Things That Blind Us

Chapter 4

Damn! I forgot about the curtains. I gotta write a note or something to remind me. 

I grab my phone from the nightstand beside me and see that it is 9 AM. I then grab a pillow and put it over my head. I don't want to get up. My phone then begins to ring and I see on my screen a text message from my mom. I open it and it reads:

“Hey Mels, I was gonna call but I'm late for work so I can't. Just wanted to let you know I'll be dropping by later. Love you.”

Great. I better make the place look decent or I'll sure get a lecture about it later.

I start by making my bed and picking up the clothes from the floor. Then I wash the dishes in the kitchen and start brooming.

“Eh.. It looks alright.” I say to myself and take a step back.

I gotta go buy some things for school. I have got to learn how to not leave things for the last minute.

I grab my bike and head off to Office Depot. Its about 5 blocks away and I get there in about 15 minutes. I walk inside and there's just something about new school supplies that makes me happy. Don't ask.

I get 2 stacks of paper, a journal, a folder, and some pens. I get in line and wait to pay for my items. When the nice lady has bagged them and put the receipt in the bag, I kindly take it and put it in the basket of my bicycle outside.

When I get to my apartment, I put all my school supplies in my black jansport book bag. My mom should be coming in a bit so I decide to make a snack. I make those little sandwiches that women eat at “tea parties”. I'm not a tea party kind of gal but I have to admit those sandwiches are delicious.

I hear a knock on the door and stop what I'm doing to go answer it. When I open it I see my mother looking behind her to Harry's door.

“Jeez, can he turn that racket down?” She says and I notice her about to knock on his door.

“Mom, what are you doing?” I say not wanting her to do anything embarrassing.

“I was just going to tell him to turn it off. Its disrespectful. ”

“No, just leave it. He's my neighbor, I'll deal with it.” I say standing my ground.

“Alright. I get it, you're an adult now. You don't have to tell me twice.” She says backing down.

I guess I am an adult now. The thought always scared me. Having to live in the real world, with no one to depend on but myself. I suppose it does have its pros as well as its cons. I can pretty much do whatever I want, but if I over limit things I'll surely be in the gutter.

“So, tomorrows the big day, huh?” My mother says breaking the silence.

“Yeah, I'm a bit nervous but I'm looking forward to it.” I say it and mean it. I'm really scared but very anxious. It'd be nice to be in a new environment and not have everyone constantly on my back.

“Do you have everything ready? How are you going to get there? How are you going to get back? Do you know where you're classes are? Have you-”

“Mom!” I cut her off.

“Calm down. I took care of everything. No need to worry.” I tell her, even though I still have a million things to plan out. If I give in and tell her that I don't know what I'm going to do or that I can't handle it, she'll make me come back and as much as I love her, I want to stay here.

“Alright, alright. Sorry, you know how I get. I'm a mother, what do you expect?” She says and I chuckle. My mother might not be perfect but she hasn't forgotten what it's like to be my age, so she really does get it.

She sits down and sees the plate of sandwiches on the coffee table and quickly gets up again and helps herself to one. She licks her lips after taking the first bite hinting that she likes them.

“Where'd you buy these?” She asks knowing that I don't make an effort in the kitchen unless I'm eating.

“I made them.” I say and watch her as she tries to spit it back out but she doesn't.

“You sure? Cause they are actually good!” She tells me ecstatically and I just laugh.

“Listen” My mom begins as she grabs a napkin and takes two more sandwiches.

“I'm going on a business trip to Washington and I might not be back for about 2 weeks. I will call you routinely to check up on you. Do you think you'll be fine?”

“Of course I will. But 2 weeks.... isn't that a little lengthy?” I ask her.

“I agree but what can I do? I gotta do what the boss says.” Its true. To get by in life, you have to take the crap. It sucks but its just how things are.

"What time is your flight leaving?"

“I'm leaving tomorrow at 6 AM so I won't be able to see you before you go to class."

"Oh." Is all I say. My mom has been everywhere with me. It's not like I need her there but I want her to be there.

"I'm sorry, honey."

"No, no. It's fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, of course. Have a safe trip."

"Well, okay. I'll call you as soon as I land. I love you, Mels" She says and embraces me in a hug.

'I love you too, Mom.” I say hugging her back.

I walk her to the door and watch her get into the elevator.

I lean against my door frame with my door wide opened for a moment, with my arms crossed across my chest, just thinking. It was one of those moments when you just look at a random object for what seems like ages.

I am broken from my thoughts when Harry opens his door. His loud music now pierced my ear drums even more with the door opened. I look over at him and of course, he was shirtless. I know its his apartment and all and you can do whatever you want but at least cover yourself when opening your door to the public

“What are you doing?” He asks me.

“Why do you care?” I return.

He smirks and then chuckles at the annoyed expression on my face. It's like he gets something off from it.

“I don't care but the walls are thin, thought I should let you know and tell you to keep your voice down.” He spits.

“Keep my voice down? Are you serious?” I say putting an emphasis on the “my”.

Like he can hear me with all that crap coming from his apartment. I can't even hear myself think for God's sake.

“Your music has been pounding of my walls all day! You're lucky I prevented my mom from calling the cops or something!” I exaggerate a bit and proceed by crossing my arms over my chest.

Gosh, I can't deal with him right now. The last thing I need is someone as self-centered as him to even talk to me right now.

“Alright, jeez. You don't have to go all psycho bitch on me.” As the words leave his lips, my jaw drops.