1000 Memories

Chapter Three

“I am travelling to Los Angeles next week,” I quietly say while holding my breath waiting for a reaction, probably a bad one.

“Okay sweetie, it’s good that you want to take a break from work and visit California. How many days will you be gone? “My mum asks with a smile on her face and I immediately start feeling terrible as I realize that they think am just going as a tourist.

“Mom… I am relocating to California.”

My words are followed by utter silence in the room. The expressions on their faces and Phil, my brother, is the only one who seems to like the idea. My dad gives me a stern look and I cannot dare say another word not until they say something first.

‘Cindy remember this is what you have always wanted. Do not back out now. Do not let them talk you out of it. Stand your ground.’ I think to myself trying to keep it together as I cross my fingers under the table hoping for a ‘not so bad’ reaction especially from my dad.

“Dad say something.” It has been almost 2 minutes of silence which is very unusual since they always say no immediately I start this conversation.

“When did you make this decision? “He asks and prods me to answer.

“Dad, you know this is what I’ve always wanted. I just think it’s time. Am not getting any younger you know. All of you are happy with the lives you are living so why shouldn’t I be?” I start to explain hoping that this time he won’t be so pessimistic about it.

I look over at my mom and brother and they don’t seem to be angry at all. Even my dad is a bit calmer this time. Is this because they are just tired of hearing this ‘living the dream’ talk or could this be a sign that they actually agree with me this time? OH God please let it be that.

“Food is getting cold everyone. Eat up. “My mom suddenly says to break the silence hanging over us like a very heavy blanket.

I pick up my spoon and start to eat the pasta my mom had cooked while I still await an answer but nobody talks about it even after we’re done with dinner.

My dad leaves the table and goes straight to their bedroom for the night. I guess I’ll have to wait till tomorrow. My brother takes his plate to the kitchen and also heads upstairs and only mom and I are left at the table.

“Mom, you haven’t said anything yet. “I try to make her say something to me.

“Honey I know you really want to go and we already said no but let’s wait for your father and talk about it tomorrow, okay?” She says as she gets up heading to the kitchen while carrying some of the dishes. I let it go and help her clear the table and then head up to my room too.

For the first time in a long time, I kneel beside my bed and say a short prayer for my parents to not be too angry about this. I would not want to leave when we are on bad terms. I get on the bed switch off the bedside lamp and close my eyes anxiously awaiting tomorrow hoping it will be good.

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Next morning I wake up earlier than usual even before my alarm rings and immediately head to the bathroom for a quick shower. It is Thursday and if am serious about travelling then I have to go in to work and tell my boss that am resigning tomorrow. Even I wouldn’t want my employees to quit on me last minute. I quickly put on some clothes, then blow-dry my hair. Today I have to clean my room and look organized because I have to convince my parents that I can live well on my own.

I head downstairs and nobody is up because it is still 6:30 in the morning. I take some eggs from the fridge and decide to make breakfast today. All this just to get on their good side. It takes me about thirty minutes to finish making the eggs, pancakes, sausages and squeezing fresh juices from the oranges my mom harvests from her garden in the backyard.

My brother is the first one to come downstairs already dressed for work.

“Morning. Ahh! You are making breakfast today. Trying to get on their good side?” He says jokingly as he stuffs his mouth with pancakes.

“Morning to you too Phil.”

“Cindy am actually happy that you have finally decided to go. Now you can stop whining about your life every day. “He laughs.

“Thanks”

“Well I should get going, see you later. “Phil hurriedly takes his bag and leaves as soon as he hears my mom coming downstairs. ‘Typical Phil, doesn’t want to get caught in the cross fire ‘I think to myself shaking my head. He should be here supporting me.

“Good morning, kitchen smells nice. “Mom says as she enters the kitchen and is followed by dad a few minutes later. She serves herself and dad then we sit down at the table. Dad clears his throat after a while and I know now he wants to say something.

“Cindy, your mom and I discussed this last night and we are not really happy about you moving to a new city alone. L.A is such a big place to be for a small girl like you…but you are right. You are still our little girl but you are grown and we can’t hold you much longer. “He pauses and stares at me. I can’t believe my ears.

“So are you saying you are okay with me moving to L.A?”

“Yes you can go” and with out I jump out of my seat and do a celebratory dance making my parents laugh.

Finally, I was expecting to hear them say no but ohhh I can’t wait.