CHAPTER 17

MUM

I saw it was another twenty minutes, so I finished my burger, but then I caught sight of the express bus and ran towards it. In no time, I saw Mum near the donut king. “Hi Tam. Here is some money and would you be able to get me a coffee, half strength?”

“Yes okay.” I ordered two cups and donuts and brought it to her.

“You look a little peaky, Tam,” said Mum.

“Well, I am just tired Mum...I have been at work,” I said.

“Oh,” she said.

“Now what is the story about you going to Sydney as all of us excluded,” I snapped.

“Well, Dan and Meryl have organized matters and I cannot do anything about it,” she said.

“That may be, but you can say no to them,” I faltered.

“No, not possible,” indicated Mum.

“Well give me the flight number and we’ll see about that,” I said.

“No, I haven’t the information…Meryl has,” Mum retorted. “Tam do you mind to carry my bag for me as I am feeling wobbly?”

“No Mum. I am exhausted as I have just finished work,” I said.

“Tam you are a young woman,” Mum smirked.

My phone rang and Mum asked who it was. I felt like saying it was my lover, but no, “It is work Mum. I have to go,” I said noticing Mum calling out to me and luckily the bus was waiting there. Talk about a speedy exit.

I was soon settling into my job doing the breakfast and the café whenever Chris wanted it and thoroughly enjoyed it. “I am really impressed with your workload lately and whatever I teach you, it is never too much effort for you,” said Chris.

“Thanks so much,” I said as I left yet another shift. I looked at the Christmas decorations with disgust as I would be spending it alone with the kids. The last person I expected to hear from was Mum. “Tam, I have a place and you can move in straight away if you want,” Mum prattled.

“Really,” I said, sounding excited as I really was reluctant to leave the cabin park.

“Meet me tomorrow and cancel your place,” said Mum, sounding like a kid in a candy store.

“Okay,” I said.

I told the cabin park manager that I was leaving and went to meet Mum the next day after work. “This is beautiful, Mum,” I said.

“This is what Dan and Meryl organized for the both of us,” Mum said with those evil eyes looking at me.