Secrets That Remain: The Untold [Book 1]

Chapter 1: Cliché Morning

Day Friday, October 25, 2019

Today, as usual, I woke up at 5. As I slid the window frame, I felt faint rays of a gorgeous spring day embracing my body, hugging my soul through my skin. I can see curtains on my window and trees on the road side, dancing to the same rhythms of fresh air. Watching the birds chirping, hopping across the tree limbs was therapeutic and the stillness before the daily chaos was bewitching. 'Ah, another mesmerizing morning,' I thought to myself. I was totally in captivated by this sheer perfection of nature, well until my alarm clock totally lost its sanity.

I am late. I rushed to wake the children up, only to witness Sara arranging her bed while, Alex was still fast asleep.

"Sara, honey, good morning!"

"Good morning, Omma," she chirped like a hummingbird. My daughter is so pretty. My heart always swells with love whenever I see her. She's just so perfect. I hugged and told her to leave everything as it is and get ready first or else, she will be late for her classes.

As she moves on with her morning prep, I focused all my attention on the still sleeping lazy punk. I swear to God, it's much easier to walk on water than to wake Alex up from his sleep. I try and try and try but would he even buck? No! I don't have enough time to entertain his little plays so I left him with the alarm on, of 8 o'clock and rushed to the kitchen to make our breakfast and pack some lunch for Sara and myself.

One can never go wrong with pancakes and poached eggs. While sipping down my first morning coffee, I made my mind to go with some kimchi noodles and fruit salad on the side for the lunch. I'm sure Sara will love it. Sara was ready on time and everything went exactly as it should, except for my sleeping beauty!

Walking in, I see the alarm clock on the floor, almost broken and Alex cocooned inside, at least, 2 huge quilts. I seriously need some break now; the guy is getting on my last nerve.

"Alex! Will you get up?" I yell at him.

"Omma..." he mumbled something like that in his sleep, like a damn melody.

"What? Wake the heck up now! It's past 8:30! You have to submit your assignment by 9," this guy is so intriguing.

"No—"

"At least lift this damn quilt and have a proper talk! And what do you mean by 'no'?" I mimic him and he chuckles. "Listen kiddo, wake up or I am throwing water."

"Aniyo!" he sits up with his eyes closed and quilt all wrap around him, looking like mandu*. So adorable!

I still can't wrap my head around the fact, that he will be turning 22 this year. Sometimes, time do fly fast. I still remember him being so small, so cute and such a mamma-baby but now everything is gone except his never-ending cuteness.

"Aigoo*, pudding! Get up, huh?" I sigh. Shaking my head I urged him further, "Now! I am going to get ready, so be fast or else Maddie and I will leave without you."

"He's coming?" Finally, I can see his hazel eyes. Mamma's boy is now a boo's boy.

"Yes, he is. He called me early today informing that his parents won't be able to drop him off. So, he will be riding with us."

"Why didn't you inform me earlier?" Pouting Alex questioned with all bed head.

"Umm... 'cause I didn't want to," after making a sly remark, I lammed. Alex throws a fit, groaning and rushing with his works. Seeing him all awake, I moved on with my work.

"Omma?" he is shouting like an animal.

"What?"

"Should I go with this or this?" he showed me two-piece, one black hoodie and another one was a brown sweater.

"Umm..." I dwell on the options I have,

"Choose fast. He will be here soon," and 'ding dong'. Holy Jesus Christ! I see an obvious scowl on his face. I point the brown one and he rushes inside his room.

I went to open the door and as I open it, a warm hug greets me.

"How you doing, Aunt?" Maddie asks me after planting a kiss on both of my cheeks.

"Hi, Love. I am doing great. What about you? How Mr. and Mrs. Payne are doing?"

"I am doing great and so are they. Thanks for asking. So, shall we go? It's almost 8:30."

"Oh my love, we should but pudding is st—"

"Mum!" Alex shouted from the room. 'Mum' is a warning to me. I think, I have teased him enough.

"So, Maddie-um-I was saying-um-let's have breakfast first. I made some pancakes and eggs. What do you say?"

"But I already had one before—"

I wink at him, holding my hands tight as I silently beg him to accept my offer. I believe my wink worked because he agreed. We started with our breakfast and soon Alex joined us. I drizzled extra honey and strawberries on his plate as an apology and I was soon forgiven.

We were sharing our pleasant back and forth banters when my eyes drifted to the clock to check the time. We are running late!

---- to be continued

***

Meaning:

Aigoo- an expression (its meaning generally depends upon the way it is said. Here, Sandra meant it in a nice way.)

Mandu- A type of Korean dumpling.

Kimchi- Korean side dish

NOTE:  The date is disclosed (above the POV banner) to give readers a better idea about the timeline and events that are/will be happening.