The Unanswered

It's only the two of them.

“MUM!” Amanda greeted her mum, Brenda Edward, as soon as she entered their cozy home. It was a small terrace house in a quiet suburban area with a very little community. They used to move there 5 years ago after her father divorced her mother and left. Her father left them nothing except debts. And her mum had to take over everything. She had to work very hard to settle the debts and to take care of her study expenses.

Her dad, however, never came back or visited since then. The last time she saw him was after the divorce. It was 5 years ago. He said he would get married again. He would come to see her again. He even promised to bring her back to his hometown sometimes, since he’s not from there, but until now, she hadn’t heard even a single word from him. He’d just disappeared. Gone from her life like she was nothing to him. Leaving her alone for her mum to survive on their own. A father she used to think loved her endlessly finally proved her wrong. Another heart-breaking reality she had to accept at 27 years of age.

“You’re back.” Her mum smiled beautifully at her.

“Yes.” Amanda placed her slung leather bag on the vacant chair at the corner and slowly approached her. Looked like she was busy preparing dinner in their tiny open kitchen.

“Have a seat. Let’s have dinner. You must be hungry.” She cheerfully said while her busy hands still holding a pot and a ladle.

“Is there anything I can help?” Amanda asked. Feeling guilty for not coming back earlier to prepare food. She had taken some time alone before coming back home after the interview. She needed time to compose herself after the encounter. But now she pitied her mum. She must be tired from her work as a manager at the inn. There must be a bunch of customers checking in since tomorrow is already the weekend. She was aware since she used to work partime there while helping her mum.

Her mum placed down the pot she was holding on the dining table. “I’m done. But maybe you can help with the plate.” She pulled up a chair and took her seat.

Amanda walked to the kitchen cabinet. She opened the upper cabinet and took out two pieces of Nordic ceramic plate in dark army green. Stepped back to the dining table, she put a plate in front of her mum and another one across from her, where she then took a seat.

“I made your favourite mac and cheese, honey!” her mum told her.

“Thanks, mum.” Amanda took the ladle after her mum and put some mac and cheese on her plate. Grabbing a spoon and a fork, she silently ate.

“You look distracted. Is there anything wrong?” Her mum asked in concern.

“I’m fine.” Amanda faked a smile.

“How about your interview? Did it go well?” Her mum asked again. Looking straight into Amanda’s green eyes.

“It did go well. I got the job and it is supposed to start on Monday.” Amanda sighed after the line.

“You don’t look excited. Is there anything that troubles you?”

“It’s just the boss is someone I used to know. He’s my senior at my former college. I’ve never met him for years. Working with him somehow makes me feel uneasy.” Amanda told the truth. Since it’s only the two of them throughout the years, she used to share everything with her. The only thing she kept as a secret was her relationship with Daniel, which ended on the same day her father left them.

“Why? Was he used to be a bad person?” Her mum sounded worried.

“No. I’m just feeling uncomfortable working with him.” Amanda honestly answered.

The truth is, Daniel was never a bad guy. He was the college sweetheart back then. Boys adored him. Girls were dying to be his girlfriend. And she was once lucky when he chose her among them all. The only negative thing about him was he used to be her boyfriend, who broke up with her. But why? Maybe she’s not up to his standard. That’s why he left her. She used to remind herself of that fact again and again everytime her stubborn heart demanded an answer.

“If you are not feeling okay with working with him, then don’t. You can always look for another job. Maybe you’ll find a better one later, honey!” her mum suggested.

Amanda nodded. “I’ll think about it.”

They continued to eat in silence.

“I have to go to bed early tonight. I have an important task tomorrow morning. The new owner will finally drop by to stay at the inn for a period of time. I have to make sure everything is perfect upon his arrival.” Her mum spoke just after she put down her spoon and fork.

“Finally!” Amanda sighed. “I’ll wash the dishes. You can just go rest.”

“Okay. Nite, honey.” Her mum soon left the kitchen.

“Nite, mum.” Amanda whispered while looking at her mum’s back.

Poor, mum! Working hard all these years to support her studies. To get her back on track after a period of time. She seemed to be a few years late compared to her friends of the same age because of her sudden life change. Facing a ton of difficulties and obstacles, she used to think about giving up her studies but her mum refused to let her do so. And she finally finished her secretarial course and had been job hunting for months. Getting a financially stable job was a goal she used to set in mind. And yes! She finally did it. She got a high-paid job but her past seemed to be in the way of screwing up everything.

Letting out a deep sigh, Amanda stood up from her seat and headed to the sink. Doing the dishes in a state of daze, and slowly walked upstairs to her room right after. Her small room’s decoration was nothing of a luxury but it represented her. The black wooden bed frame, closet and so does her study table on a red mahogany painted wall. The cold vibe of black color surrounded by a warm red-painted wall is just like her cold-hearted beneath her warm smile plastered on her face and her fiery outlooks of being a redhead.

Throwing her sling bag onto the bed, she headed straight to the bathroom. After she was done cleaning her sticky body, she put on a white printed comfy sweatshirt and black leggings. Her long hair tied into a messy bun while she moved to the balcony. Brought along her mobile phone and a book she’d borrowed earlier from their community library on her way back home. She used to work part time there. For 5 years, she’d been rotating her part-time jobs at the library and at the inn while finishing her studies.

Sitting on the outdoor wooden bench cushion, Amanda placed her mobile phone on the small wooden desk beside her. Straightened her legs and lay down in half, she leaned on the side cushion positioning her back and her head on the small pillow, making herself comfortable.

Reaching for the book on the table, she placed it on her chest. Hugging it tightly while her green eyes gazed up at the shining bright moon and thousands of stars in the wide sky above. It was indeed a beautiful night. Amanda slowly closed her eyes.