BROKEN MIRAGE

CHAPTER NINE

"Mom", I said crying and afraid. My mom was dead right?

"Helene? Helene, is that you?", the voice said in between cracks.

"Yes. Mom Are you there?

"Oh My God! Helene!" she began to weep. "I'm so sorry, Helene. Please, forgive me".

I couldn't control my tears.

"Mom, I thought... I thought you were dead"

There was silence.

Hello... hello... mom? I said anxiously.

It was disconnected. Shit! I dialed the number again but, it wasn't reachable. I dialed five more times but it still wasn't reachable. I felt the world around me spin.

I became mentally disorganized and sat on my bed. Tears began to gush out uncontrollably. I was having mixed emotions - one of joy and the other of disappointment. It gave me joy because she was still alive. What saddened me was how she found it so easy to forsake her responsibilities.

So, if she wasn't dead, who was?

I opened my door and walked slowly down the stairs. Grandma had already left. My dad sat with his head buried in his palms. I went to the stool beside him and sat.

"Dad?"

He raised his head slowly and looked at me. His eyes were red and his face was swollen. I found it difficult to even look him in the eye.

"Dad, are you okay?" I asked without looking at him.

"Helene, I thought you were asleep", he adjusted his sitting position. I shook my head.

"Where is Richard and Drake?

"Outside. I guess"

"Dad, do you know any of mom's friends in England?"

He gave a slight frown.

"Yeah. Is there a problem?"

"Uh..no. I just wanted you to find out if they knew anything at all"

"Oh... that's a good idea Helene. But, her friends are not my friends"

'What do you mean dad?"

He sighed. "They uh... don't really like me so, we hardly communicate"

"Oh dad..."

'Yeah?" he said anxiously.

"Can I ask for a favor?" I smiled.

***

"WHAT?!" Drake exclaimed.

"It's just for some time Drake"

"Go to England? Why? I mean, what's wrong with this place?" he faced dad.

"Dad, say something".

Dad sighed and smiled.

"Drake, Helene just wants to see your mother's grave. We should pay our respect as her family".

Everyone became silent.

"And maybe, see our baby brother who is without his family" Richard said with his arms crossed.

I didn't even think about that.

"So, when do we leave?" Drake asked.

"Next week" dad said.

I became so excited but I didn't show it. Next week? That was sooner than I expected. I noticed the smile on Richard's face. I could somewhat read his mind. It was going to be a chance to meet his 'from childhood girlfriend', Claire. They've been dating for years. I ran to my dad and hugged him tight.