Beautiful Stranger

Chapter: 7

Right after her office , Lia took the can like her routine but this time her location was different . She told the cab driver an address that she had never gone to . Her mom's . This was the first time she would be going to her mom's house . She was nervous yet hesitant to actually go to her mom's and see her but Alex's advices were lately something Lia trusted on. She actually made this hard decision and she was on her way to implement it too.

Reaching her home , Lia walked to her entrance door and with a shaky hand she rang the doorbell. Her mother opened the door immediately as if she was already standing behind the door, waiting to open it up for Lia. She was so happy to see her , her mother hugged her and said " Hello Sweetheart! I am so happy to see you here . Please come in " .

Lia , all overwhelmed entered inside the home. Her mom's house was beautiful. Very clean , tidy and organized. Everything was very comfy , from the choice of furniture , decor or the color combinations. As soon she walked a bit further , her eyes caught the attention of the wall where there were all the pictures of Lia. Her being a newborn baby , her first day school, her first time bike, her birthdays , her sweet 16. Her graduation every thing was on that wall. Lia was startled . She was literally speechless. So many emotions rose in her in a second and alongside these emotions , lots of questions . She was lost in her pictures, remembering those times , missing her dad plus wondering how come her mom has all these pictures with her . She turned to her mom to ask " how come " when her mom interrupted and completed " I have your pictures?"... Lia nervously nodded her head , her mom smiled at her and replied , your dad used to post me . He used to post all those memories that we both should have cherished together . But I suppose he wanted me to not miss out to. A tear slipped down Lia's eye down her cheek . Her mom wiped her tear, and combed a strand of hair behind her ear with her fingers and said " Lia leaving you and your dad was the biggest blunder I ever made . I was young , your dad and I were lately having so many fights regarding his unemployment. He was frustrated and so was I. Leaving him was an impulsive decision I agree , but I never wanted to leave you . Your dad didn't let me take you with me , no matter what and I didn't want to live with him anymore. But there wasn't a single day , I did not miss you . I am glad that your father raised you well. He did his duty well as a father.

"Why didn't you ever come see me ?" Lia complained
"I was scared Lia , I did not know how you would react ! I was not ready to hear anything against me Lia . I'm sorry Lia , I am sorry my daughter ! Please forgive your mother . It was never in my hand Never". and her mom broke into tears . Lia hugged her mom and kissed her on her head and said " I don't want to repeat the same mistake you did, I can't lose you again. I have already lost a parent and you are all I'm left with". Lia's mother smiled while crying and hugging Lia at the same time . Then she looked at Lia , they both wiped each other's tears and smiled and said " I love you sweetie , I always did. Come on ! Let's have lunch , see what I made for you.

They both proceeded at the dining table , which was set so classy , like it landed out of an aesthetic lifestyle magazine. The floral pink and white cutlery was set on the table like some elite had to come. A crystal vase in the middle of the table on the hand woven lining having assorted flowers of different colors. Lia was not only mesmerized but also very impressed with how organized and well done her mum's home is . The menu had a very scrumptious looking chicken roast surrounded by stirred veges and roasted potatoes . The second dish was some pasta made in white sauce and topping with some mushrooms and basils . Lia looked at the food and the table and smiled and said , wow ! Both of these dishes are my favorite! Lia expressing her excitement seemed like a five year old getting happy when her mother cooks her favorite meal . The vacuum of having that feeling and missing out on such moments were quite obvious in her body language . She was finally feeling happy . Both mother and daughter sat and enjoyed a meal that happened first time in their lives . "I miss dad ! She said looking at her mom ". Lia's mum took her hand in hers and said , " I am sure he is happy today to see you happy after so long " . Lia smiled and nodded in agreement.

It had a great time mom ! Thank you for having me over . Lia hugged her mom at the entrance after spending a whole evening with her . I am glad we shared what we should have long time back . Smiling back at Lia her mom acknowledged her and said " this is your home too Lia ! Come over anytime you want to . You are most welcome. "

Just after getting in the cab , Lia was having zillions of emotions hitting her at once. She was happy , sad , nervous, excited, feeling full , feeling anxious. She was feeling everything and she quickly opened her bag and start searching for her phone to share everything with her new stranger friend Alex. She finally takes her phone out and texts him " Hey Alex ! I just came from my mom's and I had a great time . I just can't believe I was at her home and having a meal with her ? In just few hours years long misunderstanding flew off our heads . Alex , was it that simple ? I feel so light and happy for a change ."

No one replied . She kept checking her phone off and on . The cab driver dropped her off , and Lia walked inside her home in happiness and disbelief that her mom is actually not really a bad person she all her life believed. Lia was thinking maturely and accepting the situation maturely now and not like an irritated teen . She understood the reasons her mom had and she also understood the reasons her dad would have had . But at the same time she was ready to forgive her parents to all those she missed out as a child , she would have done with them both . As , her father never once let her feel the vacuum , at least he tried his best and that was enough for Lia . Now she was not ready to let her only parent go away because of her ego and misunderstandings.

" Hi Alex , There ? Are you busy today " the whole day passed . Lia did not receive any message from Alex . She had no number or another way to contact or reach out to him. As, Alex had no number he told Lia earlier .

It was night , Lia was getting ready to go to bed for office the next day . He had not replied as yet . Lia was now worried . The whole happy vibe she experienced from her mother's was now transforming into worry , anxiety, doubt and sadness . She was tossing and turning in her bed , thinking of Alex . She decided to ask him to meet her . She wanted to see him now . But the only problem was he wasn't replying to her texts.