06: TRANSFERRED

LAURENE

Three days later, I woke up to see the letter of my transfer in my email. I shook my head as I let out a deep breath. Asher did not tell me it would be this early. I had yet to start packing. I slid down my bed and pulled the curtains apart, the sunlight seeped in and I rolled my shoulders as relief washed through me.

I would be leaving this place in the next one week and I did not know how to feel about that. I had gotten so used to this place that I did not think I would be leaving anytime soon.

I stepped out of my room and the kids’ laughter echoed in the living room. An instinctive smile curled at the edges of my lips. God knows that all I need to be happy is just to hear them laugh and giggle without care.

I paused the entrance to the living room and watched them as they played with their toys and Mrs. K placed a plate of cake before them.

I shook my head as I came out of my hiding place. “You are definitely going to spoil these kids at the rate you baking, Mrs. K.” I clicked my tongue as I slumped down on the chair.

She chuckled and the kids hurriedly ate the cake. They knew I would carry it but I did not. This was the last time they will be using here and I doubt Mrs. K would want to go with us. This place was hers and I would understand if she would not want to go but first, I'd discuss it with her.

“They are my kids after all, who else will spoil them if I don't?” She asked, picking some crumbs from the floor.

I nodded, shrugging as I turned to look at the triplets who were very much focused on the cake. They did not even bother to invite me to eat and I didn't mind.

“Mrs. K?” I called her attention and she looked up, her brows arching at attention.

I urged her into the kitchen with my eyes and she nodded, understanding what I meant. She excused herself and I went to meet her. She was already cleaning the place and I decided to help her.

“What is it you want to discuss?” She asked. She must have noticed how hesitant I was. Truly, I did not know how to tell her without hurting her. I did not have it in me to hurt or leave this woman at all but circumstances called for that decision to be made.

I dropped the towel and leaned against the counter, folding my arms across my chest. “I… I am being transferred.” I announced and she swiveled her head toward me.

“Really?”

“Yes,” I nodded, licking my lower lip.

"Congratulations!" She smiled at me. Mrs. K always thought being transferred meant another high promotion.

I swallowed hard. "I don't know if you would like to come with me. I understand if you will not, not like I am your daughter or something.”

She rinsed her hands and rubbed them against the apron around her waist. She directed a questioning glare at me. "Who?” She asked, her brows arching and glancing around.

I blinked, confused about what she asked.

She scoffed. “Then who is my daughter if you are not? Laurene, if you think you can throw me out of your life with those words, you have to work harder. I love my grandkids.” She scoffed.

A small smile curled up at my lips. I knew she would come with me.

“So for how many months would we be gone?” She asked.

I shrugged. “I don't really know. From what I was told, the disease had really broken out badly and we would need the first few months to see what we could do about it.” I explained, peeling open the banana.

“Alright. So when are we leaving?” She asked, returning to what she was doing.

“In two days’ time.”

“That soon?”

I bobbed my head, chewing the banana.

“Are we selling the house?” I liked the way she thought. I had also thought about it. Asher never told me that I would be coming back and the duration of my stay at the pack. I still didn't know the pack so well. I tried doing a little bit of research on them but they seemed to be one of the rarely popular packs.

“I don't think we should. You don't know if you will be returned to the place. Let us just have the cleaner come to clean once in a while.” She advised me.

I nodded, comprehending what she said. She was right. I should not let go of this house. I remembered how I had struggled to make sure I paid for the house. Asher had insisted that I didn't have to but I did anyway. I always had my way.

It was high time I didn't depend on men anymore. I wanted to be my own woman.

Mrs Kamara’s hands reached for mine and covered it, giving it a tiny squeeze. “I’m proud of you.”

Tears glistened in my eyes at the words she uttered and a sob racked through me. I moved to pull her into a hug and let myself cry on her shoulders. She did not know how long I had wished to hear those words from someone. Anyone and she did that.

She patted my back gently. I cried harder. Her motherly love wrapped around my heart and I held her tight to my chest. I didn't know why I was so emotional right now. It could be the burden of work I had been carrying for a long time. I didn't have the time to be around for the kids and she helped me very well. I could not help but feel indebted to her. She was satisfied with everything. Never complained once. Always made sure she advised me. Didn't skip reprimanding me.

We pulled away from the hug and a gasp echoed from the entrance.

“Mom, are you crying?” Tanya scowled.

I quickly cleaned my face but she hurried to me and hugged me, even though her hands could only wrap my legs.

My heart leaped with joy and I lifted her into my arms. She pushed my hair to the side and said, “Don’t cry, Mommy. Rob, Dylan, and I are always with you.” She assured me.

I chuckled. I could never have asked for a better redemption than this.

“I love you,” She planted a peck on my cheeks.

There was nothing else I would have asked for at this point than this peck.