Chapter 5 Eighteen And Everything

That party with her mom and Mr. Hong was the most boring night of her life, and after spending those forty-five minutes with them, Lucy vanished. She never visited and they never bothered to look for her. Mr Hong and Lucy’s mom loved vacations so much that they barely stayed at home. Whenever they spoke with Lucy on the phone, it was either that they were on one trip, trying to catch up with a meeting, or touring another city. A sharp familiar cry tugged at Lucy’s heart like a thread, she dropped the dishrag and turned towards the room. The high pitched cry continued, unmistakably one of hunger. "Oh my baby, I am coming" Lucy called softly with a tender voice, knowing her child's need before words ever formed. In a moment, her little boy was at peace again, eating without taking his eyes off her face. "You don't want more? I guess you are full then. Please, no more crying, okay. Mom will be right back." She said and laid him on the bed again. She left to get some provisions at a supermarket nearby. Her little boy was now used to staying calm when she isn't nearby. It had been three years since she last saw her mom and Mr. Hong. Whenever she went by their house, the door was always shut. She wished there was someone else to borrow money from besides Andrew. Deep inside she knew asking him for help now that he was in a relationship would weary him, so she decided to continue struggling alone to raise her child. "Can't you sell this for $2? Please, Amy." "I'm sorry, Lucy. There is no discount and you can't owe me anymore. You already have a $12 dollar debt to balance up. I don't want my boss to find out." Amy replied with a frown and without looking at her face. She knew there was something about Lucy's face that can get anyone's pity her and make them willing to help. "Just this last time. Please!" She begged, her voice lowered but laced with urgency. "And just this last time, please don't come in next time without my balance. You can have it." Amy granted. "This milk too." Lucy's smile faltered, trying to stay polite. "Just go, Lucy. I have added it." Amy's eyes darted away as if the sight of Lucy was too much to bear. "You're the best, Amy. I promise I'll send it to you once my salary is paid." Lucy smiled being in a hurry to leave. On her way out came the unexpected. Lucy froze. Everything seemed to pause with her. Jacobs! His name hit her before the memory did, but it all came rushing in at once: that night spent, that silence that followed after, and the years that stretched in-between. Her eyes flickered to his face like she has seen a ghost. "Lucy." He mentioned her name immediately, his eyes gleaming with energy. His whole posture leaned forward in anticipation to embrace her. She straightened her back instinctively, not sure whether to speak or to vanish. "Jacobs." Her voice came brittle and measured. "I have been longing to see you again, Lucy." He said, swallowing hard. "You knew where to find me, Jacobs. Let me pass." "Yes, but you... you told me never to show up. I had to respect your decision." He partly stammered, preventing her from stepping out of the threshold. And then quietly, like a breath she had been holding for too long, "You have no idea, do you?" "About what?" His eyes dimmed while holding her arms to keep her still. She looked into his eyes and saw the ignorance, and innocence. Then she pitied him for failing to persist when he should have come looking for her. She knew nothing could possibly make her tell him about their child. "I wished you knew I changed my mind. Well, I have moved on. Do the same and please let go of me." Jacobs mind was confused and chaotic at the moment, his grip loosened but he followed her still. "Okay, I made a mistake, Lucy. But all that can change. We can be friends." "I don't need your friendship." Her voice echoed boldly and she refused to look back. Jacobs intercepted and with a heavy breath, "Okay, fine. What about some help. Here is my card. You can call me for anything. C'mon, take it. Please." He said. She looked away, reconsidering her actions, and back again, "Fine." Her eyebrows lifted and her lips tightened. He smiled at her and went back into the supermarket quietly. Lucy found her child playing with the TV remote control when she arrived. "Don't put that in your mouth, Scott." Excitement beamed in her child's eyes the moment he saw his mother walking towards him "Mamaaa.." He squealed, the word drawn out like a melody. She laughed, scooping him up "Hey. Baby boy. Look what I got from the supermarket for you today." ... Early the next day she prepared for work, and packed up snacks for little Scott too. Her boss was the first person she greeted when she walked into the restaurant and ever since she had her child, his attitude towards her changed. "You're late again." He said, glancing at his wrist watch. "It's only five minutes late, sir." "Whatever. Today is going to be a very busy day. Join Andrew in the kitchen. I will be back." He instructed on his way out. Lucy took a deep breath after dropping her child in a little room close to the kitchen area. "Watch Moana today okay. Here are your snacks." "Bee kit!" His voice wobbled like a song when she brought out biscuits. "Now be a good boy. Mom will be right back to check up on you." Lucy got up to head to the kitchen. The minute she opened the door, she saw Jacobs coming into the restaurant through the main entrance opposite her. Their eyes caught each other. She quickly shut the door behind her, afraid he must have seen her baby whilst the door was opened, her mouth twitched downward. "Lucy." He called to her. "Jacobs." She replied, still frozen ...why is he here so early?... "Lucy, who was that?" He asked, taking a step forward. "Who?" Her brows furrowed as if burdened by thoughts she couldn't shake off.