The Blood That Hurts

The Blood that Hurts [Juliet Abudei]

Chapter 6

At 2 pm.

Andrew decided to relax for a while after giving Mariam her medication. He kept wondering how he was going to continue his education since his mom can't afford for him to be in school till Catherine is done with her secondary education. He kept soliloquizing; He was so absent-minded, he didn't realize that Mariam had already left her room, placing her hands on his shoulder.

"Andy, what are you thinking about ?". Andrew was taken aback.

" Mom, how long have you been standing here? you should be resting; you have not fully recovered, I don't want you falling sick again".

Mariam smiled.

"Long enough to notice that my darling son has been preoccupied and I have been looking for you all over the place; you didn't even notice that I was here till I called out your name. What's the matter, Andrew?".

Andrew tried to hide his feelings but Mariam wouldn't take no for an answer; she could see how perturbed her son was, so Andrew finally gave in.

" I'm just worried about your health, our future, so many things mom; I'm not even sure about writing the next JAMB UTME, I mean Cathy has to finish her secondary education".

Mariam felt so downhearted but still tried to put on a smiling face, she never taught that they will ever be a day when they will almost run short of money.

"You don't need to worry about my health son, I am fine now; I just need to rest more often and as for your education and your sister's, it's settled; you will write your JAMB exam when it's time, and gain admission. We still have some cash left, at least it will be enough for some time. Once I'm much better I will resume work and I will work hard for you and your sister; I promise, you will never struggle to go to school".

With a teary eye, Andrew hugged Mariam tightly.

" Thank you mom, we don't know what we would have done if anything had happened to you. Thank you for being our support system".

Mariam who was almost crying choked back her tears.

"Everything will be just fine".

Approaching the house, Catherine saw Mariam and Andrew hugging so firmly, she decided to join the hugging party as Mariam beckoned on her.

" I am right on time, I love you guys so much ".

At 11 a.m.

Andrew decided to take a shower after giving Mariam her medication.

" I will be back shortly mom, I want to shower". Mariam nodded as she smiled.

3 hours later.

Andrew who had already fallen asleep, suddenly awakened; he went to Mariam's room but she wasn't there; he then rushed to the kitchen and saw Mariam lying on the ground.

"Oh, mom! What are you doing here, you should be in your room; you almost gave me a heart attack".

Mariam felt guilty for making her children worry too much about her.

" I am so sorry Andy, I came to your room but you were fast asleep; I didn't want to disturb you because you looked so exhausted, so I decided to grab a bottle of water; unfortunately I slipped and fell, just help me get up; I am alright".

With a sullen look, Andrew helped Mariam up and carried her to her room.

"You will be alright mom but please let me know when you need anything ".

5 months later.

Mariam had already recovered and was strong enough to work, so she resumed work.

She was really happy to work again after staying at home for such a long time; above all, she wanted to be able to save up some money for her children's education.

Soon it was Christmas and the family gathered to celebrate. They indeed had so much to be thankful for; their family was complete after all, despite the challenges they faced.

New Year.

The house was filled with different aromas of food coming from the kitchen. Kimberly who came to visit her best friend couldn't help but salivate. She waited patiently for the food to be served.

At the dining table.

" This food tastes wonderful, it's so delicious".

Catherine smiled.

"Thanks, Kim, my mom is a good cook, I learned from the best".

" Well, you didn't prepare the meals alone, mom helped you she supervised the cooking", Andrew chimed in.

" You should stop tackling your sister Andrew, you guys are something else ".

Mariam smiled with a gratifying look.

After eating, Kimberly thanked Mariam for the meal as she said good night to them.

" Since we are alone now, I wanted us to talk about some things. Mariam said with a stern look.

They both wondered what their mom wanted them to talk about with such a serious look.

" Mom is everything okay? You sound so serious", Cathy asked.

Seeing how inquisitive her children were, she decided to smile while she talked.

"Everything is okay guys; Andy you are writing your JAMB exam soon, so let me know when it's time so that I can give you money for the Form. Cathy, you have to study hard because you will soon be writing your WAEC exam in 2 years.

The children were so excited as they hugged their mom and thanked her.

A few months later.

Andrew had just rounded up with his JAMB exam; he walked out happily from the hall with satisfaction. He was in a hurry to get home to tell his mom and sister how the examination went; he just couldn't wait to get home.