Is This Me?

Chapter Seventeen - It's time

The paragraphs I wrote at the end are important! Please read :)

"I want to go home, Mama",  Emily choked on a sob. From the look of it, she was exhausted and sad. Frankly, everyone was. It was a depressing day already, and it was just half the of it so far.

Mama nodded, using her veil to pat her face dry. She sniffled, patting Emily's back softly. She hated seeing her kids like this. It pained her that she couldn't help them with the pain they were feeling. As they headed to the car to get ready for the small after-party that they still planned on having, her phone rang.

She sniffed again and read the caller ID.

Doctor Ammar.

"Excuse me, kids" she forced a smile and stepped away, allowing the children to get in the car and wait. She and the doctor exchanged quick pleasantries before he said;

"I am aware that today is the funeral of your late husband. I am sorry again that you have to go through this so unexpectedly". With a pause, he inhaled a breath, "I hope you and your children are holding up well?"

Mama knew well that she had not been handling the past weeks well mentally, but it seemed like she was sound like a burden every time she felt like letting all her bottled up, confusing emotions out.

"Thank you for your condolences, Doctor. They are deeply appreciated. Um...I and my kids are well, by God's grace" she didn't want to keep their conversation going for too long, for she wanted to be left to her thoughts. Aside from that, everybody was seated in the car, waiting for her.

She was glad that the doctor called. Gladder when he said a prayer for them before ending the call. She decided to shut her phone off. She had been getting calls all day and the ring tone of the device was starting to get on her nerves. It only reminded her of the painful reality which she was trying so hard to escape from.

It was a solemn drive back home. The only thing that echoed in the car was Emily's quiet sniffles every two minutes. After what seemed like two hours on the road, they could finally see the gate of their home from a small distance. Anne got down first, holding Emily's hand, wanting to do nothing but keep her beside her all the time.

"Come on" she whispered and stroked her hair as she helped her down the high car that their father had passed down to Mama. It was his favorite car. He would always use it to drive them to church on Sundays.

"We have to get ready for the small party. Our guests would start arriving soon. And, your grandm-" mama explained to the children when they settled at home for some time. The loud ring of their doorbell interrupted her, making everyone turn at the door's direction.

David volunteered, "I'll get it" walking over to open the door, he was surprised to see Mrs.Susan. Behind her was a plained face Lilly.

"Hi, Mrs. Susan. What are you doing here?"

Anne, hearing her best friend's arrival, lighted up immediately. Now, Mama was welcoming them with a small and tired smile.

"We followed you from the venue. We figured we could help set up the party before guests start to arrive", Mrs. Susan, always thoughtful and cheerful, said with a genuine smile on her face.

Mama chuckled lightly, "But you are my guests"...she tried to protest modestly, even though she was grateful for the help and couldn't be happier to see her former neighbor. Sweet of her, she thought.

Mrs. Susan grabbed Mama's hands in hers, "We aren't guests, we are family" she smiled again. "Now come on, let's get started"

Anne smiled at the heartwarming sight and stood up to hug her Lilly "Shall we go upstairs?" Her British friend spoke with a playful grin.