Broken Love

Chapter 01 “I'd like the other one, thank you," I said pointing at the green lettuce covered with a polythene bag. The lady behind the counter gave me what I requested. I was putting on an old-fashioned gown. It looked worn out but I wasn't bothered, rather content. It was a very tiring day for me and I had to go to the market alone. The market was known to be a noisy area. The money I took to the market wasn't enough to purchase the items we needed. My mom and I lived in an abandoned apartment in a slum where people could barely know we lived there only if you are told. “Mom, I'm home!” I said with a high-pitched voice, closing the door behind me. I was very excited and went to the kitchen to drop off the few items that I bought. "Mom," I shouted, but there was no response. I walked down to my mom's room and I found her sitting on her bed holding the picture of dad, her eyes soaked in tears. “Mom! What's the problem?”. I asked and she looked at me pitifully, giving a weak smile. She's pretending I know. I know she's still pretty much affected by Dad's demise. “ I love you so much Cynthia, I want you to know that. I want you to know that I would never do anything to make you feel bad. I want the best for you." Tears rolled down from her eyes as she spoke. I am CYNTHIA LEO, a 24-year-old who has been dealt with by poverty and is the only child of my surviving parent, my mother. Life has been tedious for us ever since we lost Dad. I struggled to graduate from Fordham University and had my certificate in accounting but getting a job became a problem. I left her room with agony and sorrow. My eyes were filled with tears having seen my mom sobbing bitterly. I went to my room and sat on the old chair my father gifted me. I could barely remember his face because it's been thirteen years since he passed on. I lay on my bed motionless, forcing myself to be dispassionate about it but shortly, I burst into tears. My mom entered the room, her eyes were swollen, and her face could tell she was in deep thought and pain. She leaned close to me. “Your father was dedicated to his work, “ she said with a crackled voice. “It's okay, mom. I'm here now, I'm here to help you. I don't want you to be weighed down by the thoughts of Dad," I consoled her when more tears streamed down her face. “I'm gonna look for a job by next week and then pay for your treatment, okay? ” I said optimistically. Our problem was just a financial issue. “Don't stress yourself too much, darling,” She said and hugged me affectionately. I am all she has. “I'm gonna work for the both of us to eat and for you to be treated, don't you worry, I'll be fine,” I said and wiped the tears from her eyes. She refused and insisted that she was going to get a job and that I stay home. I was speechless, I knew my mom was too old to get a job. I kissed her on her chin and left for the kitchen, not wanting to argue the topic with her. I am going to get a job to cater for both of us even if it means disobeying her. I won't let her work in her sick state. I heard a bang at the door. I left the kitchen to get the door opened. Surprisingly, It was Roselyn at the door. She looked elegantly sparkling and was putting on a resplendent yellowish sleeveless gown, her blonde hair covered a part of her face, and her round blue eyes shone brightly. I had never seen her look so gorgeous before. Though she's from a rich home she's simple and that's why I like her more. “ Oh! It's you,” I said with a bright tone, hugging her tightly. “Can I come in?" She asked in a choked voice. " Sure… you can,” I said with a smile on my face. My mom came into the living room and on sighting Rosalyn, she asked while hugging her. “Who do we have here? We are so happy to see you”. She said. “What would you like to eat?" I asked but instead, she ignored my question. "I've missed the both of you, it has been a very long time,” she said, relaxing on our broken cushion. Roselyn was always luminous, she had this glow and distinctions that created cognizance in our department. She made me feel jaundiced sometimes. But her dad was the string to her wealth. She assisted me in the payment of school levies and fees after Dad passed away which brought intimacy between our family. “Do you need anything?" I asked again, trying to build up a conversation. " I'm okay. Have you seen a job yet?" She asked with a questioning look on her face. “Yes, I've seen a job" I lied. I didn't need her assistance this time. She has done more than enough already. My mom was speechless and had a pensive look on her face. She started at me questioning me with her eyes as to why I lied to Rosalyn. That's great, " she said and smiled. “ I came to inform you that I will be going out of the country for some time, ” she observed my face. "Why?” I asked, thinking there was a reason for it, I was going to miss her. “There’s no concrete reason about that. I'm going on a vacation,” she said with a smile on her face. Though I was happy for her deeply, I was already missing her. Her assistance gave birth to my certificate. “ I...I'd like to take my leave" She hesitated. " Wait,” my mom said walking to her room, she brought an old-fashioned vintage frame that had our pictures in it, back then in college. “ You’re the only friend of my daughter, and I want you to have this,” she said, staring at the frame. “We don't have anything to offer, we can't repay you for your good deeds, don't reject this from us, please.” Roselyn was speechless, she hugged my mom and smiled, “ Thank you, Mama, I appreciate your kind gesture," she said in an excited tone. Hurriedly, I hopped on her, crushing her with a hug. “I will miss you, take good care of yourself, " I said with a nice tone "I will,” she replied and left. At this moment, I felt lonely. I wished I could have the things I ever wanted, I wish I could make my parents proud and also live a comfortable life. Have been patient with everything revolving around the earth but nothing good has happened to us. Life keeps on smiling at people but frowns on us. The only friend I could ever run to or count on is leaving the country soon. Who will assist us?... Nothing good is coming. Tears rolled down from my eyes, having my face down. I need to get a job as quickly as tomorrow.