Syrtis

VII.

April 31th, 2018
Tuesday, 8:37am

"Mama. Morninggg," she stretched out the word, watching herself in the mirror as she straightened the semi messy bun—it finally held in place at the top of her head. Jessica brushed imaginary dirt off her shoulder and opened another button of her white shirt which was tucked in her light blue jeans. Perfect.

"Morning. What do you want?"

"I can't call to find out how you're doing? Ay mommy." The white earpiece dangled as she leaned over to slip her black flats on her feet.

"You do, but not this early. You want something. Is it food?"

"Wow," she laughed and grabbed her bag off the vanity, "now I feel bad. But yes, I'm starving. I want your famous spaghetti stir fry with the vegetables and bell peppers. I've been thinking about it since Sunday. Can I get it?" She left the apartment, locked up and headed down the stairs.

"Today? Possibly. This morning? No. It's not even on the menu today." She started making crying sounds, but it only made her mom laugh. "I said it's not on the menu, not that I wouldn't make it for you. It would be ready by your lunchtime, is that okay?"

"Yesss, that's perfect. Thank you, mommy. Am I...paying for it?" She got into her car and drove out of the fence.

"Of course you're paying for it, what do you think I'm running here—a charity? I'm making food for you that's not on the menu today, which should count for something."

She laughed and shook her head. "No discount? I'm your daughter o, technically I own that restaurant." Her phone buzzed in the pocket of her pants and she took it out and placed it in the cup holder.

"Technically. But I'm still alive, so you're paying. Take five percent discount. I have hot cornbread here if you want. I'll fix you a cup of cocoa to go."

"How can a person be both mean and nice at the same time? I'm almost there, thank you mama." She slowed after encountering a little traffic and checked her phone for notifications.

"That's the definition of a mother, baby. I'll get your food ready." She hung up without waiting for a reply.

Jessica was a little surprised that she didn't mention Amin, but she knew that there was still time. Her mother never failed to remind her that their match was one not made in heaven, which therefore made it bad. She seemed to want to talk about it all the time but never gave Jessica a chance to answer her questions.

There were a few messages from Amin, reminding her of their movie night at his place. Her fingers hovered over the messages then she slid them off the screen and locked it. She wasn't that angry at him, but she was determined to stand her ground. They hadn't seen each other in a day and some hours, and she was perfectly okay with it. He didn't seem to notice, so it was all good. I think.

She sighed and took the avenue that led up to her mother's restaurant and parked in front of the fenced building. She was already waiting at the entrance, clutching a brown paper bag and a takeaway cup. Her mom was bit on the chubby side, but she visited the gym religiously so it kept her nice and toned. She was in a simple white tee and jeans with her converse, looking not a day over thirty.

"You're going to work looking like that?"

Jessica hugged her and took her food from her outstretched hands. "I'm the temporary boss right now so why not? Besides, I have a date today and I'm not going to be seen in my boring work clothes."

"A date? With Diamond? Oohh, he finally called," she said, grinning from ear to ear.

"With my friends oh. Andrea and others. Who is Diamond anyway? Another man that you've given my number to?"