"It's my utmost pleasure to introduce my daughter, Sonia to you" My mum beamed with smiles.
I really marveled at the amazing work my mum had done here. By estimation, it looked as if there were 75 workers here. Not to mention the ones who work remotely, as online marketers.
There were whispers and small murmurs amongst the staff, but then they broke into a loud round of applause, as they welcomed me warmly.
"We're happy to have you back Sonia. I'm Cherry Myles, the Head of Personnel department" A middle aged lady approached me and shook my hands. I nodded in response.
"I'm Eleanor Miller, I work in the sales department" Another woman introduced.
"I'm Jeremy Brown. I'm the Assistant manager of this great company. I'm the one that keeps your mother in check", A middle aged man in his early or late fifties - I couldn't tell, said and engulfed me in a warm hug.
Everyone burst into laughter.
I turned to my mum to see her reaction and I could swear I saw her blush.
Interesting!!
I made mental note to ask my mum what was going on between she and dear old Jeremy Brown.
Every other person introduced themselves. It was so funny how I could remember almost all their names. Aaron Addington, Taylor Cooper, Allen Baker, Therese Armstrong, Evans Shaw, and many others.
These people seemed nice and were freely expressing themselves which was very weird.
I've never liked my mum's company because in the past, the staff were so uptight, always focusing on their jobs and nothing more. They never could even discuss amongst themselves.
It was like a strict rule my mum made.
A lot of things have changed.
When I asked my mum about it during the last week, her only response was, "I found God"
As if I hadn't also found God earlier than she did. It seemed my mum's aspect of finding God was different. She was practically glowing and happy.
At least thrice every week, according to her, they hold meeting in our house. The Catholic women organization, Christian grandmother's and some other associations I can't even remember.
"Anyways, Sonia isn't starting work today, yet. She'd be starting by next Monday. We still have some stuffs to do. See y'all later" My mum said, and blew a kiss at the majority, and they all cheered her on.
I raised my eyebrows as she led me outside, and to her car.
"We have some stuffs to do?"
"Yeah. We're planning your birthday!!" She stated matter-of-factly.
"What do you mean, Planning my birthday? When's my birth - Oh shit, My birthday's the 27th of this month"
My mum looked at me weirdly, as she turned on the ignition.
"Yeah, and you'll be 28" She said with a smile.
"So tell me mum, What's with you and Jeremy Brown? Don't tell me it's nothing, because it's not nothing. I saw the way he was looking at you and.." I lifted my eyebrows, "He keeps you in check???"
My mum started laughing.
"Well, technically yeah. We're very good friends and we like each other. We also spend time together"
"Oh really? Good friends?? Like each other??? Spend time together???? Tell me more"
"Enough of talking about me!!" Mum said with a blush
"Alright" I responded with a smile and we continued the rest of the journey.
Mum took me to Gracie's plaza for shopping. She chose a lot of sultry dresses, swim suits, lingerie, bikinis and even matching bra and panties for me.
I managed to sneak a glance at the price tag and I almost screamed in horror.
"Mum, these are way too expensive"
"Well, good thing I'm a millionaire, right?" She said, and zipped up the new gown I was trying on.
It was very tight and exposed my cleavage. I was actually quite adorned in bodily aspect. I had an amazing bust and a voluminous ass.
"Oh my goodness!! I'm so proud of your beauty Sonie darling. This dress looks so beautiful on you" My mum exclaimed in gladness.
"But mum, it's too tight. I can't even breathe well" I protested.
"Good thing I'm installing new Air conditioners in the living room, where we're having a house party"
"House party?!?! Mum??" I quirked.
"Oh jeez... That's supposed to be a surprise. Pretend I didn't tell you"
We both laughed at that statement. I wondered what other surprises my mum has got planned for my birthday. I haven't actually celebrated my birthday in a big way since I left home. It's been 5 years I'd actually had a birthday party.
I threw my arms round my mum's neck and hugged her.
"I've really missed you mum"
"I love you too" She said, sniffling her nose.
My mum got some evening gowns for herself. I didn't even bother asking her what she needed them for. We rounded up in the clothes department and headed on to the childrens' store.
"Pick out anything for your daughter" My mum said and looked at me.
I blinked back tears, and nodded at my mum. I started picking some dresses and hair bands and putting them in the cart.
"Catherine's a fan of balloons as well, and trucks and make up. Although her father would throw a fit if he finds her wearing make-up" My mum smiled as she gave me a run down.
I was noting every detail down.
"She also loves teddy bears. Have you seen her bedroom, in my house yet? It's a mini Disney world" Mum explained proudly. "She even prefers her bedroom in my house, to her bedroom in her father's house. Trust me to spoil the little girl" She continued.
"Enough mum!!" I yelled uncontrollably. "Stop running it in my face that I know absolutely nothing about my daughter" I said and dropped the cart and ran outside in shame.
I knew she meant no harm and I was probably overreacting. But I couldn't get over the feeling that I knew absolutely nothing about my baby girl. I'd missed out on her first steps, first words and even first day of kindergarten. She has never even called me *mum*. In fact, she doesn't know she has a mum, except of course, Ben's girlfriend, has filled in that position for me.
That thought sprang up tears to my face.
I felt warm hands on my shoulders and I turned back to see it was my mum.
"I'm sorry if I made you feel terrible. I really am"
I smiled back at her.
"I'm on my period and I'm cramping terribly. You did nothing wrong mum, and I'm sorry for overreacting too. I think I'd blame it on my mood swings"
"It's alright, love. Are you feeling tired? Do you want us to go home now?" She asked in a concerned tone.
"Yeah, if it's okay with you" I quizzed.
"It's okay, the committee for Women's day celebration in the church, is coming over to the house for a meeting today, and it's almost time. So yeah, let's wrap up and leave" Mum said and I nodded.
We took our stuffs to the cashier and paid for everything and left immediately.
Not too long after, a few women started coming. I assumed they were the committee members for the Women's day celebration. The women were warm and welcoming. They seemed to include me in their conversations, and as much as I enjoyed planning for their big day with them, I felt like leaving the house for a walk.
It was a very cool evening.