HIM

CHAPTER 29

Forget about what I said I wanted to be when I grow up. Not anymore, not after waking up to find her seated on the couch with grandma.
The interesting bit being that there was a jug of water on the table, halfway drunk.
Only one person in this house does that; Grandmother.
You'd be so lucky to find me gulping down a full glass of water, very lucky. Because I hardly do that.
Number two, I am not an early bird.
Now you understand why am considering my future career, don't you?
"Is there a magic that can prevent one from growing up? " I asked squeezing myself in between the two.
OK, they had been conversing before I walked in but I think my presence interrupted; I found them quiet.
"What did you say Linn? " Mum asked almost popping out her eyes.
A good advice, don't ever ask such a quiz in the morning, eyes may fall.
"You two don't always seem to be getting sleep. So probably it's part of being a mother and a grandma maybe, and I don't want to get there, " I explained so calmly.
"Oh that! "Grandma said, stretching for another glass of water.
Water is life. Maybe that was the thing here; more water, more days.
"Yes that, " I answered.
"Well, there's no magic for that. But there's a certain magic I know, " she grinned. Then...
Splash!
I heard it flow down my face, drenching me wet.
"Mmmph, Grandma! What's that to do with magic? " I was really struggling to wipe the water off my face. It was cold!
"The magic is you stop dreaming and wake up, " she answered smiling.
I wish I could bite her teeth off!
"Who said am dreaming? "
"And who told you there's no growing up? "
"You're so annoying Grandma, " I said walking away from there.
I really was so angry at her.
"I love you too, " she answered behind me.
"Go have your ears cleaned!"
I turned before I could hear another word from her.
Well, it was still some few minutes before 7,so I tucked myself under the covers again for just a small nap.

••••
"Would you mind telling me what's wrong with you today? " I heard someone speak so closely.
Where was I?
Oh! I was just waking up.
Nice.
Stretch, yawn and smile then stretch again.
"What a sweet sleep that was! "
"I see, but don't you think it's time to get out of there now? " she spoke again.
Open your eyes now
"Oh mother! Good morning? And you look so familiar, have we met somewhere? "
"Linn! Are you OK? " she asked touching my forehead.
I don't know what foreheads have to do with being OK.
"No Mum, am hungry. "
"OK, let's get to some delicious food in the kitchen then," she said taking the covers away from me.
"Sure, am sure Grandma is waiting already. "
"No, she went to church with the Ted's, said she'll be back for lunch. "
"Oh. And you? Why didn't you go?" I asked.
"It's been long since I went to church you know."
"Yes I do, why mother? "
She froze standing halfway through the door, turned back to me.
Silence.
It went on for about two minutes, minutes of mother and daughter looking into each other's eyes without a word.
One full of longing for answers, the other all emotions hidden so well.
"Linn, come. "
I followed, without another word. The  tension was great, so huge because no one said anything.
I have lived with this woman long enough to know she never answers some questions. So as much as I wanted to ask again, I couldn't find the strength to.
We cleared the table after the meal and believe me, it's really horrible having a meal so silently. Makes you want to choke on a spoon instead.
I decided to go stay in my room, maybe by the time I'd be back she would be OK. At least that's what I hoped.

I was just on the bit where Robert Langdon had managed to decipher the anagram Jacques had left behind; Leornado Da Vinci, The Mona Lisa, when I heard footsteps.
They were headed here! No way!
"Can I talk to you Linn? " she asked so politely.
Why couldn't she have waited for me to get to another part but this?
"It's OK, " I said allowing some ample space on the bed for her to sit on. Placing the Da Vinci code on the bed, I sat up straight.
Whatever this was, it didn't sound interesting.

"Linn, you're now 18 years of age—"
Yeah, I know that.
"— meaning I won't be the one to make for you the decision anymore."
I told you this didn't sound interesting.
"He wants to see you—"
"He? Who's he and why does he want to... Wait! Father? "
"— yes Linn, your father."
The realization hit me so hard, much more than I could handle.
Why did he want to see me now after years of abandoning us? Why now? Had he suddenly remembered he once had children he left behind?
"Where's he? "
"If it's what am thinking, he's not here. You didn't understand me. "
"But you said he wanted to see me, didn't you Mum? "
What was she trying to even mean in the first place. He wants to see me but he's not here! How?
"OK, " she sighed heavily then took my tiny hands in hers, "let me explain.
After he left, he started claiming custody of you. But I couldn't let him, we went to court and I won; I would be the one to have you till you were 18 to decide. But he was granted permission to see you anytime..."
"But you didn't give him that either, " I finished for her.
"Yes Linn, I didn't. He was here several times or at my workplace, pleading, asking to see you," she squeezed my hands gently.
I felt a sudden urge to cry, and I didn't stop it. I let my tears flow.
"Am sorry Linn, but I was trying to protect you. Maybe you won't understand, but I just couldn't let him, not after he'd left us. "
I wanted to tell her I understood, but nothing came out. Only more tears.
I didn't know one can drink little water but still have so much for tears.