Chapter 1: Meeting Grandma
it’s me,...
Dharliya.
yeah just what you expected... a 10-year-old girl trying to fit in middle school. I really don’t care but I really really don’t want or need trouble in my life.
coming from a strict family is easier than fitting in, all the stares and looks you get sometimes from the teachers as well.
I jumped startled from the alarm even though I get up early but I keep it on for safety, I got off the bed ready to start my morning routine, and headed to the end of the hallway where the bathroom was and I started my day with a quick shower, brushed my teeth and washed my face then got changed into a jean and shirt... I know what was I thinking? (eye roll*)
I don’t really dress up as I wear jeans and a shirt everywhere from the market to school and even dinner, only on the occasion I change my style meaning my mum yelled at me to change.
I took an apple and headed to the bus stop, locking up the house, I don’t live alone but it’s just that everyone works from my sister and brother to my parents so, they get up earlier than me and are out the house before I get up which is great because I’m not a morning person, I don’t like talking and like to be left alone.
I head to the bus stand and wait for around 5 minutes before the bus comes then get on and sit on my usual seat in the front, later on, a girl sits next to me. we exchanged greetings but afterward, it is silent for the rest of the ride while I look out the window seeing the streets, students walking to school or the bus stand, people walking to work, and more...
there was a bit traffic so we reached the school in about 20 minutes, I had got to class by 8:35 am so I was early today the school bell rang at 8:40 am signaling assembly was going to start.. school went smoothly today, going to assembly then attending classes, eating lunch and again attending classes then getting on the bus and heading home.
my parents were back home by the time I was at home from school, I had a shower, changed my clothes, and spent time with them the did my homework, my siblings came home before dinner so we all had dinner together then went to sleep.
A week later
I came from school to my mother on the phone and my father missing...
I went upstairs, did my normal routine and when I came downstairs I went to the living room and saw my mum sitting on the sofa, head in her hands which were on her knees.
she looked sad, exhausted, and a hint of confusion. I sat next to her waiting for her to speak first, after a few minutes she raised her head and looked at me, she signed and leaned into the sofa.
"you know Dad has a mother, right?"
I smiled in amusement, "Yeah!"
"well a small accident happened and she will come and stay with us"
"What!", I tensed on the chair, my amusement being replaced by worry.
my mother gave me a look which told me to lower my voice.
"Sorry, I mean is she alright?". I relaxed a bit.
"yeah, she had a stroke, at least that's what the doctor told your father"
"Okay, when is she coming?"
"in a few hours, your dad is discharging her now so the drive is about 2 hours or more"
"fine, do you need help with anything?"
"no, sweetie" she smiled
"ok I'm going to my room then" I stood and pointed upstairs
she nodded and I started walking upstairs
I laid on my bed wondering what my grandma would be like if she would like me and vice versa and I dozed off after an hour,
I heard laughter and my parents talking, I got off my bed and headed downstairs
I headed to the fridge and took a bottle of water and sipped on it then headed to the dining room, when I entered the room I saw an elderly woman sitting on my dad's left side smiling at something told, I smiled too seeing this sight.
my father saw me and said "hey! sleepyhead"
she turned her head to look at me and slightly tilted her head at me when she did with a wide smile on her face, I walked towards her.
"hi! I'm Dharliya "
"hi honey, I'm Mazeqien but you can me maze or granny"
the smile I had become wider and then I nodded
"Maze"
Her smile faltered a little but returned to its full length again as she nodded
I sat on the free chair next to her.
"are you okay?"
"hmm"
"mum told me you had a little accident"
"Oh!!, yeah I'm fine now although I have to be under supervision for a while to be safe"
"ok.." ----- "mum, told us that you will be staying with us for a while too," I asked with interest
"yeah.... is it okay?" she asked a little worried
"of course! why wouldn't it be?" I asked a little bit surprised
"oh! I just thought... nevermind" she told
"well it doesn't so let forget it "I told and she nodded
"pinky promise" I told while holding out my pinky finger.
she again nodded with an increasing smile as she took my pinky finger with hers.
we chatted for a little while later but dad told us that she needed to head to bed so we told our good nights and we went to our rooms.
my room was upstairs where else hers was downstairs as it was not safe for her to climb the stairs.
I went to sleep that night with a smile on my face thinking about the future.
Author' note
I'm not a graduate in creative writing or anything so I am bound to be making mistakes in my chapters.
Please do comments down on things that can be better and help me make this a great book.
Loving all____
Sukaina Haniffa
