Triple Life (#Wattys2015)

Ch 18 + New Cover

My heart felt heavy as I trudged up to Math. It's not because I didn't do my homework (I had already done it) It's because I know I will be meeting Adrian there. I didn't know how to face him. He looked really down and I felt bad knowing I was the reason. I always wanted to be the one to bring people happiness not hurt and sadness.

Flashback:

"Mama-ji, Rita looked really down and I couldn't do anything to help her be happy. I feel so bad not being able to make her happy." I said looking at my mother.

"Belle dear, don't be sad...it's ok. Rita will soon be happy."  Mum said, ruffling my hair.

"No, I can't bear to see her so sad Mama-ji!" I said, feeling gloomy.

"Belle, come with me. I want to show you something." Mum said, taking my hand.

I followed her curiously, wondering what my mum wanted to show me. I followed her to my parents' room. My mum took a book lying on the bed. She sat on the bed and gestured me to sit next to her. I looked up at her, wondering what was in the book. Did it hold some ancient magic that will help me help Rita?

"Mama- ji, what's in the book?" I asked pointing towards the mysterious, leather bound book.

"A few years ago, I had a fascination in collecting quotes and I still do. I collected them and wrote them down here. Some were printed and some were cut out of newspapers but I still managed to fit them in here." Mum informed, pointing at the book which held my attention.

"So?" I questioned, not understanding where this conversation was leading to.

"Well, my little munchkin, this lovely book holds a quote which will be useful to you, not just now but also in the future. It's not only a quote, it's similar to an advice."

"Uh, okay." I nodded, a bit puzzled.

Mum was flipping some pages, increasing my curiosity and puzzlement. "Ah, here it is. Look"

I took the book nervously, I looked at the page Mum had flipped over to. There was a handwritten quote.

"If you can't be the pencil to write people's happiness, at least try being the eraser to erase their sadness."

I looked up at Mum. "What's the meaning Mama-ji?"

Mum chuckled before she explained to me "Well, it says if you can't make a person happy, try to at least make their sadness disappear by soothing them."

"Thanks Mama- ji" I said hugging her.

"You're welcome, my little angel. Just remember this wherever you are, how old you get." Mama whispered, hugging me back.

"I promise Mama-ji." I said sincerely, meaning it.

I was jerked from my memories when I felt something knock against my ankle. I looked around.

"Um, sorry. My eraser fell by mistake and I was going to take it." Adrian replied sheepishly.

I turned my head to look at him and was going to say something before Adrian cut in, looking worried.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded. "Yeah, why?"

"No, you have tears in your eyes." he said looking worried.

"Oh." I replied before wiping my tears away.

It made me sad that I was not being true to my words and that my mum wasn't here to soothe me. I was causing people to be sad. I was breaking my promise to Mum.