Waiting

Ch: 20- Outcomes

1 year later:

Rayee was about to sleep when she heard the knocking.

Rayee: Come in, please.

Mrs. Armor: Were you sleeping? Sorry to disturb you.

Rayee: I was about to. No problem.

Mrs. Armor: Is it okay if I talk to you now for a bit.

Rayee sat up.

Rayee: It's okay. What do you want to talk about?

Mrs. Armor: I want you to know that I know about the therapy. I have been trying to talk to you about it but I couldn't. So, I tried to ask as less questions as I could when you went for the sessions to avoid making you ...aa....irritated.

Rayee: Oh...

Mrs. Armor: As your mother, I should have been there for you. I should have talked to you and taken action. But I am a failure. I failed you. Because of social pressure to be conventionally and foolishly perfect and top-notch, I was afraid to take action. It was a wrong kind of shame that I felt at that time and the shame I am feeling now is what I brought upon myself. I didn't even talk to you about this because I thought you will forget. How much can a child remember? I didn't want to trigger you. I am such a fool......

............

I saw you growing up being unique but the price you had to pay for that uniqueness, I didn't want that. I am sorry....

Rayee: I want to sleep. Can we talk about it later?

Mrs. Armor: Please don't shut me out anymore. I want to be involved in your healing process.

Rayee: After this long, you are here for me mama. What about the times I struggled against this alone for all those years? What is your excuse for those times?

...........

Rayee: I was lucky to make some friends who made me realize it was worth trying for a better life. You are my mother. Why couldn't you make me feel that? After all this time you are telling me that you are ashamed?! That's your pathetic excuse?! Mother, you surprise me. I am not even disheartened. I am shocked.

Mrs. Armor: Baby, we were new money in the town at that time. We were desperate. We looked at the bigger picture and focused on going on top only. Our ambitions made us blind but you don't know how much I want to help you. The moment I came to know about your therapy sessions, I started looking for the person who caused us pain. I found him. If you want me to do more digging, I can do that. If you want me to press charges, I can do that.

Rayee: Mum, I really can't take it right now. Let me sober up. We will talk later.

Mrs. Armor: You will? Do you promise?

Rayee: Yes mama, I will try to play my part well.

Mrs. Armor sobbed for a moment sitting in there and then went out.

In the afternoon of the next day, Rayee received a call from Amore.

Amore: Hello, have you already left for the appointment?

Rayee: No. I am gonna left in a bit.

Amore: You mind if I stick with you?

Rayee: You have accompanied me most of the time. Why ask this now?

Amore: Wait for me. I am coming.

Rayee smiles sweetly. Amore doesn't know how grateful and thankful Raayee is for having her by her side.

In the evening they were having dinner together.

Rayee: I will stop going there from now on. I will continue with the medication.

Amore: Have you consulted with her? Is that okay?

Rayee: It's fine. I have already told the doc. She approved.

........

Amore: So, you know what you want now?

Rayee smiles sweetly.

Rayee: I think I do.

Amore: May I......

Rayee: Finish your food first. I am not running away and so aren't you.

Amore frowns her brows and starts eating again.

Rayee: Let's meet tomorrow evening again. What do you say?

Amore: Is it okay if I invite you to my house? My Mama cooks delicious food.

That proposal makes Rayee choke on her food. Amore passes her a glass of water.

Amore: You okay?

Rayee: Oh come on, don't say such things out of blue. I was shocked.

Amore giggles.

Amore: Okay. I will keep that in mind. So, if we have passed through the shock state already can I have my answer?

Rayee: I will come.

Amore: Good then. I will pick you up from your house.

Rayee: Cool.

They went home and Rayee called Kensus.

Rayee: Hi there, what are you doing?

Kensus: Work. What about you?

Rayee: Well, sorry to disturb you. I wanted to tell you something.

Kensus: What?

Rayee: I want to stop going to the therapy. I consulted with the doc and she said it was okay.

Kensus: Thanks for considering letting me know. Does your other friend know?

Rayee: Yes. I told her when we were having dinner together. She even invited me to dinner tomorrow at her place. Maybe I am gonna meet her family ......

........

Kensus: Can I call you later?

Rayee: Yeah. Sorry for taking your time. You must be busy.

It would be nice if everything went according to our plans.