Bab 7: Closure.
Time went by as my mother and I spent the next two months shopping, making home made meals together, going on picnics with Belinda and Zoey tagging along, sometimes.
We exercised at the gym together, ate different cuisines at expensive restaurants, nestling in eachother's arms at night, watching movies at home and at one point, she took the girls and I to a club.
Traditionally, parents do not take their children to go clubbing to the point of teaching us how to flirt a little.
And there was a guy trying to flirt with my mother who is probably twice his age. I found out later on that my mother who seemed 35 was actually turning 55 in December. A few people we ran into, in the club thought her to be my elder sister as we were splitting images of one another.
I couldn't blame them, she looked so young and ethereal even in simple clothing. She's wearing a simple knee length gown like us but she still managed to attract attention around the club.
The truth is, after Belinda and Zoey's visit, I decided to move on and spend time with my mother. Even though she left me after I was born, I believe she must have a good reason for her actions.
We took Belinda and Zoey home and drove back to my mother's house only to find Peter waiting for our arrival. My mother and Peter exchanged pleasantries, while I went up to ease myself.
I found Peter sitting on my bed, "How have you been?", he asked in a low tone.
"Fine. I'm adjusting. I thought you had forgotten about me". I honestly do not know what made me say those words.
Peter chuckled as he patted the space next to him, silently asking me to sit.
"How could I forget you? I have been very busy with work"
He smiled as my gaze rested on him. "Will you be free this weekend? We could go out and spend some quality time together".
"I would love to, but my weekend is fully booked"
"Wow, you should still try to remember your old friends", Peter joked.
"You know how much I would love to come".
"It's okay. Make sure you are happy with whatever you do. It makes me happy too" Peter remarked.
"I will always remember and Peter.." , looking into his eyes, I thanked him sincerely, "Thank you. Thank you for giving me this chance. If not for your help, I would not be as happy as I am today. Thank you".
Waving his hands in the air, he replied, "It's nothing".
Peter stayed for dinner and we both exchanged contact and promised to keep in touch with one another.
That night, I woke up suddenly as I had a nightmare. So, I went to my mother's room to rest my eyes as I could not find sleep in my room.
It was around two in the morning and my mother was seriously hitting the keypad, obviously working.
"You should rest mother", I said as soon as I walked in and wedged myself beside the table.
My mother did not even notice my presence. She was totally engrossed in whatever was keeping her awake till now.
She stopped typing and raised her head to speak to me
"Why are you awake? You should be sleeping".
"I had a nightmare"
"Oh. Want to talk about it?", she asked as she took off her lens, ready to give me her full attention.
"No. I mean, it can wait till you are done. Please, I don't want to be an hindrance"
My mother smiled and continued working. "Thank you dear. Give me a minute or two. I am almost done".
After a few more minutes, my mother joined me in bed, we lay side by side, listening to eachother's breathing till I spoke up.
"Mum, are you awake?"
"Yes dear"
"Can we talk about my father, what was he like?"
"Your father was a hardworking man".
I waited for my mother to say something else but nothing came afterwards, so I asked again, "Did he ever knew of my existence?"
She kissed my head, "Yes. He did all he could to keep you safe and alive"
"What exactly is my story?". I am beginning to get curious. Why did I stay away from my parents right from birth?
"Memories of your father comes with so much pain. Right now, I am so happy to have you this close, can we focus on that for now?"
I nodded at once, the least I could do for my mother was to make her happy. I don't even work for the food and shelter I have.
"I'm sorry mum"
"Its okay dear. It's not your fault, hmmm? Come here"
After a while, she continued, "It is time for you to help me dear"
"With what Mum?"
"I want the whole world to know you. Let the business world know you as my daughter. I want you to assist my secretary for now. And I want you to take a 3 year Management course".
This is it. Here on my table. The one thing I have been avoiding all my life. Facing reality.
I felt crestfallen. I like to live a private life, I like to keep things simple. Being recognized or familiar with so many people irks me. To top it up, she want me to go to college. I do not like the idea of returning back to school.
My mother sensed my hesitation and cut my words off as she spoke, "You promised".
"But Mu-"
"Please Marian, don't say no. I have no one else but you".
"Alright mum", resolving to her plea, I closed my eyes and sighed.
True, I am happy and glad to know what motherly love felt like but I never had the intention to live such a boring lifestyle full of work and work.
My mother squeezed my shoulder and kissed my head again, "Thank you so much love"
"We start tomorrow, my secretary will explain a few things to you. Thanks a lot"
Turning the lights off, she whispered, "Good night dear".
I did not find sleep, even when my mother's breath evened out. I was wide awake till the rooster's cock-a-doodled.
What have I gotten myself into?
Hadiah
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