GWEH (Go Away)

18. Are You Well?

Mommy shoos me away while saying, "Carry the bags and go put them down first round a room. By the way, What do you want for dinner?"

***

I was surprised Mommy asked because it was unusual for her to inquire about my preference, much less to take the initiative to cook. I swear, since I have learned to cook, Mommy took me as her personal chef.

Instead of answering, I went into the bathroom and took care of myself. I brushed my teeth, used my apricot face scrub, and then undressed to take a cold shower. I grabbed my shower gel and washcloth. This is exactly what I need. I literally felt my worries being scrubbed and washed away down the drain. I seriously had no reason to cry since  I was so happy that my school fees were paid, but I found myself shedding tears.

I promise I'm not sad.

I'm feeling happy, I swear. For weeks, I was overwhelmed, but now that burden has lifted and I feel overjoyed to the point of tears.

"Yes, Ms. Tamara, just done the water in the tank and run up my water bill. Because why not? You have a rich mother, don't it?" Mommy said loudly as if she was talking to me and the entire neighborhood. I heard the toilet flush, so I knew she was in the bathroom. Just vulgar for no reason. And it's not like I was showering that long.

I rolled my eyes and took off my brunette and my hair tie. After wetting my hair, I reached for the shampoo and began washing my hair, then conditioned it. I turned the water off after just two washes and then realized that I had forgotten my towels.

"Mommy!" I yelled out and waited a while, but she did not answer.

"Cheryl!" I tried again, knowing that Mommy would not ignore me if I called her by her first name. "Cherylee! Please bring me two of my towels."

"Child! Don't pass your place with me." Mommy marched into the bathroom to point her index finger in my face while I wore a sheepish grin. "You smile like you want to lose your teeth. Gwaan play with your life."

"No, I was just admiring how extra beautiful you look today. I like your nails—that shade of yellow looks great. Did you redo them yesterday with your hair? The locs fit you," I rambled and buttered Mommy up. "Mi mada looks good, so that's why I smiled." When I saw mommy blushing I tried again to ask her for what I wanted since I now had her attention. "You can help me get two of my towels?"

"Tammy, I know you think me and you are friends, but we are not. We are in the same age group!" Mommy said, walking away without even acknowledging my compliment or request.

Sighing I decided that I will have to make a wet trail to the room but just when I stepped out unto the bath mat, one towel that get throw over my head none too gentle.

"By the way, you have to get that bush wax. I will set an appointment for you," I heard Mommy say, but when I took the towels from my face and used one cover by my body, Mommy was not there but she had left second towel hanging on the on the rack.

Shaking my head, I made sure to close the door this time and went to dry myself from the head down. I then added my avocado leave-in conditioner and rosemary and peppermint scalp oil. I used my finger to detangle my hair, then made sixteen big chiney bumps (bantu knots) then wore my steam cap to lock in the treatment. Afterward, I cleaned my face once more, but this time with cotton and witch hazel.

On the way to the room, I had to tip-toe since Mommy was mopping the floor. As usual, she got angry that I was walking on her wet floor.

"Try know, I will use you mop the tile if you mess up my floor," Mommy threaten."