Chapter 3
The few seconds the lift took to go up to the first floor felt like ages. Not because I was in shock but because I didn’t know what to say to Troy. I didn’t know what to ask him. I could have started with ‘how are you?’ but it was obvious he was doing well especially with the way he was dressed in a designer suit.
I swallowed hard, realizing that I was sweating slightly. As soon as the lift stopped, I walked out not wanting him to see how nervous I was around him. Or, that, he still made my heart beat ten times faster.
With distracted thoughts, I searched for room number F20 and when I found it, I knocked on it before entering. It was a smaller room compared to the one I had the interview in. There was just a desk with a large window behind. A woman who looked like she was in her thirties sat behind the desk. She smiled at me as I entered and gestured for me to sit.
“You must be Amy Wilson,” she said.
“Yes,” I nodded.
“Well, if you must know, you are one of the few who got selected today while the others have been shortlisted for the second interview.”
“Wow,” I breathed out.
She nodded, “Yes. Wow. Anyway, coming to the point, you will be working under the events’ manager James Weaver. Your job is to follow his orders and well, put in ideas if required. The parties can be held at any time, maybe every month or every week, or every once in a year, depending on what the Muzor’s want. Since this is an event, you will help in organizing the whole show from cameras to the deserts,” she paused, staring at my blank look before adding, “I hope you do know what I’m talking about? You do know about events’ right?”
I snapped out of my thoughts, “Of course. I know.”
“Good,” she nodded, unconvinced. “Here’s your contract. You will have off two days a week, depending on your schedule. You’ll be paid extra for overtime. You will be granted only 40 days leave per year and as for sick leave you will have to provide evidence that is the prescription etc. There will be no insurance coverage—“
She kept explaining the terms and conditions which I listened to attentively. My salary was good enough for someone who had just started. I felt happy and at the same time I couldn’t help but think what was Troy doing here. As I listened to what the woman was telling me, I decided to ask her if incase she knew something.
“Uh—sorry to interrupt,” I gave an apologetic look. “You don’t happen to know Troy McKenzie do you?”
“Troy? Of course, I do.”
“Is he working in this company?”
“Yes. He’s James’s assistant.”
I stared at her in complete shock. Troy managed to land an assistant’s position? That explained his clothing. At the same time, I didn’t know how to react to this new information.
“They will be working here?”
“Yes,” she gave me a look that said she didn’t understand why I was curious about Troy.
“He’s my ex,” I said.
“That explains it,” she nodded sympathetically. “He transferred here along with his boss.”
“How long have they been in Whitvale?”
“For a day or two.”
I sighed, calming my shaky nerves. “Where do I sign?”
“You’re taking the job,” she looked surprised.
“Of course,” I smiled, as I signed the contract.
No way in hell I was going to lose my job for Troy. As much as I wanted an answer from him, my career was important to me too. I could feel weakness overpower me. I still loved him, I realized with a pang of disappointment, and there was nothing I could do. But the fact that he was going to be here with his new boss gave me hope. I could, after all, try and get him to talk finally.
“You will start working from tomorrow. Be here at nine. You can wear jean since you will be given a company’s t-shirt. Anything else?”
“No. thank you,” I said, getting up.
I walked out the office, feeling my legs turn into jelly. A sly thought crossed my mind—I could go look for Troy now but the logical part of my brain told me that I would just embarrass myself more. If Troy ever wanted to reply, he would have called saying he was coming to Whitvale.
Did he know I was here?
I was already out the building before I knew it. I decide to cab the ride but unfortunately, the whole bus stand was filled with people. So I, dimly, walked back home. By the time I reached, mom had already eaten lunch. I could smell freshly baked bread, making my mouth water.
I entered the house and found her seated on the table, peeling cucumbers. She looked up and a smile lit her face. At times like this, I wished Dad was here. The house had more noise back when he was alive, but after he was killed, the house was as quiet as ever. You could even hear what the neighbors’ two houses away were saying.
My eyes travelled to the shelf where a picture of my dad and me together was kept. It was taken months before his death, where he decided that he needed a nice picture of him and his daughter. He even had a frame picked out. It was simple black frame with silver swirls. The photo was taken in a studio. Although, the whole thing was pre-planned, our smile and the loving hug definitely weren’t.
I touched the photo, feeling the tears bubble up. It’d been four years now and I still remembered every inch of his face. Every line, every mark.
“I baked bread,” My mother’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
“I know,” I replied, turning away from the portrait.
“Shall I serve you,” she raised a brow.
“Sure,” I smiled, taking off my coat.
“How was your interview?”
“I got the job,” I grinned.
She whirled around, surprised, “You did! Oh my! Congratulations, dear.”
“Thank you.”
“I am so happy you finally did it. But why do you look sad?”
As soon as she put the plate in front of me, I stared at it, pondering over whether I should tell her or not. The worst part is-He works at my company and if at all mom showed up-I was dead. Yeah. My mom would most definitely show up and that was something I could bet on. She would make excuses about wanting to see my work place but she would show up and that too unexpectedly.
“Troy was there today.”
“What?!” she exclaimed, sitting down next to me. “Did he say something?”
“No.”
“Honey, that’s good news. You two can finally—“
“Mom!” I cut her off, firmly. “I’m going to get my answer from him like you wanted me to but don’t keep your hopes high about us getting back together.”
“But, honey, you should—“
I stood up, immediately, feeling angry, “Mom, please. I’m done embarrassing myself further. And if at all we had a chance—the guy would have said a word in my direction. But he didn’t and I’m over it!”
“Honey, don’t you see? Fate wants you two to be together and who knows--Troy must’ve put in a good word about you—“
I banged my bedroom door shut, drawing out all the voices—including my mother’s. I nearly scoffed at the thought of Troy putting in a good word about me. Even if I considered that thought for a second, the fact that he looked shocked to see me would rule it out.
I removed my clothes and went for a warm shower. After I freshened up I decided to send my best friend a message about my job.
Got a job in events’ for Muzor’s Trading Co. xD
A few minutes later her reply came.
That’s great, Hon. Knew you could do it! J
Me: Aww, so sweet. By the way, Troy was there. No wonder his UK number was off.
Ruby: Are you freakin’ serious. That skunk!
Me: Mom wants me to go back to him and beg for his forgiveness haha!!
Ruby: You’ll do no such thing!
Me: Haha. But I’ll surely get an answer out of him. When is your holiday getting over?
Ruby: In another two weeks. I’ll be going back to Canada for a while.
Me: I thought you were going to come to Whitvale! :/
Ruby: I will, Babe. But parents’ are asking me to come home for “quality time”.
Me: Haha. Okay. Miss you. Mwuah!
I locked my phone, keeping it at the side. Tomorrow was going to be my first day at work and the thought frightened me a little. It would be the first time I was ever working for a company officially, but the sad part was I was going to have to see my ex every day.
My heart ached for Troy but I knew it was never going to work out with the way he looked at me today. The shock and ignorance. I could still picture the whole scene again and feel the pang of disappointment. But I wasn’t going to let it affect my work. No, I wouldn’t. And, I didn’t believe in the fate thing because I know—or hoped---that the reason I got the job was because of my bluntness. If not, then I didn’t know the reason why I made it and why others didn’t.
I rolled to my side on my bed. It was still day light but yet I felt very sleepy, and before I knew it I was fast asleep. But it was short lived when mom barged into the room and demanded I help her cook. So the next thing I know was I was chopping onions on the counter.
“Mom…” I trailed off, thinking how to put it.
“What is it, Amy?”
“I just wanted to remind you that since I’d be working, I want you to take your pills on time—no matter how good or awesome you feel.”
She chuckled, “Don’t worry about me, Amy, I’ll be fine.”
“That’s what I thought before I left for college—“ I paused, not wanting to delve into that part of my memory again. Things were hard but yet I managed to rock two boats together. Now when I think of it, my life really wasn’t so great—not even with Troy. After losing Dad, months later I had to leave for college. I had decided to stay back but mom insisted I go and then weeks later I get a call from a hospital, informing me about mom’s nervous breakdown. People told me, I wasn’t to be blamed but I couldn’t help but feel guilty about leaving mom in such a vulnerable state.
Those three years of college were hard where I had to juggle between my personal life with my mother and college work. And, I had no intention of repeating the same mistake again.
“I just don’t want to take chances again,” I continued. “Better to be safe than sorry.”
“Amy,” she said so sternly that I had no choice but to look at her. “You are not to be blamed. I wanted you to go to college—your father would have wanted you to go to no matter what happened. It was our family dream, so please stop beating up yourself for something you haven’t done.”
“You’re my mother, mom. Obviously you are gonna’ tell such comforting words,” I looked away.
She sighed, “Alright. I promise to take my meds on time no matter how good and awesome I feel.”
I smiled in her direction, “That’s better, which also reminds me tomorrow is your next appointment with Dr. Mathew.”
Mom rolled her eyes, “Yes. Yes. I know.”
“Good.”
We went back to doing whatever we were supposed to and when dinner was ready I announced that I wanted to sleep since I was starting work tomorrow, but my dear mother wouldn’t allow it.
“You need your strength!”
“Mom!” I whined. “I need to sleep.”
“Honey, what if I forget my meds?” she gave me an innocent look and I couldn’t help but glare.
“Fine,” I snapped.
After dinner, I went straight to bed and was asleep the minute my head hit the pillow.
“Taxi!” I yelled, waving my hand frantically. Unfortunately, the damn cab didn’t stop. Cursing under my breath, I started walking in the direction of my office until I stop an empty cab on my way.
It was hot and I was already starting to feel sweat on my forehead. Over that my snappy and angry mood didn’t help. If only I would have remembered to keep the alarm. And my mother didn’t bother waking me up until ten minutes ago.
I looked at the time on my phone. 8:45am. Well, I had another fifteen minutes only to reach Muzor’s. If I’d walk fast, I would probably reach in thirty minutes or more. As I mentally calculated about the consequences, to my sheer luck I saw a cab coming in my direction. I waved a hand in front of the taxi, praying with all my heart that it would stop.
I felt happiness bubble up inside me when I saw the taxi slow down. Finally, I thought. I was about to open the door to the backseat when I saw a familiar face sitting inside. Shock paralyzed my whole body and I realized it was pure bad luck.
He opened the door, “Want a ride?”
I smiled, stiffly, wondering how long would it take for another taxi to come. I could shut the door back into his face and lose my job or I could just suck up my pride and sit in the car with him. I didn’t understand why I was being so messed up around him. Sure, I knew that my pride was wounded terribly by the idiot in the taxi but that didn’t mean I couldn’t use this opportunity to get an answer from him. Somehow, the thought of getting an answer from him seemed so far-fetched. It was funny how just two days ago I was crying about the thought of not getting a reply and being out of his life forever. But now seeing him in front of me just made me angrier and I could finally feel how embarrassed I felt. I mean, it’s not like he never heard any of my messages even though right now he’s sitting in the taxi and pretending like we are long lost friends or something.
“Sure,” I whispered, tightly.
He smiled, genuinely and I felt like slapping him right across the face, but instead, I just closed my fist and looked ahead as the taxi moved forward. At least, I wouldn’t lose my job.
“I’m sorry about yesterday,” Troy said.
I blinked, realizing that he was talking to me. I turned my head to look at him, “What?”
He sighed, “Amy, I’m sorry about the way I behaved yesterday. It was rude.”
“Oh that,” I pretended to look surprised. “It’s cool.”
But on the inside, I was shaking with rage. To keep it on the minimum, I had to recall what my professor used to say about working in events.
“Sometimes you are forced to work with the people you dislike. All it takes it co-operation and you don’t even have to like the person you’re working with.”
Yes, Troy was one person I still loved and disliked at the same time. I didn’t even know if that was possible but somehow I couldn’t bring myself to hate him. I was still mesmerized by his sandy blonde hair—which was neatly combed today—it wasn’t like back in college where his hair used to have the tousled look. And his light blue eyes—that would show me a lot of emotions—but now when I looked into them, all I could see was an asshole.
Before he could talk further, we’d reached the office building. I offered to pay but since he was insisting on being a gentleman, I decided to let him pay.
“Thanks,” I told him as I got out.
I began walking toward the entrance when he called from behind.
“Wait! I’m coming with you,” he said, coming to a stop beside me.
I shrugged and continued walking, not wanting to talk to him that much. Funny, my inner voice taunted me, since a few days ago you were dying to hear his voice. But at that time I hadn’t realized how badly my pride had been wounded, I reasoned to myself. I pushed all thoughts aside when I went to the receptionist and asked her where I was supposed to go.
“Fifth floor, room number 506.”
I nodded, thanking her before walking away. Troy followed me without question and I wondered if he didn’t know the way.
“Are you lost?” I asked him, entering the lift.
“No. I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while now,” he said, softly.
I scoffed, unable to stop myself and everyone in the lift glanced at me.
“I have been waiting for your reply for a month now, Troy,” I snapped at him.
“Hey!” he exclaimed. “I have been going through a lot lately. Have you ever considered that?”
“How should I know when you never bothered telling me anything—let alone receiving my calls?”
He looked away, jaw throbbing. He was pissed, I get it, but I was hurt. I felt hurt to know that the guy didn’t want to share his problems with me. I mean, wasn’t real relationships about all that—being there for each other in health as well as in sickness? And, right now, I didn’t even want to think about what our relationship meant to him for three whole years. Did he even love me?
Thankfully, by then the lift stopped at the fifth floor and I got out without sending a glance in his direction. Room 506 was not hard to find but the fact that it was by far the hugest room I had ever seen was an understatement. There was a long rectangular table at the end of the huge hall and a lot of small tables around. There were about twenty people talking and chattering with one and another, and I was glad to know that I was on time. Troy hadn’t followed me to the room so I was just on my own. I gripped my bag nervously, wondering, what to do.
I saw a girl standing at the farther end of the hall, texting on her Blackberry. Since she was alone, I decided to approach her first.
“Hi,” I said, stopping directly in front of her.
She looked up from her mobile and smiled, “Hey, what’s up?”
For some odd reason, the girl reminded me of Ruby, even though she didn’t look a bit like her. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I’m Amy,” I put one hand forward.
She grinned, shaking it, “I’m Lisa. So you’re one of the few who got selected huh?”
“Easy to tell?”
“Sure. You look like a nervous wreck. You must be lucky to have landed this job.”
I rolled my eyes, “Tell me about it. I was shocked when I got a call.”
She chuckled, slipping her phone into her pocket before tying her curly black hair into a pony. “So, where are you from, Amy?”
“Whitvale. And you?”
“Ireland.”
“Really?” I gave her a surprised look.
She laughed, “Yeah. Mum was Irish although I didn’t inherit any of her awesomeness and looks. I came out just like my dad.”
“Where was your dad from?”
“Iraq.”
“Oh wow,” I gaped. “Why did you come to Whitvale then?”
“Wanted to try out something new. Give myself a fresh start.”
I smiled, nodding. I could so relate to that. “Have you worked for events’ before?”
“Sure. Lots!”
“Nice.”
“Let me guess, you haven’t?”
I laughed, “Please tell me it’s not that obvious?”
“It is,” she replied, coolly. “And besides that, I like to read people, though I’m not very good at it.”
I grinned, “Maybe someday I could use your help!”
She laughed, “Why not.”
I changed the topic, “What is everybody waiting for?”
“Manager. He will explain the next event and our jobs. You need to chill—all you need to do is focus on doing your work right and make sure it doesn’t clash with anything else. Simple.”
I nodded, trying to keep my mind calm and cool but was failing miserably. I was thinking of all possible disasters in my head when the door to the massive hall opened and entered a middle aged guy-wearing floral half-sleeved shirt and simple jeans.
And behind him was Troy.
I avoided looking at Troy at all costs but, somehow, he just couldn’t stop looking at me. I could feel his gaze burning a hole in my head. I pretended to not notice but Lisa did. She nudged me, with a sly look on her face.
“That guy just can’t stop staring at you.”
“He’s my ex,” I hissed.
“Oh.”
She didn’t bring up his topic after that and nor did I pay attention to Troy anymore. My focus was on the manager, who introduced himself as Bonny, and kept talking about the first event that was going to be held.
“It’s a formal event where clients meet one and another. I am going to split up groups and assign work accordingly. Now before I do—I need to know how many freshers are there here?”
When nobody replied, he continued, “You might as well tell me now because if you screw up the work I assign you or it’s something out of your experience area—you’ll be fired.”
Instantly, my hands shot into the air, and wrinkles formed at the corner of his eyes. “Good. Come this side please,” he gestured to his left where Troy stood.
I fought the urge to make a face at Troy when I stopped beside him. I could practically feel the warmth radiating out of him and his cologne smell drifted into my nose. I was reminded of those days back in college where we would spend the whole day in my room, and in my bed.
“What’s your name?”
I blinked, realizing Bonny was talking to me. “Amy, sir.”
“Call me Bonny,” he said with a wave and I noticed there were three other people standing with me. “You guys,” he pointed at the four of us, “will be in charge of the ordering. I will give you a list of things that’s needed and the companies we need it from you need to order it and it’s your responsibility to make sure it’s on time. Get it?”
I nodded along with the others. It was weird to be standing on a different group but I had faith that I could do it.
“You can work from home or whatever, but its best that you come to work so that you know things aren’t clashing with the others,” he stated before turning around to look at everyone. “The event is held in this very room you’re standing in. It’s big enough and they aren’t going to be much people--that makes your job easier, so good luck everyone and don’t screw this up. Troy here will handout the papers of what needs to be done, and don’t hesitate to ask him anything.”
Only if he bothers to receive my calls, I thought wryly.
Bonny left immediately and all of us stood waiting for the next instruction. Troy handed out papers to everyone. Mine was a list of things that needed to be ordered and from the company. Easy job, I guess. After he finished handing out papers, he dramatically pulled a chair and stood on it, clapping his hands for everyone to be silent.
“The formal event is going to be held here in two days, in this room. So whatever you do, make sure it fits accordingly to the plan handed out. If any doubts, ask me. Good luck.”
Everyone started to murmur amongst themselves and Lisa came next to me. “I thought he was your ex.”
I looked at her, “He is.”
“Then stop drooling over him,” she chuckled.
I glared, “I was not!”
“Oh please. Even he knew you were staring at him—that’s why he pulled up a chair and stood on top of it.”
I could not help but turn in the direction of where Troy stood. Was he actually showing off? My thoughts were answered when Troy glanced in my direction with a very confident look plastered on his face. My face turned red from embarrassment and anger.
Was he trying to rub it in my face? Well, I was just going to prove to him how much his existence didn’t matter. Sometimes no matter how much you don’t want to play---you just end up playing. It was probably very immature of me to think like that but somehow my pride wanted me to show him what he had lost and I was willing to give it its own inner peace.
I re-read the paper that gave the company’s name and the number of things that was needed. Lisa looped her arm through mine and guided me to end of the hallway.
“Let’s start working.”
I smiled up at her, “Yes.”
The next few hours passed by like a blur. I had contacted the company that were providing tables and chairs for rent, and since the paper hadn’t mentioned what kind I decided to go with plastic since it was cheap and I could probably get something extra in the budget. After I was done negotiating with the supplier I decided to go to the next on my list that was needed and it was the electrician for lighting.
Everything was not what I expected it to be. People were bustling about and I almost wondered what fifty people were doing for one small formal event when Lisa told me that there were groups for almost everything and that the party was probably like a test for everyone to see if they could really adjust with one and another, and that was something I could really bet that I was doing well in.
When the day was over, it was nearly seven in the evening and all of us were exhausted. Some, including me, were exhausted with the amount of talking we’d done, but whatever it was—I’d enjoyed my first day.
I grabbed my bag ready to go when Lisa offered me a ride home and I smiled gratefully, which she returned with a grin.
“So, tell me something about you?” She asked, starting the car.
“Is this an interview?” I asked, playfully.
“Something like that.”
“Okay, then. My name is Amy Wilson and I am 21 years old. I stay with my mother—“
“Are you serious?” Lisa gasped, looking at me wide-eyed.
I gave her a confused look, “Yeah. Why?”
As fast as she could, she composed her expression, “Just asked—“
“It’s fine, tell me,” I said, even though I already knew what she was thinking.
She gave me a sheepish look, “I don’t mean to sound rude but, you know, it’s kinda weird when a twenty-one year old still lives with her mom.”
“Not when her mother is mentally depressed,” I pointed out with a stiff smile.
Lisa glanced at me apologetically, “I’m sorry. I had no idea. I hope she’s getting better.”
“I don’t know…” I trailed off.
We didn’t talk after that. I was lost in my thoughts and I was sure Lisa was pretty embarrassed about what she had said earlier. The trip to my house was short since I lived nearby and before I could get out, Lisa’s voice stopped me.
“Amy…”
I looked back at her, “Yes?”
“I’m sorry about earlier—“
“Don’t be,” I gave her a warm smile.
“No, really, I should watch my mouth when I talk.”
I laughed out loud, “I’m honest, don’t worry. You remind me so much of Ruby.”
“Who’s that? I hope she isn’t some retard.”
“No.no. She’s my best friend,” I grinned.
Lisa smiled this time, “Now, that’s what I call a compliment.”
I laughed, waving goodbye, but not before saving her number in my phone.
I walked up to my doorstep and noticed that only the hallway light was on. I decided to ring the bell but the other part of me told me to go inside directly. So I did just that.
I pulled out a key from my bag and entered the house, not too softly. I didn’t want to startle mom or scare her, so I entered the house normally, making all possible sounds I could. The living room was dark and so was the kitchen. Immediately, I went upstairs to find that she wasn’t in her bedroom either.
Panic overtook my conscious and I immediately dialed her number. It rang for some time before going to her voicemail and I felt fear starting to eat up my mind. I was scared of where mom might be. I dialed her number again but this time, I decided to go out when, all of a sudden, I heard her phone ring in the house.
I froze, listening intently, to where the ringing tune was coming from. It sounded faint and distant. The moment I started going downstairs it became louder and louder, and I started running in the direction of her mobile ringtone. It came from the living room.
When I entered, I immediately switched on the lights and found her bag on the sofa, her mobile in the side pocket.
Where are you, mom? I wondered, silently
That’s when I heard it. A faint sound like someone murmuring. It was so faint that I had to strain to listen and that’s when I noticed a pair of shoes lying next to the sofa. I slowly moved forward before, leaning forward to take a look behind the sofa.
And she was there.
She sat on the floor, with her knees up and arms around it. She kept murmuring to herself about some ‘accident’ which I’m sure must be related to my dad.
“Mom!” I panicked, wondering what to do in such situations.
When she didn’t respond, I knelt next to her and shook her gently. “Mom!” I said again.
This time, she looked up at me with tears in her eyes and after a while recognition lit it.
“Amy?” she whispered.
“Mom…” I trailed off, swallowing hard. My heart broke into pieces seeing my mother like this.
“Oh god, you’re alive!” she immediately hugged me, sobbing.
“Yes, mom. I’m very much alive! I was worried. Why weren’t you picking your calls?”
She sniffed, looking at me, “When I was driving back from Mr. Mathew’s, I heard on the radio that a girl was killed. She was twenty one year old but they didn’t tell her name. I was worried and I thought to call you but—but I calmed myself saying that you would be home soon. An hour later, I got more anxious and then suddenly I was so sure that it was you…” she trailed off, crying again. “Oh baby, you don’t know the type of thoughts that were running through my mind. I didn’t receive the call because I was afraid it would be the police calling me to inform about you—“
“Mom,” I held her hand firmly. “I am not going anywhere, alright? Next time you are worried, make sure you call me. You know that’s why you have a cellphone—to make use of it, not just stare at it.”
She smiled, weakly, “I’m glad you’re safe.”
“Did you take your evening medicines?”
She stared at me for several seconds before shaking her head, slowly, “No.”
I sighed, “Mom…”
“I’m sorry, honey. I’ll take it on time, I promise. I was just feeling so much better that---“
“Mom,” I cut her off, firmly. “I told you this yesterday also. No matter how good you feel—you are not to miss your dozes.”
She glanced at me, guiltily, “I’m sorry, honey.”
But I didn’t reply. I stood up and went to where her bag was kept before rummaging through it and pulling out the medicines. I handed it over to her before grabbing a glass of water.
“Take it now!”
Obediently, she popped the pills and gulped down the water. Once she was done, I helped her stand.
“I’ll be in my room,” I said and walked off.
Later that day, I spent my time texting Ruby.
Me: So what’s new?
Ruby: I’ll be coming to Whitvale this month.
Me: Don’t joke?
Ruby: But that is only if you invite me over to your place.
Me: Stupid! Of course you are invited. Do you even have to ask?
Ruby: Hehe. I’ll let you know the details in a few days.
Me: Okay.
Ruby: By the way, how’s your new job?
Me: Awesome. I made a new friend named Lisa. She reminds me of you J
Ruby: I hope in a good way.
Me: Haha! Of course.
Ruby: California is getting so boring. I miss you L
Me: Me too. Life is hard but much more bearable. Mom had one of her panic attacks today.
Ruby: OMG! Is she okay?
Me: Yup. Apparently, she’d forgotten to take her pills.
Ruby: Lol. These mothers are so annoying.
Me: What happened to the Canada plan?
Ruby: Not going. Don’t wanna’ see their faces.
Ruby apparently hated seeing her family. She was the type who liked to keep friends and stay away from home. To her being with her family was not so cool. When she’d first learnt of me staying with my mom she nearly had a heart attack before I finally snapped at her and she realized she was being very overly dramatic, and had apologized a couple of times.
But that’s how she was. She was cool and not cool at times. Sometimes, she’d behave very stupidly but at the end of the day she’d always been a good friend. She’d always been there when Troy hadn’t, and even during those times when I’d unintentionally ignored her since I was too engrossed in my new relationship.
However, her family isn’t as dysfunctional as mine. Her parents love each other very much, they are typically like the ‘happy family forever’ types but somehow having a daughter like Ruby ruined it for them, I guess. Not that I’d be happy if I would get a daughter who would be embarrassed to see my face once in a while.
Me: You’re such a terrible daughter.
Ruby: I know. I feel so sorry for them.
I nearly rolled my eyes at her last comment.
Me: I got to go now. Got work tomorrow.
Ruby: See you soon. Love you!
I nearly dozed off at the end of our chat but was awakened when the door to my room burst open. I jumped up startled and annoyed when I had noticed my mother standing in the doorway. Gone was the fear of losing her daughter, it was replaced by the look I’d started to loath. It was getting annoying to find her butting into my life every now and then, but I knew I had to put up with coz if I retaliate, mom wouldn’t be able to take it. At least, that’s what her doctor thinks.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, annoyed.
She narrowed her eyes at me, “How was work?”
“Good,” I replied going back to bed.
“Aren’t you going to change your clothes?”
“Nope. Planning to wear the same thing tomorrow, so no point taking it off.”
I heard my mother take in a sharp deep breath and I felt a smile creep onto my face before I laughed out loud. My mother didn’t find it amusing, she just glared at me, but that made me laugh more at her serious face. When I realized, she wasn’t going to laugh, I gave up. I sat up and faced her squarely.
“What’s up?”
“Honey, I was talking to Mrs. Barbara today and she told me that she’d seen you share a cab with a young man?”
I nearly groaned. Did that woman have to see what was really not necessary? Well, that was Barbara’s job. She was the biggest gossip queen of our lane since she’d always have the most fascinating facts of the year. I guess, the next big one was mine—that is, only if she knew the man in the taxi was my ex.
“Yeah…” I trailed off, shifting uncomfortably on my bed. I could lie but at the same time, I didn’t want mom to make assumptions or for that matter let that bitch of a woman named Barbara make assumptions for my mother. Not when she was already so mentally weak. So I decided to tell her.
I let out a sigh, “Yeah. It was Troy.”
My mother gasped. Not the one with shock, but the one where both elements of joy and shock were mixed together. She seated herself on the edge of my bed.
“Honey,” she grinned. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” I said, looking down.
“Did you talk to him?”
“I tried to,” I looked up. “He pretends like we were long lost friends or something.”
“This is good news,” Mom clamped her hands together.
“Mom,” I snapped. “There’s nothing going on!”
“Oh honey, this is progress. Try talking to him as much as you can.”
“You know you frustrate me!”
“It’s for your own good.”
“Just shut the door on your way out.”
“Amy, you will not talk to me like that.”
“Mom, please leave. You’re giving me headaches.”
“Honey, you should never go to sleep without solving a problem.”
I glared, “Fine. I’ll find my answers like you want me to but I’m not going back to him.”
She laughed, happily, “I don’t think so. I’m sure you guys will get back together.”
“I’m not 18! Stop talking to me like I’m a child! This is my life. Don’t push me, mom. Or I’ll never talk to you ever again.”
She put her hands up, “Okay…okay…”
I groaned, covering my face, “why do you keep doing this?”
“Amy, if life gave me a second chance to go back in time—I would take it without hesitation and make it up to your father.”
“I miss him, you know,” I mumbled.
“I know,” she said. “I do too. That’s why I don’t want you to leave Troy’s hand. He was there for you when your father—“ she paused, as she tried to regain her composure.
“I know, mom,” I said, softly.
“Don’t leave things unturned. It might just become a big unattended hole in your heart and mind.”
I nodded, understandingly. That was one thing that made sense. Never to walk off without looking back, you’d sure regret it one day. I kept in mind to get my answer from him whether he liked it or not. I didn’t care anymore if we were together, what mattered more was I get my answer. I let him treat me like shit for a month and, now, it’s payback time.
“I’ll get my answer from him, don’t worry,” I said, reassuringly, hoping she’d let it go.
“And don’t leave his hand,” she smiled at me lovingly.
Sometimes, it almost sounded as if mom was in love with Troy. I know that was a ridiculous idea but she seemed to be obsessed with him more than I was. She was so determined to have him in our lives. I mean, no mother would want their daughter to date a jerk who’d ignored her for a month or broken up without a reason, but my mother was the opposite.
I think depression had really hit her hard.
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So finally I uploaded!!!!!
I really need your thoughts and comments because I feel like I have lost my touch :( of writing.
Comment? :D