Deepest Desire

Single Mother

After the confrontation with Ivanna, I told everything to Olivia. She was shocked to know how vile that girl could be. I was glad that Olivia was now no longer wanted her to be friends.

I was more than glad that other than the Theme class with her, I didn't have to face her. She was smart enough not to come in my way or look at my way after that.

School ended. I was tired as hell and all I wanted was to go home and lie down but I wasn't that fortunate. I had my piano classes and it was so scheduled that I have to go there straight from school.

I liked playing Piano; it was calming and soothing to the nerves and also it was my Aunt Sara who planted the idea in me and also to my parents.

Rhythm Academy was few blocks from my house and also from my school. Castle High was in between my house and the Rhythm Academy.

I cycled and was sweating profusely. Even though it was September, the Sun was as hot as June's. I scrunched my nose and my eyes were narrowed as I peddled speedily.

I parked Lime at the parking lot and headed inside the building. Teacher Stella would scold me for coming late. She was very strict about time and punctuality. Luckily, I was on time before the clock hits 3.

When I reached the practice room, Teacher Stella was busy teaching to other kids so I quietly entered without wanting any unnecessary attention. I didn't do any wrong but I didn't want to get her attention on me all the time.

Just as I was going to take my regular seat, Claire piped in, calling my name loudly so that the teacher will hear her crystal clear.

I rolled my eyes and groaning I turned around to see her shameless freckled face and a smirk plastered on it.

“What do you want, Claire?” I asked. I was annoyed as hell and no matter how much I tried to keep my distance from her, she always popped in my way.

“Astra” Teacher Stella called my name, walking in my direction. She had her same poker face and old grandma glasses that made her look old. She was only thirty-four yet she appeared to be around forty.

“Greetings to you Teacher,” I said politely, bowing my head a little. It was a tradition to say that here.

She nodded and asked, “Have you practiced what I told you?”

“Yes, teacher” I replied, giving her a small smile. Good thing I prepared or else she wouldn't let me leave until I was done with my task.

She asked me to perform the Semibreve (whole note) and I nodded, following her order. I gave a mean look to Claire and went to sit on the small cushion chair in front of the big piano which was settled in the center of the big room.

The other kids were now looking at me, expectantly waiting to see me play. I sucked in air to calm my nerves and while closing my eyes. Before you start to play, you need to have a calm mind and a serene atmosphere.

Slowly, I rested my fingers on the black and white keys, waiting for Teacher Stella to give me a signal to start.

She nodded and my fingers started to move swiftly, playing the required note that she wants. My shoulders started to relax and I was indulging in the music. Whenever I play it, it gives me a sense of inner peace.

When I was done, the kids clapped for me and I couldn't help but smile, feeling good.

“Except for one mistake, you did good,” the teacher remarked. “Keep practicing.”

She rarely complimented anyone and getting praise from her without any mistakes was a lottery ticket for us fellows.

“Such a show-off!” I heard Claire comment from behind, her face was twisted in fury when I turned in her direction. I gave her no response and went to my seat to practice.

**

I reached home around four-thirty, exhausted. Dad wasn't home; he would be coming at seven and I was glad about that. Mom wasn't at home when I came. Usually, she would be online with Aunt Sara. Maybe she went out? but where?

I didn't bother much about that and headed straight to my room upstairs. I hated taking the stairs and even though we liked that my room was the only one except for the storeroom upstairs, walking up and down the stairs bugged me to the core.

I clicked open the door of my room and placing the bag on the rotating chair, I plopped on the bed and the bed bounced a little in response.

My eyelids felt heavy and if I close my eyes even for a minute, I would fall asleep. I wasn't this tired but today I was. Maybe it was because of that weirdo.

Speaking of her, she must be at her home, right? Out of curiosity, I scurried out of the bed and to the window and gazed at her house. There wasn't any way to know and I shouldn't be thinking about her.

Some minutes later, I heard Mom yelling my name from downstairs. I got up and went down. “Ah, you are home!” she smiled.

“Where were you?” I questioned and judging by her dress I was sure she didn't go to the charity building.

“I was having a chat with Elsie. Such a lovely lady! We were talking for hours and I am glad to have her as a neighbor” she informed with emotions. Why did they even talk that she was pouring out her emotions?

“Oh? What did you talk about?” I asked nonchalantly, pretending that I wasn't interested. Before answering she asked me to fetch her a glass of water and come to the living room.

I entered the living room and walked up to her. I handed her the glass and took my seat beside her on the couch.

Done with the drinking, she begins, “She told me about herself, how she came to live here, and all that. It's upsetting to know that she was a single mother but she is one brave lady I must say.”

Single Mom? “Her husband left her or they divorced?” I implored, getting curious. I know I shouldn't poke my nose into someone else's business but I wanted to know.

“He left her. She told it was hard for her to raise her daughter all alone. They used to live in Scotland but it became hard for her to live there” Mom continued, feeling pity for them. Her face was etched with sadness and she looked as if she would cry.

“They came here when she got the job. Her brother gave her this house to live in.”

It was surprising to know that Ivanna didn't get her father's love. It was sad that he left them, left her. How would she felt after knowing that her Dad left her and would probably never come back?

“She also showed me her designs,” Mom said, her face changed from sad to happy.

“Dresses? She is a fashion designer?” I asked, my eyeballs big as I looked at my Mom.

She nodded, “she is very talented.”

What a coincidence! She was a fashion designer. Hearing that someone was also into fashion designing made me want to know about it more. For years I sketched in dark without anyone's notice and I wasn't happy with that.

I wanted people to know, I wanted to tell them about my dream and ambition, especially Dad. Every time I thought of telling him, I would get scared.

“I told her about you,” Mom let out as she waited for my reaction.

I craned my head to look at her and asked with my eyebrows pinched faintly. “About what?”

“About you making sketches. I know how much you loved it and how much you wanted to pursue it” she asserted, her tone so tender, it made my emotion rise. “I also know that you didn't want to be a lawyer or an advocate but still I couldn't do anything about it.”

“Mom... .“

“I requested Elsie to teach something to you and I know you will like it.”

I blinked twice, asking her again if I heard it right. “She was thrilled and would love to teach you” Mom smiled and her eyes gleamed.

Fashion Designing was my co-found hobby, my dream, and everything. I haven't given much thought if I wanted to pursue it in the future or not but I always wanted someone to guide me.

I wanted to enroll in a fashion school after high school but I know what situation I was in. Now that I was able to get someone who would teach me, I couldn't ask for anything more.

“So you will go?” she asked when I didn't reply.

With a wide grin, I bobbed my head and said loudly, “Yes! ”

I hope I wasn't making any wrong decision. That was what I thought but this decision changed everything.