Mother’s Gift - A Short Story
The ringing of an alarm clock filled a small studio apartment. On other days, Laura would have slammed the snooze button. The dreadful ringing would normally mark another day of grueling, tedious work. But today was different; it was Sunday. It was the only day of the week that Laura would welcome any sort of reminder that it was her time to be awakened from her deep slumber. Next to the picture frame of her mother, she turned off her alarm.
Sundays have always been important to Laura. She would spend at least an hour of her Sunday morning sitting in the park bench her mother took her to when she was growing up. Though her mother pasted away right after she graduated college, the park bench kept Laura connected to her mother. It also kept some sort of peace and balance to her often hectic and busy life. It was a reminder of a time when life was much easier and the warmth of a family was easily felt.
Like every other Sunday, Laura would spend a few minutes staring at her boyfriend hoping he would spend his morning with her, but to no avail, he too had a Sunday ritual. He would sleep until at least one in the afternoon. Being a DJ and working another full time job, sleep became an increasingly rare commodity though he did promise to accompany her some day. Laura knew it was part of being in a relationship. It was one of the many compromises that she made to keep the relationship going. Like her mother, Laura had an incredible sense of loyalty.
Laura got out of bed and placed her feet on the frigid floors. She quickly hopped across studio minimizing the contact of her bare feet with the wooden floors. Though she loved the cold San Francisco air, the mornings can be grueling even to those would have the highest cold tolerance. Even with a lifetime of experience, she refused to wear socks to bed or buy slippers. She made it difficult for herself, but for her, it was part of living in the city. Enjoying a hot shower was also a pleasure that only those who lived in the city knew. She took pride in this fact, and she rewarded herself with a long steamy shower.
The drive to the park was short, never taking more than 10 minutes. Armed with a pocket book and a coffee filled thermos, Laura anxiously paced herself towards to the only place in the world that was completely hers. As she neared, her eyes fixated on a young, little boy, a boy that couldn’t be a day older than nine. He quietly slept in a tightly wrapped, oversized Warrior’s hoodie. Curiosity overwhelmed Laura. She wondered where the boy’s parents could be. She grew worrisome. The only way she was going to get any answers was by asking them. The boy was almost too peaceful to approach, but never the less, she gently shook the boy’s shoulders.
“Wake up, sweetie.”
The young boy didn’t want to be awakened. He hid his face under his hoodie. Laura once again shook his tiny shoulders; this time it didn’t take long before he finally opened his eyes. Hidden behind it all were these incredibly deep royal blue eyes. Laura was completely captivated, lost the in the young boy’s stare.
“Hello.” The boy said as he rubbed his eyes. “I’m Mickie.”
Laura took a moment before she could respond. With a flutter of her eyes, she said, “Hello, there Mickie. I’m Laura. Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure thing, lady.”
“Why are you sleeping here all alone?”
“I’m just taking a nap.” He spoke in such an honest and genuine manner. Laura couldn’t help herself from entertaining his candor. His innocence was completely enthralling.
“And why would you do such a thing? All by yourself on top of that?”
“I got tired of waiting for my uncle. He’s so bad at hide and go seek.”
“Shouldn’t you find your uncle now? He’s probably worried looking for you.”
“Can’t, uncle said to never leave my hiding spot.”
“Well, I guess we’re going to have to just wait here for your uncle then. Do you mind if I wait with you, Mickie?”
“Sure thing, lady.”
Laura took out her book and sat right beside the young boy. She had no intention of actually reading a single page. It was more out of habit after all those years. It brought clarity and consistency. She often retreated to this place or to be specific, a feeling. She thought to herself that the act of just living often brings a feeling of lifelessness. Before she knew it, she was lost in deep contemplation.
“Lady, what are you thinking about?”
Laura hesitated. She quickly thought of a lie, “How wonderful today was. But nothing really anything in particular.”
“Liar.” He said with conviction.
“You caught me.”
“So what is it lady?”
“I was thinking that today is really the only day I can really feel anything.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well, I’m not completely sure, Mickie, but if I really had to explain it. I would say this specific bench makes me feel happy.”
“So you’re not happy most of the time?”
Laura took a moment to think. Though close to her would consider her life to be full of happiness considering she has a good career, a loving boyfriend, and supportive friends, reality was much further from that perception. Happiness was something that alluded her most of her life. She retreated to places where she struggled. It was a feeling that never left her. Struggling and to some extent suffering was one of the few things that made her feel. It was familiar. It kept her close to her mother. The pain never really left her, but as long as the pain was there, her mother could never really die.
“I guess.” Laura responded indifferently. She wasn’t prepared to have this kind of conversation especially on a Sunday morning.
“My uncle says if want to be happy, you just have to get an ice cream. I usually get a Drumstick. It’s the best”
“That sounds wonderful, Mickie. I would love a Drumstick right now.”
“Let’s go get one.”
“I thought you couldn’t leave your hiding spot.”
“I’ll just call uncle to meet me by the ice cream truck.” Mickie took out a cell phone from his pocket and calmly called his uncle. Laura was boggled to the idea of a nine year old carrying a cell phone. She remembered getting her first cell phone in college. How the times have changed she thought.
“…meet me at the ice cream truck.” Mickie said to his uncle. He quickly shut his phone and began walking. Laura simply followed for two reasons one being partly curious and the other partly craving a Drumstick.
Mickie was energetic and joyous. The idea of actually having a Drumstick in a few short minutes made him smile so wide you couldn’t help but smile with him. Laura became victim of his infectious grin.
Just beyond the gates awaited a rustic ice cream truck that seemed almost out of place among the scattered hybrid cars. How the times have changed Laura thought once again.
Mickie ecstatically ran towards the ice cream truck. Laura trailed only a few steps behind.
“Drumstick again, Mick?”
“Again?” Laura said with a puzzled look.
“Yup, two of them, Uncle AJ.”
All Laura could see was an arm handing Mick the objects of his jubilation.
“Here, lady. Eat it before it melts.” His smile seemed almost too big for his tiny face.
Laura thanked Mick and walked toward the ice cream truck. She had all the intention to pay for her guilty indulgence. At first, all she could see was the man’s back. He noted the red flannel shirt, worn out Levi’s, and a purple handkerchief in his back pocket. Laura couldn’t do anything but at stare at his build and the nicely shaped butt. He had to work out she thought. She quickly assumed that the man was gay. They did live in San Francisco reminded her self.
“It’s on the house.”
“No, no. I can’t.” Laura took out a five-dollar bill from her wallet. She made eye contact with this lumbar jack of a man. He oozed with masculinity. Though his facial hair was unkempt, it fell perfectly on his face extenuating his best features, one being his smile. He grinned.
“Really, lady. It’s on the house. Thank you for taking care of Mickie. He has a way of just doing what he wants. He has the best intention though.”
Laura wanted to insist on paying, but this man exhibited an aura of control. She knew she wasn’t going to be able to change his mind.
“Names, Ralph.”
“Nice meeting you Ralph”
“This is where you normally introduce yourself.” Ralph smirked.
“It’s Laura.”
“Nice meeting you Laura,” Ralph winked. “What brings you to this park?”
“Just to read and get away.”
“Get away from what?” Ralph like his little nephew had a way to pierce people with questions. He was blunt and nearly crass as he said, “Something’s wrong with your life.”
Without the innocence or charm of Mickie, Laura became irritated. She could feel Ralph’s arrogance.
“Nothing at all.” Laura dictated.
“Really. I can tell there’s something wrong with you. It’s more than obvious. Mickie probably saw right through you. He seldom asks anyone to get ice cream with him.”
“What is that suppose to mean. Really, I don’t need your help.” Laura bit her lip before she said any thing offensive. “I think I should go.”
She searched for Mickie and said her goodbyes. Laura heard, “Wait. I’m sorry,” but she chose to ignore those words. She just kept walking towards her car.
Laura got into her ride somewhat irritated. She didn’t even get a chance to clear her head this week, and now she has to go home to a man who’s only going to demand breakfast. At least I have someone to go home to she thought.
“Where were you this morning?” He asked as Laura walked into the apartment. She didn’t even respond. She went straight to her bedroom to sleep. She had a long week ahead of her anyways.
“So I’m guessing you’re not cooking breakfast today?” The door slammed before those words ever got to Laura.
Work and research composed most of her week. A few dinners out were the few bright spots of the week. Unfortunately they were with friends and not with her boyfriend. He stayed home watching T.V. following the Giants. She hated baseball, a sport she could not stand watching. If it was at least basketball, she could have enjoyed. Laura began to feel the distance between her and her boyfriend though nothing really changed. They made love in the morning whenever they can. It felt more habitual more than anything. She thought to herself when did she stop feeling the Love when she made love? It was definitely becoming more like sex though she must admit he was a very good at what he did. Like every other week, she longed for Sunday to come.
Saturday night came. It was one of the few nights of the month her boyfriend actually spent the time to watch a movie. It was at home but never the less, Laura appreciated the time he put aside for her. The only disappointing part of the night was that he left right after the movie ended. He had to be at the club before 10 to ready his set. He had been working a mash-up between ABDC and Kanye West hoping it’d kill the room. Laura realized at that moment that she was not even second in his life.
It was another Saturday night that she went to sleep alone. Though she was never worried that he was ever going to cheat on her, she worried if the Love was really there. Sunday morning came, and habits did not die. He, still in his clothes from the club, slept through her morning rituals.
It was odd. As she drove to the park, instead of the park bench being the first image in her head, she imagined Mickie’s blue eyes. She wondered if he was going to be there, but she had doubts. All those years, they never crossed paths what were the chances for them to cross paths again. Her sentiments about his Uncle differed. Laura did not mind if they never crossed paths ever again.
Laura entered her sanctuary. It differed from the previous week because it was like any other week. The morning birds chirped, the cold, moist air made it almost difficult to breathe, and the morning dew left their marks on Laura’s shoes. It was peaceful though she was not at peace. Laura for some reason wanted more. She wanted to see Mickie again. She wanted to get another Drumstick.
She took her pocket book out and tried to read. To no avail, she could not enjoy the simplicity of the day. The minutes passed. After half an hour, she heard a laughter in the distance. It was infectious. She couldn’t help but smile. She secretly hoped it was Mickie.
Curiosity got the best of her though she would normally ignore such a distraction and continue with her thoughts and reading, but today was slowly becoming different, without much thinking, she got from her bench and searched for the source. Laura quickly realized it was the laughter of two individuals. She didn’t want to hope it was Mickie and his Uncle, but when she saw a little boy and a burly man playing tag, she couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe that they were the two.
Laura kept her distance though she was quite visible from their eyesight given they actually took the time to look for her. She smiled and enjoyed the genuine Love the two had and the sheer enjoyment they shared. They ran for what seemed like till exhaustion. When Ralph finally caught Mickie, they both fell to the ground laughing. She almost couldn’t understand the happiness they shared. All she could think of was, “Where was Mickie’s parents? Where did they find all that energy?” Secretly those questions didn’t mattered. Laura just wanted to be part of it. How she wished to laugh and smile without any regards.
Mickie finally noticed Laura. He turned to his Uncle and made a brief statement before he ran towards Laura.
“Hey Lady! Didn’t think I’d see you again. I miss you! Let’s get another Drumstick together. This time, no leaving!” Mickie gave Laura a massive hug. Laura in shock could not stop herself from smiling and laughing.
“Definitely, wouldn’t have it any other way. How are you Mickie?” Laura asked joyously.
“Better now, Lady.” Mickie grabbed Laura’s hand and dragged her towards the area Ralph laid.
For some reason, Laura did not take her eyes off Ralph. He watched him position himself in a very relaxed sitting position.
“Hello, pretty lady. I just want to say I’m sorry.”
“So you use your nephew to get me here?”
“Not my intention, but Mickie got so excited when he saw you. He’s very fond of you for some reason”
“Not true. You’re the one who talked about Lady all this week.” Mickie interjected.
“You got me. I’m guilty. Once again I’m sorry if I was rude the other week. I had no intention of offending you. I come off sometimes a little too straight forward.”
Laura did not want to believe him but there was genuineness in his voice, and she did not want to a hold a grudge of a misunderstanding.
“Apology accepted.” Laura responded.
“Thank God!” Ralph and Mickie said simultaneously as they made eye contact.
The two boys could not stop laughing. Laura shortly followed afterwards with her own laugh. Mickie rolled around the grass smiling and giggling like a schoolboy, his uncle did not differed much.
When they finally all stopped laughing, Mickie pulled Laura’s hand down to get closer to her ear and whispered, “Thank you, Lady. Uncle would have felt so bad if you didn’t forgive him. I think he likes you.”
An unfamiliar feeling twisted and fluttered in her stomach. She catching butterflies and she didn’t even realize it. She politely responded with a thank you.
The three spent the rest of the day playing games, running around the park, and Ralph took every opportunity to glance and speak with Laura. His candor completely changed. Laura could not believe a man so masculine could be so gentle and caring. She watched Ralph unintentionally flex his muscles as he tried to catch Mickie and throw him in the air, a sight that brought her so much joy. She always wanted to experience that when she was a little girl but never did since her father was never around. Laura was happy though that Mickie had such an Uncle in his life. Lucky kid she thought. When finally couldn’t keep up with the two she rested under the shade of a tree. Ralph followed.
“He’s wonderful, isn’t he?” Ralph said as the two watched Mickie kick a soccer ball around.
“Mickie’s something.” Laura responded.
“He’s a strong kid. You wouldn’t know that he lost he parents only three years ago.”
Laura felt a very familiar pain, loss. “That’s a very sad story. So that means you lost someone as well?”
“My older brother.”
“My condolences.”
“Thank you. It’s okay though. Mickie was a blessing. He came into my life at the right time. I never thought my brother would give me that kind of a responsibility.”
Ralph got up, and said, “Excuse me for a minute. Can you watch Mickie for me.”
When Ralph returned he had three Drumsticks in hand. He gave one to Mickie and approached the tree Laura quietly sat.
“It’s on the house. I’m sorry again for last week.” Laura could feel that Ralph wanted to change from the previous topic. Laura politely thanked him. The two enjoyed their ice cream in silence. It was nearing the afternoon and Laura almost had to leave, but she was finally happy that she enjoy a moment of peace.
“I have to leave in a few minutes.”
“I understand.” Ralph stared emptily into the field.
“I’ll see you two next week?”
“I can’t imagine why not.” Ralph smiled. “To be honest, I’m looking forward to it.”
Laura said her good-byes and gave a kiss on Mickie’s cheek. She whispered, “Your secret is safe with me.”
Life continued on. Work and research once again took control of Laura’s life. The bills came in. Her boyfriend started taking up weekday gig’s after his mash-up blew up in the club. She slept more days alone, but it did not matter. She found happiness in the anticipation of Sunday mornings.
The following Sunday the two restless boys waited for Laura’s return to the park. She brought red velvet cupcakes for them to share. They spent the entire day talking, playing, and catching up. It was a beginning of a very important friendship. They began sharing their lives with each other, and Mickie began to be increasingly fond of Laura often trying to steal her attention away from his Uncle. Sharing a Drumstick too soon became a ritual among the three of them, and it often ended the day. Never did Laura imagine herself sitting on her Mother’s bench sharing an ice cream with two outrageously wild boys. Though she must admit, their honesty was so incredibly appealing. They had a certain charm that they carried.
Ralph and Laura finally exchanged numbers not allowing chance to dictate their lives though the next following two months were filled of more of the same. She found happiness when she was with them, and Ralph began to give her words of encouragement during the weekdays. Even with all the advances, she was still loyal to her boyfriend. Regardless if there was Love or not, she did not have the strength to end the relationship. Like her mother, she had a difficult time of hurting people and chose to suffer or hurt herself instead. Sex became less frequent and her boyfriend spent more and more nights apart. She almost couldn’t remember the last time they had a date.
On the day of their anniversary, which happened to land on a Sunday, Laura desperately hoped that her boyfriend would accompany her to the park. She wanted him to meet her new friends and most importantly just be with her. Never the less, she woke up to the same old, tired boyfriend. The last year proved that nothing would change. Though she was disappointed, she wasn’t surprised. He worked the previous night.
“You do realize it’s your anniversary and you’re spending it with us, right?” Ralph said bluntly.
“It’s okay. Maybe he has something surprised later tonight.”
Ralph could see that she was disappointed. Laura tried to act strong but she grew weak as they continued talking about her anniversary.
“And you do realize that you deserve better.” Ralph wanted to say that he couldn’t imagine not accompanying Laura not even once in al those years of being with her.
“Really, it’s okay. I’m not really expecting anything. I can’t do anything about this anyways even if I wanted to do something.”
Ralph couldn’t just watch Laura compromise, but they ended up changing topics anyways. Ralph got them a couple of Drumsticks and did whatever he could do to cheer Laura up. Though it was a quiet Sunday morning, they made the best of it. Mickie was able to make Laura smile a few times just with his smile and laughs alone. His charm had no ends.
Nearing lunchtime, Laura received a text from her boyfriend asking where she was at the park. She was fortunately just at her bench. She waited for him anxiously. Ralph tried to ease her anxiety. When he finally arrived, nearly thirty minutes have passed. She grew frustrated and Ralph could see it on her face. It was just one disappointment after another she thought.
When Laura’s boyfriend finally arrived. He had nothing in hand, dressed in the same clothes he wore the previous night, and had a glare in his eyes.
Laura knew something was about to happen, but she did not know what exactly. On some level she just didn’t care anymore. Nothing was going to change. She almost accepted that fact.
“Who’s this guy?” He demanded. He did not even greet Laura. His eyes fixated on Ralph. “Forget it. It doesn’t matter. Laura, Let’s go home.”
Laura could not believe it. After all those years, he never accompanied her to the park and the day he actually came, his only intention was to take her away from it.
Before she could even say a word, Ralph stood up instinctively. He didn’t think he just spoke freely and honestly without any regards of the consequences.
“Who am I? I’m probably more than you.” He took a quick glance at Laura. “I’ll always be more than you. I can’t believe you couldn’t even spend one day here in this park with your girlfriend after all these years. In three months, I came to know that I’m the better than you. I’m the better man.” Ralph couldn’t look down to check Laura’s reaction.
“Really? Is that so? Laura’s with me and I know that you know that. Laura, leave this loser. He’s crazy. I know you love me.”
“Just leave. Just go home.” Laura said indifferently.
“I can’t believe this!” he said. “You know what, I am leaving.”
Laura watched what her soon to be ex-boyfriend get into his car and drive off.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I just did that.” Ralph said apologetically.
“It’s okay, Ralph really. It’s okay. I have to go though. I can’t believe he didn’t fight for me.”
Ralph watched Laura drive off without knowing what exactly happened.
Laura took her time going home. She picked up a Drumstick before she got home in order to cool down.
She went home to an empty home. The closet was emptied of all his clothes, the shoe rack left bare, and the baseball memorabilia taken off the walls. When she entered the bedroom, she saw the floors filled with flower pedals, the bed sheets made, the drawers emptied and laying on the floor, and hangers and boxes thrown all over the room. It was a beautiful mess. Out of habit, she began to clean. She picked up the drawer from the floor. Under the drawer she saw a broken picture frame. She sighed in great disappointment. Out of all the things, he couldn’t even leave her mother’s frame alone. She wasn’t even surprised. It was really the end. She picked up the picture of her mother. Never realizing there was a message on the back she was in shock to find her Mother’s last gift.
“My mistakes should have never been yours. Find Love, Find Happiness, Know Love, and Know Happiness, darling. Find a man that is willing to fight for you. I love you. – Mom”
Tears running on her face not because a man left her life, but rather she didn’t allow another to show her better.
She hectically searched for her phone. Within just one phone call, she cried, laughed, and smiled. At times, it was all at the same moment.
Tears still running, she asked, “Can Mickie come too?”
