RON AND GWEN
There was a hub of activity over the next week or so. The removalists were called and organized and hotels and airfares booked, much to my reluctance.
One of the neighbors’ spoke to me just as I had finished my last day on the job. “Is it true, Tam, that you and your mother are leaving the neighborhood,” asked Gwen.
“Yes, I am afraid so,” I faltered.
“Now you wouldn’t like to ask your mother if she could sell the house to me,” indicated Ron seriously.
“I don’t think so as she would not even let me buy it and I am family,” I said.
“Oh is that the way she is working, Tam,” said Gwen. “Who is doing all this manipulating?”
“It is mainly my brother and his missus,” I said looking downcast.
“Now are you moving as well, Tam,” asked Gwen.
“Yes and I have to throw in my job here,” I said.
“Do you mean your mother is selling the house from under you and on top of that disrupt your studies and work? I am glad she is not my mother,” indicated Gwen.
“I know what you mean, Gwen,” I said.
“Now Tam, do you and your mother want some drinks and nibbles here before you go?”
“I’ll ask her and I’ll let you know.”
“Tam, Tam? Where are you,” screamed Mum. And then she popped her head out of the door and saw that I had been talking to the neighbors.
“Talking to the neighbors again, Tam,” snarled Mum.
“Hey you there, pipe down, woman,” said Ron seriously, “and stop upsetting your daughter here…you selfish cow.”
Mum was taken back and said to him, “Ja ja. Tam come in at once!”
I came inside and felt the wrath of her fury as she went on and on that I was gossiping. “Well, the removals called and we will be moving tomorrow,” said Mum. “They confirmed it while you were away so you had better defrost the fridge and clean it out. I have done enough today,” sighed Mum as she sat on the couch. I was in no mood for arguing, but asked Mum if she wanted to come with me to see Ron and Gwen for a few nibbles. “Oh no, Tam, I will be glad to get away from here and be closer to my little Dan and sweet Meryl,” said Mum knowing that this was another kick in the guts.
“Well, everything is good to go, Mum, and I have cleaned the fridge and freezer and it can dry out as I have opened the door. I am going to have the rest of the food that is in here and call it a day,” I sighed pretending to be really tired. Luckily, Mum did not catch on as I finished my meal and pretended to go to bed, but secretly climbed out of the window and visited Ron and Gwen.
“Hi Tam,” said Ron who opened the door.
“You made it,” said Gwen and a few other neighbors. “It is not going to be the same without you. Sit down and have a few nibbles.”
“I better get home after a few hours,” I said. “We leave tomorrow.”
“What is that mother of yours up to?”
“Nothing much, but manipulated to the hilt by her own son and he is nicely taking advantage of the whole situation.”
“Well enjoy this and relax, Tam,” said Gwen smiling. The neighbors’ gave me all a hug and I nearly burst into tears at the thought of leaving them behind.
Later, I snuck on in my bedroom and went to sleep. The next morning I awoke feeling surprisingly refreshed. “Well are you interested in a bacon and egg roll, Mum,” I said, trying to be chirpy.
“Is it McDonalds ,Tam?”
I rushed out of the house and ignored her requests. I went to the little corner store down the road and bought two bacon and egg rolls and snuck two hungry jacks wrappers on them.
I took my time and enjoyed a large cappuccino and went home. “Sit down and enjoy, Mum,” I said, not taking any notice of her and her dramas.
“Hey, these are beautiful. Are these McDonalds Tam?”
“No they are…they are Hungry Jacks,” I lied. “look on the wrapper.”
Just as breakfast was finished, the removal van just arrived and everything was loaded up. It was tedious work and then I realized that Mum had not done any of her cupboards or wardrobes. This caused yet a further delay and on top of this the removals were determined to get the most out of us. “Now you people, would you be so kind as to purchase us some coffee,” they asked Mum. Mum started to get money out of her purse and then realized that they should provide their own food and drink.
“Now you listen here, matey, buy your own,” snarled Mum and on that occasion I thoroughly agreed with her. They look surprised, bought their own coffee and soon after that everything was finally loaded up. After Mum sorted out matters with the real estate agent, he left and so did the removal van.
Now I was feeling beyond exhausted and I said to Mum that the bus would soon be arriving to take us to the casino. “First things first, Tam, There is vacuum cleaning to be done. Dan insists,” snarled Mum.
“Sorry Mum, you do it. I am going,” I faltered watching her eyes turn into slits.
“Tam, you are not going to leave me on my own,” sneered Mum trying to fake tears running down her face.
“Cut the crap, Mum. I am buggered and I am going. That is the last bus for today,” I said. “Don’t you remember they changed the timetables Mum?”
“Oh yes you’re right, Tam. I’ll get my bag and we can do this cleaning tomorrow,” sighed Mum.