Second Chances (Kathneil FF)

Second Chances - 16

Second Chances - 16

 

They sat in Joanne's living room, in full attention to what she has to say.

Like her pristine white nursing uniform, her mostly white decor reflected the stark apprehension they all felt.

"To tell you the truth, I don't really know much myself," Joanne started hesitantly. "All I know is that you both started living here when you were only 18. Your Mummy very much kept both of you away from the crowd. I seldom see her except at the grocery store downstairs. I didn't even knew you existed until a year later."

"It was only later that she started coming out with you. Even then, I think it was only me that she talked to back then. And Anita dear," Joanne reached out for Anita's knuckle-white hands, "I do believe your Mummy was sick even back then. She registered both of you at the Malacca general hospital, where I work. I don't know how your finances are, but public hospitals are pretty affordable. So, that's where she did her chemo and other treatment."

Joanne's eyes never wavered from Anita's as she recalled her memory of how she started befriending the sta Maria's.

"And as you probably would know by now, you did not go to any university. Just contented with your paintings. And at one point, Muriel asked me if there's a place that will buy them, where of course I took you to Jonker Street for the purpose."

"Muriel?" Kevin asked, finally finding his voice.

"That's Mummy," Anita answered curtly, not looking at him. She had to find an outlet for her anger and bewilderment, and Kevin seemed to be the easy target.

"Oh?"

"Why, do you know her? Did she go by another name?"

And this time, Anita finally looked towards Kevin, asking her question.

"Yes," Kevin nodded. "Michelle. I know her as Michelle Sanchez."

"Michelle?"

The name felt alien to Anita.

"Is that her real name?" She looked at Joanne worriedly and asked for her reaffirmation. Anita has not been in the right frame of mind since her trip to the Internet world last night. And with no other relative to go to, Joanne seemed her only lifeline to her dead mother.

"Actually, honey, like I said, I don't really know. Your Mummy did not really share much of herself. She was always gracious and friendly, but never the talkative type. And definitely not when it comes to private things," Joanne shook her head sadly. "All I know is that, towards the end, she actually told me that you are really not who you are. And she asked me to watch over you. Until, if and when a certain Kevin guy come for you."

 

(Flashback)

"Jo?" Anita knocked on Joanne's front door. "Jo, are you in?"

"Hey, dearie," Joanne smiled as she pulled her front door grill open. "You ok?"

"Yes, I just need your help, if you don't mind," Anita smiled. "You have night shift this week, right?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"I have to work on a mural at J Street the whole day. Mummy is due for her medicine at 3. So, could you help heat this up for Mummy before she takes her 'ubat'?"

"Sure, honey."

"Thanks so much, Jo. Sayang you," Anita gave her friend a quick hug and saying I love you, before making her way to work.