Chapter 4 - Better Half
1289 Words
{Carl}
"Mom, I'll be going to work now."
I bent forward and placed a kiss to her head. She smiled and took my hand. "Carl, have you thought about what I asked?
"Yes Mom, I already agreed to do it."
"I know son." Mom smiled weakly and I could see that she was slowly withering away.
"What I'm asking is the progress on that."
"It's progressing Mom. As you already know that I have no girlfriend or close female friends, so I already asked Tony to help get someone."
"Is that so? Mom's face lightened up as she cupped my cheek.
"Yes, Mom."
"Thank You Son," Mom smiled again and she kissed my face.
She is smiling so much today. She so badly wants to see me get settled and it's quite obvious in her expression because she hasn't stopped smiling since I told her I agreed to get married.
I wish, seeing her beautiful smile wouldn't have an expiry date. However, I know this would only last for a very short time and that saddens me. Because If there's anything I don't ever want to lose, then it's my Mom.
"It's okay Mom, I will be leaving now."
"Alright dear, I'll see you."
I kissed mom's head and turned to leave but she held my hand. I looked back at her and she flashed a smile.
"I love you Son."
I kissed her head once again and I hugged her. "I know that Mom, and I never doubt that."
"Take care, Son."
"You too Mom."
I Walked out of Mom's room and I closed the door behind me. I met the nurse at the door and she bowed in greeting.
"I already fed breakfast to her, however, I am too late right now, I can't feed her drugs to her. So, make sure you do that."
"Sure sir, I will."
I left the house and I arrived at the office a little later than usual. I went for my meeting with the boards and I made it as short as I could. Because, I want to go back home and be with Mom.
I have been feeling restless since I left home.
I returned to my cabin after the meeting. There was a heap of documents lying on my table, waiting to be signed. So, I got to work.
My phone suddenly started to ring. I looked at the ID and I frowned as I noticed that it was Tony calling.
"What is it now? I asked, Curtly as I answered the phone.
"Hey man, is this how you'll talk to me? Tony's asked from the phone.
"What is it, Tony? You know I'm a very busy man.
"Oh? Then I'm the lazy man, right?
"Alright, tell me the reason you've called me now."
"Well, I just wanted to tell you that I already have your marriage certificate."
"Did you find someone to sign it?
"Yes."
"Alright, let's meet up later," I replied with a sigh.
"Better." I heard his proud chuckle.
"Tony..." I muttered and shook my head as I disconnected the call and placed the phone on the table.
I have always known that a Job like that would be an easy feat for him.
I went back to work but my mind drifted to Mom again. I don't know why I've been thinking about her all day.
I hurried with the files I had to sign and the projects I had to approve and as soon as I was done, I called my Secretary to come to get them. I picked up my suit and walked out of the office.
I went straight to 'Roses' Tony's favorite bar and also the only place we hang out. I found Tony already sitted there.
"Welcome man," He said with a smile. "You're early today." He checked the time on his wrist.
"Well, yeah. I want to go home to check on Mom."
"Oh Okay, you can show her this then."
"What should I show her?
"This." Tony brought out the booklet.
"Okay," I took the booklet from him and folded it.
"Won't you check to see who I got for the job, I bet you'll...
"There's nothing for me to see."
"Okay," Tony shrugged. "Have a drink then." he offered but I shook my head.
"No, not today. I'll have to pass on that offer."
"Why? Tony frowned. I have never refused an offer to drink with him.
"I have to go see Mom," I said and I properly wrapped the booklet and placed it in my suit pocket.
I left 'Roses' quickly and I went straight to my car and drove back home. "Welcome, Sir Carlos." The Maids bowed to greet me.
"How is Mom? I asked in response to their greetings.
"She is fine and is asleep right now."
"Okay," I went to Mom's room and I sat beside her.
She opened her eyes immediately I came in, like she could smell me or something. She always knows when I'm around and I wonder how she does that.
"How do you do it, Mom?
"How do you always know when I'm around?
"I can feel you, my dear." She replied in a very weak tone.
I noticed that her voice sounded very weak so I placed my hand on her forehead.
"What is wrong Mom? Are you okay?
"I'm fine dear," She stated but I could see that she wasn't okay.
"I'll call the doctor," I stood up to go but she shook her head.
"Don't worry son I'm fine." I sat back beside her but my mind was yelling at me that she wasn't okay and it was quite obvious from her face and her voice.
"Mom, what is wrong? I asked again but she smiled in response to my question.
However, I could see that her smile was forced.
"I'm just too happy to see you." She said as she placed her hand on my cheek.
"Okay then," I placed my hand in my pocket to bring out the booklet. "Let me make you happier."
Her face lightened up. "You have something for me?
"Yes Mom," I tendered the booklet before her. "I finally got married as you wanted."
"Really?" Mom's smile slowly became genuine. She stared fixedly at my face and she rubbed my hand. "Where is she?"
"The marriage was rushed Mom, so she's gone to get her luggage."
"Aww, Okay." Mom's face became sad again.
"Aren't you happy to hear that?
"I would have loved to see her."
"You can see her here." I helped her open the booklet and she smiled seeing both our signatures.
"You have truly gotten married," She sighed
"Do you think I was lying?"
"No, but I thought you were only saying it to make me feel better."
"I will do anything for you Mom."
"Thank You Son, you will not regret this." Mom smiled as she looked at the photo of the lady. "She is really beautiful Carl."
"Okay Mom." I haven't seen the picture so I couldn't understand what Mom meant.
"She will make you happy too."
"Hmm." I hummed, absentmindedly.
"You have found your better half Carl, now I can rest."
"No one can make me happy as you do, so please get well s...."
Mom's words finally sank into my head and I leaned towards her. "What do you mean by that?
I looked at Mom and she now had her head on my shoulder.
"Mom?"
I got no response from her. So, I removed her head gently to see if she fell asleep However I found something strange. Mom was holding the photo from the booklet and she had a smile on her face but she wasn't breathing anymore.
"Mom!!!!!"
- Writer
