Stormy Eyes

Chapter Seven: A Piece of Home

Despite the fact that it is the middle of the week my mom is coming to visit. 

She called me yesterday and I offered for her to come visit sometime soon. I meant maybe sometime over the weekend, but she was so excited that she insisted on coming today. Because there was no use in trying to convince her otherwise, I agreed to today. Plus I missed my mother. 

Before I left for school this morning, I cleaned up the apartment and got it 'mother ready' for when she would arrive. She should be around here at four this afternoon, which gave me enough time to make it home for school before she showed up. She was seldom early, so I wasn't worried about making it back in time. 

I had told her to park her car in the parking garage, where Carter kept his motorcycle, and to come up to my floor, apartment 19. 

It was a long day, but eventually my last lecture was over and I quickly packed up my belongings. 

"Why're you in such a rush today?" Catherine asked, laughing.

"My mom is coming to visit today. I can't be late or she will be kept standing outside my apartment door." I explained. It was already 3:35. I wouldn't want her to run into the freshly bruised Carter, or the 'doesn't mind his own business' guy on her first visit. 

"It is sweet how your mom wants to come all the way out here to visit you." Catherine said. "I wish my parents would care that much."

"Why're you so sure they don't? Maybe they're just really... busy."

"You might be right." She paused. "Work has always been my parent's top priority."

"They probably want to come out here and see you living your grown-up life. Give them time."

Catherine nodded. 

After we had finished packing up, we walked out of the class and made our way onto the front lawn.  

"Enjoy your day with you mom. I'll see you in class tomorrow." 

"Thanks." I smiled and waved as I walked in the direction of my apartment. 

It is weird to think that a girl as sweet and perky as Catherine isn't as close with her parents as I had originally thought. She has always seemed like the kind of person who was sheltered and loved huge amounts when she was growing up. 

I might not have had a father, but my mom was always as good as two parents. She worked herself to the bone every day to provide for my family. Archer acted as a guiding male figure as well, he too worked hard to earn money to support myself, Chris and my mom. I grew up with all kinds of different family figures that raised me to be who I am today. I had a second mother, Nora, I had a sister figure, Aurora, and I had a wonderful home life. Sometimes I forget how lucky I actually am. 

I walked into the entrance of the apartment building and started to ascend the many steps of the staircase. When I reached the top I saw my mom knock on my apartment door. She must just have arrived. 

"Mom." I smiled. 

She turned her head in my direction, confused. She looked the same as when I had left home a few weeks ago: her brown hair was tied into a bun atop her head, she had dark bags under her eyes from the late shifts at the diner and despite her skin being aged it still glowed. Her tired brown eyes were filled with love as she realised that it was me standing at the top of the stair case.

"Espen! I missed you so much." She walked over to me with quick strides, leaving her bags by my door. I was embraced by my mother's warmth and sweet blossom scent. I have been so busy that I forgot how much I missed her hugs.