Chapter 11- A Mother's Return
1001 Words
Mr. George stood outside St. Mark’s Specialist Hospital, adjusting his jacket before stepping in. He scanned the front desk until he spotted a familiar figure—Jessica.
“Hey, long time no see,” he greeted with a small smile.
Jessica turned to him with a cold glare. “What do you want?”
“Why do you sound so angry?” Mr. George asked, feigning innocence.
“Just go straight to the point,” she hissed.
He cleared his throat. “Okay. I want my son.”
Jessica blinked slowly. “Your son? I don’t remember you having a son.”
“Stop the funny act,” he said, growing serious.
“I’m serious,” she replied, already irritated. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
“My son—Alex,” he said firmly.
Jessica’s eyes blazed. “Never, ever in your life call him your son,” she snapped, walking away furiously.
“Hey! I haven’t finished—” he tried to call after her.
She turned slightly, hissed, “Mtcheewww,” and disappeared down the hall.
---
Meanwhile, at Greenville College, Mrs. Montgomery arrived and was warmly welcomed by the staff. Her poised demeanor drew attention, and after brief greetings, she asked calmly, “Please, can I see a student? His name is Richard Gabriel.”
One of the staff nodded and went off to call him.
Soon, Richard appeared, surprised. “Mrs. Montgomery?”
“Hi, Richard,” she smiled.
“Why are you here? Is anything wrong with the delivery?” he asked.
“No, nothing is wrong. I enjoyed it. I just want to talk to you.”
“Oh… okay.”
“Can we have a private space?” she asked the teachers politely.
“Yes, ma,” they replied, one of the staff leading her and Richard to the Guidance Counselor's Office.
Once there, the door shut gently behind them. Richard sat, his eyes still full of confusion.
“So… what do you want to talk about, ma?” he asked.
Mrs. Montgomery gave a soft smile. “How have you been all these years?”
Richard frowned slightly. “Weird,” he thought for a moment, then shrugged. “I’m good, ma.”
“That’s good,” she nodded.
“Yeah. My mom taught me so well.”
“Your mom?” she asked gently.
“Yes, my mom. Why are you asking?” Richard’s voice turned suspicious.
“Because… your mom is the one talking to you right now,” she said, her voice quivering slightly.
“Aee you telling me you’re… my mom?” he asked, amused.
“Yes. I’m sorry for being absent all these years.”
Richard’s face hardened. “Woman, don’t beg me,” he said angrily, getting up to leave.
“Wait. Take this,” she said, holding out a small envelope and a card.
He paused. Reluctantly, he took the items and sat down again as she quietly left the room. Alone, Richard opened the envelope.
---
Later that afternoon, as Kate, Alex, and Richard were heading home together, he broke the silence.
“You won’t believe it—Mrs. Montgomery is my mom.”
“What?!” they chorused.
“She came to school today… told me everything,” Richard added.
“What did she say?” Kate asked.
“She said she’s my mom… and gave me this letter.” He handed it over.
Kate opened it and read aloud:
> "Hey son, I'm sorry for all that happened in the past. I want to take you to the U.S. for special training in basketball and also support your education. I know basketball is your hobby. Hoping to hear back from you soon."
“What?” Kate gasped.
“Are you planning to follow her?” Alex asked sharply.
“Hell no. I’m not,” Richard replied.
“Good,” Alex nodded.
“Great,” Kate echoed happily.
“Are you planning to tell Mom?” Kate asked again.
“No… I don’t want her to worry,” Richard said.
As they walked down the road, a car suddenly pulled up beside them. A tall man stepped out—it was Mr. George.
“Long time no see, Alex,” he said with a smile.
“Who’s that?” Richard asked, confused.
“Guys, go home,” Alex said. “I’ll tell you later.”
Kate and Richard exchanged looks and continued walking while Alex moved toward the man.
“What are you doing here man?” Alex asked.
“I’m a man to you now?”
“You’ve always been one,” Alex said coolly.
“Really?” Mr. George chuckled. “Well, let’s get to the point. I saw Jessica today.”
“And so?” Alex folded his arms.
“I want to take you with me to the U.S.”
“I disagree,” Alex replied immediately.
“Why?”
“Aren’t you ashamed?” Alex scoffed. “Oh right—you have a daughter now. Alicia, right?”
“Yeah,” Mr. George said, surprised. “How did you—?”
“That’s good news though,” Alex cut him off.
“Yeah… it is,” Mr. George said quietly.
“So, what’s next? Is that all?”
“What’s your reply?”
Alex stared at him. “No.”
With that, he walked off.
---
At home later that evening, the three kids gathered around the table as Mrs. Williams sighed deeply.
“What?! Mrs. Montgomery came here too?” Kate asked in surprise.
“Yes,” Mrs. Williams replied. “She said she’s Richard’s mom. She wanted to take him to the U.S. for basketball and education. She also offered me a cheque to compensate for all those years.”
“Did you take it?” Richard asked.
“Of course not,” she said firmly.
Richard let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Mom. You’re the best.”
- Writer
