I walked up the beautiful driveway and admired my new home.

The huge windows.

The oak door.

The white pillars.

It was gorgeous.

It was a mansion.

It was mine.

I stood in the driveway admiring it for a while.

As I entered the house I took a deep breath.

It still smelled like bleach.

I walked through the house admiring everything.

I ran my hand over the marble countertops.

I marveled at the vaulted ceilings.

As I made my way to my new room, I watched birds through the skylights.
I sat on my bed and sighed, everything is perfect about the house.

My house.

As I sat, my phone began to ring.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hi, baby girl! I am so excited that you finally got your house! When can I come see it?"

"Oh... Hi mom. Uh, you can come soon."

"Can I come today? I'm in town for work."

"Oh.. Uh," I said, wringing my hands. "Maybe not today... I'm... still cleaning."

"Oh honey, that's no problem. I can help you clean! A little mother-daughter bonding," she said excitedly. "What's the address?"

I ran my hand over my face. My mouth opened and closed but no noise came out.

"Hmm, maybe our connection is bad. I asked what the address was... Honey?" My mom repeated.

"5887 Kohler Ports Drive," I mumbled.

"Oh wow... That's in the fancy neighborhood," she said dubiously. "If you don't mind me asking... How'd you afford that? Last time we talked I thought you were moving in by the apartments on Fifth Street, but I know you were having some trouble with your pay, and I-"

"Mom," I cut her off. "I just had a change of plans. I talked to my boss about a raise and I got one. That's all." I took a deep breath, "You can come by at five."

"Ok, baby. I love you," she said quietly.

"I love you too. Bye."

My mom loved me, and I knew that. However, we've had our arguments. When I was in college we had some serious fights. Enough so that we lost contact for a while. When I graduated I went into severe debt and I came running back to her. It hurt me to be so weak, but I had no choice.
Now we talk occasionally. Last I told her I was looking at a small house on Fifth street, but obviously, plans changed.

I've changed.

I set down my phone and stared at the wall.

If mom was coming I had some things to do.

I ran to my car and grabbed a random suitcase of clothes that I hadn't moved in yet. I threw on a pair of leggings and a rain jacket and grabbed a pair of latex gloves.

If mom was coming the floorboards had to be spotless.

If mom was coming the windows had to be streakless.

If mom was coming the toilets had to be bleached.

If mom was coming, the owner's bodies had to be removed.