The New Guy

Chapter 14- Horse What?

      { M I A ' S    P O V}

      If there was one thing alone that I had learned from my mother, it would be that even if in you're toughest times, the strongest of people could have courage. They could be strong even though they are hurting. My mother was the very example of this. She did it everyday.

       Through out my moms cancer battle, her courage never wavered. She know that her responsibility as a mother and as a wife, wasn't taken away just because she was sick. The fact she was dying, only made her braver. She know her time was limited. With the day's growing nearer and nearer to her death, I felt her love growing for us. Her family.

       My mother was the single most kindest person I knew. She was selfless beyond reasoning. No one could ever say she didn't give enough. She was loved deeply and dearly by many, by all whom she touched. She affected people in such a way, I'll never be able to comprehend. My mother didn't just exist; she lived. My mom impacted my view of the world.

       While I will still never be as good as she was, I believe I am better off having known her. Having had the opportunity to have her as a mother. The gift of getting to know her. She was the greatest blessing I've ever had. I will never be able to thank her enough.

       I miss my mom, but she still affects me everyday.

* * *

       Clattering silverware and tense silence is prominent in the dining room. I twirl the spaghetti round and round on my fork, intently staring at it like its the most interesting thing I've ever seen. Boredom consumes me as I sit at the dinner table with my father and sister.

He forced me here to have dinner with them. This wasn't usual, either. We never had family dinners. So, this was pretty awkward in all honesty. No one like eating in silence with practically a stranger.

"How's school going, Mia?" My father breaks the awkward silence.

I break my eye contact with my food and lean up to look up at him. "I've been on Christmas break for almost two weeks, dad."

His face blanches a bit and his eyes look everywhere but at me. "Oh, yes, it must've slipped my mind."

Hah, go figure.

"What's this whole dinner about, Dad?" I cut the crap and got straight to the point. He must've forced us down here for something.

He and Leah both halted their eating and turned to me. My father swallowed the bite he'd just taken and dabbed a napkin on his mouth. "Er.. Mia, Leah, I wanted to share some rather exciting news with you two."

Leah and I watch him expectantly, waiting for an explanation before he begins. "I have met someone."

      I drop the forkful of spaghetti I once held in my hand and Leah chokes on her water. The sound of the fork hitting the plate shatters through the piercing silence that now begins to fill the room after being informed of this rather shocking news.

      Dad met.. a woman?

      No. No. He couldn't have. He acts as if he's not even over mother. It can't be possible he could move on. This is a joke. This is just a giant joke.

      A humorless laugh escapes my mouth and bile rises in my throat. As I fight the hostility that becomes me, I spit out some words. "You've met a woman?"

      My father audibly gulps and his throat works as he gingerly nods his head. I glare at him narrow eyed as my jaw is clenched as tight as possible with my teeth grinding. Leah just sits and stares somewhat dumb stricken.