|
|
|
My mother hosted a little festival for the kids at the church last night. She called me at the bookstore and asked if I would swing by and help her after I got off work. "Yea, sure mom. It's not like I have anything planned anyway."
She went off about how she was worried about me because I don't get out much other than work and I don't really socialize with anyone. I guess I'm a more family oriented person. I like to do things with my family. We're close. My mom and my dad are my best friends. I don't really feel the need to go out and meet new people. Mom says, "Honey, I love how close we are. I'm entirely grateful that I have such a wonderful daughter. Not many mothers can say they have the kind of relationship your father and I have with you. But it's good to get out with some friends once in a while. Don't you agree? You must get tired of being around us all the time."
"No, not really. Mom, I like my time with you and dad. You guys are peaceful to be around. Really. I just like being home."
I could hear her sigh quietly on the other end. "Well, we like having you home too Jackie. Just make sure that you are happy and take care of yourself. I don't want you being afraid to live your own life. To go and see places. Your dad and I will be fine."
"I know mom. I'm just not ready to leave yet."
"Okay honey. Well whenever you're ready, you know we will help you in any way we can."
"I know mom. I'll see you when I get there."
Part of me staying home, yes, has to do with Christopher. I know it's hard on my parents. I've heard them discussing it quietly in their bedroom. How they fear me going off to school or out on my own. Mom cries. Losing one child is hard enough. I know my mother wants me to fufill my dreams, just like any parent does for their children, but I know at the same time, she fears me going away and not being close if anything happens. But she doesn't have anything to worry about. Even when I do move out, I'm staying right here in town. For as long as I can help it, I'm staying as close to my parents as I can.
Anyway, when I got to the church, mom asked if I would handle this kid who had gone and hid himself inside the little fun house they made in the gym. It was all made out of tall boxes, tarp, and black bags, so I had to crawl inside and find him. He was all the way in the back causing chaos and blocking the back exit. Kids were crying, and nobody could find the boys parents. So after spending ten minutes of trying to calm him and the other kids down, we finally located his mother outside. She was on her cell phone yelling at someone. "You were supposed to come pick him up Rob! He wanted to go out with his father! He hasn't seen you in a month!" I just tapped her and pointed to the door. She hung up the phone instantly without saying another word and apologized...
It was nice seeing all the kids running around dressed up in their costumes. It's the only part of Halloween I enjoy. Kids are so cute. Mom never had to worry about taking me around trick-or-treating, I was too afraid of all the Halloween decorations people had around their houses, and the scary costumes a lot of the older kids and teenagers wore. But I always looked forward to costume shopping with dad. I didn't go out in it, but I'd answer the door and help him give out candy to the other kids. Actually, I clung to his leg from behind him and watched the kids come and go. Hey, you never know what kind of creepy kid might come to the door. Some of them came to the door, masks dripping fake blood. Id always turn away.
Anymore, I just rent a movie, curl up on the couch in my pajamas and watch movies. Funny movies. I don't do blood and gore.
The rest of the night went smooth. I helped out with the face painting for a while. And then about 9:00 PM things started dying down, so I stayed around to help clean up and told mom to go home. She thanked me and then left. She was tired. It was obvious.
When I got home, she was in bed, but dad was up waiting for me on the porch with a cup of hot cocoa. "Hope you don't mind me waiting up for you. You may be an adult now, but I still worry about my girl out by herself late at night."
"I don't mind. Kathy followed me home most the way."
"Good to hear. Thanks for helping your mom Jackie. She was really tired today, but didn't want to bail out on the kids event."
"Yea, I half wondered if she'd make it without falling asleep at the wheel. But I'm going to head to bed. Thanks for waiting up for me daddy."
Tomorrow I have off, but I'm going to go in to the store anyway. I left my book by the register, and I don't want to wait till Monday to read it. I'm sure Jim will appreciate the company. He's a lot like me. Doesn't socialize much. His store is his life. He's a sweet old man.
Maybe he will come in. And maybe I'll work the courage up to say something.
 DearKoyangi · Sun Nov 02, 2008 @ 02:50am · 0 Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
