After the truth

~1~

"I don't want it mummy!"

Marwa let out a loud sigh as she shut her eyes close. She was running late for her interview and her seven years old daughter, Mukhlisa was not making it any easier. She was trying to make her eat her scrambled eggs and potatoes but apparently, she had a strong dislike for it.

"Lisa, it's just eggs. And I made them super tasty." Marwa tried.

"No mummy, No!"

The little girl was beginning to frustrate her and despite the unending love she had for her daughter, sometimes she wanted to scream so loudly at her. Marwa pinched the bridge of her nose, starting her breathing exercises.

"Fine then! No snacks for you later in the day. Go put on your shoes." She snapped, standing.

"Mummy." Lisa whined, preparing to start a tantrum.

"You're seven, goodness gracious. I will spank you, young lady. Go put on your shoes. " Marwa hissed, grabbing her hijab.

After grabbing the file that held her documents and her bag, she pulled a grumpy Mukhlisa outside the house and locked the door behind her. Marwa hurried towards the bus stop, pausing once a while to make sure her daughter was tagging along. She needed to get this job for a good enough balance in her life.

"Good morning." Her daughter greeted every seated passenger on the bus and Marwa smiled.

Despite how annoying Lisa was, she could be the sweetest when she wished. Marwa watched the scenery as the bus began to move and passengers stopping at every bus stop. She pulled Mukhlisa along with her when she highlighted from the bus and her mouth was left agape as she stared at the sky high building of the Sidique  architectural royalty. Her nose scrunched at the absurd name given to such prestigious company.

"This is amazing mummy." Lisa cooed, "I'm still mad at you." She added, folding her arms and turning her face away.

"Whatever princess, let's go and remember to behave. We'll get ice cream afterwards." Marwa smiled, shaking her head.

Marwa held on to her daughter's hands as she walked hurriedly towards the wide glass door. It opened automatically and she went in with a smile.

"Good morning, I'm here for the interview. Marwa Hussain." She smiled at the blonde lady who sat behind the counter.

She watched the lady type away on her keyboard, her face void of any emotions. Marwa read her name tag and wondered if the lady, Emma, ever smiled. Emma handed a tag to her.
"Take the elevator to the 10th floor and join the others."

"Thank you. Emma." Marwa tried smiling again, probably to prompt the lady to smile. She returned one, a stiff smile.

"Your daughter should be able to wait while you're being interviewed, yes?" Emma asked, looking Mukhlisa up and down.

"Don't look at me that way, young lady!" Mukhlisa glared, placing her arms on her waist.

"Lisa." Marwa gritted, an awkward smile on her face as she pulled her daughter's arm.

Emma giggled into her palm.
"You're so cute. Just behave okay?" Emma smiled.

"I'm a big girl." Mukhlisa huffed, pulling her mum's hand.

"I'm so sorry. I'll be going now." Marwa bit her lips, suddenly confused as to what happened. When they got to the elevator, Marwa bent down to explain to her daughter not to be rude to people, strangers especially.

"But she smiled." Lisa groaned, walking into the elevator. Marwa shook her head. She was sure that her unknown father was the cause of this attitude because last she remembered was her being so tiny and meek and painfully quiet.