CHAPTER 34

Juliana's pov

My phone rings just as I am about to get out of the taxi, it is my mum. Looking at the phone I even feel guilty. I have not talked to my parents for almost a month. This is the first time that I have stayed this long without talking to them. 

"Hey mum, how are you?" I say, trying to sound casual as I step out of the taxi. The guilt weighs heavy on my chest as I realize it has been almost a month since I last spoke to my parents. This is the longest I have ever gone without checking in with them.

As I listen to my mum's voice on the other end of the line, I can hear the concern in her tone. She asks me how I have been, what I have been up to, and why I haven't called. I stumble over my words, trying to come up with a valid excuse for my silence.

The truth is, I have been caught up in my little bubble. But as I listen to my mum's voice, I realize how much I have missed her. How much I have missed our conversations, her advice, and her unwavering support.

"I am sorry Mum, I have just been busy with work and life in general," I say, hoping she will buy my excuse. But deep down, I know she can see right through me.

"I understand that you are busy, but you know how much I worry when I don't hear from you," she responds, her voice filled with a mix of love and frustration. I can't help but feel guilty for neglecting to keep in touch with her. 

"I am sorry, mum. I promise I will try to call more often from now on," I say, genuinely meaning it this time.

"I am from talking to Maggie, I was telling her about her mother who is in the hospital.  You know those two don't talk anymore. I wanted to talk to you but  she told me that you are staying with your boyfriend." I feel like my breath has just been cut. How can Maggie tell my mum when she knows how traditional my family is? What am I going to tell my mother now? Maggie should not have done this to me.

"Mum it Is not what you think, I have not moved in with him." How am I going to explain this to my mother? She doesn't even know that I was assaulted three years ago and that the reason I am staying at Marcus's place is because of my psycho ex-boyfriend.

"Honey, I do not want you to feel like you don't have any freedom but you need to think about our tradition. I know you are a modern woman but cohabiting is not going to sit well with your father. You know how strict he is with these things."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "I understand, mum. I have not moved in with Marcus, I am just staying over at his place for a few days. I promise mummy I would never do anything that can harm the respect we have for our family traditions. I was going to tell you about Marcus. I just wanted to be sure before I told you about him " Certain customs have been passed on from generation to generation in my family and one of them is that you are not allowed to cohabit. Maggie knew all of this and she knew how this could affect my relationship with my parents and yet she told Mum about me staying with Marcus. Did she do this on purpose?

"Thank you, darling. I just want you to always remember where you come from and to honor our family values. I know you are a smart and responsible woman, and I trust that you will make the right decisions."

"I promise, mum. I will always uphold our family values and traditions. Thank you for understanding."

We chat for a few more minutes before we say goodbye, feeling a mix of emotions. I am grateful for my mother's understanding and support, but also guilty for not keeping her informed about my life. I make a mental note to call my parents more often and to make sure they are always a part of my life.

A big part of me is angry with Maggie for not covering for me. I thought we made up when I was at the apartment but I guess I was wrong. I can't believe she would do this to me. I don't know why she has been acting weird lately. How can she tell Mom something I haven't told her yet?

 I know that Maggie may have had her reasons for telling my mom about me staying over at Marcus's place. Maybe she was trying to protect me in some way, or maybe she felt guilty about keeping secrets from my parents. I need to have a conversation with her and try to understand her perspective before jumping to conclusions.

I take a deep breath and remind myself that communication is key in any relationship. I need to have an open and honest conversation with Maggie to clear any misunderstandings and move forward. I can't let this situation drive a wedge between us, especially when we have been through so much together.

I pick up my phone and dial Maggie's number, hoping that we can resolve this issue and move past it. I know that our friendship is stronger than this bump in the road, and I am determined to make things right with her. The line keeps on ringing and she is not picking up. Did she do this on purpose? Did she pretend to forgive me just so she could betray me like this?

I try to push these thoughts aside and focus on the positive conversation with my mum. I am lucky to have a supportive family, even if our traditions can sometimes be restrictive. 

I sit on the couch in the living room as I try to think about how much my friendship with Maggie has changed in just a short period.