Mother’s Love – Episode 15

MOTHER’S LOVE – Episode 15
A story by Jochrine Kunda

I had finally decided what I was going to do, I was not going to let some fake hug deceive me so I continued with the torture which even got worse coz I was trying to fight what I felt that day. Dad once invited his colleague and his family and I took her illiteracy to my advantage by embarrassing her in front of them, we never spoke to each other for weeks ever since then until she decided to be the bigger person and greeted me one morning which I never expected and I felt ashamed for some reason. Austin had gone back to his house a few weeks after Florence returned and told me to avoid quarrels with her and treat her like any other elderly person since I couldn’t accept her as my mother.
I was preparing myself to go to the rehabilitation centre when someone knocked on the door and them in only to find that it was Florence, I tried to walk out but she blocked my way
Florence: Lucy stop, I felt the need to tell you this but I think I’ll have to tell you today
Me: I’m running late and can’t stay long
I was indeed running late
Florence: I won’t take much of your time, please Lucy you have to listen to me
Me: you can talk to me when I’m back coz I really don’t have time for you
I attempted to walk out but she got on her knees and held both my legs tightly so I couldn’t move
Florence: Lucy please
I decided to spare her some of time and hear what made her act that way while I sized her
Me: landa (talk)
Florence: you and I have never had peace ever since we met and I ask for your forgiveness in whatever way I’ve offended you but I want you to know that I mean no harm to any of you.
Me: is that all you wanted to say?
Florence: I had a heavy heart always wanting to tell you this but now I leave it up to you
“Boring speech” I said to myself as I rolled my eyes and Austin immediately called cutting Florence from whatever it was that she wanted to say, I picked up his call and he told me that he had started off so I walked out leaving Florence still on her knees and off I went. The session was greater than usual and as we were about to end it I suddenly developed a dull feeling, one which I only experienced when mom passed away and I tried to fight it but it got the best out of me and decided I’d visit mom. I walked with Austin to the mall to do my shopping and didn’t notice that I hadn’t gotten anything but was just walking around the store until Austin touched my shoulder
Austin: Lucy, you’re okay?
Me: no I’m not
I felt the need to cry but for a reason I didn’t know
Austin: what’s the problem?
Me: I…. I….I really…. don’t know
I threw myself in his arms and cried there, my sobs were so loud that they got the attention of people. I was so hysterical that one would blame it on hormones if I were pregnant, Austin led me out of the shop to a park that was nearby and he let me cry while brushing my back until I was calm and he took me to the tap where u washed my face and sat on a bench
Austin: what’s the matter Lucy?
He asked starring right into my eyes
“Why was I crying?” I asked myself too but couldn’t find the answer so I just shrugged my shoulders and he looked at me in disbelief, I had to quickly come up with a lie or I’d seem like I wasn’t right upstairs
Me: ummm…..I’m hungry
Austin: alright
We went to a certain restaurant and placed our order while we waited for it in a comfortable silence….. I couldn’t get anything down my throat so I just played with the food, Austin looked at me and I knew that look but I couldn’t help it coz I still had that dull feeling
Me: I need to visit mom
Austin: alright, finish up so we can leave
Me: I’ve lost my appetite
I got up and left while he settled the bill and came running after me, we walked without saying anything to each other until we got to some shop which had Nike sneakers
Austin: these sneakers are the best, I think I’ve got a little something back home and will return for them
Me: no, no, no, no please don’t
Austin: why?
I didn’t know why I didn’t want him to return for them but found myself speaking against his decision
Me: I don’t want you going out without me
He chuckled which got me annoyed
Me: I’M SERIOUS HERE
I lashed out at him
Austin: I get you, you don’t have to yell
Me: promise me
Austin: I promise
We got a taxi going to the cemetery and he remained in it when we got there……I told mom everything I felt and just sat there starring at her grave until I felt someone’s presence, my heart started beating fast, I looked around and saw no one then I tried to compose myself, I felt shivers down my spine and my back hair felt funny, the rhythmic heart beats weren’t an exception so I got up and left. I asked the driver to drop Austin first so I ensured that he never went to the mall and he also drove me home where I found the whole family in the lounge, I passed them all and went to my bedroom where I took a long shower trying to relax but it didn’t work, I wore comfortable clothes and took my phone and headphones listening to loud music as I went to join everyone coz I wasn’t interested in listening to them play happy family. I got to the door when my phone rang and it was Austin’s mother so I smiled widely while picking up
A.mom: m…my…baby
She was crying
Me: aunt!!
A.mom: Austin has been hit by a car and is in hospi……..
I didn’t hear her finish her sentence coz darkness took over me….

To be continued…