I'm Not Your Mommy

Chapter 5

Calista

As soon as I saw Mimi, she gave me a very concerned and wide eyed look which made my breath hitch. Did she saw what happened at the park? What conclusion did she come to for her to make that face?

“Where’s the rest of your grocery?” she said and when I looked at my hand that’s when I noticed that I was not holding the bags of grocery from earlier. Wait how did that happen? I was certain I was holding everything earlier.

“Oh crap, I must’ve left it at the bench. Let me just get it then we’ll get going.” I scrambled and looked at the bench and saw that the rest of the bags were indeed still on it. She gave me a weird look and scoffed, melting into concern.

“What was on your mind for you to even forget your groceries? Did something happen?” she asked, worried and for a moment I thought she might be on to something but I guess it was just her being concerned as always.

“No no nothing important at least. Look let’s talk later okay? You said dinner won’t cook itself.” I diverted and she doesn’t seem convinced but nodded just the same and I ran to grab the bags of groceries. When I secured the bags, I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander to the direction the lady took the kid too and was disappointed when I didn’t spot them. But that was good right? I don’t think I can take having a kid call me mommy again but why do I feel bad?

“Cali hurry up!” I heard Mimi call from where I left her and I let my gaze linger on the forgotten popsicle stick at the bench and went on to run to Mimi who immediately grabbed my groceries and pulled me into her car.

As soon as we got in and loaded the bags into the trunk, Mimi pulled me in for a tight hug that took me by surprise but welcomed whole-heartedly. She pulled away and we got on the car where her husband, Tyron, was on the wheel. Mimi took the front seat while I made myself comfortable at the back.

“Gosh, I was so occupied with making you being a slow poke that I didn’t remember you just got back and we only saw each other after a year! Guess I’m as forgetful as you.” She smirked at me and I rolled my eyes at her and put on my seatbelt as Tyron start the car.

“Do you want to put some music on?” Tyron asked and I shook my head and Mimi shrugged before turning the radio on but put the volume low enough that we could talk but high enough to fill the silence on the car.

I was in the middle of organizing my thoughts when Tyron decided to strike a conversation with me. We’re not awkward with each other but we’re not that close either.

“So Cali. How’s the trip? I’m sorry about stealing Mimi for lunch.” Tyron asked over the soft buzz of the radio.

“That’s okay Ty, I can understand. Besides I needed sleep anyway. Jet lag is not funny.” I tell him and he hummed.

“So, how was lunch?” Mimi asked, turning over to look at me while Tyron set his eyes on the road. Great, conversing with Mimi would distract me from the turmoil of the emotions inside me.

“It was well, nice. If only I didn’t get anxious half-way through.” I sighed and I can tell her side-eyeing me.

“You, anxious? Since when did you get anxious over eating alone?”

“I’m not. I guess it was just because of the fact that I’m back after 5 years and I still get the feeling of lingering stares on me.” I can feel Mimi freeze for a moment but it vanished as quick as it appeared and she went back to normal.

“Did anyone recognize you?” Tyron’s concerned voice cut through the silence and Mimi looked at him but he didn’t look at Mimi.

“No not really. I think it’s just me and my thoughts. It’s been years already and we’re in a different side of the city.” I said, trying to reassure them. I don’t want them to worry over me the same day I came back. Weren’t reunions supposed to be fun and happy?

“Right you’re right. Well don’t worry about it. If anyone says anything you could just tell me and I’ll fight them for you.” Mimi huffed and Tyron scoffed while I smiled at her attempt of lightening the mood. She was always better on it than I do anyways.

“I thought you abandoned picking up fights in the past Mimi. Should I be worried?” Tyron teased and Mimi let out a noise that sounds absolutely offended.

“If you keep that up I might pick that fight up with you.” She threatened and I looked at them with fondness.

“So, what’s for dinner?” I asked to cut the tension and thankfully Mimi got distracted and I can feel Tyron’s look of thanks on the rear view mirror and I just smiled at him.

~~~

We arrived at their house after a whole trip of Mimi just rambling on and on. Of course being her best friend I wasn’t bothered by that and was more than thankful that she was willing to talk for the both of us. Tyron joined the conversation from time to time as well and I’m glad they were consistent enough to occupy my thoughts. Tyron took the grocery from the trunk and shooed Mimi and I inside. I looked at their house and noticed a couple of changes from when I visited 2 years ago. First of all, it seems as if Mimi did take up gardening because their yard was full of plants. They changed the paint as well and there was a small swing set at the side, probably for their baby. We went inside and there were more changes littered all over the house but I guess that was to be expected. There is a new addition to their family after all.

“Sorry for the mess. I told Tyron to clean earlier but you know how he gets when Daisy cries.” She said as she began taking the littered shoes on the front door.

“Oh right, where did you leave Daisy?” I asked as we trudged to the kitchen.

“I left her with Tyron’s parents for a while. They asked to look after her for tonight anyway and besides, I want to spend time with you. As much as I love my baby, she takes up a lot of time.” she continued while opening cabinets. Tyron came in not a minute later with my bags of grocery.

“I’m just going to put it here. You can take them out later okay? You are staying the night right?” he asked while helping Mimi move around and I look at them from the island counter.

“Yeah. I’m sure Mimi will keep me up all night anyways.” I teased.

“Of course Cali! We need to celebrate as much as we can! Also this is the only time this month that I can stay up late willingly. Class starts in a week after all.” She whined while heating up the pan and Tyron helps her. I don’t offer to help them because I don’t want to ruin their dynamic and I’m pretty sure Mimi will just sound offended and tell me to sit my ass down.

“Oh right, you’re still teaching. Wait, how about Daisy?” I asked.

“Oh Tyron and I already made plans about that of course. Ty’s parents live just a couple of blocks away so we’re leaving her there on day time. We decided not to get a baby sitter since well our parents told us not to. Said what’s the point when they’re available you know?” she said and I nodded. I can’t really relate since I don’t have parents nor a child, at least I used to have them.

Mimi must’ve noticed my mood plummeting because she gave Tyron a look and Tyron nodded.

“Why don’t you two bond on the living room and I cook up dinner? Mimi can’t really cook anyway.” Tyron teased and I laughed out loud and Mimi pouted before dragging me to the living room to talk.

“So bestie, anything you want to share to me?”