Oreo Ice Cream

Chapter 8| Unnatural feelings

"Flora," Mum smiled as she handed me the coffee. It's been a long time since we have had coffee together in the evening. She returned from her workplace earlier today.

"Oh, thanks," I grinned and smelled the coffee, "Mhmm, smells so good!" I closed my eyes in pleasure as I sat on the kitchen counter. I sipped the coffee slowly, letting it burn the inside of my cheeks.

Mum was free once or twice a month—she worked as a graphic designer in a publishing house since Dad left us. That was years back when I was a mere four or five. I saw her struggle to get a job anywhere at any cost. Those were our dark days when she used to cry silently against the wall, and I used to lie on the bed pretending to be asleep. Dad was a demon. I used to wish I could punish him like hell. And now, I would laugh at that thought.

What's the use of punishing someone when we can't fix everything he's broken? Only to quench this damned rage?

I sighed. The hot coffee burnt my throat in pleasure as I drank it. I just wanted to focus on it—no fights, no cries, no emotions, no struggles, no Dad, no school, no meeting, no Tristan—just me enjoying this smoldering coffee and the light air through my hair. 

"So," I opened my eyes when I heard Mum clearing her throat, "What you thinking?" she raised her eyebrows and smirked. I didn't reply

"How was school today?" She pressed before sipping her coffee.

I rolled my eyes, "Nothing special." I didn't want to come up with what had happened in the past three days. Josie, Tristan, Eric, and quarrel. God! I'd go insane!

"I was thinking," she brought some freshly baked cookies. The sweet aroma filled the room; I inhaled deep. "If you can enjoy these," she looked at me hopefully, "Have one."

I took a bite, "Delicious, Mum!" I hugged her when my phone sounded. 

A new message. But no, you can't see that right now, Flora. Mum will ask more then, and you have to answer half-truth and half-lie.

My heart was racing in fear and curiosity. I side-glanced at my phone. The concert song came to our ears—muffled yet serene.

"Do you have any assignments today?" she asked.

Yep! I got a new way! Thank god she asked that!

"Oh yeah, let me check." I unlocked my phone as she went on sipping her coffee. A new message from...

Tris? God! He texted me after seven months. A feeling of relief and joy overwhelmed my heart. I tried hard not to smile. I opened my folder of assignments. Thankfully, my English project's cover file was yet to get done.

After finishing my coffee, I kept the cup in the dishwasher. Mum was busy checking her laptop. 

"I have one left to do! I'm going, Mum!" I shouted as I ran upstairs.

"How was the coffee?" she asked. I guessed her eyes were still lingering on her laptop screen.

"Awesome, Mum. I love you!" I shouted back before closing the door.

~*~

*Can you call me? It's important*

I felt weird reading Tris's odd message. He's never asked me to call him. I mean, we didn't ever call each other. I was sure he's something to say. Maybe about today's meeting? But if Mum somehow came to know that I was talking with a friend and that too, a male friend—I can't imagine the aftermath.

*Can't we discuss it here only* I typed back without thinking. 

One, two, three, four. No reply. Was Tristan angry with my message? He certainly was not. There's no reason to get angry. And if he got angry, that's stupid. I stared at my phone for a few more seconds. I was about to switch it off when Mum entered.