23| Where's mommy?
1024 Words
Tunde kept stealing glances at me, as we walked back to the station.
His glances made me really uncomfortable, so I stopped and asked. “what?”
“Nothing, I am just glad I got to eat with you today.” He said, then moved closer. “Thank you, Hazel.”
“Why are you thanking me? it’s not like I paid for your food” I said and rolled my eyes.
“Nothing, just…” he paused then continued. “Thank you.”
It was as if he changed his mind about saying something.
Even though I didn’t know what he was thanking me for, I looked at him and said “you are welcome.”
When we entered inside the station, I sat down by my desk and worked on some cases that were on my desk. While I was at it, my phone started ringing. I looked at my screen and my mom’s name flashed on it.
I was supposed to call her back, but I forgot. And she was calling again.
I felt so terrible and I couldn’t bring myself to pick it, because there was no explanation I could give to justify my lack of communication with her.
I left the phone to ring. I thought the only way to redeem my mistakes was to meet her in person and apologize for ghosting on her. So, I concluded that I would go home to see her after work.
After work, I went to my family house which was an hour away from my work place.
It was a four-bedroom flat which was built by my father. Growing up, we didn’t have much, but my father tried his best in raising us.
Even though he couldn’t afford everything we wanted, he provided all that we needed.
One tragic day, he got involved in a ghastly motor accident which claimed his life.
After his demise, my mother tried her possible best to make sure me and siblings lived a comfortable life. With the profit she made from her supermarket, she was able to sponsor our education.
The oldest daughter who is the first born, is in the US with her husband and kids, and has a well-paying job. She sends loads of money to our mom, so she wouldn’t have to suffer.
The second born who stays in the north with his wife and kids, he also sends her money.
I don’t make much, but I give her what I can whenever I am able to.
The last born was still in school, studying medicine and surgery and in her final year.
I stood in front of the house for some seconds before entering.
When I entered and breathed the air in the house, I was reminded of my childhood. All the memories of the childhood that I had, happened in this same house. I hardly visited the house after I had left to start living on my own, but I was still very much familiar with everywhere and everything in the house.
I reminisced how I used to play around in the house, before a familiar voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Welcome!” Funke- my mother’s house help said and excitement flashed through her face.
“I can see that mom is feeding you well, look at how thick you have become.” I joked and we both laughed.
“When did you get in?” she asked, with a puzzled look on her face.
“Not long.” I said, then moved closer her. “I suggest you lock the door at all times, who knows? A thief might come in someday and steal something valuable if you keep leaving the door open.”
“Ok ma. Where’s mummy?” Funke asked innocently.
I batted my lashes in bewilderment. “What do you mean where is mummy? I am supposed to be asking you that. Where is my mother Funke?” I asked, my heart started racing fast, my palms got sweaty and my stomach was in knots.
As I awaited her response, a lot of things started racing through my mind. ‘Has my mother gone missing? But I received her call few hours ago. I’ll hate myself forever for not returning her calls if it turns out something has happened to her.’
Funke furrowed her brows then said. “She told me she was going to your house, and I was surprised when I saw you here without her.”
I quickly pulled my phone out of my bag then dialed her number. She didn’t pick at first ring which made me a little bit tensed before she finally picked on the second ring.
“Look who decided to return my call today.” My mom said and my heart rate normalized.
“Where are you mom. And what are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m at your house, cooking.” She said.
“Wait! Mom, how did you get inside my house?” I asked, knowing that she didn’t have the key to the new lock.
“Well, when I came, I inserted the key I had into the lock but it didn’t open. Then, suddenly, someone opened the door from inside. I was startled at first, but I relaxed when I realized the face of the person that opened the door was familiar.” she said.
“Who? Owen?” I asked and waited for an answer I already knew.
“Yes, Owen.” She confirmed. “By the way, where are you?”
“I am on my way right now.” I yelled and ended the call.
I quickly hugged Funke, removed some cash from my purse and gave it to her.
“Bye. See you another time.” I said, as I rushed to the front door.
“Thank you very much, when next would you visit us?” Funke asked. But, I didn’t remember to reply her. My mind was very far, all I could think about was my mom and Owen. I knew my mom was going to tire him out with questions she shouldn’t ask.
- Writer
