A Break Apart

CHAPTER 44. Home Sweet Home

I rushed inside the house that I had only left for a few weeks, which felt like years of my absence. I also missed a lot of things I used to find annoying; like following Mum in the mornings with sleepy eyes to lock the door after she got out for work. The thought of that had me wondering if she was in, or too deep in sleep to hear a car drive inside her yard.

"Mummy!" I called out, and it wasn't long before I heard footsteps coming from upstairs.

"Is that my baby?" I feared she might trip and fall with the way she hurried down the stairs. "Come, come, come." She opened her arms after stepping off the last stair.

Like a happy little girl who had been away from her Mummy, I ran and gave her a big, tight hug. She sprinkled my cheek with kisses, jiggling my joy even more, and then she pulled away, taking a step back to analyse me properly.

"What?" I asked, with a confused chuckle.

"I want to see if there are any changes. I've missed you so much!" She stepped forward and hugged me again.

I laughed and hugged her back. "Don't worry. I'm here to stay," I said, and then a familiar sound that was headed in our direction made me detach from her. "Morphy!" I squealed.

He let out a cute bark as he scurried in his tiny paws that weren't so tiny anymore. I picked him up and did a twirl. His tail kept wagging, and his tongue kept sticking out in my face. I chuckled, and he let out another cute bark.

"Yeah, I've missed you too. And wow, you're so heavy." I raised him up and down in my arms, wondering what Mum had been feeding him.

"And stubborn, too," Mum said, and I laughed.

"Giving Mummy troubles, huh?" I said to Morphy like he could understand me.

We then got distracted when Austin stepped in with my suitcase, and behind him was Natasha, who looked like she was going to fall dead any second with the smaller bag she helped with.

"They brought you back and you let them carry your bags in?" Mum scolded me.

"I was- Ouch!" Natasha cut off my defense with a pound on my back as she walked up to Mum, after she and Austin had put down my luggages.

"Good evening, Aunty," Natasha greeted.

"Oh, dear. And congratulations to you," Mum said as they hugged each other.

"Thanks," Natasha replied, giggling, and then they let go.

"Thanks for bringing her home, dear," Mum said to Austin.

"Anytime, Aunt," he said. "We'll be on our way now."

"Alright. And I'll be expecting you guys at my baby's graduation party. Don't forget," Mum said, holding out her index finger.

"Mummy..." I blushed at her invitation, which sounded like a one-year birthday party of her child, and they all laughed.

"We won't miss it," Austin assured her, and she nodded in content.

"And congrats on your new job!" I then announced for everyone to hear, and Austin, who I had just taken off guard, looked a little mortified. It clearly wasn't how he had intended to share the good news, but I couldn't help myself, and I was more happy than sorry.

"You got a job?" Mum asked immediately, smiling.

"Yes, Aunt, as a radio presenter," he replied, bouncing back in composure.

"That's great!" Mum exclaimed. "Congratulations."

He chuckled. "Thanks, Aunt."

"Keep us entertained," I chipped in with a grin, making him a bit uncomfortable again.