I dialed Karen's number as I turned to begin my walk home. I have a lot to tell her and I do not like walking down the street idly.
I can't be the only one that feels that way... right??...
"Hey Bitch!!!!, how you doing??" Karen screamed into my sensitive ears through my phone. It was annoying though but I'm used to it now ..sadly..
"Hey babe, I'm cool and you?"
" I'm good, as always." She replied sounding bouncy and lightheaded
" Yeah, I can hear it in your voice. Tell me, What's up" I immediately regretted saying that knowing now that I wasn't going to get off the phone anytime soon.. Don't get me wrong though, she's one of my very best friends and I love her so freaking much.
" Naahhh, I won't " she said dismissively
" Okayyy, And why is that?-"
"- please don't tell me it has to do with a certain Jacob - because I'm gonna hit up Jason's phone right now and we are gonna come meet you, maybe you need another dose of common sense".
"Anna!!!" She scolded yet again with a louder voice this time .
"What??!!"
"You didn't have to be rude Anna, its just that he came around to my house last night and apologized for acting the way he did.- "
"-Anna he got flowers and went down on both knees!!!.. We both know that he usually wouldn't do that. He promised to change and seek help too, so I gave him the therapists card and he promised to pay her a visit before the end of today, I swear Anna"
"And so what, Karen?-" I asked her.
"-that he apologized to you with flowers and cookies and promised to see a therapist doesn't mean his good Karen, you and I know that he's not easy babe, and he is slick and cunningggg" Laying more emphasis on the " -ing"..
" I know that Anna, more than anyone.. but I just feel I should him give a chance-"
"-Anna, you know I like him very much and that his a good person too, I'd really appreciate if you and Jason support me on this, Please baby".
She sounded really convincing but I knew deep inside that Jacob was full of shit, but she's my best friend and I love her so I have to support her..
" It's alright, Karen. I know you like him. We're just looking out for you babe"
I replied sweetly although not wholeheartedly, his full of shit and I still hate him but I love Karen.
"Thanks so much Anna, this means a lot"
"It's fine-" I replied
"-doesn't mean I don't have my reservations about him though but I'm not gonna let that suffice" I told her honestly.
"It's okay" She replied;
"Enough about me , how about you , how you doing?" She asked me cheerily.
I was kinda glad that our discussion hadn't turned her off -literally of course.
"Oh I am good, Wanted to ask you something though " I replied climbing onto the small stairs leading to our porch and sat on it.
"Yeah, I'm all ears" she replied
"I need to get a job, Karen. Mom's salary ain't doing shit no more and my siblings need a lot of stuff. I'm tired of seeing them this way, Karen. I really need to do something." I said in utter frustration.
I was really tired.
They don't deserve all that's happening and I don't know why but I feel responsible and I have to do something about it before I blow.
" Oh babe, I won't say I completely or half understand but I'm so sorry. What do you plan on doing??, there's really nothing serious in this small town"
"I honestly don't know yet for sure but I was thinking of moving out"
"Out??!!, to where, Anna?-" She asked quite loudly
"-I'd love to sponsor you and you know that. We have a lot of money that we don't use and if I should take out a couple of thousand dollars no one would know about it or even care, but you don't let me, Anna." Her voice was laced with pure concern.
" I know, Karen" I sighed " You know I can't just depend on you to feed a family of four, Karen, and even if you do, how long is that gonna last?. Karen, you know I like to do my own stuff plus I have to build a life too... I just can't depend on you babe.. you wouldn't either..you know that"
" Yeah dear, I know. But I just really want to help." She said dejectedly
"Yeah, I know and I'm really grateful... For real "
"It's okay. So whats your plan then?" She asked
" I think I should move to New York " I replied.. skeptically, because honestly I was still doubting the plan.
" Ok. And?? Do you know where to stay over there or have someone to be with?"
" Well yeah, I plan on staying with Paige, till I get a job and we can be roommates or I can move out when I'm stable enough to." I finished.
"Oh wow, that's a very good plan. Really. But have you told her ?, I don't think it would be a big deal though besides you both are pretty close"
I sighed.
" No, I haven't..yet.. I plan on doing that later this evening, when she's back from work". I replied
" Although I'm quite worried "
"Why?" She asked
" Well, My Mom and the kids, whose gonna assist her in taking care of the kids?" I was really worried.
" You really think your Mom that I know isn't capable of taking care of two kids??-" She replied laughing
"- Anna, you are overthinking. She managed when you were in college and they were much smaller then and besides they would have me, you know that I adore those cute faces"
I could bet she was grinning dreamily right now, probably on her bed or on the toilet seat.
" Thanks a lot Karen, I don't know what I would have done without you, for real."
I replied with tears threatening to fall from my eyes but I blinked them back quickly
"It's okay babe. Have you applied to any places yet?" She asked more seriously now
" Oh yeah I have, I'm waiting for their calls and emails" I replied already walking into the house. It was quite chilly outside and I'm so prone to cold and I hate it.
"Okay, that's good" She replied. " Don't forget to call Paige today babe, its important"
" Yes ma'am" I replied saluting her even though I knew she couldn't see me
"Yeah, see ya later at Freddie's for drinks ok? I'd call Jason and text you the time". She said
"Aiit , bye ma'am " I said and hung up before she roasts me for calling her ma'am twice today. She hates it, says it makes her feel old.
I walked to Mom's room to see her. She's was dressing for work. She looked tired.
"Hey mama" I called, " What's wrong, you look tired" I asked with concern
" Oh dear, I'm good. Just a little tired. I'd rest when I get to work. I just have to get there early first." She said smiley at me with her had on my cheek. Rubbing it gently.
"Are you sure?" I asked
" I can go in for you today if your not up for it or I could shadow you"
I asked taking her hand from my face and holding it with care like it was glass in my palms and rubbing it gently.
"Oh no baby" She said whilst laughing then covering my own hands with hers
"I'm still young and strong, I can handle it ok? Please don't be worried" she said looking at me
"Alright Mom, but please be careful ok? Please Mom" I pleaded, stupid tears threatening to spill. Not like I cared but I didn't want her worrying about me.
"Aiit baby, I promise" She said then kisses my both cheeks, ruffled my hair and left the house closing the door softly behind her.
I released a breathe I didn't know I was holding.
'Everything's gonna be fine'
I said to my self as I cleaned up the mess in the kitchen