Mirrored Hearts

24

Lela's POV

  It was the middle of the term and the school had vacated for the midterm break. It was a Friday evening and I was lying on my bed with my phone, chatting with Huoma and Judith on Facebook. The girls and I were so excited about our little get together tomorrow. We spent hours over the phone planning the activities we would have. A small knock came on my door and I turned on my back  to see who it was.

  “Lela.” I heard my mom call my name and I sat up immediately.

  “Come in mom.” I said and she pushed the door open and walked in. She was wearing a yellow empire dress with a blue head wrap.

  “What are you doing?” She asked with a smile.

  “Just chatting with some friends.” I answered and made room for her to sit on the bed.

  “I see,” she smiled while sitting down beside me. “So, your friends are coming tomorrow?” She asked hesitantly, but managed with a smile.

  “Yes and I'm so hyped about tomorrow.” I grinned.

  Mom nodded and smiled and after a little silence, she said, “Lela, do you remember the first time we moved here and I told you I met a woman whose daughter also attended your school?”

  “Yes?” I answered, wondering why mom remembered that lady all of a sudden.

  “You see, I supply goods to her. She's like a customer to me.”

  “Oh wow. You never mentioned that.”

  “Oh, is that so? I thought I did. Sorry about that.” She squeezed my hand and smiled.

  “That's alright mom.” I said.

  “Well, the lady and I have become really close friends and herself her daughter are kinda coming over to visit...” She said it as if she was being cautious, treading on dangerous grounds and wondered why, because it would be nice to have the said lady come visit.

  “Well, that's great mom. Aren't you happy to have them over?”

  “Of course, but the thing is that they're coming... tomorrow.” The words left her mouth slowly and it felt like she was bracing herself for something and I knew what that something was.

  “What?!” That was the outburst mom was bracing herself for. “Tomorrow? But I'm having my friends over!” I was trying to hold in all the anger and disappointment I felt.

  “I know dear and I'm so sorry,” she looked at me apologetically. “That's why I came to talk things over with you. Please understand.”

  This was too much to understand, we had already made plans. “But mom, you knew I've been planning this visit for a while now.” My eyes became teary.

  “I know dear. Do you think you can move yours to Sunday?” Her eyes pleaded, “For me?”

  I let out a sigh, “It's going to be hard.” What was I saying? It was going to be more than hard, but I just wanted to do this for mom. I looked at her and she was looking at me expectantly.

  “Please Lela.” She placed her palms together.

  I heaved a sigh, “Okay mom.”

  “Yay!” She squealed and pulled me into a bear hug. “Thanks Lela...I'm going to make it up to you, I promise.”

  “It's okay mom.” I smiled and mom got to her feet.

  “I've got to go make arrangements now...Take care.” She grinned and turned towards the door.