Chapter Twenty One: The Inception Of True Friendship

" I'm so sorry." Jenna said feeling deeply sad for Morticia.

" It's okay." Morticia replied.

" But you said there was something off about the way he looked that day, correct?" Jenna asked while Morticia nodded.

" Then, are you sure the accident is all there is to it?" Jenna asked again.

" Well, when my father died, I was too torn apart to care about anything else. I just wanted my dad back. My mom got married, and I had to live with her sister together with her kids for a couple of years." Morticia said as she looked at Jenna who finally felt light enough to sip from her glass.

" Why is that? Her husband didn't let her take you in?" Jenna asked after she kept the glass on the table, with streaks of lines visible on her forehead.

" Well, yeah. According to my mom, if she was willing to get married to him, then no step child would be allowed under his roof." Morticia said with a shrug.

" I hope you don't pick offense to what I'm about to say, but your mom is selfish Morticia." Jenna said in exasperation.

Morticia couldn't help but agree inwardly, but kept mute and wore a neutral expression as she looked at her nails.

'' Doesn't he have kids or something?" Jenna said referring to Oliver.

" Well, from what she told me, he doesn't. I didn't attend their wedding either, so I couldn't tell. Besides, I've only seen him twice." Morticia said with indifference.

" Damn Morticia! I feel sorry for you and I'm beginning to admire you.'' Jenna said, causing Morticia to raise her head.

" Cause I don't think I'd be able to stand shit! Honestly, I don't know how much I can take and I don't want to know.'' Jenna said.

" Life can be pretty hard Jenna. But sometimes, my father's final words keeps me going. " Morticia said as she paused her lips.

" So what about your mom? Have you spoken to her since the incident?" Jenna asked.

Releasing a long sigh, Morticia shook her head.

" Wait a minute." Jenna said as she excused herself and left for her bedroom where she left her phone.

Moments later, she returned with it.

" Here.'' Jenna said, stretching out her arm to hand the phone to Morticia who was startled.

'' Jenna I can't take thi..."

" Come on Morticia. You should really stop acting this way. Just take it and remind your mom you exist. Here." Jenna said as she handed the phone to Morticia, with a look of non-negotiation.

If she didn't take certain decisions, Morticia would not be bold enough to take them even if they were a necessity.

" But Jenna all I've ever said since I regained consciousness at the hospital is 'thank you'. Aren't you sick of it? What have I done to profit you?" Morticia asked.

" Listen, you're a human being and you're worth every good thing that comes your way. You don't deserve the kind of life you've lived. You deserve better Morticia. You feel diffident because of what you've experienced in the past, so you don't feel like it's right for someone to treat you like you truly deserve. You just have to love yourself first Ticy." Jenna said.

Morticia repeatedly pinched her laps, but it did nothing to jail the stream of tears that ran down her cheeks. Jenna, affectionately moved closer to Morticia for a hug.

" Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much." Morticia said embracing Jenna with both arms.

" I don't know you all that well. But if you truly are who I feel you are, I just want you to know that I'll always be here with open arms." Jenna said as a tear ran down her cheek. She also vividly remembered her late grandmother who taught her to give out love, in the same portion she would want to receive.

After a while, they broke the hug, slowly. It was almost as if they didn't want it to end.

Seeing tears on Jenna's face, Morticia courageously reached out to wipe the tear off Jenna's face. Jenna also did the same, almost simultaneously, but they both didn't react to it.

" Why are you crying?" Morticia asked.

" Nothing." Jenna said.

" Actually there is something. There's a reason why. A very important reason." Jenna said a few seconds later.

" I thought of my late grandma. I miss her so much. She meant the world to me." Jenna said as tears had already stung her eyes again. " But why Morticia? Why do we have to lose the ones we love the most?" Jenna asked as she broke down in tears.

'' It hurts a lot. You know, I always pray for the strength to hold on and stay alive, if I ever had someone who'd love me as much." Morticia said holding Jenna's hand into hers.

" I believe it's gonna be alright someday, like my dad always said. I guess we'll have to channel all of the lessons and love we earned from them to ourselves and to the people we love. " Morticia added.

" I think that's best, right?" Jenna asked as she wiped the flowing tears on her face, repeatedly.

" Thank you Morticia. ''

" For what?''

" For being here. I can't remember when anyone spoke such words to me ever since my grandma died. My mom and dad aren't the best parents you see.'' Jenna said as Morticia leaned forward with her elbow on her laps and her chin on her fist, while she held Jenna's hand with her other hand.

" You see, my parents are only financially available Morticia, they have never been emotionally invested. It hurts a lot. Sometimes I feel as though I don't have parents. I can't even remember when they last called. My mother doesn't know the first time I had a visit from Aunty Flo, till date. And my father has never been to any of the school I attended." Jenna said still sobing.

'' I understand you Jenna. Yes I know my dad really cared, but he's no more. But your parents still has the chance to make amends. There's still a slot for change, and that slot is life, because when there's life, there's hope. And as for my mom, well, I don't know, maybe when she eventually divorces her scumbag of a husband she'll come to her senses. I still hope she can change too, but what I do know is that my Knight is never coming back to me." Morticia said with a sad smile.

" But why did you have to live with several people? It's obvious your dad was rich, couldn't you live in the mansion?" Jenna asked. She was the curious type.

" I would have, but, things went South after his death. Our house reminded me of our memories that made me almost loose my mind. According to what I and my mom was told after the death of my father, the company had been facing challenges and went bankrupt which I believe explained why my father changed drastically before he died. They took the house, the cars, froze my father's assets without a penny. They took everything. And my mom..." Morticia scoffed before she continued

'' My mom barely did anything about it. Five months after my dad died, she moved in with Oliver." Morticia said.

"Hmmmmmmmm. That's interesting. " Jenna hummed. After a while she asked.

" By the way, does your mom live in Planora?'' Jenna asked. She decided not to ask or say things that'll trigger Morticia into breaking down.

" She lives in Hentritch with her 'husband'. " Morticia said with an eye roll as she thought about her mom actually living with a man like that.

" My parents live there too. I grew up in Fortbridge but we left for Hentritch. You know it's like the haven for business and investments, plus it's a really beautiful city. My mom loves vibrant cities with nightlife, vibrant lifestyles, skyscrapers, endless penthouses. Those are the things she lives for, literally!'' Jenna exclaimed.

" You know, if we were in an argument, and you proposed that both our mothers are alike I'd be screaming Touche to your face.'' Morticia said with a giggle as the air started to lighten up. Jenna also held her hand to her lips in fits of giggles.

She bent and handed Morticia's glass of wine to her, as she raised hers.

" Cheers to our parents!'' Jenna said as their glasses clinked.

" So tell me, where did you go from there?'' Jenna asked, forgetting that Morticia had earlier mentioned it.

Morticia went on to explain her ordeal with Florence Sanchez, her mother's sister [Chapter One].

The girls shared their stories and birthed a new topic from it, forgetting that Morticia was yet to call Melinda who was already growing Old from worry. Served her right!