CHAP 6

Amira's Point Of View

"Mommy!" Nala shouted when I got to Eryl's house.

Nala was currently playing in Eryl's fence while Eryl is busy grilling the dish. I greeted Nala's tight hug with a smile.

"I missed you, Mama," she said softly.

I smiled widelyy because of what Nala said. Nala is sweet a and a very kind child. She's the type of person that would be nice to have as a friend or relative because as long as she can understand, love, and forgive, she will definitely do it. In fact, I see myself in her, something that scares me. It is scary because she can also be abused and exploited.

"We've only been apart for a few hours, huh?" I smiled then kissed her on her cheek before I walked closer to Eryl.

"Hello, Amira! How's work?" Eryl said with a smile as she fanned what she was grilling to make the flame stronger.

I smiled and immediately told her what happened to me at work. Eryl is like my best friend. I am very thankful to the Lord because He gave me a friend like her.

I stopped talking when Eryl suddenly spoke causing my eyes to widened. "Don't tell me you already like that Kieth, huh?" he said then plastered a teasing look.

I immediately protested by shaking my head and briefly looked at Nala who is currently playing before I spoke, "No! He's just a good friend." I was smiling when I returned my gaze to her.

"Friend or boyfriend?" She asked with a teasing look.

It was as if horses ran into my chest when he teased me again. I don't know why I feel this way. I swallowed several times before I speak again, "I'm contented with my daughter, Eryl. She is enough," I uttered with a smile.

We talked for a while before I said goodbye to Eryl. "Thanks again, Eryl." I thanked her while holding her hand.

Eryl gently shook her head then spoke, "No, I should be the one thanking you. For trusting me as I take care of Nala. She brought so much happiness into my life, Amira. Thank you," Eryl said tearfully.

I immediately hugged her and thanked her again before Nala and I left. Nala and I waited for a while before we rode a tricycle out to the village where Eryl lives.

I thought about what Eryl said again. Do I really like him? Nope. Wrong. I must prioritize my child first before myself. Maybe I admire Kieth but my son should be my priority before other people.

When we got off the tricycle, I stopped a jeepney. It stopped immediately that's why I helped Nala to climb up inside the jeepney.

"Mom, how is your work?" She asked.

I asked the person next to me to give the driver our payment. When he gave it to me, I immediately thanked him, causing him to smile at me.

Nala got the features of his Father's face. It's been a few years since the thing that caused me to almost give up on life happened. For me, I have forgiven him. In fact, I am grateful to him because he was the instrument for me to have Nala in my life.

I smiled at Nala and tucked her flying hair behind her ear. "It's okay, baby. I'm a little tired from work so we'll go to bed early, okay?" I said while smiling.

"Yes, Mom!" She said.

We often watch TV shows when we got home. That's what we consider as our bonding because we can't go to the mall due to financial matter. It's hard to go to the mall standing around, especially when I'm with my daughter. Because I want her to eat, experience and learn about things or maybe foods that I haven't tried before.

That's what, us, parents often wish for our children. For them to try things that we have never tried before.

I stopped thinking about many things when we reached the front of our house. I immediately stopped the driver and once again helped Nala down.

Nala was the first who got into our house so she immediately opened the gate. When we got inside, Bujiji, the cat that Nala takes care of that we picked up from the garbage, greeted us.

"Hello, Bujiji! Did you miss Ate Nala?" Nala said to the cat then sat down and played with Bujiji.

Nala did not want to leave Bujiji alone but that was not possible because no one would watch over her. Nala even cried once and really sulked too much because she didn't want to leave her pet.

"Have you eaten already, baby?" I asked Nala.

"Yes mom!" She answered back.

"I'm not going to cook anymore, okay?" I uttered.

Nala didn't answer because she was busy playing with Bujiji. Maybe it's because she doesn't have a sibling that's why she loves Bujiji so much. At first I didn't want him to take Bujiji when we saw him at the garbage. But it seems that he was destined to be part of our family when Nala said something to me that really entered my heart and mind.

"Mama, he is still alive. The only difference between us and him is that we can talk but he can't. So please, let's get him."

It was like cold water was poured on me when she said those words to me.

Only a short time passed before Nala and I decided to sleep. "Let's pray first before going to sleep, baby." I said with a smile as we lay on the bed.

"I will lead our prayer, Mama." Nala said while looking at me and holding my hands with her small hands with a smile.

"Lord, thank you for the graces that you have given to Mama and I. Please guide us in the decisions we will make. I hope, Lord, that wherever Papa now is, he is happy and safe. This is our prayer in the mighty name of Jesus, amen."

I couldn't help but cry when I knew Nala's feelings. Good thing the light was off so she couldn't see me crying. What I told Nala was that her Papa left us. Maybe it was because of the anger that I have towards her father that's why I said that excuse to her. I want to tell her the truth but she is too young to know such things. The story is too sensitive that's why I decided to let her know that her father left us.

"Good night, Mom!" She said and decided to sleep.

"G-good night, baby," I said and started to sleep.

To be continued...