I Don't Really Know...

Chapter 2: My Life Story and A Special Surprise

Chapter Two: My Life Story and a Special Surprise...

I walked home, stepping in puddles and getting my jeans wet.  My playlist was like paradise to my ears.  I hummed to the current song, notes floating from my mouth.  

I wouldn’t consider myself a good singer.  I remember when I sang for my mom, when I was very little.  I was probably around 8 years old.   I sang like I was already well known.  As if I knew I was good.  Which I wasn’t, by the way.  Being eight years old meant I never really had lessons.  My mom smiled and hummed with me.  

“You will be famous one day, mija.  I could never sing like that.  Where’d you get your talent?” She coughed into a tissue.  She had a heaping box on her lap.  I cringed.  She smiled.

 

“This cough is killing me, mija.  Would you please help me get a glass of water?”

 

“Of course, mama,” I replied.  I grabbed her hand and led her over to the refrigerator and took out bottled water.  The sudden heat made the plastic become wet.  I struggled to keep hold of it, and it slid through my hands.  My brother swooped in and grabbed it.  He handed it to our mother, and taunted me.  

 

“Zoie can’t even hold a bottle of water!  Ha ha!” He stuck his tongue out.  I glared and slapped him on the arm.

 

“I can too!  YOU are just too dumb and stupid to hold a cup of coffee!  Remember that?  It spilled all over Papa’s work clothes!  He had to miss work!”  

 

“HEY!  Stop fighting.  Remember, it’s Zoie’s birthday tomorrow, and she’s turning nine!  It’s a big day!  Give her a break!” My mother yelled, exasperated.  Our heads hung down.  

 

“Sorry, Mama.”  We said in unison.  We glanced at each other.  I stuck out my tongue, with a triumphant smirk.  He gave me the death stare.  My mom smiled.

 

“All I want for you is to try.  Now, time for bed.”  

 

My mom walked into my bedroom and sat on the edge of my bed.  She looked tired, and sad.  She looked as if she just came back from the funeral she had a week ago.  It was for her college friend.  She looked at me for a while.  I pretended to be asleep, and then I giggled.  

 

“I know you’re awake, honey!” she said, and smiled.  My mouth spread across my face and I giggled again.

 

“Mija, I’m so sorry...” She bit her lip, and I looked at her with confusion.

 

“What, Mama?  What is it?”  I asked, worried.  

 

“I can’t be here for your birthday tomorrow.  I had a sudden meeting that including Papa, that could finish our jobs if we don’t come.  I’m so sorry, honey.  There’s nothing I can do.”  My eyes widened in surprise.  I gulped, and nodded.