Chapter 9- New Guardian

This thought frightened me yet I remained calm forcing a sly smile as I ushered her to her seat.

"I'm doing fine thank you." I said slightly nictitating to hide my disapproval of her role in my life.

"You will get through this my dear and in no time, your parents will return."

I nodded without a word, inching behind her. I was standing by black armchair, with one hand on the chair. She was standing in between the couch and the centre table, placing the package she held on it.

"Have you heard from your parents?" She asked, as she balance into a couch made of raffia wood and foam.

"Yes I have, I spoke to mom a while ago and they are doing fine, thanks for asking."

"Your mom called me too, telling me about their trip. It's a good thing, they arrived safely."

I simply nodded, giving her a blank stare as she continued.

"Did i ever tell you about my phobia for flying?"

"No." I retorted, curtly.

My attention was slowly dragged by the round shaped silvery flask and a small box shaped basket filled with red crispy apples. I wondered what was In the flasks. The hard hands of hunger was hitting and I had grown deaf to her nicely wrapped conversation.

I knew she was trying to bond with me, but at age 18, I was not ready to have another mom, especially Mrs Eunice.

I couldn't help admiring her white flowery flare gown that seem way longer than what qualifies a short gown, however, it suited her slim figure. My eyes trailed upward to her short wavy brown hair that made her look older than her age or maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.

Her slightly wrinkled round face was bright, possibly she applied a tad of make-up, my eyes widen as I reconfigured my reasoning, Wait a minute, did she actually apply makeup so early in the morning! I literally screamed in my gut.

wow! just to see me? My parents should have thought it through before making a make-up artist my guardian.

"Keren! Keren! Kerenhappuch...!"

"Yes!... You said something?" I answered, straight from the remote train of thoughts that engulfed me, tugging on my earlobe as I readjusted my gaze.

"Have you been listening at all?" She asked, staring at me with raised eyebrows

"I..uhmm...I ...I have... What did you say again?"

Narked by my creepy listening manner, She made to leave, sadly, the unfortunate occurred.

The lacy hem of her precious gown got stuck in the couch. she bent over vigorously struggling to get it out.

"Ma, let me help you." I said with all sincerity taking steps closer in order to help but she retorted,

"No, thanks, I can handle it" As she returned her focus on the couch.

She kept pulling until an unfamiliar sound pierced through my ears. I stood a few centimetres behind her, trying to figure out what this meant, could it be the sound of a tear? Or maybe something worse. final answer? something worse.

I didn't wait long enough for Mrs Eunice to join me in celebrating the removal of her dress. A broad grin cut across my face and my trembling chin let out a thunderbolt of laughter, striking my feet on the floor in the aura of excitement.

To worsen it, I reclined in my seat as I muttered sarcastically, "You handled it so well."

She shot me an icy stare, and said nothing. She bent over picked up her purse and turned to a calm innocent and remorseful looking Kerenhappuch.

My eyes dropped as I stood up holding my other hand in a loose grip, "I'm really sorry Ma'am... I really didn't mean to..."

She cut in scowling at me, "How in God's name were you raised?"

It was not likely a question I should give answer to, so I kept up with my apologies.

"sorry ma I really didn't mean it like that"

"God have mercy on you" she walked briskly ahead of me towards the door.

"I came to check on you and you laugh at me. Fine, I hope you get to see me here again"

"I'm sorry ma, please don't tell my mom and dad"

She glared at me without giving a reply for a moment. I darted my gaze anywhere but her eyes.

Then she added, "You can always come to my house if you need anything."

"Okay ma, thank you."

"Goodbye" She said, sternly, as she walked away.

After shutting the door I laughed my heart out, the funniest part of it was the sound of the tear.

pre....eee...eee the sound had continued till it came a halt after hitting the mark of about 9 inches.

I wish I could tell Jochebed about it, I'm sure she would be very excited. In any case I rushed to my food, sat on the floor and swiftly began to devour. It turn out it was my favourite Portuguese cuisine: Sopa Da Pedra. I must confess the food tasted very nice.

After much thought, I must say, I regret my actions, I looked at the now empty flask and I felt churned in my stomach. I had to truly seek her forgiveness. Will she forgive me?