MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

Tessa cruised through the familiar streets of her childhood, the air carrying a nostalgic blend of memories. This was her street, her home, and the tranquility of the suburbs embraced her. Parking by a quaint apartment, she gathered her handbag and a stack of papers neatly bound in binders.

Her childhood home stood gracefully, a charming red-bricked mansion adorned with climbing ivy, exuding a timeless allure. The driveway hosted a sleek midnight-blue sedan, its polished exterior reflecting the surrounding greenery.

The front garden, a tapestry of blooming flowers and manicured shrubs, framed the entrance with a touch of nature's elegance. The house, though not grandiose, held an understated charm, welcoming all who approached its inviting facade.

As she approached the house, a loud hum caught her ears. It was the sound of a lawn mower that caught her attention. A silver-haired, elderly man meticulously manicured the lawn. Tessa smiled and greeted him.

"Good morning, Mr. Johnson! Keeping the lawn in top shape, I see."

The elderly man chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Morning, Tessa! Can't let this grass grow wild, you know."

Tessa joined him for a brief conversation, mentioning that she had some errands to run around town and decided to drop by to see her mother.

Mr. Johnson chuckled, "You were always a busy bee, even as a little girl. Couldn't sit still for a moment." Mr Johnson ran way back to the time she was a child. He was one of the few staffs that stayed after her father's death, saying that his life wouldn't have amounted to anything without Tessa's father lending a helping hand.

Already he had been relieved off his duty as the maintenance guy around the Morgan's residence but he still kept up with it. He had his own room in the house and was given weekly wages.

In all, Tessa appreciated him sticking around as she wondered how her mother would have coped without someone around right after she left for college.

Tessa stepped into the living room, greeted by warm earthy tones and plush furniture that exuded comfort. The room held a subtle air of sophistication with tasteful artworks adorning the walls, telling tales of the family's refined taste. A well-worn leather sofa, the centerpiece of the room, beckoned with promises of relaxation.

Sunlight filtered through delicate curtains, casting a soft glow on the hardwood floors, where a few strategically placed rugs added a touch of coziness.

As she entered the house, Tessa called out to her mother. The aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air, a familiar comfort. Her mother's love for tea was unaging. She noticed two cups were already prepared and she didn't tell her mother that she was coming that morning so it had to be Mr Johnson's cup.

Moving toward the dining area, a polished wooden table stood proudly, surrounded by cushioned chairs that bore the gentle marks of time. The air carried the faint scent of polished wood and the lingering aroma of meals shared.

"Mom, I'm here!" Tessa announced, placing the papers on the dining table. She noticed a brown envelope that read "Shelly Technologies." Opening it revealed a gratuity check. Tessa sighed, setting the envelope down with a heavy heart, she proceeded to the kitchen.

The kitchen boasted an organized chaos, with utensils hanging neatly, and pots and pans arranged in harmonious disarray.

There, her mother was engrossed in cooking, a warm smile on her face.

"Hey, sweetheart! I thought you might drop by," her mother greeted.

Tessa couldn't help but smile back. "It's been a while. How have you been?"

"I'm good as you can see," her mother said. Tessa's mother had hazel eyes like Tessa, with streaks of silver in her chestnut-brown hair. She had a warm and expressive face, with laugh lines that added character. Despite her petite stature, she carried herself with a quiet strength and grace.

As they exchanged pleasantries, the conversation flowed, momentarily easing the weight on Tessa's shoulders. Yet, the Shelly Technologies envelope loomed in the background and Tessa couldn't help herself anymore.

"Mom, do you need anything? Like anything at all?" Tessa asked.

"That's a rather odd question. I don't remember mentioning anything I wanted. Is there a problem?" The old lady asked.

Tessa cleared her throat, ran her hand across her face and then through her hair before she began, "I don't know, I couldn't help but notice the envelope on the dining table that says "Shelly technologies!" Mom!" Tessa said, her tone having a little bit of aggression in it.

"Oh, That just came about thirty minutes ago. Johnson had dropped it there. Is there a problem? Don't tell me it is still what it is" Tessa's mother said.

"It is still what it is?" Tessa asked with a gasp almost out of sheer disbelief that her mother would say that.

"Well yes mom, you're right. It still is what it is! I mean they are basically paying you hush money! Can't you see?!" Tessa questioned. The look on her mothers face was a replica of the same disbelief Tessa felt a moment ago.

"You are still on this huh? Well if you must know, that "hush money" paid your fees and took care of all your needs! You really have to let this go, T!" Her mother said.

"You're a young girl with a bright future! Come on, you can't continue like this! Settle down, get a man, get married, and be happy. Leave the past in the past," her mother implored.

Tessa countered, a fervent determination in her voice. "Well, this makes me happy, Mom! Why can't you see that? I love my job! I really do! And I'm not interested in any relationship at the moment; I'm way too busy for that!"

"Too busy? Chasing and digging up lost trails? When will you let it go? This isn't what your father would have wanted for you! I was his wife, and trust me, your father's death hurt me more than you think it did. I haven't healed till this day but i understand that even the little life I've got left needs to be loved, to the fullest!

You have to let go! You really have to," her mother urged, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and understanding.

Tessa stared at her mother for a moment, a storm of emotions churning within her. Without a word, she turned to leave.

"T, you going? I'm making dinner, wouldn't you like to wait?" her mother asked, trying to soften the tension.

Tessa glanced around the kitchen, noting the preparations for dinner. Something caught her eye, and she stretched out her hand, grabbing a carrot. Taking a huge bite with a resounding crunch, she declared, "This will do."

She left the kitchen, her voice trailing behind her, "I'll be in Dad's study if you need me!"