Chasing Pavements

Glowing

LENA POV

"How is schooling and work? Going well I'm guessing?" My mother asks as we walk to my home after we finish grocery shopping and picking up a few things for Mariana and Jesus. She really couldn't resist spoiling them and I let her since I knew it brought her and my father joy. But, with his recent stroke he was in physical therapy  to help gain his strength back. Something I could see was very taxing on both of them. 

As an adult I have enjoyed having her come visit and I was grateful we were able to make up for the years that I gave her hell. Being an adult and parent now I understand why she was so worried, and I understand why we fought so much for I really was out of control. Being with Sanchez didn't help and I knew she questioned my choices in men and in relationships period. But I wanted to tell her I was done with that part of my life and I wanted something better for me and the twins.

The only thing that really concerned me was her mental health which I knew she still struggled with. Right now she seemed ok but I felt I always needed to look for signs that she was having another breakdown, and my fathers recent stroke could be another trigger if she wasn't careful.

"It's good. Keeps me busy along with the babies." 

"Aww they are just so sweet. And Jesus how is his ADHA? Medicine working?"

"I think for the most part. He's still struggling but I think he's doing better." Swinging my bag over my shoulder I grab one of her grocery bags as I can see it's rather heavy. "I'll hold another Ma. I got it."

"I'm not weak honey. I know my brain hasn't always been there but  I got it."  

It was known my mother was stubborn as I take the bag anyway. "You are not weak and your brain is all there Mama. But I want to hold them. Keeps me in shape." I wink as she leans in and kisses me on the cheek. 

"My sweet girl. It's been such a pleasure us getting along and getting to know each other. Thank you for that Lena."

"Oh ma thank you for letting me."

"Oh like I wouldn't. Of course I would honey. So tell me why do I see a glow in your face.  I sense something.  Did you meet someone? Anyway?" She pushes as her face beems and I smile as we turn onto my block.  I wasn't sure what glow she was even talking about."

"Oh you can't fool me honey. I can see something different about you." She persists as I have no idea what she even sees or what she is even talking about. There was no glow about me that was for sure and I didn't have a lover like she was suggesting.

"Mom, you are seeing things that aren't there." I laugh again as we walk up my steps and I pull out my keys.

"Sure I am baby. I just know that look. I saw it with everyone you dated and married, expect this is a little different. Speaking of dating please tell me you have finally gotten rid of that Sanchez. Lena, you deserve so much. You do baby and he's just not it. What kind of life can you make with him? What kind of an example is he honey?" She continues on as I suddenly see Stef coming out of her apartment our eyes making contact.

"Hey Lena.  How you doing?' She smiles as I instantly smile back. As usual she has on her tee shirt and jeans with her coat open for I knew she couldn't zip it anymore. Her hair had grown also a tad in the last few weeks as she had the super light blonde streaks in it that Jude did for her the other night when I was over that made her look even more beautiful. Her eyes were extra piercing  as she wore giant hoop earrings and her cowboy boots. Jesus she was beautiful to the point I didn't know what to say.

"Good. Stef, I don't know if you have met my mother, Mom this is Stef, my my new best friend." I stutter like a fool as Stef reaches her hand out shaking my mothers and smiling. 

"It is nice meeting you honey. And fancy nose ring. I've always wanted one done . Does it hurt dear?" My mom asks Stef surprising me for when the hell did she want such a thing.

"Oh, only for a second Ms. Adams. Not much longer." 

"Mom, you, you want a nose ring?" I ask confused as she turns to me with a disapproving look.

"I do. I'm not always such a stiff. She thinks I'm a stiff Stef."  My mom teases as I shake my head.

"I do not Mama."

"Ahh, well I'm sure Lena thinks very highly of you. You have an amazing daughter. And it was nice meeting you Mrs Adams."

"It was nice meeting you too honey." Taking my bags my mother heads inside as I turn to look at Stef once again.

"Your highlights look nice. Jude did a good job." I can't help but gently run my fingers thorough a strand as she looks deep in my eyes blushing.

"Thanks. Your Mom seems like a nice woman. "

"She is. She comes over once in awhile. To hang out, but her wanting a nose ring I don't know where the fuck that came from." I laugh as she does the same. "But, is everything ok? Do you need something?" I ask as she shakes her head.

"No, I'm ok. I need to meet the principal at Jude's school to see what the fuck we can do. Hopefully something, ya know?"

"Yes. I hope so. Dinner tomorrow?"

"But of course my dear friend. You have more of that potato soup? I sort of polished it off this morning." She laughs as I do the same.

"I can make more Stef. You know I don't mind." 

"Thanks Len.  Look I gotta go. See you at work in the morning?"

"Of course. Just let me know what's going on with Jude?" I say as she nods her head and jingling her car keys.

"You know I will. Tell your Mom it was nice meeting her."

"Of course. Bye love."

"Bye." She smiles widely as I watch her walk off ad I don't even hear my door open as my mother comes out standing beside me.

"So, that's the reason you have that glow. She is something huh?"