"Dad, what are you doing in Crystal's ward? How did you even know she was here in the first place?"
He explained himself saying the school called and he needed to settle what I did before it tarnished his image in society. He made a lot of excuses which I didn't believe because I didn't understand why my dad was flirting with my friend and someone I just fought with.
It was a little suspicious but I didn't want to think anything because he was my dad so I knew he wouldn't do that to Mom.
I was just angry he didn't visit when I had the accident with mom but he visited my friend.
"You don't want your name to be tarnished; I see. Mom's funeral is in two weeks so please try to make time to attend." Out of anger, I decided to be rude. "If you are a prominent man in the city try not to miss your wife's funeral and be the responsible man you are." After saying that I left the room banging the door from behind.
"Ouch!! Young girl, where are you rushing to? You nearly twisted your leg."
"I am fine sir."
"Why are you crying, is everything alright?"
"Sir I wish my dad died instead of my mom, my dad doesn't care about me and he has no time for me."
"What is your name young girl?"
"Jasmine, please."
"Jasmine, I don't know what your dad did to deserve this hatred but words are powerful so be careful of what you say especially to strangers. I'm Nicolas by the way and I am here to visit my aunt, I have introduced myself, I'm not a stranger anymore so you can speak to me if that is okay with you."
He was a little funny, I told him all about my dad and what happened to my mom with the accident. I just liked our vibes and felt comfortable around him. He told me a few things about his life and how he got into medical school.
He boasted with pride and funny talks about what he has achieved being the best student and girls chasing after him all over at school. We spent quality time together while he escorted me home. I asked if I could see him again and he said his college is outside town and will be coming when he graduates.
We exchanged contacts and promised to contact each other as the years passed. The feeling was new, it just felt like mom sent an angel to my rescue.
I couldn't stop thinking about him for days, I always brought his name up when having conversations with Bela to the extent of her getting irritated anytime she hears Nicolas's name.
"Bela it has been days since we exchanged numbers and he hasn't called or texted, I think there is something wrong."
"But J why can't you call or text him?"
"Bela guys have to text first, it's a bad signal for me when a lady calls or texts first so I have to wait for him to make the first move."
"J we are not in the 19s and girls are making the first move of late, which means you know what you want and it is a sign of confidence and proactive interest. Most men even find it attractive so you can try it and I am 100% sure you won't die."
I thought of what Bela said and tried to make the first move. I tried calling him a day before my Mum's funeral to listen to some of his words of comfort to take me through the next day which was the funeral but there was no answer. I tried the second and third time but still no answer so I gave up calling since I didn't even want to make the first move in the first place.
Bela came with some friends at dawn to help with the preparation of the funeral, with her help, we were able to set the compound ready for the funeral. Family relatives also came in to help since my mom was a family woman.
I wanted everything to end quickly but the time was moving slower than normal days. My dad went up to share her memories of my mom with the audience. I knew my dad and mom had their differences but I knew they loved each other and cared for each other.
I had the privilege to talk about my mom so I went to the pulpit and bowed my head down with tears flowing down my face, I looked at the crowd with a heavy heart as I was about to speak I saw crystal in the crowd. I was confused she was there but happy, seeing Crystal made me think with all our conflict she came to support me as a friend so it empowered me to speak with confidence.
A mother's love is something that no one can explain.
It is made of deep devotion, sacrifice, and pain.
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may.
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away.
I now understand Helen Steiner Rice's statements, my mother was a great woman, and her empathy extended beyond her family, touching the lives of many. She listened to others' struggles, offering not support but counsel, always reminding them of God's love.
Her kindness knew no bounds and her care was felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. As a mother she exemplified love and sacrifice, shaping my life not through her words but through her way of living. Since her passing, there hasn't been a day that I don't miss her voice, her presence, and her love. Though it is difficult to understand this loss, I promise to live in a way that will make you proud. I love you, Mom.
With tears I left the pulpit and went to my room to be alone after the speech, I suddenly heard an argument coming from the store room so I had to go and settle since I knew my dad was a busy person and would have left the funeral grounds by then.
I went downstairs and went towards the storeroom to make sure everything was good, the voices sounded familiar so I opened the door to calm everyone, I was startled when I saw my dad busily kissing and touching another lady as if his life depended on it.