MARITA

The Confession of The Heart (Part 3)

A cold and commanding woman stepped out of the elevator to the floor of Marita's office space. Joshua who was about to go to the lobby almost bumped into the woman. He apologized quickly.

"My apology, ma'am", he bowed down a little to mean it.

"It's OK." The woman voice is deeper than usual woman's voice. This made Joshua looked up to her. She is in her 50s or early 60s but her commanding aura deny her age and posed a regal and cold demeanour.

"Please step this way, ma'am" he moved aside making room for her to pass. "Are you looking for anyone?" he continued.

"MAMA!!"

Marita broke into an excited run towards the woman. She smiled the biggest smile to Marita and her smile melted the cold demeanour of hers.

Marita hugged the woman tightly. "You're back, Mam. You could've told me and I will pick you up".

"Ah... I miss you dearly" the woman pulled away from marita's embrace to get a better look at her daughter. "I want to surprise you."

"Awww... Mommy" Marita hugged her again.

"MA?!!!" shouted another behind them. Diah hearing the commotion came out of her office to welcome the woman. She ran towards them and immediately threw her embrace.

"Ma, we could've picked you up", said Diah nuzzling her head to the woman's shoulder next to Marita's.

"O my dear God, girls. You are going to knock me over", almost toppled backward she hugged them both tighter. "Ah Diah!! You are even prettier since the last I saw you. I miss you so, honey." With that, all three embraced and in the brink of crying.

The shrieking voices drew Frank's attention and he came out of his office to see what was happening. All the staffs were watching the three women embracing and squealing in front of the elevator. Frank was intrigued to see who this woman is. She is tall. Even a bit taller than Diah. She looked like she is in her 50s. Her tall and strong physique made him think that she was or is in the military. Especially with that short bob hair.

The three women let go of their embrace of each other. The woman cupped both her hands on Marita's cheeks and then did the same to Diah. "Both of you are doing well, I suppose!"

The two women looked at each other, smile and nodded.

"Ah come on, Ma. Let us give you a tour", Diah wrapped her arms around Marita's mom.

"Wait, Di. We can start here." said Marita. She turned to Joshua who was standing and watching them all this time.

"Ma, this is Josua our colleague." introduced Marita.

"Hello, Ma'am. It's a pleasure to finally meet Marita's mom"

"Nice to meet you too, Joshua. I hope my girls are treating you well in work"

"Oh Yes ma'am. I couldn't ask for better colleagues" said Joshua immediately which made Marita's Mom broke into a big smile. You can see she is very proud of Marita and Diah.

Joshua excused himself to continue with his work.

Marita and Diah now grabbed hold of her left and right arms and introduced her to the staffs.

Diah began... "Excuse me. Everyone! we would like to you all to meet Lieutenant Colonel Ervina..."

"No No No..." protested Marita's mom cutting Diah's introduction of her. "Here.. I am simply, Mama Vina." she clutched both of their hands in hers.

"Mama is a much better title". She said which all three of them smiled. The two of them ushered Mama Vina towards their offices.

They were walking towards Frank who has been standing waiting there watching the commotion. In few eternal seconds that they were walking toward him, Marita's eyes met Frank's who were looking into hers, Diah glanced back and forth between Frank and Marita. Mama Vina observed the tall and toned man who was looking at her daughter. Her smiled dimmed. A fine specimen of male creation, she thought.