empty but ok

The next day was sad, I sat close to my Dad as we welcomed visitors who came to commiserate with us, people trooped in and out, they all had one thing or the other to say about my Mom. Father just sat there looking completely broken, he didnt cry because he was one of those people who believed that men don't cry, but I cried, Millicent cried, visitors cried.

Evening slowly came and , my Dad and Millicent and I were left alone in the apartment.I still felt like my mom was up in her room, resting, I still hoped that when it was time for dinner mom would call and ask me to bring her food to her bedroom. I walked into my moms bedroom , the bed was empty, I checked the enjoined bathroom, empty...I walked over to her walk in closet and checked through her clothes,bags and shoes, reality struck me once again and I cried real hard

"Mimi, Juan and her brother are here"

Juan and her brother walked in the closet, she walked over to me and sat close to me pulling me in a warm embrace

"its OK baby girl, its OK, I got you"

"it hurts Juan , real bad" I said admist sobs

"I know Mk, I know , I'm here for you, OK"

I nodded and hugged her, and her brother patted my shoulder consolingly

"what about Michael" he asked

"he's in school" I replied

" come on Mk let go to the kitchen , let's fix something to eat" Juan said pulling me up and I willingly followed.

we all walked into the kitchen and started to prepare.

"Where's dad Mili"

"he went out, I think one of his friend called him , you know that handsome , Greek guy, that his sister is your friend"

"oh, okay, I know, its been a while I've heard from them" I said as I put the pot on the gas stove to heat up, I was going to prepare jollof rice so I was heating the pot so I can make the stew.

"I taught I was you only friend Mk, you're cheating on me?"

"come on Juan don't be dramatic, you're still my best best, Phoebe is a nice girl, you'll like her too, besides she my crush's younger sister so you better get use to liking her " I said trying but failing miserably to suppress a smile

" what? you're crushing on uncle King?" Milli screamed in surprise"

"shut it Milli, nobody is talking to you, you're not even supposed to talk cos none of us here is your mate" I said to Milli with a stern look on my face"

Milli opened her mouth to protest but Juan quickly jumped in

"let the girl be Mk, you're such a kill joy, it OK Milli baby , don't mind her , hmm?"

its so typical of Juan to support Milli, sometimes I even begin to wonder if Juan was my best friend or she was Milli's

"OK Juan, that means I can say whatever I like , yes?"

"yes"

"no"

Juan and I both said in unison. we all laughed and continued our discussion, this was why I loved Juan so much she always knew how to make me feel better.