"You can't have him," I barked.

"Ooo... Is that a twinge of jealousy I see?" Amber said, sarcastically.

"Shut up. I didn't call you here to be an ass."

"Fine, then what do you want? Other than having me meet a total hottie" Amber cued, using a puppy dog face, and stroking Mother Nature’s cheek. I rolled my eyes.

"I need help."

"With what? Be more specific. It doesn't help using phrases." Amber complained, as she turned to me.

"With him." I stated, putting my hands to my hips and slouching.

"How can I help?" She asked, finally getting up. Mother Nature followed and then headed to the kitchen, where I suspected he was trying to come up with another batch of cookies.

"I want to get rid of him." I whispered, hoping he wouldn't hear.

"But why?!"

"Why?" I mocked. "Well, I don't know... maybe because he's a total stranger claiming to be Mother Nature and he won't leave!" I clasped my hand to my mouth, realizing how loud I had just spoken. Amber was silent, also trying to hear for any sign of a backlash. Nothing. We both sighed at the same time, full of relief.

"Well, that's one way to kick someone out." Amber laughed. "So how do you suppose we get rid of him? It's a shame though; he has so much potential as my boyfriend."

"That's the thing. I don't know how to get rid of him. I asked him to leave, but he's claiming to want to grant me a wish."

"Wow. He may be hot and all, but I don't think his brain is in the right place." Amber said, looking around.

"Exactly. That's why we have to be very swift and we can't do anything to piss him off. I just bet his string is almost cut."

Amber nodded her head in agreement.

"Cookies are ready!" Mother Nature chimed, as he strolled out of the kitchen, a tray of cookies back in his hands. Amber and I straightened up.

"Umm...thanks. I guess." I said.

"Ya, same here." Amber put in, uneasiness at the bottom of her voice. Now that I had told her about him, I was sure she was contradicting herself on whether to keep him.

Mother Nature smiled and then placed a cookie in each of our hands.

"Hey I was wondering if we could call you something new," I asked, "Mother Nature is pretty awkward to call you, being a man and all." He nodded in approval.

"What about...umm...Kevin?" I suggested putting in the first name I thought of.

"Please..." Amber scoffed. "I don't want to think about a little kid when I'm planting my lips on him." Mother Nature looked confused.

"Fine...” I said, nibbling on the end of the cookie. I closed my eyes, trying to think of a guy name that would suit his eccentric personality. Nothing.

"How about...Angelo!" Amber exclaimed, jumping up and now, clapping her hands together.

"What a name," I said, shaking my head.

"But it's nice! He's so hot he could be an angel and the o could just be for effect, like he could be Italian or something!" She explained. Plead filled her eyes.

"Fine," I gave up. "Fine...Angelo will be your new name," I instructed, making sure he understood.

"A-n-g-e-l-o..." He repeated, pronouncing every syllable. Then he smiled.

Amber finally left, but there was still the fact that both my father and brother had no clue I had a guy in the house. In a matter of an hour, I would have to conjugate a plan to hide Angelo and also explain what had come over me to cook.

"Let me help, Hope." Angelo offered, taking the scrub away fro me, and finishing the counter.

"Thanks," I said allowing the silence to take over. I resumed cleaning the rest of the kitchen.

"Tell me about yourself Hope." I looked up to see Angelo looking at me with curiosity.

"You should know, since you know so much already." I declared, turning back around, scrubbing even harder. I didn't appreciate him in my business.

"I only know your name and that you’re filled with a very deep sadness." I didn't reply. The noise of scrubs mixed in with water and soap filled the air.

"It is okay if you wish not to tell me."

"I'm stuck," I tried to explain. “I’m stuck in this hell hole of a town and there is no way for me to escape." I sighed. "My brother has never had a mother and everyday I blame myself for it. I blame myself for everything. I am the reason she left my father. I am the reason why she never cared for her children. She never wanted us because of me." I stopped scrubbing long enough to realize that my eyes were beginning to water. I leaned against the counter, facing Angelo and put my head against the cabinet.

"It is not your fault." Angelo said.

"And how would you know?"

"Because I know your mother loved you and your brother very much."

"Ya right."

"No, it is true. A mother bird has to let go of her baby birds. And by doing so, they learn to fly."

"I really don't think birds will help."

"I'm sure your mother loved you and you'll probably never know how much." And he left it at that.