I never thought that 2020 was a ed up year. From the wildfires of Australia to the COVID-19 of China, the world was succumbing like in the times of The Great Depression. I may still be a 1st year middle school student but I listen and read these information. I don’t believe them at first, of course. Fake news can mix with the real ones, thus calibrating the human mind in a state of confusion and panic.

“Nako-ya~ time for breakfast~”

I obeyed that one call and got to the dining table. My dad was already there, drinking coffee and reading the news. I had that curiosity and nudged her.

Yes. Her. I have a female for a Dad – I even call her Mama sometimes – and there was nothing wrong about it.

“Dad, mind if I join you in reading?”

“Not at all, my little trooper.” She grinned and we read the newspaper together.

She was Miyawaki Sakura, a senior IT administrator in a famous IT company. She’s very good with technology, especially when choosing and fixing laptops; like one time, she picked a laptop for her self and my mom. I would’ve had my own laptop but she told me I’ll have it when I reach senior high school and if I have good grades. She was practical, open-minded, yet sometimes ill-tempered. We get along a lot through reading news and making comments about them.

“My father and daughter are at it with the news again~” My mom spoke. “Put that aside and let’s eat.”

She was Miyawaki Eunbi – formerly Kwon Eunbi; an owner of a famous café. She’s very good in cooking, baking, and making drinks, especially coffees and smoothies; like one time, she made a special food combo for me and my dad. It became a big hit in her café and named it after us. She was articulate, sometimes narrow-minded, yet she’s very caring for my needs. She and I bond through open talks while eating ice cream, addition to going to stores, markets, and malls when we need to buy things.

I said grace and ate peacefully with my two female parents. Sometimes, they’d debate about anything, especially about COVID-19. Mama Eunbi’s ideals were about positivity and praying to the gods for a cure. Mama Sakura’s ideals were about objectiveness; that work should still continue while following strict protocols and that patients should have their information disclosed to not harm the uninfected.

I could only listen to them while eating my star-shaped scrambled eggs.

Mama Sakura the TV and news about the education system popped out. 

“Nako baby…when will your online class start?” Mama Eunbi asked.

“September.” I answered.

“Kkura.” She stopped Mama Sakura from eating. “Let your daughter borrow your laptop.”

“I have work from home, love.” Sakura spoke then patted my head. “Sorry, baby.”

“It’s okay, Dad.”

“Then borrow mine.” Mama Eunbi suggested.

“But what about your deliveries?” 

“It’s okay, baby. Mama uses the tablet most of the time. It’s where I track the deliveries.” She added. “Your studies are as important as our work. You can use my laptop in your online classes.”

“I’ll even set it up for you. That way, I can help with technical problems.” Mama Sakura added.

I cheered and reached my arms for a hug. They gathered towards me and carried me up, giving me lots of kisses.

“Mama~ cut it out~” I laughed because they tickle sometimes. “Dad~”

“Come on. You’re Miyawaki Nako, our daughter that we love so much~” Mama Eunbi said and gave me more kisses.

Mama Sakura wasn’t usually the type to show physical affection. But when I reached to hug her, she hugged back and rocked me like when I was still a baby. I may be 13 years old but I can still go soft in front of my parents. 

“My big baby…” Mama Sakura cooed.

“Our big baby.” Mama Eunbi gave both of us kisses.

“I’m not a baby!” I spoke before we shared our laughter.

+++

Orientations were the most boring yet tedious tasks yet. All students would be in their devices, watching videos of VMGOs, COVID-19, mental health, and flexible learning. And after all those videos, our school would give us quizzes through online modules; a determiner if a student really watched the video and listened to the discussions.

I was quick to do all those things. I  sometimes get my e-mails mixed up but to the least I answered and took note of my scores. I checked on both my parents and they were busy. Mama Eunbi was using her tablet whereas Mama Sakura was talking to one of her clients.

“Dad?” I called Mama Sakura.

I was in great timing. Mama Sakura finished and got my attention. I rushed to hug her and she hugged me back while placing me on her lap. “What is it, baby?”

“I have a favor.” I spoke. “Will it be okay if we share the table?” 

“Why? Wouldn’t it be better to do your online classes in your room?” She asked. “You have a desk there plus you’ll have your privacy.”

“What if I might make a mistake in my online classes, especially in the technical stuff?” I pouted. “Please help me, Dad. I won’t disturb when you work. I promise.”

Mama Sakura was still uncertain but a rolled magazine hitting her head made her say otherwise.

“Agree to it!” Mama Eunbi demanded. “This is our daughter we’re talking about and that is for our daughter’s future!”

I was laughing and comforting Mama Sakura at the same time. Mama Eunbi may be a soft-looking café owner but she was a savage mom, especially when I do something bad or when Mama Sakura doesn’t agree to her decisions. On the other hand, Mama Sakura was a serious worker and father figure but is a big softie when Mama Eunbi gets mad.

“Hehehe~ I’ll agree to it, love.” She laughed and hugged me like a plushie. “Right, baby?”

I nodded lightly, my hand still easing her head from the hit. Mama Eunbi even reminded Mama Sakura to not disturb be as well, especially when there’s a lesson. 

Nonetheless, I was relieved that Mama Sakura will help me with my online classes.