MOTHER’S CARE

Aria spent more than 15 minutes in the bathroom, she just laid there and let the cold water hits her body.

Karina walks into her room after waiting for her in the living room. “Damn Aria, you are paying my water bill for this month.” She jokingly says.

“Mum am just tired, can you believe Michael haven’t call me since I caught him with Jessica.” Aria said softly

“Really?, that means both of them have been in this for so long.” Karina said reluctantly

“I think so, because he has been acting strangely since, especially his mother Elizabeth.” Aria said while walking out of the shower.

“Uh, what about her mother?” Karina asked

“Hmmmm nothing, it’s just that…” Aria hesitated for a moment before she continued. “…she has been harassing me for a while now about the issue of giving birth.”

Karina was shocked because Aria haven’t told her about this before now. “Oh really, and you are telling me now?”

“I never thought big of it because she had never liked me from the start, so I thought it was just Normal for her to nag.” Aria said while putting on some dress

“Just that?…” Karina asked

“Yeah” Aria said trying not to go too deep into details so her mum wouldn’t make a big deal out of it. “Mum, I thought you said you prepared some food earlier?” She asked

“Oh yeah, I prepared some Mac and cheese and also some lasagne.” Karina said her voice tinged with excitement

“Oh, you got some Pepsi in the fridge? You know I love Pepsi.” Aria said nervously

Karina laughed. “Ha ha ha I think I got a few, let me check.” She said as she moved close to the fridge and opened it. “Oh there is two left.” She exclaimed

“Better, I will have that with some mac and cheese please.” Aria requested

Karina looked at Aria Jokingly. “Am now your waitress right?” She asked while laughing

“No mum!” Aria said as she let out a smile. “It’s just that am just too tired to serve myself, won’t you do that for your little baby.” She said as she gave her mum ‘A Puppy Face’

“Don’t give me that look Aria.” Karina said as she try to avoid gazing at her face but she couldn’t resist it. “A..Alright you can go to the dining table while I serve you princess.” She said mockingly

“Thanks mum, I know you won’t say No.” Aria said as she rushed to the dining table to wait for her mum.

Karina was very happy as she saw Aria smiling again after she was crying her eyes out. She always loved both of her daughters equally without showing bias to both of them. But she is still surprised that Jessica could do something like that.

“I think she changed in college, because I never taught her like this.” Karina said silently as she dish out the food and started bringing it to Aria. “Hope you enjoyed this food Aria.”

“Thanks mum, but I think you forgot to add the Pepsi.” Aria said shyly

“Alright I will get it for you, before you give me that funny face again.” Karina said as she start walking to the fridge to get the soda.

***

Aria slowly opened her eyes as the morning rays shined through the window, immediately recognizing the pink wallpaper and pattern Cinderella bedsheets of her childhood bedroom at her mother’s house.

The disgusting event of the previous day came rushing in, The devastating discovery of her cheating husband and Jessica betrayal then fleeing in tears as she roamed through the city before finally coming to the safety of her mum house.

A few drops of tears came running down her cheeks as the memories came reflecting in. How can two people she thinks was closer to her done this insane thing to her? And not even any other day but the day before her 27th birthday, which is more painful.

Aria jumped slightly as the door to her bedroom opens slowly. Her mother slowly walks in with a smile on her face.

“Good morning My angel….. Happy Birthday.” Karina said happily

Aria was unable to muster any words or shows any signs of excitement on her birthday as she just stared at her mother. Her birthday just felt like nothing because of her broken marriage before the day even begun.

Seeing the sad expression on Aria face, Karina’s smile slowly fades away. She started moving closer to Aria as she sat on the edge of the bed, taking Aria hands to embrace her.

Karina then looks at her. “I know today is going to be so hard after…” she stops as she cleans the tear drops from Aria face. “…..after that horrible thing you witnessed yesterday.” Karina said softly. “But you are here now, just know that I love you more than anything, sweetheart, you will get through this soon.”

Aria opens her mouth, but words was unable to come out as tears burned in her eyes. She collapsed on her mum shoulder, unknowingly to her mother that she had cry herself to sleep the previous day, Karina just stroked her hair soothingly.

“That’s is it, let it all out Aria…. hold on to nothing.” Karina whispered, her own anger rising at the thought of Jessica betrayal to her own sister. It was almost too awful for a mother to comprehend.

But Karina quickly let go of that emotion, Today was about surrounding Aria’s day with Love and reassurance on what should have been a joyful celebration of Aria 27th birthday.

“Why don’t you get up and I’ll make your favourite flavour of cake, hmmm?” Karina asked as Aria’s sobs began to subside. “We can go to the cinema together and look some movie and order some takeout on whatever you want later. No Fancy party. Just both of us while we figure out what to do next.”

Karina leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Aria’s forehead. “I’ve got you my angel. One step at a time.”

“Thanks mum, I really appreciate your encouraging words in times like this I don’t know what I would have done if you were not here with me.” Aria said calmly

“You don’t have to worry, I got you.” Karina replied “Now, go clean yourself up let’s start the day together.”

“Alright, let me quickly take my bath, and also I think Samantha will be flying in today.” Aria said. “I forgot to tell her that the party is not gonna hold anymore.”

“Oh really, just let her come, you don’t have to tell her that through the phone.” Karina said while getting up.

“Alright mum, thanks.” Aria said as she walked to the bathroom