Since the age of 12, I have been acquainted with my father due to the unfortunate circumstances of their separation. It was a heart-wrenching moment when he left my mother, and tears streamed down my face as he averted his gaze away from me. Overwhelmed with emotions, I hurriedly made my way to the window, desperately hoping for a connection. Our eyes met briefly, and in that fleeting moment, I sensed that he acknowledged my presence. However, it became evident that his indifference prevailed as he nonchalantly entered the car. It was then that I noticed a woman seated beside him, and now I recall her name - Aunt Alma.
I was stunned for a moment. I don't know what to do. Should I yell in front of them? Should I go to her and ask why she's in the market with my father?
Perplexingly, I witnessed the evidence. My eyes caught sight of my father clasping my aunt's hand, with an intimacy that lovers share. Unbeknownst to them, I was present in the market, observing from afar. Despite their joyful expressions, a sense of heartbreak gradually consumed me as I took in the scene.
How did this happen?
Is Mom aware of this situation? What is the reason behind their attempt to deceive me? I trailed behind Aunt Alma and my father as we made our way to the parking lot. I paid no attention to the individuals surrounding us, as it felt as though we were the sole occupants of the vicinity. Unbeknownst to them, the vehicle they had boarded had already departed without them noticing my presence. I contacted Pete and arranged to meet him at a popular eatery, to which he willingly agreed.
"What's your plan?" Pete asked.
I indulged in a refreshing sip of iced tea from the glass that he graciously handed to me. Despite my lack of appetite, I had only requested a glass of water. I graciously accepted the food that Pete had kindly purchased for me, although I had no intention of eating it. As we sat together, I opened up to Pete about my past, sharing intimate details and personal experiences. To my surprise, he listened attentively, hanging on to every word that escaped my lips. It was a comforting feeling to have someone genuinely interested in my story, offering a sense of solace and understanding at that moment.
"It hurts" is the only word I spell. Tears flow from my eyes. Then I let myself cry, like I was a child before.
"Hey," he said with a warm smile. He rose from his seat, walked over to where I was sitting, and enveloped me in a comforting embrace. I could sense the gaze of a few other patrons in the café, but their presence didn't faze me in the slightest. Pete's affectionate gesture only solidified my belief that I had found a truly compassionate and loving partner in him. I couldn't help but feel grateful for having him in my life, and I proudly thought to myself, "I am truly fortunate to have him by my side."
So, after five years of a relationship, I married him.
"Sweetie, can we talk?" Mom knocking on the door
"Come in mom." I call her
"I remember the day when I was going to marry your Dad, full of excitement. I can't even sleep while waiting for the big day. Now it's your turn, my wish for you is to be happy, have a good health. Be a good mom to your kids."
The drama moments of mom started. "Do you want me to call your Dad? For at least he knows that you're getting married." Mom added to say
"Have you talked to him?" I asked in a frown.
"Actually a few months ago, we met and talked, we talked about you. He told me that, maybe you hate him, so he didn't want me to inform you, but now I change my mind." She said
"Mom, don't do that. He chose to leave us so don't bother him just to go on my wedding day, you and Pete are the most important for me." I told her
"Sheila, he is still your father." Mom insisted
"Yeah, I know but I don't deserve to have a father who's leaving me behind, that is my wedding day mom. He didn't know what we were through. He doesn't deserve to know that. I'm sorry mom." I explained.
"I'm sorry as well; if I only knew how deeply you hold it in your heart, I would stand up for us. Even if your dad and I didn't get along, perhaps our family would still be intact at this point. At least you are made up and there is no resentment in your heart. This was completely unexpected. I apologized, if I didn't stand up for you."
Despite my mother's efforts to make me understand, I find it incredibly challenging to accept my father, especially when I harbor such strong feelings of hatred towards him. My heart feels closed off whenever I think of him, and the day he walked out of our lives is the day I felt like I lost a father figure.
"Mom, I'm fine. As long as you are in good health that is the most important to me. I love you mom." I told her.
"Ok, I won't bother you now. Have you finished your novel? I want to read it."
"No, mom I have three or more times to review it. But I have some honest readers! they told me some of my errors, that's why I need to correct them." I said
"Ok good night!" Mom left me in my room, finally, our drama portion ended in a short period of time.
After two days;
"Awaaa.aa.aa, I can't believe this, my best friend is getting married!" Anne cried in a voice that we had never heard in the whole house. She was like a young child who had been deprived of their favorite treat, prompting me to swiftly grab a pillow and toss it in her direction in order to keep her mouth shut.
She is my bridesmaid, of course, wearing a green leafy-style dress that suits her. She did her own light make-up, and she also did my make-up for my big day. Then she said, "I won't cry any more as long as you make sure that the flower you throw will come to me later."
"Sure, you gonna get married even without receiving my flower" I told her. She was stun for a moment then laugh at me.
"I really like your positive thoughts!"
Our laughter stop when my mother entered my room, carrying a tray adorned with delicate glasses and a bottle of wine.
"Girls it's time to go to the church, but before that let us enjoy our last moment that my sweet daughter is still single,"
As we celebrate my wedding day, the delightful sound of glass tinkles in the air, filling our front with joy and excitement. It is a moment of pure bliss as we raise our glasses and cheer for ourselves, basking in the happiness and love that surrounds us. The tinkling sound serves as a beautiful reminder of the new chapter we are embarking on, filled with hope, laughter, and endless possibilities.
"Welcome to the Urbano Family Sheila" Pete parents embraced me with a heartfelt hug right after the wedding ceremony.
"God blessed our family," Mom said. She also greeted Pete's parents with a smile.
Slicing the cake, and eating it together with Pete is my lifetime promise to him, that I will never break his heart, in sickness and in health, I will not leave him alone.
"Sweety you have a special gift." Mom said
There was a beautifully adorned wedding gift, a sizable cartoon package enveloped in an elegant silver design. The uniqueness of this gift left me in awe, as it was clear that a great deal of thought and effort had gone into its presentation. Curiosity got the better of me, and I approached the delivery man to inquire about the sender. However, to my disappointment, he was unable to provide any information regarding the identity of the shipper, leaving me intrigued and wondering about the mystery behind this extraordinary present.
"Oh, another gift? We were so lucky babe!" Pete said, he extended his hand and gently placed it on my back, expressing his comfort through this simple gesture.
Upon closer inspection, I noticed a tiny envelope affixed to the surface, prompting me to carefully unfold its contents. The words contained within may appear straightforward at first glance, yet they carry a profound and poignant message that tugs at the strings of my heart, evoking a sense of deep emotion within me.
"To my beloved Daughter, the shining star of my life.
Congratulations on your wedding day! As I watch you gracefully walk down the aisle, my heart overflows with joy. I can't help but reminisce about the moment you took your very first steps, and how you looked up at me with pride, calling me "dad" after mastering three steps.
I love you princess.
May God shower blessings upon your new family, and know that my love for both of you knows no bounds."
-Dad