New Guardian

This thought frightened me yet I remained calm, forcing a sly smile as I ushered her to her seat.

"I'm doing fine thank you," I said slightly nictitating to hide my disapproval of her role in my life.

"You will get through this my dear and in no time, your parents will return."

I nodded without a word, inching behind her. I stood by the black armchair, while she moved over to the couch on the opposite side, placing the package she brought on the centre table.

"Have you heard from your parents?" She asked as she balanced into the old couch, crossing her legs.

"Yes I have, I spoke to mom a while ago and they are doing fine, thanks for asking."

"Your mom called me too, telling me about their trip. It's a good thing, they arrived safely.

Did I ever tell you about my phobia for flying?"

"No." I retorted, curtly.

My attention was slowly dragged to the round-shaped silvery flask and a small box-shaped basket filled with red crispy apples. I wondered what was In the flasks. The hard hands of hunger were hitting and I had grown deaf to her nicely wrapped conversation.

I knew she was trying to bond with me, but at age 18, I was not ready to have another mom, especially Mrs Eunice.

I couldn't help admiring her white floral flare gown which seems way longer than what qualifies a short gown, however, it suited her slim figure.

My eyes trailed upward to her short wavy brown hair that made her look older than a woman on her early forties. Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.

Her slightly wrinkled round face was bright, possibly she applied a tad of make-up. My eyes widen as I reconfigured my reasoning. Wait a minute, did she apply makeup so early in the morning! I literally screamed in my gut.

Wow! Just to see me? My parents should have thought it through before making a make-up artist my guardian.

"Keren! Keren! Kerenhappuch!"

"Yes! You said something?" I answered, straight from the remote train of thoughts that engulfed me, tugging on my earlobe as I readjusted my gaze.

"Have you been listening at all?" She asked sternly, raising eyebrows.

"I..uh...I ...I have... What did you say again?"

Narked by my creepy listening manner, She made to leave, sadly, the unfortunate occurred.

The lacy hem of her precious gown got stuck in the couch. she bent over vigorously struggling to get it out.

"Ma, let me help you," I said with all sincerity taking steps closer to help but she barked,

"No, I can handle it." She returned her focus on the couch.

She kept pulling until an unfamiliar sound pierced through my ears. I stood a few centimetres behind her, trying to figure out what it meant, could it be the sound of a tear? Or maybe something worse? My final answer: it's something worse.

I didn't wait long enough for Mrs Eunice to join me in celebrating the removal of her dress. A broad grin cut across my face and my trembling chin let out a thunderbolt of laughter, striking my feet on the floor in the aura of excitement.

To worsen it, I reclined in my seat as I muttered sarcastically, "You handled it so well."

She shot me an icy stare and said nothing. She bent over picked up her purse and turned to a calm, innocent and remorseful looking Kerenhappuch.

My eyes dropped as I stood up holding my other hand in a loose grip, "I'm sorry Ma'am. I didn't mean to..."

She cut in glaring at me, "How in God's name were you raised?"

It wasn't a question that required an answer, so I kept up with my apologies.

"I'm sorry Mrs Eunice, It won't happen again."

"God have mercy on you." she walked briskly ahead of me towards the door.

"I came to check on you and you laugh at me. Fine, I hope you get to see me here again."

"Please don't tell my mom and dad."

She scowled, silently for a moment then she added, "You can always come to my house if you need anything."

"Okay ma, thank you."

"Goodbye." She walked away, holding the torn end close to one thigh.

After shutting the door I laughed my heart out, the funniest part of it was the sound of the tear.

pre....eee...eee. The sound had continued till it came to a halt after hitting the mark of about 6 inches.

I wish I could tell Jochebed about it, I'm sure she would be very excited. In any case, I rushed to my food, sat on the floor and swiftly began to devour. It turns out it was my favourite Portuguese cuisine: Sopa Da Pedra. I must confess, the food was tasty owing to Mrs Eunice great culinary skills.

After much thought, I regretted my actions. When I looked at the now-empty flask, I felt churned in my stomach. I had to truly seek her forgiveness. Will she forgive me?