Unlike other days where we gisted in in everything while having our meal, that day Lana, Denis and I did not have much to talk about. A sombre mood hanged in the air, as everyone ate their meal in silence. The only thing that could be heard was the clicking sounds of spoons and forks.
As soon as we finished our meal, I hurried myself to my room to burry it in the deep agony of my thoughts. I still held a heavy heart at the events of the day. I found my baby asleep, peacefully snoring oblivious to the pain his mother was going through.
I trekked to the bedside table and retrieved the hidden black book where I usually journaled every event of my life. After Brian left, I had developed a habit of noting down everything. I wanted to keep him updated on what had happened in my life during his absence if he ever chose to show up. Neither Lana nor Denis had any idea about this.
Taking the book, I had a lot of overwhelming emotions and thoughts to pen in it. Again, for the thousandth time I broke into massive tears unable to write anything in the book. As I had promised Denis I would let go, I munched on a gulp of a deep moistened breath and closed the book. I returned it back to its shelf and made a mental note to get rid of it first thing the next day morning.
Changing into my night gown, I scooted beside my baby as I mumbled a good night to him, not forgetting to leave a peck on his forehead. Prince reacted with a stir that left me smiling.
The next day arrived with all the events of the previous day forgotten. It was a beautiful day, free of any Brian thoughts. As I held my baby close to me in one hand, and the other hand was holding the black book. I took a metal tin and matchstick and headed over to backside of the house, where I torched the book.
Definite no one was looking, I intended to go back into the house when I collided head on with an inspecting Lana.
"Is everything okay?"
She inquired, one of her brows arched at me.
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
I feigned innocence, ignoring her question that was directed to what I was just doing.
"I just saw you burn something. Dear, are you okay?"
A worried crease had settled across Lana's features as she asked.
With a wide feigned smile, I reassured Lana I was well. I immediately handed over the baby to her, who was smiling and chuckling at the peculiar Lana, diverting her attention to him.
"Good morning baby,"
Lana began playing with Prince, and I took it as a perfect opportunity to run away from her.
"I'll be in the kitchen making breakfast. "
I told Lana, quickly avoiding her scrutinizing gaze. I rushed to the kitchen, where I began assembling the ingredients to make some pancakes. I then turned on the cooker and put a pot of milk on it.
While I was busy in the kitchen, Lana suddenly showed up announcing her unwanted presence beside me.
"You do not get to run away from me young woman! " she began.
"If there's anything that's bothering you, you can talk to me. "
Her voice trailed, sounding very soft unlike how she had initially approached.
"I'm well Lana. There's nothing to tell. "
I smiled at her, a smile that did not reach my eyes.
I understood why Lana was acting the way she was. When Brian left, Lana had stayed with me. Amidst all the chaos, I had found comfort in her and confided all my worries and fears regarding the situation. Like a second mother, she stood by me, talked to me, encouraged me and even cried with me on the days I felt like giving up. Rearing the pregnancy all by myself proved very difficult but Lana's presence, had made everything so smooth.
Her question was very sensitive and if I dared open up on what was really eating me, I would end up in another hierarchy of tears. And so, I avoided her query together with her reading eyes. Instead, I opted to reveal to her the news I had been keeping.
"I got accepted. "
I revealed, a huge smile plastered across my face.
"Accepted where?"
Lana asked. Now that I had her attention, I decided to tell her about the MBA program I had applied after completing my degree.
I had mentioned it once to her and told her I was considering applying it. Although I had no intention to, she had encouraged me to try. I couldn't believe my eyes when I got the email from Aston University in the UK that I had been accepted.
"That's good news Dear!" Lana squealed.
"Why didn't you tell us? Denis and I would have prepared a small dinner to celebrate you. "
She rejoiced, her eyes fully settled on me. Prince was clutched in her arms, and as usual, he was oblivious of everything around him.
"With everything that have been happening lately.."
I paused. Lana's look immediately shifted into worry.
"I have been a little bit distracted. " I
admitted, flicking my hair behind my ear.
A lot has happened, depriving me the joy of celebrating this small win. With that note, I gave Lana the choice to choose between having a small celebration at home or going out for dinner later on after work. She chose the latter.
"Dinner it is at home then. "
I said, smiling at her then shifted my attention to the already boiled milk on the cooker.
"Do you want me to inform your mom?" Lana inquired.
"No. I'll tell her. "
I informed. I wanted to be the one to reveal the news to my mother. It was a while since I interacted with her, and wherever she was, she must be boiling with rage. I hoped the news would sooth her.
"Who else are we inviting?"
Lana proved to be so much excited than I was. To think of it, we had no one else to invite. I barely had friends, and as of Lana, I never had her talk about anyone. Denis and I, figured out that Lana did not like talking about her family or anything of sort. We respected her privacy, hence did not pry much.
"I'll invite Damon. "
I told her, hoping to ease her worry of me not having any friends to share with such wins.
Damon was not only my former supervisor but also my friend. When I told him how Lana was encouraging me to apply for my MBA, he was all heads in it. He had even offered to draft my resume, which I declined because I wanted to do everything myself. I had sought his advice regarding other things though.
I took my phone and dialed Damon's number who immediately picked up like he had been waiting for my call.
I informed him of the event at my house which he gladly accepted to join us without even giving me a chance to complete my request.
"He'll be here at 6.30."
I confirmed to Lana who excitedly smiled at me, giving me that knowing look.
"He's just a friend. "
I laughed, sending her an eye roll before shifting my attention to the breakfast I was preparing.