Mother

“Hello.”

My mother. She was here. Right in front of me. After 2 years.

“Ellyna,” Dad broke the silence.

“Hello children. Why do you all look like you’ve just seen a ghost?” My mother asked.

“Maybe it’s because that’s what this feels like Mum. You were gone for 2 years and we don’t even know why. Now you’re back,” Finn says. I can tell that he’s mad.

“I have my reasons Finley.”

“Well why don’t you tell us then Mum,” I tell her.

She took a seat and sat down by Blake. He was always her favourite.

“I wanted to see you all today to tell you something,” mother says calmly.

“Me and your father are getting divorced. I’m sure you all saw this coming. It shouldn’t be a surprise to you all. I know some of you have seen and heard us argue a lot before. We were never happy together. I decided to leave because I thought that maybe then I could find happiness. And I did. I’m seeing someone. I feel like now it’s time your father went our separate ways. It’s what’s best for both of us.”

“But what about us,” Gabe started. “So you’re just going to leave us for good this time?”

“I’m giving your father full custody over all of you. But if any of you do wish to come stay with me then I’m more than happy with that.”

Everyone was silent. No one knew what to say. I looked over at Dad who was looking down at his pancakes. In fact everyone was looking down at their food.

Blake then said “I wouldn’t mind going with you.”

“What?” I don’t get why Blake would want to stay with someone who had abandoned us. Was he okay?

“Mum is just being honest. She deserves to be happy. Maybe it was selfish of her to run off like that but if you were in an unhappy marriage wouldn’t you do the same Hera?”

“Blake’s right Hera. If he wants to go with his mother then that’s fine. He’s 18 anyway. He doesn’t need my support. He’s legally an adult. He can choose who he wants to stay with.”

“Where do you live Mum?” asks Bella, sounding confused.

“I live in another city Bella dear. Would you like to go with me?”

“No, I'm fine with Dad,” Bella answers.

“Well I suppose that’s all then. Here are the papers you have to sign Mark.” She hands Dad an envelope. “So I’ll come by tomorrow to pick you up then Blake.”

She got up, smiled at us and made her way out of the diner.

****

The drive back home was silent. We just didn’t know or want to say anything I guess. It all just happened so fast. Mum and Dad getting a divorce shouldn’t really make a difference since it would probably just be like after Mum left. Just us and Dad.

We got home and everyone went upstairs to their room. I was downstairs with Dad.

“You okay Dad?” I asked.

“I’m fine Hera,’ but he didn’t look like he was fine. “I’m going to head upstairs okay. Didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Okay.”

I decided to take a walk at the park to just clear my mind. It’s in the middle of Autumn right now, so it’s pretty cold. I walked up to the playground and sat on the swing. It was quiet. There wasn’t really anyone here. I took this time to think. To think about everything that has happened. 2 years ago and now. Why didn’t Mum just get a divorce earlier. Before she left. Things would have been easier, maybe. So Blake wants to go stay with her. What about college? He had just started. He’s willing to move and go through all the hassle.

I was deep in thought when I was suddenly disturbed by someone calling my name.

“Hera?”

“Sam.” I look up and see my twin’s best friend. “Hey.”

“What are you doing here?” He asked me, looking concerned.

“I just needed to clear my head.” I replied.

“Need someone to talk to?”

“If you’re willing to listen, why not.”

He takes a seat on the swing next to me and started swinging slowly.

“I saw my mother today.” I started.

“Mrs.Ross?”

“Yeah. After 2 years I actually saw her. But I wish that I didn’t. She told us that Dad and her are finally getting a divorce. She said she lives in another city. Didn’t really say where.’

“So you’re not happy that you got to see your Mum today?” Sam asks.

‘I don’t really know what I’m feeling. I’m mad but also relieved that she’s not taking custody over us. I just don’t know what’s wrong with me. But everyone else at home isn't exactly happy that they saw her. They were all just quiet. Except Blake I guess. He was always closer to Mum than Dad. Anyway, that’s pretty much it. I don’t even know why I’m feeling down but yeah. Thanks for listening to me talk about my not that bad morning.’

“I’m here for you if you ever need someone to talk to Hero.” I smiled when he said my nickname. Sam has been calling me that ever since the day he threw a rugby ball in my face.

“Thank you Samuel. I appreciate that.” I said, feeling better.

“You’re getting a lift with me and you Finn tomorrow right?”

“Yep. But don’t worry Samuel. I’m not going to be hanging out with you guys. I’m going to meet my friends.”

“Oh yeah. Every two weeks on a Sunday tradition. Still a thing huh.”

“Yeah.”

“Come on. You should probably get home.” Sam gets up and holds his hand out to me.

“What a gentleman Samuel.” I took his hand and got up.

“I’ll walk you home.”

“You don’t have to, Sam. I can take care of myself. Besides, my place isn’t that far.”

“I know you can take care of yourself, Hero. I’m going to pass your place anyway. So might as well walk with my favourite Ross twin.”

“Finn wouldn’t be happy if he heard that,” I say laughing.

***

Sam walked me home and we talked about how we met. It was not the best way.

When we reached my house Sam waited for me to get in before leaving.

“See you tomorrow then Hero.” He smiled and waved.

“See you tomorrow Samuel,” I waved back and then went inside.

The twins, Scar and Rene were sitting on the sofa with their coats on.

“Hey Hera. Where were you?” Rene asked me.

“I needed some fresh air, so I went to the park. Why do you guys have your coats on?”

“Dad’s taking us to Lily’s house.” Scar answers.

Then I remembered them asking me last night.

“Okay. Let’s go girls. I’m just gonna drop them off at Lily’s then I’ll go get us some lunch okay.”

Dad says to me while getting his keys and putting his coat on.

I nod at him and watch them leave.

***

It’s 1 in the morning now. I still can’t sleep. I’m not surprised. I got up from my bed and went to my desk. I still haven’t started on my English essay which is due on Wednesday. So maybe I should start it now. I took my pencil case out of my school bag and placed it on my desk. I had to write an essay on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Explaining Lady Macbeth’s role in the play.

I’ve written 2 pages of the essay already and it’s only just 1:47am. I’m still not feeling tired and I also don’t want to write anymore. So I went on my phone. I had quite a few texts from some people. Some I haven’t even answered in a week. Maybe it’s time I answer them. At 2 in the morning? Well better than ignoring them.