Week 23

© Paula Nacif

It was unfair of me to avoid my mother’s calls over the past week. I know she’s just worried about me – her baby who’s now all grown-up, venturing the dangerous streets of the city just to go to college. She was extra worried this time, hearing that my boyfriend for two years dumped me for a certain Michelle.

After a listing the pro’s and the con’s, I called my mom. I instantly regretted doing so.

I apologized for avoiding her, but she demanded to see me. I only knew my mother too well; she won’t stop ‘til she gets what she wants.

“Fine, meet me at Jerry’s tomorrow. It’s at the corner of 5th street, beside Dunkin Donuts,” I said over the phone. I've never been to Jerry’s myself, but my roommate says they serve one of the best burgers in the area so I decided to see my mom there. Maybe some good meal will calm her nerves.

The place was packed when I arrived there at a little past 10 a.m. Guess this place do have awesome burgers, I thought. I sat at the only spot empty, the table by the window. I asked for two orders of their bestseller and waited for my mother.

The bell on the door rang and I turned around disappointed – still no sign of my mother. A short-haired girl wearing a pleated skirt and Oxfords entered and – I can’t be so sure – looked surprised to see me at my table. She headed to the counter; the guy behind it gave her a kiss on the forehead.

Screw you, I thought. I looked outside and pondered on what made Anton leave.

I was certain it wasn’t Valentine’s Day, but for some bizarre cupid the streets were filled with lovers – happy lovers. I took my notebook and wrote Anton, you’re a douche; my cheeks were wet after a few seconds.

Not again, I thought, and rushed to the restroom. Mascara smeared my cheeks and I reminded myself to buy a waterproof one. Or maybe just stop putting make-up altogether, especially now since I have no more reason to put them on.

I washed my face and looked at the Carol in the mirror. Her skin was dry and she had dark eye bags from lack of sleep; her eyes were tired from all the crying-to-sleep drama. “Will you ever be okay again?” I asked myself. Not sure of the answer, I went out.

The food I ordered was on the table and there was something else. Under my notebook was a sketched portrait. It took me a little while to realize that the girl in the drawing was in fact me. At the bottom it said, “Screw the douche. You’re beautiful.” I smiled. “P.S. The burgers here are delicious. Eat yours.” My smile grew broader.

I sat down and helped myself with Jerry’s Ultimate Cheeseburger. And I felt a little better.

The bell rang, signaling the arrival of my mother who invited me to her loving arms. I gave her a hug – or maybe she did – and her perfume made it feel like everything’s going to be alright.

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At Jerry's, by the Window: Carol by KASH