Overcome (editing)

Chapter Forty - Three

I was informed by Rose, the house maid that I had a call on the line. When I picked up I started to wish I hadn't, it was mom.

Rihannna.... she called feebly.

I let out a loud sigh, part of me wanted to hang up instantly but there was also something in her voice, something was off.

Rihanna I don't need you to answer... she continued before coughing horribly over the phone. What was wrong with her? I pondered. She then continued:

I just need you to listen.... I want to explain some things to you, things I should have said but I didn't. But before that I just want you to know I am so sorry.. I could tell she was crying... I was a terrible mother to you and I am truly sorry.

I was becoming annoyed.... does she really think it would be so easy?

Mom I don't have time for this----- I started saying but she cut me off.

Rihanna wait! ... please... please just....just give me a change...there is something you need to know!!!.. Rihanna.... I'm-- I'm dying.

When she spoke this I was stunned. My mother is dying? But... but what will happen to Ryan and Rishaad? How will we cope? she cant die! As terrible as she was she was still mom.

What.... wha... what do you mean?.... I Stammered.... it's like I forgot how to speak.

I am dying... she repeated, sounding defeated.

But...ho----

Aggressive cancer.... I have aggressive cancer....she respond.

I started crying.... mom!... I called out.

Don't!... she sobbed.... don't cry over me baby.... I don't deserve your tears.... I've been an awful mother.... I am so sorry baby....she cried.... I am so sorry for everything! I thought I was helping you and the boys by forcing you to get married, thinking I was giving you all a chance at a better future financially but I was wrong, I was so wrong! Richard is a terrible man! And I have basically ruin your future.... now you're carrying his child.... now you will never be free, you're bind to him!

For a second I thought of telling her the truth, that I was carrying Kyle's child and not his but it was too risky...not when he roamed around.

So you did this because you knew no one would be around to take Care of us anymore?... I asked.

Yes.... she breathed.

It all made sense now! How she seemed so far gone at times, sad and defeated.... it's because she knew her faith was near and with dad gone she was trying to help us!

Oh mom!!!... I was crying harder now.

I am so sorry... she sobbed.

Its OK...I cried....it OK mom... I forgive you.

Really?!.... she asked hopefully.

Yes...yes I forgive you.... I said more confidently. Kyle was right, I needed to grieve and I have, it's time to move on.

After a long paused she spoke: I only have a couple more months...but I just wanted you to know I love you baby and I am so proud of you and you're strength... you are an amazing young Lady. When I am gone... take care of your brothers and my grand baby, remain strong.... you can do it.

Yes momma.... I will.... I responded.

And Rihanna ?..... she called

Yes momma... I answered.

You're nothing like your father.... but more importantly.... you're nothing like you're mother either....she responded ... your the better part of both of us.... you're phenomenal.

When she spoke this, I smiled.

We chatted a while longer before finally saying goodbye. I must admit, I felt a lot better afterwards.... I guess that's what happens when you forgive.

Soon after Mr. Buntly walked in the living room on his cellphone chatting as I replace the phone on it's stand.

Uh huh.... yes Mr. Benson.... no problem, it's my pleasure to meet for lunch, I am on my way right now. See you soon young man... and I promise you sir...you will not regret this... welcome to Buntly's Enterprise.

With that he hung up and without a word he grabbed his coat with a huge grin on his face as he stepped out.

I started thinking: if that was Kyle inviting him to lunch then that means---- oh my God.... oh my god I must call Ken!!! As I started dialing his number he suddenly walked in the living room with a confident grin on his face:

Way ahead of you babe.... he said.

He then walked over to me and dug in his pocket:

Oh yeah! Clarissa wants you to have this... he said and handed me a brooch in the shape of the letter X that was studded with diamonds and a earpiece.

Trembling I placed the brooch on my chest and put in the earpiece, soon enough I heard Clarissa's voice in my ear:

Hi Rihanna.... I hope you're ready babe, we got one shot... operation: London Bridge is now in full effect!

My heart started to burst out my chest, this is it.... it's do or die from here on out, my entire body started to vibrate with fear.

Rihanna... you're OK?.... I heard Ken asked me. I closed my eyed and blocked him out.... i took deep breaths... trying to subside the panic attack rising, then i started thinking of mom that's dying , Kyle fighting so hard for our future , our baby being born in an unhealthy home, beautiful Emily's body in a casket , Clarissa's grandmother dying in a house engulfed in flames ...... I slowly open my eyes and I found Ken staring worriedly at me:

Ladies and gentlemen.... I spoke with a smile.... .. it's showtime!