mother to mother chapters

mother to mother chapter 5

Mother to Mother Chapter Five

Helen lies on the bed and looks at Cindy as she finishes wiping her tears and snuggles between her and her mother. Cindy lies smiling with her eyes closed. Helen's thoughts step backward, scanning the day. She left home this morning, took the ferry, then the bus to get to the University. There she was a total stranger in an unknown place and in just a few hours, before the day takes a rest, she is part of a family. And what is even more unbelievable, this family has possessions, habits and food similar to those on Nelson Island.

Amy sits up, "I better not lie down and become too comfortable."

Cindy laughs, "Yes mommy, you fall asleep easily."

"She works too hard." Gideon says from the doorway," She needs to rest more."

Amy looks at him and a familiar message is exchanged. Helen notices they do not smile when their eyes meet.

"Come you two. Let us go downstairs, "Amy says as she stands up and adjusts her dress. Helen and Cindy reluctantly rise from the bed, sleep is beginning to lay claim to their bodies.

"Oh mommy," Cindy says stretching.

The five family members walk down the corridor, descend the steps and sit in the living room. Cindy's hands instinctively find Helen's hair when they sit on the couch.

"Do you have a brush Helen?" she asks while pulling Helen's hair into a ponytail style.

"It is upstairs in my handbag."

Cindy jumps from the couch and runs up the stairs smiling. The others laugh as they watch her disappear up the stairs.

"My daughter loves to comb and brush hair especially papa's and mamma's."

"It is a wonder I am not bald," Gail says as she strokes Gideon's hair, "Her hands are in my hair the moment I stop moving and she can stand or kneel behind me."

Youthful steps strike the steps rapidly and a smiling little girl runs into the room holding a brush and comb in her hands. Without missing a step she jumps unto the sofa beside Helen and begins to brush her hair. A look of total concentration covers Cindy's face as she tries various hair styles.

"How do you like to wear your hair Helen?"

"I prefer it loose but my mother likes it plaited into one."

Gideon and Gail give each other a quick glance.

"Would you like me to shampoo your hair?"

"Cindy!"Amy says giving her a serious look.

Cindy stops brushing Helen's hair and sulks.

"Do you want me to tickle you again?"

"Oh, no no mommy," she answers quickly, smiles and resumes brushing and styling Helen's hair.

"Oh my, look at the time!" Amy says standing and looking around for her hand bag, "papa, mamma, I will be working late today."

Gideon immediately stands and walks into the study closing the door behind him. Amy follows him, opens the door without knocking, enters and closes it behind her. Gail keeps looking at the door with a serious look on her face. Cindy continues to style Helen's hair, smiling and humming softly. Helen's attention is on Gail's face and the door; her heart gradually thumps faster. The door opens suddenly and Amy steps out visibly angry.

"Papa we have gone over this a thousand times; it is the commencement of the academic year. There are still many things to complete in order to have everything run smoothly!"