Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 102

Naomi felt utterly lost, with no idea what terrible crime she was supposed to have committed.

"What is it, Mom?"

Hearing the sleepiness still lingering in Naomi's voice, Mrs. Gonzalez frowned. "Why are you still in bed at this hour? Shouldn't you be out getting breakfast? Is this how you take care of yourself and Zebulon?"

"Didn't I raise you to look after yourself and others? How is it that the older you get, the worse you become at it?"

The word "breakfast" immediately clued Naomi in on the reason for her mother's early call.

"Mom, I've always taken good care of myself. As for Zebulon, I'm a sophomore and he's a senior who doesn't even live on campus anymore. Back when I did make a special effort for him, he only occasionally ate the breakfast I brought. I have a job now and I'm busy. Why am I still expected to look after him every day?"

Naomi wanted to say that Zebulon already had someone else looking after him, but she couldn't bring herself to say it to her mother over the phone.

But even what she did say was enough to anger Mrs. Gonzalez.

"What kind of talk is that?"

"Naomi, maybe you should just quit your job. We don't need the money. Look at Zebulon and his friends—they're not working. You should be like them. Just wait until you finish your senior year and you can intern at the family company. Your father and I can provide you with wonderful opportunities."

Naomi felt emotionally drained.

"But Mom, I want to do something for myself. My life isn't just about getting married. I'm only a sophomore. Why can't I enjoy my college experience and get a head start on adapting to the real world?"

Mrs. Gonzalez was at a loss for words.

Before she could say anything else, Naomi asked, "Mom, what is it you really want to say?"

Ultimately, Mrs. Gonzalez was still on her daughter's side. She sighed and said, "Zebulon mentioned that you've changed a lot recently, and he doesn't think it's a good thing. Naomi, you're still young and might not understand a lot of things. I just want you to focus on your studies."

Naomi fell silent.

It was Patricia who, having overheard Mrs. Gonzalez, couldn't help but speak up. "Naomi is an incredibly motivated student. She's always first in her class and has won scholarships. She hasn't done anything wrong. Why would you rather listen to someone else's version of your daughter instead of trying to get to know her yourself?"

Naomi pressed her lips together, looking at her own tired reflection in the mirror. "I have," she said softly. "But they just tell me not to be so childish."

Patricia's eyes welled up. "How is that childish? Seriously, what are your parents thinking? Why would they treat their own daughter this way?"

Naomi said, "They're good to me, really. I think they just trust Zebulon and his family too much."

Patricia wanted to say more, but Naomi offered her a small smile. "Let's talk about it later. You should get ready, Patricia, or we'll be late for class."

Patricia glanced at the time and saw she was right, quickly starting her morning routine.

The two of them made it to the classroom just as the bell rang. For some reason—perhaps because the other students had had a word with Tiffany—the class was unusually peaceful.

After it ended, Naomi said goodbye to Patricia and headed to the studio for work.

Just as she reached the campus gate, Zebulon blocked her path.