With Your Heart Wide Open

We Meet Again

"Just one more spoon, Aaliyah," Esther suggested, pointing at the half-full bowl of cereals.

"No, I don't want to be late," Aaliyah protested while putting her boots on.

"Because of the presentation?"

"Mom! It's not just a presentation. A guest is going to come to my classroom to talk about bullying," Liyah clarified.

"What's so special about that?"

"Nothing interesting ever happen in this place," the little girl whined.

"I would have to disagree on that,"

"How would you know?" Liyah asked.

"That's where I grew up, Aaliyah. Remember?"

"Why'd you left?"

"Because I hated when people ask me too much questions. Just like you're doing now,"

Aaliyah giggled and Esther did too.

"I'm happy we're here though,"

"Why?" Esther asked as she redid a braid from her daughter's hair.

"I finally have a dad. I also have a grandpa and a half grandma," she revealed.

"Half?" Esther asked, confused.

"The blind lady who smells like dead leaves? Isn't she like my grandma?"

"You and your smart mouth! Anyway. You're right though. She's like a mom to me so I guess she's like your grandma,"

After a pause, Aaliyah asked, "Where's your mom, Mom?"

Esther closed her eyes and clenched her teeth, "Just get your backpack. It's time,"

Aaliyah pointed at the mist from the window, "It's raining. My clothes are going to be wet and my hair will be messy. I'm going to look so ugly! I don't want to be ugly on this special day,"

With more strength that they both expected, Esther grabbed Aaliyah's shoulder and brought her face to face to her.

Aaliyah started shaking and apologizing but her mom cut her off.

"Young lady! I need you to listen to me! Don't you ever say that you're ugly! You hear me?"

"That's not what I..." Aaliyah tried to justify.

"Do you hear me? Never used the word 'ugly' when referring to yourself! Is it clear?"

Aaliyah nodded.

Esther released her.

"Mom, I still don't want to get wet. I don't want to look... the opposite of beautiful,"

Esther shook her head, "You're impossible!"

She helped Aaliyah with her backpack and offered to drive her to school.

Since they arrived earlier than expected, Aaliyah chose to wait in the car.

"Mom, would you be annoyed if I ask you a question?"

Esther rolled her eyes, "Like that would stop you,"

"Why can't we live in the same house as Daddy?"

"That's just how it is,"

"It's not supposed to be like that! A mom and a dad should leave with their kid!"

Esther sighed, "Not all the time. Remember your friend whose parents were divorced? She lived with her mom and would go to see her dad on the weekends,"