In Between

Motherly Love

EMILY's POV:

Mom’s voice woke me up “You freak, I hate you!”Typical.

I am just really glad Anna isn't around.

Since the fighting became a near-daily ritual, I've made it my mission to shield her from the chaos. When she was younger and oblivious to the tension, she would innocently ask why Mom and Dad were always shouting. I'd lie and tell her they were having a bad day, trying to protect her from the harsh reality. But now, she's old enough to see the truth: her parents no longer find common ground, and the warmth of their laughter has been replaced by bitterness.

With a heavy sigh, I roll out of bed and fling open the window, letting the crisp morning air wash over me. I stretch and yawn, still groggy from a hardly restful night—thanks in no small part to my parents' never-ending discord.

And here we are again—it's the weekend.

I've grown to dread weekends. With Dad home every Saturday and Sunday, and Mom unoccupied after losing her job, the house feels like a pressure cooker waiting to explode. Without Anna here to provide a bit of laughter and light, I brace myself for another round of tension.

Determined to find some comfort amid the chaos, I make my way to the kitchen to brew a calming cup of tea. It seems like a small refuge, but it's the little things that help get me through these long days.

"That freak is so full of himself he thinks he can boss me around"I walk into the kitchen and find Mom standing by the countertop pouring water into a glass while seemingly lost in her own thoughts.

"Hey, Mom!" I call out, but she's so engrossed in her monologue that she doesn't reply.

"He has some serious guts" She mutters, clearly fired up.

"What did Dad do this time?" I ask unconcerned. It's like flipping a switch, She turns to me, ready to unload.

"Can you believe your dad asked me to leave our room? I mean, I'd rather not share the same space with him either, but who the hell does he think he is to tell me to just vacate? Why won't.." I zone out of the conversation and her voice escalates into a full-blown rant.

I nod along, feigning interest as I start gathering ingredients to whip up breakfast for the two of us. As I crack eggs and toast bread, I can't help but smile at the familiar rhythm of our morning routine. Soon, we'll be at the dining table, her vibrant stories filling the air as the aromas start to blend with her vibrant energy. When Dad runs downstairs dressed in his work attire

"Hey Dad, it's Saturday," I say reminding him.

"Yeah, Emi I know. But I just got a call from the office, it's an emergency" He says while grabbing his keys and running off.

My mouth formed an 'oh'.

"Make sure you never come back here again you freaking asshole" Mum cursed after him

Yeah, that's how much my mum has grown to despise my dad to the point of mum calling dad an asshole.. yeah.

"You see what I was saying about him right he cares only about himself and his work he doesn't even care about me, his wife he doesn't care about me..." Mum continues ranting breathlessly and I do what I'm good at.

I listen

Almost not speaking.

After breakfast, I go straight to my room to freshen up and change out of my PJs.

I decided to go out and get some groceries in a nearby store since our kitchen cupboard was empty.

I put on my big black hoodie with black pants, black and black just how I like it

I pack up my hair in a neat elegant bun.

"Mom, I'm going to get some groceries then I'll go pick up Anna at Aunt Marla's, "I say as I push Mom's door open a little and tilt my head in so she can catch a glimpse of me.

" Anna? When did she go to Marla's house?" Mom asks as if just realizing Anna hasn't been home at all.

"A few days ago" I reply.

"Why?" Mom asks now sitting up on her bed her hair all messy with a bottle of whiskey in her hand " Why doesn't anyone care about my opinion in this house, I mean Anna is also my daughter right? Why didn't you ask me before taking her to my sister's house huh?"

I want to retort.

But I do what I do all the time.

I hold it all in and maintain the hush.

"You know what? Go f**k yourself Emily do whatever you want not like anyone cares so why should I even care" Mum laughs, sarcastically.

She was drunk.

Again.

I step out immediately and shut the door behind me to avoid retorting. God knows I really want to.

I could hear mum from downstairs cursing at the top of her voice

Sometimes I'm scared she's gonna go mad or she already has.

I ignore mum.

Pick up my car keys get out of the house.

Before I know it I'm on the road driving to the grocery store.

I arrive at the grocery store pick up the necessary items off and drop them in my car boot.

And I'm driving again to Aunt Marla's house this time.

I come to a halt and stop stepping out of the car standing in front of a sizeable medium-sized well well-furnished bungalow, I inhale the welcoming and homey scent of Aunt Marla's house.

God knows I love this place.

It feels so welcoming.

It feels like... home.

I ring the doorbell and my beautiful yet aged aunt opens up.

"Emily, welcome hunny" Aunt Marla greets me with a big hug.

A big hug that I love so much as I inhale her scent of flowery perfume.

A hug I only get from my mother's sister.

A hug I don't remember when I last got it from my mum.

Funny how little things such as a hug seem to be so...

Significant.

"Hey Aunt Marla" I greeted back breaking the hug and smiling widely.

Aunt Marla was my mum's eldest sister.

After Aunt Marla there was Uncle Jeff then Aunt Kim then Mum

Aunt Marla was the eldest and ever since they lost their parents she's been like their mom and she loves all of her siblings so much.

She loves practically everyone.

With Aunt Marla love was an easy thing but with Mum, she stopped loving long ago.

Mom had three elder siblings but she barely got along with any of them these days.

They all say she's changed sooo much and I can testify to that.

"Sweetheart, how are you?" she asked as she opened the door, welcoming me inside.

"I'm fine, Aunt. How about you?" I replied, matching her cheerful tone.

"I'm doing very well, baby," she said, heading back to the kitchen with her apron on. It seemed she had been preparing something delicious before my arrival. I should mention that Aunt Marla is one of the best cooks I know, and the enticing aroma wafting through the air was enough to whet my appetite.

"Just so you know, there's no way you can turn down my homemade pizza, even if you ate before coming," Aunt Marla added with a playful smile.

"Who could possibly say no to such wonderful food?" I laughed, enjoying our lighthearted exchange. "By the way, where are the girls?"

"They're outside playing in the backyard," Aunt Marla replied, focused on her cooking.

I walked through the kitchen and stepped out the back door, where I found Anna and Haley happily engaged with their toys and a large teddy bear, giggling together. It took me back to my childhood days, reminiscing about the sleepovers with my best friend Charlotte. We would play all day and eventually fall asleep on the couch, only to be carried off to bed by my mom, who tucked us in with duvets.

Those were the days when, if we couldn't sleep, Mom would soothe us with lullabies. Once we finally drifted off, she'd kiss us goodnight on our foreheads before quietly closing the door behind her.

It's so unfortunate Anna didn't receive this motherly love from her own mother, I just wonder why mom stopped being so.... motherly.

"Anna, Hayley" I called out to the two seven-year-old kids who were too busy playing to even notice my presence.

"Em," they said in unison as they ran towards me

And we did our secret handshake. Yeah, I've built a strong relationship with my sister to the point of having a secret handshake.

"How are my world's best girls doing?" I asked kneeling to come face-to-face with them but I ended up being lower than them.

These kids have grown so much in just a short matter of time.

"We're fine Em" Anna replied.

"I'm not fine," Haley said suddenly the smile gone from her face and I became worried.

"What's wrong Hay?"

"Anna's going home now I'm going to be sooo lonely," she said sadly. I understand how she feels when I was a kid I never wanted Char to leave after the weekends, because when she left I felt lonely but only for a matter of time though because mom tried her best to keep me company by telling me all sorts of stories and asides that I had... my brother.

"Hey, it's alright besides grandma's gonna keep you company, and school's soon to resume, you'll go to school and see all your friends" I reassured her.

Yes, Grandma. Haley is Aunt Marla's grandchild. When Aunt Marla's son Nathan was in college, he faced a challenging situation when his girlfriend became pregnant. Initially, there was pressure for her to terminate the pregnancy, but Aunt Marla stepped in and encouraged the young woman to carry the baby to term. She assured her that she would take responsibility for the child. As a result, Haley was born, and she has grown into a cute, innocent, and adorable little girl.

"And I could come see you next weekend if you'd like," Anna said, her smile brightening as she looked at Hay.

"Yes, Absolutely!" Haley replied, finally breaking into a grin that lit up her whole face.

"Girls, brunch is ready!" Aunt Marla called from the kitchen, her voice warm and inviting.

"Let's go!" I exclaimed, taking both of their hands and leading them inside.

As we gathered around the table, Anna took a bite of the pizza, her eyes widening in delight. "Oh wow, this is honestly the best homemade pizza I've ever tasted!"

"Absolutely! It's delicious," I chimed in, savoring another mouthful.

Haley chuckled, "You two should just move in with me! Think of all the pizza and amazing meals we could enjoy together every day!"

We burst into laughter, the sound ringing throughout the cozy kitchen.

"I'm so glad you girls are enjoying it," Aunt Marla said, her smile reflecting our happiness.

After brunch, Anna hurriedly packed her bags, and we got ready to say our goodbyes. The girls hugged tightly, exchanging sweet promises to stay in touch, while I made my way to Aunt Marla for a warm farewell.

Soon, we were in the car, Anna and I settling in as I turned the engine over. Excitement buzzed in the air as we hit the road, memories of a perfect morning already beginning to linger in our hearts.

"Ice cream?" I ask Anna as we drive past the charming ice cream shop, its colorful sign inviting us in.

"Absolutely! Why not?" she replies, her excitement infectious. I quickly find a spot to park, and we hop out, eager to indulge in a sweet treat.

As we exit the shop, laughter and the sound of cones being licked fill the air. Suddenly, Anna points to a man in a sharp suit, rushing out of the restaurant. He's fumbling with his phone and, in his haste, drops his wallet without even noticing.

instinctively I bend down and pick it up. "We need to catch up with him!" I start running, Anna right behind me, her curiosity piqued.

He finally stops in front of his sleek white BMW, clearly flustered as he fumbles with his keys, trying to unlock the car as quickly as possible.

"Excuse me!" I call out, my voice cutting through the commotion. He doesn't respond, lost in his own world.

"Hey!" I say again, louder this time. At last, he turns around, surprise registering on his handsome face.

In that moment, I realize just how striking he is—piercing brown eyes, a chiseled jawline, and black hair that catches the light. He's effortlessly handsome, the type of person who could turn heads anywhere. But this isn't the time to marvel; I have a wallet to return.

"You dropped this," I say, extending my hand with the wallet.

"Oh, thanks!" he replies, relief washing over him as he takes it with a genuine smile. Without another word, he gets into his car and quickly drives away.

As we walk back to our own vehicle, I squeeze Anna's hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. We hop into my car, still buzzing from our little adventure, and drive home, ice cream in hand, feeling like we stumbled upon a moment worth remembering.