Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.
34. A piece of my heart
In a room in darkness, totally alone… some steps were heard and then… the light turned on, revealing grandpa Phil inside.
- Hello… I suppose… I don't know what I'm doing here, but I just know that Pookie promised to some strange people to do this again and present some stories, now about the mothers day… I mean, she is nuts, I know that I'm here alone but… I don't know maybe I got nuts too or I died some time ago and this and Oskar is my eternal punishment… I really don't know, let's start with our first story…
Story A: The lost of the maternity
I can remember the first second that I knew that you were with me… was later of a couple of months of a happy marriage, and productive weeks, doing what you dad and I love to do, helping others…
- Congratulations Mrs Shortman! - The Latin doctor said totally happy.
- Oh no, I'm really sick, right? Please, be honest.
- Don't worry Stella, you're perfect!
- Perfect? So, why do I feel like I'm gonna die soon?
- Oh don't worry, I repeat, you aren't gonna die soon, you're pregnant!
- Pre…pre… pregnant?
I was totally shocked, please, don't get confused, I love my unborn baby, but to be honest, I never thought of myself as a mom. I mean, I always imagined what my job will be, and my goals, but, a family?
I was savage and adventurous, I loved traveling and met and helped other countries and I thought that nobody would want to share life with me… But now… I am Stella Shortman and I have a baby… My own baby!
I left the doctor's office totally lost in my mind, with a stupid smile on my face… I felt like a princess in my own fairytale… all the people disappeared around me. I just walked and then, I found the only person that I wanted to see at that moment.
- I'm pregnant! We're gonna have a baby!
I just talked and felt his strong arms around me… Everything after that was just magic… Well, ignoring that I couldn't have breakfast for some months and Miles looking for strawberries at 2 am, but they were wonderful months, imagining your face, your eyes, the color of your hair… my belly growing more and more.
I remember the children in the village, playing some games to choose your name. They said that if you were a boy, you'd be named "Toñito" as one of them. The girls voted for Raquel, and I've to say that this last one was very cute and I loved it… but something inside of me was pretty sure that you'll be my Arnold.
Arnold… I loved that name, my dad was amazing, brave, strong, generous, brilliant, loving and loyal… he was the perfect dad for me and for your aunt, if only you could have met him... he died a year before I arrived in San Lorenzo, in fact his death was what prompted me to follow my dream, that's why I can't imagined a better name for my baby.
And finally…. after exactly 9 months… you came with us, And wow the way you chose to be born!… in the middle of a volcano eruption! Yeah I swear that it's true…
Were a 12 hours of totally suffering I've to admit, of uncertainty and impotence, I didn't know if I would be able to protect you... but your daddy and uncle Eduardo did an excellent job, they took care of us and protected us, and of course, I can't forget the green eyes, without them, we would never have saved you.
And then, the happiest moment in our life… the first time that I saw you… OMG your green eyes were beautiful, oh my boy… I never could imagine a baby so perfect as you were.
Tiny, sweet, beautiful… and you were just mine…
I said thank you to God, to Miles and the life to choose me as your mom…
I can't wait to see you grow up, learning how to do the more simple things, eat, talk, play, oh.. the day that you call me mom… that day I really gonna die…
My perfect boy, I really love you… and I promise that I'll love you and you'll be the most important person in my life and I swear that no exist a girl that really deserves you!
- What are you doing honey? Arnold is finally sleeping, you should do the same.
- Yes I know… but I'm working on something special, ta dah! - The proud woman showed him a big book.
- "Arnold's story" Oh honey! Is it a baby 's book? - The blonde man took the book in his hands and smiled at his wife.
- Yes, it is something like that, but more perfect… I'll write about each important event in Arnold's life, it will be amazing! I will never miss one...
…
– Lloyd's Tower–
A pile of boxes fell on her, she tried to dodge without so much success.
- Oh Miles! I told him that he needed to… - The woman with the football head put her eyes in the old book that she recognized perfectly. - Oh my… - Was the only words that she could say before starting to cry, bitterly.
- Mom. Do you find the kitchen box?... Hey, what happened?
- Arnold… don't worry, it's all ok… it was just that I lost against some boxes, don't worry.
- That's my baby book, huh?
- Oh… yes. - She sighed exhausted, seeing herself discovered. - While I was looking I found this... I hadn't seen it for a few years...
- Oh, and what do you think? - Her son smiled.
- That I failed in another thing… When you were a baby, I promised you that I would write each of your days.
- But mom, don't worry… open it, please.
The sad woman obeyed her son and was totally surprised. Every page was written.
- Did you... did you fill it in?
- Yes. When I found Dad's journal I searched further for any clues and decided to fill it in. Grandpa wanted to do it, but you know how he lies. I thought you would want to read truths when we were together again... besides... I loved the first pages, I hope you don't mind.
- Oh Arnold, my treasure, come with me!
Mother and son shared a big hug... Proving that destiny always put the things in the correct place.
- What a cute story… and it would be perfect if Arnold wouldn't lie about me! I'm not a liar, I'm a creative man! just that… whatever! Let's start with the next story
Story B: The no maternity
– Sunset Arms– Suzie's and Oskar room - 5 years ago
- Come on, come on…
The blond was totally nervous, looking at the test on her hand each second…
- Me as a mom… - A little nervous laugh left her, - A little Oskar… so kind, gentle and polite as Arnold… maybe he will play with him… maybe the baby will study at PS118…
He will have Oskar's eyes… I hope so, his eyes are… OMG I'm here, laughing again, alone… or maybe I'm not alone…
- Suzie! I'm hungry! I want a sandwich! - The tired voice of Oskar sounded from outside.
- I'm coming, Oskar… I'm in the middle of something important here.
- In the bathroom? Are you sick or something like that? I hope that no, because I feel bad, I've backache and I can't help you. - The sloth said from outside the bathroom.
- Don't worry Oskar, I'm ok… - Maybe if we have a baby… Oskar will be different… maybe he'll be as in love with the baby as I am, and then, maybe he'll look for a job, looking for a better future for us and then… maybe we will buy our own house, a dog and…
The thoughts of the young woman were interrupted when she looked down and saw the negative in her test. - Or maybe, we'll be just us for now…
The golden-haired girl tossed the negative into the basket. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked haggard and pale.
Her increased hours at work hadn't done her any good.
- It may be better this way... we're not ready.
…
– Drymon Medical Clinic – Cafeteria - Present
The rain covering Hillwood's sky, was a perfect way to welcome her night shift. That night was calm… the night of the mothers day. The nurse took her vase with coffee and moved the liquid with her spoon.
Unnoticed by her, her teacher Dr Geller was very attentive to her sad expression. He felt worried. Normally he doesn't meddle on his student's problems, but Suzie Parker aroused certain strange feelings in the gray-haired doctor. Willing to help her, he got up from his seat and went to her table, when he was about to arrive, he noticed that the new doctor, recently graduated, was sitting next to her, making him stop his walk and look from afar.
- Well, well, well, is the beauty nurse Parker, and she looks sad… what is the problem?
- Oh doctor Burr, it is nothing, don't worry… and please, call me Suzie, we studied together some time ago.
- Yes, I remember you, in our first semester. You were the most brilliant and beautiful, I've to add, student of the class, and then, in the second year you disappeared.
- Yes, I left the school… I got married that year.
- Oh really? So, now you're Mrs…?
- Oh no don't worry, Parker again, I got divorced some time ago…
- I would say sorry, but I hate lying.
- What do you mean?
- It is just that… I'm happy that you're alone again…
The young blonde's cheeks were dyed red and a nervous smile spread on her face.
Dr. Geller sighed in annoyance and walked towards the exit.
- That's why I shouldn't meddle in other people's business.
- That 's my girl! Finally Suzie is forgetting that jerke! - The grandpa was so happy that almost left the poor Abner on the floor. - But not everything is happiness, the maternity could be… sad… let's see.
Story C: The thorns of the maternity
- Late, late, late… I'm always late! And just today.. the car is not working, amazing!
That was Miriam Pataki, fighting against the storm, the wind and the time, her shift is almost starting and well, she is very far from her destiny.
- Maybe it would be faster if I...
But the internal dialogue of the woman was interrupted by the crash with a woman that was just standing in front of a window.
- I'm really sorry, I'm late and… wait a minute… I know you, don't? - The clumsy woman narrowed her eyes to try to focus and recognize the other in front of her, who picked up her glasses and handed them over to her.
- Yes, we met each other, I'm Reba, Phoebe's mom, do you remember me now?
- Oh yes, yes, our daughters are best friends! But I don't understand, what are you doing outside your house? Did you lose your keys? That happens to me all the time and…
- No Miriam, I didn't lose my keys… I lost my place in this house.
- What are you talking about? Is everything ok?
- Do you have any time? We haven't spoken for so long. - The red-haired smiled sadly.
- Sure, I know a good cafeteria is nearby, come with me. - I know that Dr Geller will understand.
Reba showed her to her car, which was a few steps away, and they got into it.
During the way, only the rain could be heard, neither of them uttered a word. She had no idea what to expect, but this wasn't the cheerful, warm Reba that Miriam remembered, so whatever it was, it had to be serious.
After about 15 minutes, they both arrived at the cafeteria in question, ordered some cappuccinos, and sat down.
- So Reba, is everything ok?
- Helga didn't tell you anything, right? I left Kyo and Phoebe 7 months ago.
- What? Are you traveling or something? I don't understand.
- Kyo and I got divorced last december… our relationship was… too complicated. So one day I took my things and I left the house and my family…
- Where do you live now?
- In the north of the city… I've a new couple…
- Oh, I see. - Miriam was totally shocked, she didn't know what else to say. Lucky to her, Reba continued.
- I know what you are thinking… how a mom leaves her own daughter, and move to another man, but… was so hard to me too, I mean, when I married Kyo, I thought that it will be forever, but in the last year, I felt miserable, all time I was alone, and when we stayed together, we just discussed. There was no more love there… I felt so helpless, so alone... I didn't know what else to do...
Miriam closed her eyes for a moment, and remembered all the arguments with Bob, all his insults, hurtful words, the times he humiliated her and how he made her feel less than nothing each time.
- And then, in the middle of all the hell. - Reba continued. - Appeared John. I met him in some classes that I was taking. He was totally different, loving, inspiring, affectionate, he motivated me to be better... Without wanting to, Miriam, I swear, without wanting to, I fell in love... like I hadn't felt for years... the best thing that had happened to me in life... After Phoebe, of course... If I hadn't gone with him... I don't know what I would have done.
Miriam looked inside of her and remembered her own personal hero.
- Don't worry Reba, I don't gonna damn you. I'm just a woman, just like you, and to be honest… that's my story with Bob… so, I know how you feel and I'm really sorry, because it is a nightmare.
- But Miriam, Phoebe is the problem here… she is innocent… and… I abandoned her… You're braver than me, you don't leave your daughters…. I'm a coward.
- Reba, I'm not better than you, believe me… I was the worst mom that Olga and Helga could have… I made many mistakes with them, I have hurt them and I have practically left them on their own... worse than if I had left. But Helga, Olga and Phoebe are amazing girls, so much better than us, and I know that if you try to get close to her again, just like I'm doing with my girls, Phoebe will accept you again.
- I don't think so, Miriam. Pheebs is an amazing girl… but the damage that I caused her… was too much… I can't forgive myself…
- You have to try, if you don't do it, you'll regret the rest of your life. It will be difficult, but not impossible, Phoebe worth the try.
- Yes, that's true… she deserves the best. But I don't know, maybe my absence will be better than my return.
- And what about Kyo?
- Oh no, our relationship is over forever. Our love ended. I'm totally in love with John. But I really miss Phoebe and she, she needs her mom.
- Well, here you have your answer and motivation, go and fight for her forgiveness.
- Yes… Thank you Miriam… I know that I deserve it, but you were the first person that didn't judge me, you just… listen to me.
- Because, to be honest… I imagined myself leaving Bob a lot of times leaving Bob and traveling very far away from here… so don't worry.
Both mothers shared a hug that strengthened them both.
Miriam couldn't stop thinking about that conversation all day... -Leave everything behind and be free...- Somehow it sounded tempting, leaving Bob, stop to sleeping in the store, putting on makeup, traveling, success... Don...Don and her together...
- Miriam? Everything is ok? - Suzie's voice brought her back to reality. She was at the hospital reception, in the middle of the job that allowed her to bring bread to his daughters.
- Yes Suzie, all good, I was just thinking.
- In your gift, huh? Lucky woman.
Miriam, not knowing what her friend was talking about, looked at her desk and saw a small painting of her and Helga with a dedication on it.
"Happy Mother's Day Miriam".
- Yes, I'm lucky... They are my why.
She took the painting and placed it on top of the counter, to always remind her, who she was there for.
"Do it for her".
- And yes my dear strangers, that's all… oh man, I really get nuts… ok, I'll go now… happy mother days and everything! Pookie come back! My craziness is your fault! And Oskar 's too!
THE END
Another little special to celebrate with all you "the mothers day". In Mexico, my country was on May 10th, and I know that each country has its own date, but I published today to be in the middle of the celebrations, so if you're a mother, happy day! Or if you have the luck to have your mom with you, well enjoy her!