Knowing Things Only She Knows: Catherine's Summer Adventure

Chapter 4

23 May, 4:00 a.m. Los Angeles, California

Dear Diary,

          So today, I’m coming back to my school for recognition. Ms. Kathleen called me the day after that we don’t need to wear our school uniforms anymore because of the given fact that it’s summer. And I’ll be leaving LA for a day without a single word from my parents.

          After the “Siena’s Garden” issue, I talk to my parents very often because 1.) Mom’s always asleep (or that’s what I think that she is), 2.) Daddy needs to go to office to make sure that the work in our business is being run right (or that’s what I think that’s the reason) and 3.) They don’t like to talk to me period. I don’t really get the deal with Siena’s Garden and why my parents treated me that way, but I care to my mom’s health the most.

          Doctors said that her condition changed a bit but not for the sake of her healthy recovery but to a very dangerous condition. Her heart is failing to respond at some time and that it can breakdown anytime if not treated. I feel sorry for mom because I think the Siena Garden’s issue affected her health. I blame myself because of that. Alex even called me that night if my parents’ mood already changed, but I told her no because that is the truth. Not even a “good morning” or a single “hi” came from their mouths after Alex’s visit. She told me she’s sorry because she is the one who brought out the topic but I told her not to be and that mom’s moodiness is just a part of the treatment and that she’s sick, so we just need to understand her. When Alex already turned down her phone, I asked to myself, “How long will I need to understand her?” I don’t know until when but I know what I need to do: keep on understanding her and to never lose hope on her. She’s mom and I know after this, we’ll be alright again.

          By the way, I’m sad to be going back to school because this is my first recognition day without my parents. But I’m doing this alone now and that they won’t stay by my side always, so I need to get used to it as early as now. Besides, there’s just a year or so before I enter college, right?

 

Sincerely,

C.M.S.R.H.

At 3:30 a.m., I’ve been preparing for my things already. I’ll be leaving Los Angeles for a day to attend my recognition day in my school in Chula Vista. I don’t want to leave my mother here in the hospital, but teachers are expecting for me to be there due to the achievements that I had for this school year. Wearing a blue sheer vintage dress with a white hair band and blue pumps made me look like my mom. Well, there are six awards that will be awarded for me in this event: Writer of the Year, Best Taekwondo Player, Actress of the Year, Singer of the Year, Commandant of the CAT and the Overall 1st Honour of Junior High. Too bad dad and mom wouldn’t go onstage to give me those six medals. But whatever, mom’s health is what matters to me right now. At 6:00, Joe already told me that we’re leaving. Before we left, mom was sleeping and I kissed her cheek. I placed the letter that I wrote last night in her bedside table so she won’t look for me when she wakes up. In the letter, I wrote:

Dear Mommy,

          Sorry for the mention of “Siena’s Garden” last time. Alex didn’t mean it and I didn’t mean to emphasize the conversation over it. Sorry because it made your situation worse. Believe me, mom, I didn’t mean to do it. And for the other topic (about my parents), that’s another story.