Best Mom In The World

  Michael had his face up and his hands at the back of his head, staring at nothing when I walked in. I was a bit noisy when I got in to get his attention but he did not move. His bedspread was rumbled and I realized he might have been restless while he was on it.

  My heart reached out to him and I sighed. I don't know if he is tending to be like me, the quiet, shy Jenny everyone bullied in school.

“Mom, stop staring now?” Michael said, not moving from where he laid. He was wearing a loose shirt and sweatpants, both were wrinkled. It was old clothes of his and because they have been packed in a box for awhile now, it became rumbled. "Why did he even wear these dresses anyway?"

I thought as I sat down. He made more space for me and turned on his side to face me. He was smiling but not fully. He always has that blank look in his eyes, something that makes you feel like the world doesn't matter anymore or maybe it is too much. Sometimes he looks so broken and I just want to wrap my arms around him to try to fix him. I understood everything. He and Mitchell might not say it to me but I know fully well that it has to do with the fact they have no father figure in their lives. I might have done everything possible for them but I can't ever be the father in their lives. I can't even think of marrying when Zain is alive. It will be so unfair to deny them the chance of having their father in their lives. You know I can marry and fate has it, when the time comes, they will go back to their father but my heart would not think of it when it's so hopefully that I will one day get a chance with Zain and that happy family I have always dreamt of, will come true.

"Are you okay, Michael?"

I asked, caressing his cheek.

"Sure mom, I am. Thanks for the new outfits"

I nodded,"You are welcome dear but are sure you are really okay? Is there something you would like to tell momma. I am always here to listen".

He hesitated and closed his eyes."I am not sure. You know me, Mom? I am always like this. Nothing has changed."

I wasn't convinced and I wasn't also ready to bug him more with questions. He might get irritated and stop answering them.

  "Just know that if you have something to talk about, Momma gotcha ya"

He smiled"Definitely."

  I smiled lovely at him, poking his nose,"Do you ever wish that things were different?"

He thought for a while

"Yeah, I wished we had a dad. You would not have to do everything for us but that doesn't mean that Mitchell and I don't appreciate you. You are the best mummy in the whole wide world"

   It made me warm from inside. I kissed his forehead and hugged him tightly. I knew he meant every word and that he appreciated me being by his side. I would give anything to make life better for them, even if it means giving up my life.

"Thanks baby"

I was grateful. I stood and made to leave when I remembered something.

"Michael?"

"Hmm"

He hummed in reply.

  "Are you having issues with the new girl?"

He did not answer, which made me sit back on the bed.

  "Michael?"

He looked at me, eyes still filled with pain but he finally answered.

"No. Why would you even ask such a question, mom?"

I shook my head, trying not to worry. 

"I don't know, maybe because I feel concerned"

"Why?"

He was curious now.

  "I feel you could protect her"

I am not sure if I understand what I meant by that.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, Mitch and you should bring her under your wings and protect her. Make her your friend and shield her away from bullies."

His eyes were wide open, he was entirely surprised.

  "Don't give me that look"

I said chuckling.

"I am not sure your request will be granted"

He said suddenly, throwing me off-guard. 

"Why not, Michael?"

It made me worried and upset.

"She doesn't exactly seem the friendly type, besides, she may not want us to be her friend because she would think we are doing it out of pity and again, she is ugly, Ma. I don't want to be in a company of ugly duckling"

That made me gasp. Was he being serious about his last statement?

"She is not ugly, Michael. Don't call her ugly. I believe her case is a medical condition. You don't even have the right to body shame anyone. Do you understand"

I warned sternly

He sighed. 

"Yes Mom but still I can't see myself being friends with her. You know I am terrible with how I treat people"

He complained.

"It doesn't matter, Michael. Just protect her for me. I was once a girl like her. I wasn't shy but I was timid and that made my school day miserable because I was bullied. I don't want the same for this girl"

I smiled sadly.