Destined To Be.

Chapter 8

Ayla,

Mamma is acting strange today. I don’t know what it is but she is not her usual chirpy self. She is keeping something from me and I want to know what’s bothering her as I hate it when she has to worry all on her own.

I find her in the kitchen. She is seated at the table going over our bills no doubt. She is scratching her head in  confusion and it makes her look so adorable.

I approach her and sit next to her. She looks up and smiles, I returned it with one of my own.

“Hey Mamma, What’s bothering you?” I take one of her slims hands in my own, and don’t miss the look of surprise in her eyes.

“Why would you say that dear, I’m fine, you worry too much”. She pats my hand in assurance but I'm having none of it.

“Mamma, I know something is bothering you. Please tell me what it is.” I refuse to let go of her hand and send her a no nonsense look.

She rewards me with a smile and sighs, reaching out she touches my face softly.

“My Ayla, you sure are your Father’s child. He  would hate seeing me down and would do anything to cheer me up.” I sit up straight. Mamma compared me to my Abu, normally I would be happy with the comparison but him upping and leaving us all has divided my opinion .

“Ayla, don’t give me that look Dear. I know your father leaving has been really hard on us all but he’s a good man.” She pats my arm gently and I smile at her.

“Oh Mamma, you will defend him till the end of time, won’t you?” I see her eyes go misty with tears and my heart breaks for her.

“Yes, always my dear. I don’t blame him for leaving . He had no choice because I kicked him out. I had to.” Mamma wipes away the tears and I hate it when she’s sad.

“I know why you did it Mamma and we have never blamed you for it. You did what was right by us and for that we’re all grateful.” I know I speak for all my siblings, even though the twins were crying their hearts out the first week Abu went away, I finally consoled them and explained why Abu needed time away.

Mamma looks down at the bills in front of her and passes them over to me . I look down at all the various utility and Tax bills and share Mama's confused look of earlier.

Every single bill was paid for. Dating back three months. Basically we pay our bills quarterly. So Whilst Mamma was working non stop to cover  for our expenses,  unbeknown to her the bills were paid  for...in advance.

“Your Father hasn’t forgotten us Dear.” Mamma smiles and it lights up her whole face, transforming it completely. Gone are the worry lines and the stress of life and in it’s place is Mamma when Azlan was alive and Abu was with us, happier times

This means he’s here in the uk.” Regardless of how I feel about Abu, my heart flutters at the possibility that he might be near.

“Well, he contacted me last night and he wants to come home.” Mamma is blushing like a little school girl as she awaits my reaction.

“What!! Mamma, why didn't you say anything earlier?” I can't help smiling at the way she is fidgeting with her hands.

“I wanted to tell you all, but I was dreading the reaction.” She looks away, blinking back the tears.

I grab hold of both of her hands and turn her, to face me.

“Mamma, he’s our father. Of course we want him to come home. If you want you can call him now and tell him we want him home right now.” My eyes are teary and I blink them a few times, loving Mamma’s reaction.