Dave.
Afterward, we went out to eat and then went on a long drive as I had a day off.
We were enjoying each other’s company and my phone rang in my pocket in the middle of it. I parked the car at a side to pick up the call. But, as soon as I saw the name on the screen I was surprised.
Why’s Emilia calling me at this time? Isn’t she at home?
“Who’s calling?” Aileen asked. “Uh….. your mom,” I replied bluntly. “Let’s see why she’s calling.”
I picked up the call and noticed how the smile on her face suddenly faded away. “Hello, Emilia?” “Dave, how did the admission process go?” “Um…it went smoothly, still had to wait a while for the whole process though. The good thing is she can attend college from tomorrow.”
“Oh really? That’s great. Where are you two now? Did you go to the office afterward or something?”
“Uh, no. We….. went out to have lunch and now I’m bringing her over for some ice cream. Then, we’ll be back home.”
“What? Father and daughter are having fun leaving me behind?” “S-sorry about that.”
“I’m sorry to rain on your parade, but can you pick me up? I’m standing at the bus stand with no taxi available.
And the driver isn’t picking up my call as well.”
“What? “Aren’t you at home?” “No. I went out three hours ago and now my shift is over. I’m going to take a nap and get ready for the night shift.” “I see….. okay then. I’ll go and pick you up. Send me your location. Bye.”
“Okay.” After ending the call, I turned on the car ready to leave. “What did she say?” Aileen asked with a sad expression.
“Did she told you to pick her up? Where is she?”
“At the bus stand, she went to the hospital apparently. Let’s go get her.”
On the way, I noticed that she looked a bit down. Is she not happy that our date got ruined? But, I can’t just ignore Emilia when she’s in trouble, right? Even that would be too inhuman for me! I saw Emilia standing going through her phone and parked my car right in front of her.
“Come in!” I yelled, pulling down the window. She raised her eyes from the phone to spot me. A smile appeared on her lips as soon as she saw me. She ran over to my side and opened the door to the front seat only to see Aileen sitting.
“Oh…you are sitting here? Mommy will go sit at the back then.” “Wait!” she was about to leave but I stopped her. Emilia and Aileen both looked at me in confusion. “What is it, Dave?” Emilia asked.
“Do you have anything to say to me?” “Yeah, Aileen! Go and sit at the back let your mom sit here.” I commanded strictly. Aileen looked at me with a surprised face.
“It’s okay Dave. I’ll sit at the back, it’s not a problem for me,” Emilia replied. “No, you can sit here,” Aileen replied, taking off her seatbelt. She rushed out the door and went to sit at the back.
Emilia seemed a bit confused but closed the door and sat next to me. The car started moving and I was driving towards the direction of the house. “Uh, how was college Aileen? Do you like it?” Emilia asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“I do,” Aileen mumbled low. “Good to hear that. I wanted to go with the two of you as well. But, you two didn’t wake me up when I was sleeping and left the house.” she complained, staring at me.
“You don’t have to push yourself too much,” I replied, “You were tired from the night shift, right? Good sleep is necessary for us to function. Or else, you’ll fall sick while taking care of others. Always prioritize your health before anything. And I’m there in your place. You don’t need to worry.” “Well, it’s not about being worried,” Emilia responded with a sad expression. “It’s just…..”
“What?” “It’s nothing,” she forced a smile. “Can we get some iced coffee on the way and a burger and fries? I’m suddenly craving some carbs. Do you want to have something as well, Aileen?” “Uh…. fries then….” Aileen replied in a deadpan tone.
She was upset, but she didn’t have to make it visible so much in front of her mom at least. “Will you two have room for dinner after this?” I joked. “Guess I have to eat up your portions as well.”
“I’m always ready to eat a second dinner, don’t underestimate me!” Emilia said proudly.
“Aileen is a foodie like me too, right honey?” “That’s not true,” Aileen interrupted. “I only eat the amount I’m supposed to and not overeat which upsets my stomach later. You are the one who eats recklessly at random times which causes issues later. You are not getting any more younger, so why don’t you take care of your body more? It’s for your good, right?” Aileen was absolutely right but the way she addressed the issue sounded quite rude when it was directed towards her mother.
“Aileen, don’t you think you could’ve said it more nicely?” I implored, looking at her face in the front mirror. “It’s your mom you are talking about right? Show a little bit of respect, will you?”
“I was just stating the truth,” Aileen grunted. “If she feels attacked by this then she’ll make necessary changes in her life. Or else she’ll never be able to find faults within her. That’s how she is.” She doesn’t even feel a bit bad about her statements. Oh god, is she in her right mind? I don’t think so.
“But, you” “It’s okay Dave,” Emilia replied, faking a smile. “I’m fine. I’m not hurt by her words. She’s my daughter after all. And as she said, it’s for my good. I should take her advice and keep it in mind for the future. Thanks Aileen. I appreciate your concern towards Mommy.”
Why do I feel, that their relationship is kind of messed up? Is it just my imagination? Or am I just thinking too much? After ordering food we were on our way to return home. Emilia ate inside the car, but she didn’t seem that happy about eating.
Meanwhile, Aileen was eating without feeling guilty which irritated me a lot. This mother-and-daughter duo is so confusing for me to understand. Maybe because I never had that many arguments with my mother.
Well, she didn’t live that long enough for me to fight with her anyway. I parked the car and heard the backseat door flung open right afterward. “I’m going to my room. Call me when dinner is ready,” Aileen said, closing the door behind her as she walked away in a hurry.
What is she gonna do in her room? She seems to be in a bit of a rush. I glanced at Emilia beside me, she looked a bit down as well. “Is anything the matter?” I asked. “Both of you look a bit upset at the same time. Is it because of what she said earlier?” She shook her head in disapproval.
“It’s just I always haven’t been able to attend all the important events in her life because of my busy life and schedule. And it makes me feel bad even though, I can’t help it. Healthcare workers are always short-handed. I wish I could be involved in her life a bit more.
She has always been reliable. So, I didn’t have to worry about her. And like that, my little girl grew up in the blink of an eye. Kids grow up so fast. It’s mysterious.” Why do I kind of understand what she’s trying to say? Am I really turning into her guardian or what without realizing it?