Retribution

Chapter Seven

My mother stretched me out at arm's length, scrutinizing me over. In her sunken and tired eyes, I saw a mixture of emotions: happiness, shock, relief. She gently cupped her hand on the side of my face and a smile crossed hers.

"It's so good to see you," she said gently.

I still couldn't speak. After all these years, she was alive after all. Before I even had friends, my mother was the only person I trusted. When my father was at work and my mother was home, we spent some time together. When I was a little girl, we would play with my toys. Then, as I got older, we would share our feelings together like we were best friends. Before I met Diane, my mother was my only real and breathing friend.

I took her under my umbrella with me. "Come on Mom, we have to get you home." I escorted her to my car.

As I got to the other side to the driver's seat, my mother stood there, hesitant. I unlocked the door and got inside. I then closed my umbrella and reached over to the passenger's door and slightly cracked the door for her.

"It's unlocked," I reminded her.

She looked like she had never see a car before. I was guessing it was because my car was a 2008 Ford Escape and she didn't want to spoil it. I reassured her with a smile and a nod and she hopped inside and clicked on the seatbelt.

"I can't wait to show you my family," I told my mom as I started the car up.

My mom's head snapped toward me. "You have a family?" According to her tone, I was almost guilt of mentioning it.

"Yes. I have a husband and a daughter."

"I never though you'd be so blessed."

It was a quiet trip the rest of the way back.

I showed my mom the living room as soon as we arrived. It was small, but she was in awe by the cleanliness.

"I have never seen a living room this clean since your father left for that business trip," my mom mentioned. Oh yes, the business trip. Two weeks of freedom. The whole house to ourselves. Cleaning up beer stains and cigarette butts and ashes.

"You look exhausted," I told my mom, "Why don't you sit down?"

My mom did as she told. As my mom got comfortable on our couch, Nate appeared from the kitchen, opening a bag of chips.

"Felicia, who is this?"

"Nate, this is my mother," I answered.

"How do you do?" My mom stood up from her seat and shook hands with Nate. "I'm Tina."

Instantly, Nate's mood changed from total suspicion to a warm heart. He took my mom's hand into his own and looked her in the eyes.

"If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask." I figured he was assuming that she was wandering the rainy streets by her physique. Nate waltzed back into the kitchen with the now open bag of chips. My mom giggled. I have never seen her like that before.

"And who's that lovely lady over there?" my mom asked, eyeing someone over my shoulder.

"Mom," the voice of Reyna trembled, "who's that?"

"Reyna, this is your grandmother," I reassured her.

"And my name is Tina."

Reyna, with her outgoing personality, approached my mom and shook hands with her. My mom took her shoulders and took one good look at her. She smiled.

"She looks like you, Felicia," she remarked.

Although she had Nate's hair and tall stature, she did have a little bit of me in the face. Reyna shrugged and smiled. Just them, a shadow crossed my mom's face.

"Dear," my mom started, "shouldn't you be getting to bed?"

"Mom," I jumped in before Reyna could even scowl, "I think we all should go to bed. I'll show you to your room."

"...My room?"

"I mean...it's a guest room. Come on."

I led her upstairs to a room right next to Nate and I's. It was a small room with only a full-size bed, dresser, a closet, and a small nightstand. My mom suddenly started to tear up. I asked her what was wrong.

"It's just that...You're doing all of this for me. I just wished that I could have done the same for you."

I took her into my arms. "Mom, you did everything you could. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."

"I can't tell you how grateful I am."

"Goodnight, Mom. I'll see you tomorrow morning. And I have a few extra clothes you can borrow."

"Thank you."

The next morning, I awoke to not my alarm like I usually did, but an aroma of sausage, eggs, and bacon. My mouth watered as I inhaled the smell. I followed it, not even waking up Nate, who was still fast asleep. I slipped downstairs and into the kitchen, with my mom at the stove.

"I knew that would wake you up," she said as she was putting sausage onto a plate.

"But...I..."

"You remember how I would wake up early to make breakfast? I think I'll keep up the tradition."

"Thanks, Mom."

My mom hollered up the staircase. "Breakfast is ready!"

Reyna, apparently awake, skipped to the kitchen. "That smells amazing, Grandma!"

"Reyna," I said, "Where's your father?"

We all looked at each other and shrugged. Mom was the first to laugh and Reyna and I followed.

After breakfast, it was time to go to school, or work for me. Mom was amazed by the fact that I actually had a career.

"Take care, Mom," I told her, followed by a kiss on the cheek.

"Be careful," she said.

As Reyna and I climbed into the car, she asked me about my mother and how I found her. I told her how I found her on the street, but I didn't exactly know how she got there. In fact, I completely forgot to ask her.

As soon as we pulled up to the school, a familiar face caught my eye. Reyna instantly knew who the mysterious young man was.

"Peppin!" she gasped excitedly. I had barely stopped the car when she opened the door and rushed to him. That meant Cydonia was lurking around here somewhere too.

The morning went by and still no sign of Cydonia anywhere. Later, before fourth hour, Reyna came up to me with Vanessa.

"Can she come over?" she asked me if she were five.

I paused. "Sure, Reyna. After school? I can take you girls back to the house."

"That's fine."

I was glad that Vanessa girl made a friend. Reyna talked to me about her all the time about how good of an artist she was, how quiet and reserved. She reminded me of myself, minus the artist thing. I had forgotten that both girls had the same lunch.

Suddenly, a flyer taped by one of the classrooms nabbed my attention. It was hand-drawn and it looked like it was put together haphazardly.

"Join THE LEAGUE today," it said and then there was a phone number.

The League? Were they back?