Eventually, mom found a job at a local hospital as a receptionist. The job promised good money and other family benefits so she accepted it without a second thought.
On top of all these new responsibilities, mom had to deal with my temper tantrums.
I was devastated after losing Papa.
But, being the first born of our household I should have been there beside my mom and supported her when she was desperately trying to pick up the broken pieces of our family to place them back inside the fragile frame.
I took her sorrows for granted and acted selfishly. I regret only now, for contributing to her loneliness. I regret being the me of the past years.
All I can do now is make my future better. Or atleast, try.
But, will that ever be enough compensation?
That night in the midst of our small celebration, I saw my mom smiling her most beautiful smile. She was happy at the little achievement of mine and it made my heart flutter.
'I want to treasure that smile of hers', is what I thought. It was like a vow.
***
"Rella, breakfast is ready. Come fast or you will be late." Mom's voice pulled me out of my deep trance.
"Yep yep yep!" was my typical response.
I grab my books for the semester and smell them. Ah, sweet heaven!
I have this habit of smelling books; both old and new. My motto in life is to, "FIRST FEAST WITH YOUR NOSE".
Sorry for trying too hard to be funny.
I quickly tuck my books inside my bag after smelling through them to the satisfaction of my nostrils and head to the kitchen for breakfast.
Our new apartment in New York is perfect to fit a family of three. We have a living room, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a small porch right outside the kitchen. Pretty standard.
Mom occupies one bedroom while Cindy and I cohabit the other.
The flat is actually our aunt's and she was more than happy to rent it to us at a low price. We were also saved the trouble of 'apartment-hunting' in a new city. It was quite the bargain.
"Good morning mom." I planted two kisses on her cheeks.
"Good morning baby." She kissed my forehead. "Are you ready for today?"
"Yeah, I guess? To be completely honest, I'm nervous." I say flashing a shaky smile.
"Oh don't worry. You will do great." She patted my shoulder comfortingly.
"You think so?" I was still unsure.
"Absolutely. You are my brave daughter." She said smilingly.
Words of encouragement coming out of her mouth is much more appetizing than the breakfast in front of me.
Ahem, I love food too but,
"Thanks mom, you're the best!"
"Where is Cindy?" I ask next.
"She is still in the shower and will probably get late for school again today." Mom complained while serving a jam sandwich on my plate.
Cindy who is three years younger than me is in the 8th grade. She, unlike me, had to transfer mid-term to a new school here. I was worried that she might be devastated for having to leave her old school and her old friends but she being the happy-go-lucky creature, was extremely excited about this whole ordeal.
I cried like a three year old on the day we moved. My mom weeped a little but, Ms Cindy didn't shed a single tear.
Please don't mistake her to be an emotionless human being.
That day she was filled with emotions but, only happy ones. She kept smiling like a fool the entire journey and when we reached our destination, she literally yelped with joy.
Her classes started earlier than me at a different school. Today will be her fourth or fifth day. Cindy seems to be doing just fine and that certainly brings me relief.
"Rel! Excited?" Cindy threw a question at me while entering the kitchen. She looked gorgeous in her blue tank top and white denim skirt.
"Nervous." I answer truthfully.
She gives me a warm back hug for comfort.
"Well, I am super excited for you." Cindy states.
Well I'm pretty excited myself but, it is mixed with a truckload of nervousness.
I guess facing my fear is the only option left now?
"I'm done eating." I inform to no one in particular.
I wash my hands and my mouth and rub the water away with a white towel that Cindy hands me.
It was now time to wave my family goodbye.
Is this segment getting super dramatic? Should I tear up a bit for extra effect?
Nah, I'll miss the bus.
Chapter 3
Comenzar desde el principio
