HEART FOR HIRE ✓

Forty One

"Mama," I call out as soon as dad I enter the house. It's quiet but still looks almost the same as it did two years ago except for three new framed photos that hung on the living room wall - one with dad receiving his teacher of the year award, another with mum shaking hands with the famous chef that visited her restaurant and one with Naomie and her friends from school. The rest are still the same - same old brown paint, same Hisense flat screen television and the nonfunctional but still fancy chandelier. "Mama-"

"Naty, is that you?" my mum shouts from the kitchen. "Go and wash your hands, I'm cooking your favorite meal!"

Whereas my dad is a laid-back almost bald high school chemistry teacher that students seem to like so much - since he won an award, my mum is the exact opposite. She rarely smiles and looks like she spent half of her lifetime training for the army with that constant scowl. In addition, she's really conscious about cleanliness and won't let anyone in her kitchen unless they have washed their hands. But even with all those conditions, my mum is the kindest and most lovable person I know.

I wash my hands and rush out of the bathroom to the kitchen. Not only is she the kindest person, she is the best cook.

Jeanette doesn't have to know that bit though.

"Maaama," I hug her from behind. She is facing the gas plate while stirring something she is cooking. Her red apron is tied nicely as she used to and unlike dad, she isn't aging or showing signs of grey hair. "I missed you mama."

She puts the lid back to cover what she's cooking and turns to hug me back - after washing her hands of course.
"I can't believe you are here."

"I am here mama. It's me."

When she pulls away from the hug, she inspects my arms, makes me turn around and looks up at me from head to toe.
"You look so thin. Are you eating well? Are you having any problems? You know that you can always call your dad and I -"

"Mama," I reach for her hands, "I am really okay. I have never slept hungry. I have a home, awesome friends and a good job. In fact, I am not far away from starting my own business."

"Really?" her eyes start to get glossy. She isn't the most emotional person I know but that also serves to balance how emotional my dad gets. He is the one who cries and lets everything out while my mum is the one who will still look like everything is okay even when that's not the case at all. "Are you happy?"

I nod. "I'm happy mama. Happier than ever."

"You didn't come with anyone?" she pretends to look around as if someone else will pop out of nowhere.

"Mama!" I look away and hide my face. I know what she is talking about. I haven't told them about Zion, so, she has no idea that there's actually someone. "Jeanette had to go to a family event and Alex has to go to Vidcon or whatever that is called. I'll bring them next time."

My mum shakes her head and hums.
"You aren't getting any younger, Naty."

"I'm not even twenty-one yet!"

"So?"

"Mama! I'm too young to be thinking about commitment and settling down. I just want to eat food and grow bigger."

"Just think about it, okay?"

I nod my head and start looking around the kitchen. A part of me is wondering why I didn't just tell my mum about Zion. Why couldn't I? She's my mum. She won't judge me. What am I afraid of? I'll just tell her now maybe-

"Are you so hungry?"

I shift all my attention back to her.
"No, I actually had a meal before I boarded the train. Why do you ask?"

"If you aren't hungry, you can go and pick up your sister from school. It will be such a surprise for her."

So, without unpacking and settling in my bedroom, I take off and go to Naomie's school. It's not far away from home, just a few minutes walk. I force myself to ignore the curious glances from neighbors, whispers and pointing fingers.

Among the whispering voices, one of them stands out. And they are actually addressing me by name.
It's a familiar face of a lady of my age, probably from high school. She smiles at me and waves.

"Natalia!" she calls out. "It's me Juliana. Don't you remember me?"

I look at her blankly and I guess she takes the hint because she laughs and starts talking again.
"I'm Juliana, we sat together in clothing and textile lessons."

"Uh," I laugh awkwardly and extend my hand to greet her. "Nice to meet you Juliana. I'm sorry I couldn't remember you."

"No problem," she chirps. "I remember you used to be so good at stitching and designs. What are you doing now?"

"I didn't actually go to university but you probably have already heard about that."

"Yeah," she nods. "But neither did I. I took a gap year to help out my cousin with something and I just joined design school."

"Oh," I actually didn't know what to say, "congratulations?"

"Haha, that's not all. I mean, if you aren't doing anything now," she pulls out her phone, types something and turns back to me. "I was saying that if you aren't doing anything now, the design school I am in has a May / June intake. You can apply."

"Eh, thanks," I rub my neck nervously. "I don't know if I'm ready to return to school and stuff."

"Come on," Juliana snorts. "With your design skills, you may even get a bursary. Just think about it, okay? Besides, I can even help with the applications if you're busy."

"You would?"

"Of course, I would. Remember that time when we did tie and die and my design almost didn't come out? You are the one who showed me how do it and boom, I aced the final assignment like that. I owe you big deal!"

"You-"

"Here, type your number in my phone. I'll give you a call," she hands me her phone and I hurriedly type my number.

All the while whispering, "what just happened?"