My Mother Put Me up for Sale — Story of the Day

Maria is a caring and earnest woman who spends her free time volunteering to help homeless people in her neighborhood. Contrary to her wishes, her conniving mother wants to marry her off to a rich but lecherous man until Maria takes her destiny into her own hands and falls in love.

Walking through the bustling city, I felt the urban chaos around me. Suddenly, a well-dressed man approached, but his predatory gaze unsettled me.

"Hey, sweetheart, where are you headed?" he asked, his voice slithering through the air.

"Just going home," I replied, walking faster. Fortunately, he stayed behind.

Reaching home, I felt the strange atmosphere immediately. My mother, Heather, greeted me, but something felt off. "Sit down, Maria. We need to talk," she said.

The front door opened to reveal the same man from the street. My eyes widened, and I was about to stand to call the police when my mother spoke again.

"Maria, this is Rocco," she introduced.

His clammy hand enveloped mine as he said, "A pleasure, Maria. Your mother's told me so much about you." I pulled away quickly but kept a poker face.

"I'll leave you two to talk a bit," Mom said, walking to her room.

But being alone with Rocco felt disgusting. "So, Maria, your mother tells me you're looking for stability. Well, I can offer you that and more," he leered.

I recoiled. "I'm not interested in any of this. I never asked for—" I started, but he cut me off.

"Your mother seems to think otherwise," he countered, a sinister satisfaction in his tone.

"My mother doesn't get to decide my future," I scoffed, disgusted. "Besides, I'd rather be alone than shackled to a nightmare."

I went out, quickening my pace when I heard my mother calling me back. Once I was far from home, I sought refuge in my favorite cafe, ordering a black coffee, wondering how Mom could try to set me up with such a vile weasel.

But just as I was about to sit, I bumped into the barista/waiter. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, but I was too angry to accept his apology gracefully.

"Great. Just what I needed," I snapped.

He offered to buy me another coffee, but I declined. I didn't want anything from any man right now. So, I just sat, wiping the spilled coffee from my sweater and drinking what was left. I stared at the cafe patrons and quickly realized that the man I had bumped into was working hard.

He was also nice to people, and I learned his name was James. At some point, he grabbed a bag and took it outside, handing it to a man I knew well, Charlie. He was homeless, and I saw him at the events I volunteered for often.

Despite the closed door, I could hear their conversation. I learned James was kind and treated that man with respect. Perhaps I had been too quick to judge.

When he came back inside, I called him over.

"So, you want me to replace that coffee now?" James wondered, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.

I admitted my rudeness and apologized. "I've had a rough day, and your kindness caught me off guard," I explained.

"Rough day? We all have them. But not everyone snaps at others," he said, raising one eyebrow.

I shared that I volunteer at a shelter and knew Charlie well. I was grateful that James treated him nicely, unlike most people in our town.

James smirked then. "Most people do these things to feel good about themselves and to show off how compassionate they are," he remarked.

I knew what he was implying and frowned. "You don't know me. You don't know why I do what I do," I argued.

"Enlighten me then," James challenged, sitting at my table.

So, I explained why I volunteer: to escape my mother's materialistic mindset and find genuine connections. "I grew up with a woman who craved money more than anything else. Working with organizations and helping others is the only reason I didn't go crazy in her house."

He suggested I leave my troubled family behind, but I couldn't abandon Mom despite her huge flaws.

"You're not the only one with a messed-up life," James offered, lowering his eyes. Then, he revealed his complicated past, and we found solace in our shared brokenness.

***

After volunteering at a shelter, I joined others at another event to serve food to people without homes. The weather was getting colder, and sometimes, these people had nothing more than this meal to eat the entire day.

Surprisingly, James was there. "You again," he greeted me warmly. I smiled, and we began working together. After a while, he apologized for his earlier harshness.

"Apology accepted," I replied.

Hours later, he proposed organizing a Christmas feast for those in need, and despite my initial skepticism, I agreed to help. Shockingly, Mom showed up just as we were wrapping up our plans for the event.

"Maria! What are you doing here, wasting your time? And who is this stranger?" she demanded.

I reminded her that I was a volunteer for the local shelter and introduced James as the barista from our local cafe. "We were just discussing a special Christmas event," I added, hoping she wouldn't embarrass me further. "What are you doing here, by the way?"

She ignored my question. "Maria, I've told you about this before. We have plans for you. You can't just be talking to anyone on the street," Mom scolded, using her finger. "Especially a man."

James took a step back. "I'll leave you two to sort things out. See you tomorrow for the planning, Maria," he waved and left.

"What do you think you're doing? Talking and laughing with strange men on the street? I have plans for you that involve Rocco," she hissed.

"I'm not going along with that, Mom. I won't marry someone for money," I sighed.

Mom insisted that marrying Rocco would secure my future, but I shook my head firmly. "I won't sacrifice my happiness for some illusion of stability. I'm doing something meaningful with my life."

Finally, she got angry, crossing her arms and stomping one foot like a child. "Meaningful? Feeding the homeless? Is that what you want your life to be? Being surrounded by homeless people?" she scoffed.

I defended my choice passionately, emphasizing the value of human connection. Mom called me naïve, but I firmly told her, "I won't let you dictate my life. I won't be a pawn in your game."

***

The next night, the cafe felt like a sanctuary, its familiar scent of coffee beans helping James and I plan the Christmas event. What I didn't expect was that the lure and the warm atmosphere would change things between us.

We were just talking and chuckling when James's expression shifted, a subtle intensity in his gaze. "Maria," he said, his voice softening, "there's something I've wanted to do."

Before I could comprehend his intention, James leaned in, attempting to bridge the gap between us with a kiss. My reaction was reflexive; still haunted by Rocco's advances, I instinctively pulled back.

"I can't," I whispered, panicked. "I'm sorry."

I stood, took my coat, and ran off.

***

At home, my shoulders sagged at the sight of Rocco lounging on our couch. Mom asked me about my Christmas plan, but I knew she was deflecting.

"What is he doing here?" I demanded.

Before Mom could answer, Rocco got up. "Hey, sweetheart, your mother told me that you want to make something of yourself. How about making a deal instead?"

"What deal?" I rolled my eyes.

"Marry me, and I'll give you $100k. A Christmas gift, you know?"

My nose wrinkled almost automatically. I turned to my mother, expecting her to say something, but she tilted her head, shrugging her shoulders.

"It's a lot of money, Maria! Think of what you can do with that money," she said, grinning.

"Are you two crazy?" I asked, looking at them and unable to stop my lip from curling at Rocco. But I stared at my mother. "Are you trying to sell me, Mom? You can't! It's degrading!"

Mom threw her arms in the air. "Degrading? Maria, you've always been so dramatic. This is an opportunity. Don't let it slip away."

"No, Mom. There are things more valuable than money—dignity and self-respect!"

My words made Rocco angry, and he left with a huff. While my mother went to her room, visibly disappointed in my decision.

***

As I walked to the cafe the next day, I encountered Rocco following me. I sighed, knowing that would be another confrontation. Charlie suddenly appeared, begging Rocco for some money. He barked at the poor homeless man, and I slipped away during his distraction.

I knew then more than ever that I never wanted to associate with someone like that man in my life. That evening, James and I prepared for the Christmas feast. We successfully baked the first batch of treats and tasted one. It was delicious.

"Looks like we make a pretty good team, huh?" he remarked, grinning. Working together, we connected over shared experiences and aspirations. It was wonderful.

The following day, he sent me flowers, a gesture that my mother cynically dismissed. Despite her negativity, I couldn't help but feel hopeful about what was blossoming between us. He wasn't like other men.

***

On Christmas Eve, while my mother cooked, I received another gift from James—a handmade cake accompanied by a heartfelt note. The note revealed his sincere affection, making me smile like a schoolgirl.

Motivated by this, I decided to go to visit James but was interrupted by Rocco's arrival. He brazenly attempted to kiss me, to which I firmly resisted, raising my hand.

"No. I won't accept your advances, and I won't accept your gifts," I said, resolute.

Mom once again tried to get me to see why Rocco was a good choice as a partner. "James is just a barista. Rocco is a man of means, someone who can provide for you," she added. That was the straw that broke the camel's back for me.

"Mom! How many times do I have to tell you? I don't want a man who only sees me as something he can buy. I want someone who sees me for who I am, imperfections and all," I exclaimed, the frustrated tears filling my eyes. "I've lost all respect for you. Bye!"

I grabbed James' cake and left. At the café, I was greeted by a heartwarming scene. The place had been transformed into a festive haven, filled with laughter and joy from the homeless guests enjoying the celebration.

Sighing in delight, I approached James, wanting to express my gratitude. "Sorry, I'm late."

"No apologies, Maria. You're here now, and that's all that matters," he said, grabbing my hand and leading the way so we could help keep the event going.

When everyone had eaten and was having a good time, I told him what had happened at home and how I had left. I didn't want to go back.

"Don't," he said. "I'll help you find a place."

"Thank you," I said as I stared into his eyes. When he leaned in this time, I didn't recoil. I embraced his kiss, although it was cut short by the hoots and hollers of everyone at the café.

My face felt hot and crimson, but James wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead.

Surrounded by the happiness and goodwill of the event we had created, our relationship solidified, marking the beginning of our shared journey.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a teen who visits the same coffee shop daily and spots the barista wearing his missing mom's medallion.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone's life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.