Chapter 1
How could this happen? Just a few days ago everything was normal and now I’m coming home from school and see my mom sitting on the ground while men carry out all of our furniture...
I’m sitting next to my crying mom, trying to comprehend what just happened when she speaks to me through her sniffs.
“I’m so sorry, honey. It’s all my fault. I... I...”
She buries her face in her hands while I try to think of a solution.
“It’s okay, mom. I will figure something out. I will work harder at the café. Maybe I can get a raise so we can look for a place. I can ask my boss for some loan and work overtime and on the weekends.”
I rub her shoulders comfortingly but she shakes her head.
“No. Please, honey. Don’t do that to yourself. You’re already working so much at your young age.”
She caresses my cheek and I smile weekly at her. She’s right. I’m having really bad health and am weak in general. But I would do anything for her.
“But... but what are we supposed to do then...?”
My mom lowers her gaze and seems to try to find words.
“I... Honey, there’s something I haven’t told you yet. I just... I didn’t find the right moment...”
I tilt my head in confusion and she looks up to me.
“I’m seeing someone. You know... a man.”
My eyes widen in shock. It’s been 3 years that we left my dad and she never wanted to have anything to do with men again. I’m at a loss for words.
“Oh... uhm... that’s nice? Is... is he nice?”
My mom seems to sense my utter confusion and just smiles.
“He is. He’s a really nice man. I’ve only been seeing him for a few months but it just feels right.”
I smile back and nod. I’m happy she seems to have found someone who cares about her.
“I know this comes sudden but would you be okay with moving to his place? I already talked with him about this since I knew it would happen someday but I didn’t expect it so soon...”
I’m taken aback by her proposal but catch myself fast and nod.
“Of course. I mean everything is better than living on the street. And if he makes you happy, that’s even more of a reason.”
She nods with a smile and takes out her phone to call him. I decide to leave her for a moment and gather all our belongings. At least the men were nice enough to let us pack our things in the big bags they brought.
We don’t have much but for us it was enough. Most of our flat was financed through my payment from the café. The owner is really good to me. He gives me more money and always understands when I have to go home urgently to help my mom. I was really happy when he accepted my application after hearing all about my life condition and since I’m still going to school I can mostly only work on weekends or afternoons... He’s looking out for me like a father.
After a while my mom comes over to hug me.
“It’s all right. Everything’s gonna be alright. I promise you, honey.”
I return her hug and smile at her.
“So? Is he okay with it?”
She nods and turns to look at our belongings.
“He’s coming to pick us up. Shouldn’t take long.”
I nod and we wait. And as my mom said, it doesn’t take long for a black Mercedes to stop next to us and a man gets out of the car and greets my mom with a hug. I smile at the scene. She looks happy.
Then the man turns to me and stretches out his hand with a warm smile.
“Hello. I’m sorry it’s all so sudden. Let me introduce myself. I’m Marty. I heard so much about you from your mom.”
I shake his hand with a smile of myself.
“Hello. I’m Asprella. Nice to meet you.”
He smiles back brightly and then turns to open the trunk of the car. We load everything in and get into the seats. The ride doesn’t take long and is mostly my mom and Marty talking about arranging everything. Then I see him making eye contact with me through the mirror.
“Oh yeah. Asprella. I have a son, Cyril. He’s around your age so I hope you two get along well.”
Okay that’s unexpected. I’m dumbfounded for a second but then smile, trying to hide my nervousness.
“I can’t wait to meet him.”
I must admit I’m a little afraid of the entire situation. Everything is going to be different... what if I won’t get along with him? Will Marty be angry then? Will he throw us out? Terror builds up inside me when I hear my mom’s voice.
“Honey...”
I snap out of the trap of my thoughts and only now realize I was holding my arms tightly over my chest. She knows I do that when I feel insecure or scared and gives me a reassuring smile.
“Don’t worry. It’s all going to be alright. I promised. Don’t be afraid.”
I nod giving her a weak smile and look at Marty in the mirror. His eyes meet mine and I can’t quite read them. Concern? Sadness? I don’t know but I quickly evade mine and hold my chest again…
