Searching For Serenity

Chapter 2

I stepped down from the bus with the bag slung over one of my shoulders before bringing my wrist in front of me and checking the time.

4:30pm.

I sighed before looking at the building in front of me. With heavy legs I walked inside before climbing the stairs unwillingly. I still had my earphones on while it played a song.

I stood in front of the door to my home. An empty home it has come to be now. I didn't want to go inside and be surrounded by the silence again. I would much rather sit outside and be surrounded with random noises than nothing at all.

I bit the insides of my cheek before opening the door slowly.

As I expected it was all dark. Nothing I could see. Only the silhouettes of the furniture's.

I threw my hand at the wall just beside me and tried finding the switches before turning on the lights of the whole house.

It was all bright now. I could see the kitchen just in the right corner very clearly too.  I made my towards the refrigerator to check the expected. The yellow paper stuck there in between the refrigerator's door and the magnet.  I pulled it out from between and read it.

I'll be working late today too. Sorry honey. Don't forget to have your dinner, okay?
- Love mom

I folded the paper one or two times before throwing it away. Placing my hands on the kitchen counter I closed my eyes and looked down for a while, taking deep breaths.

It's not like I was expecting something new. I know she has to work hard. For me. Especially now that she has to manage all the expenses alone.

But still... just like always I still expected to see her standing here in the kitchen with the sweet aroma of food surrounding the whole house. Her petite figure moving around the house making it lively.

I finally opened my eyes before turning off the music finally. I knew it was going to be silent but as soon as I turned the music off the silence that consumed me, I was still not used to it.

I don't think I ever will.

I curled my hands into a ball before going to my room and throwing my bag at the table in the corner. As I walked around the house I could hear my footsteps and it was tiring me out.

I didn't want to be alone.

I picked my phone to call Max and Henry. I dialled Max's number and he picked on the second bell,

"Yooo Serene. You got home?" He asked.

"Yeah I did. Thanks for asking." I smiled, "I was wondering if we could meet at some nearby cafe. My mom's working and I am bored."

"STOP THE CAR!" I heard Max yell.

"I am not driving Max?" I said a little unsure.

"Didn't you see I was motioning you to stop the car?" He said in a haste.

"Are you still talking to me?"

"Now take a u-turn. We are going to the cafe near Serene's house." He said apparently talking to someone before talking to me again, "We will be there in a few minutes. Be there."

"Were you just yelling at Henry?" I asked laughing.

It was rare to see Max yelling at Henry. It was usually Henry being the big boy and doing the yelling. Seeing Max do that made me feel so proud of him.

"He wouldn't listen to me. He deserved it. Anyways, be there! I'll be hanging up now."

I laughed before hanging up and going to my room humming a tune to myself. I was finally feeling like I was home. Going out and hanging with Max and Henry. And I was liking it this way where I wasn't sulking because I was alone.