stood up to my mother, I never felt so guilty but so proud of myself.
“Opaline Rose Scott. Hush your damn mouth.” My mothers voice rose with a southern twang.
“No momma, I'm tired of your bullshit. You’re always doing this! And on my birthday of all days?! I’m done with this. I am not gonna speak to you any more, you’ve dug your grave now you’ll lie in it. Goodbye momma.” My angered voice spoke through in a heated blur.
I hung up the phone, blocking her number without feeling any remorse at the moment, but soon I regretted my actions.
