New Beginning

Chapter 9

Mother Miranda woke you from your sleep at an early hour to inform you of a meeting taking place later in the morning. You hoped she didn't often do that. It takes forever to fall asleep as it is, and as soon as you felt yourself get into a deep sleep, she called.

She didn't say specifically what it would be about — just the location and time. Mother Miranda also said to come alone and not to bring your daughters. That you also don't know why, but you didn't dare to question it.

It is now a quarter past seven, the sun now beaming even through your curtains. Groaning, you sat up after your many failed attempts of trying to go back to sleep. Tiredly brushing your hair out of your face, you forcefully stood up and walked to the bathroom.

You took a minute to study your appearance. The love bites Alcina left around your neck and chest now faded. It's been some days since you last saw her — nearly a week, actually. You assumed she'd been busy and never got time to call or come by. Not that you bothered to do the same either. She spoke briefly about her wine business during that stupid game of 'ask a question and drink' when you utterly embarrassed yourself. Maybe it was that or family matters, or so you wishfully thunk.

Turning the shower to the perfect temperature, you hopped in, letting the water hit your back. Steam filling the air as you sighed, leaning your head back to wet your hair. You made quick work of washing from head-to-toe, not leaving an inch untouched.

The meeting was now just over an hour away. Dressing yourself in a nice pair of black slacks and a deep red blouse, you applied makeup to make yourself look at least more alive than you felt. You decided against leaving your hair as is, plugging in the flat iron. It was not a good hair day.

By the time you finished getting ready, it was almost time to leave. You went to check to see if your daughters were up by now, so you could say proper goodbyes. You made your way to Maricela's room first to find it empty.

"Hm." You hummed to yourself.

Turning around, you head to Faye's room next, then Yasmin's, to also find them both empty. You furrowed your brows at the sight. Even if they happened to be up that early, they still weren't leaving bed unless they were forced to.

You made your way down the stairs, a smell filling your nose that made your stomach slightly growl. Opening the doors to the dining room you finally found your three girls seated, each with plates in front of them. Yasmin was the first to notice you.

"Good morning, Mamá." She spoke softly.

"Good morning? You three are up awfully early." You said narrowing your eyes.

"We were hungry..." Maricela grumbled.

"Hungry." You repeated in shock. "The amount of times I've made you girls food before you've woken up, and you still don't bother to eat it until midday."

"Really hungry." She added.

"Well, regardless, I'm happy to see you all up."

They all seemed slightly groggy, which was to be expected. You barely pulled yourself together ten minutes ago.

"You look nice. Where are you off to?" Faye questioned.

"Thank you, sweetheart, and I have a meeting to go to. Mother Miranda informed me early this morning." You spoke, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.

"Do we need to go?" She questioned once more.

"No, that won't be necessary. She just asked for me, but I'll let you know what we discussed, okay?" You said giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.