Dinner Time
1153 Words
Santiago
"Oh my goodness, is this her," my mother chirped.
"Obviously," I said a bit rudely. I began to roll my eyes as my father walked in and gave me a stern look.
"Hello," Alice said politely. I knew she was nervous. Mateo smiled and greeted everyone after.
"It is so nice to finally meet you," my mother smiled. Alice looked at her and softly smiled back.
"This is Nate, you can call me Maya," my mother looked happy. "Oh and this is Chris."
"Hello Alice," Chris said. "My son has told me so much about you. Alice looked at me and then at Mateo.
"Hello," Alice was confused and I couldn't help but grin a little. Mateo was chuckling in the background.
My mother led us into the dining room.
"So, you two are half-siblings?" Alice asked.
"Yeah, my father is Nathan Lionheart and Mateo's is Christopher Lionheart," I explained.
"Oh, okay," she looked like she was trying to piece together a puzzle. "Oh, wow."
"I guess sharing runs in the family," Mateo joked. I pushed him slightly as I was annoyed at his comment.
"Come sit, sit," my mother urged. "Here, you sit here, Alice." Alice was seated in the middle between Mateo and me.
"So, tell us a little bit about you, Santiago hasn't told us anything," my mother asked Alice.
"Um, well, I work at your club, but I guess you already knew that," Alice was visibly nervous. "I am in a nursing program. I want to be a nurse. Um, I am an only child."
"Oh, wow," my mother said. She was fully enveloped in the conversation. "We should invite your parents next time."
"My parents are separated," Alice said casually.
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," my mother replied. "It happens." Both my father's looked at my mother intently. She smiled and ignored them. Alice looked uncomfortable now.
"Mother, what are we having for dinner?" Mateo asked. I was glad he changed the subject. I was going to do so myself if he hadn't.
"Just steak and potatoes. Some baked zucchini and feta pasta," my mother answered.
"Just," I said.
"Hush," my mother replied.
"Sounds delicious," Alice spoke. She finally made eye contact with me. She seemed okay now.
"So, Alice, do you love both my son?" Nate asked.
"Really," I said annoyed.
"Fair question don't you think," he retorted.
"Not really,"
"I do," Alice chimed in. "I don't know how or why but I do. Both Mateo and Santiago make me happy. They are different and that helps. It's like I can't be complete without one. At first, I thought it was impossible or weird but spending time with them I came to realize I needed them both in my life. I really don't care what anyone thinks or says. I love them both." They all looked satisfied with that answer. Mateo and I held our expression.
"Equally?" Chris asked.
"What?"
"Do you love them equally?" he asked again.
"Um," Alice looked at me 1st and then at Mateo. "Yes." She hesitated. We all heard and felt it. I blinked quickly. That threw me off as well.
"Christopher," my mother called.
"Yes," he answered sweetly.
"Don't patronize the girl," my mother said. "These things aren't easy. Love is complex and I know you love them both. If sometimes you love one more than the other then maybe it's to make sure they always try hard to love you. A warning that they better act right or else." My mother looked at my fathers and they both stiffened.
"Thank you," Alice replied.
"Let's eat," my mother smiled softly and we all began to eat.
Alice
After dinner, the men went off to drink in the backyard. I stayed inside with Maya.
"So, I hope what my i***t husband said didn't annoy you,"
"Oh no," I said.
"So, have any questions,"
"How did you know," I said surprisingly. "Well, I have a few."
"Shoot,"
"Are you married? Like legally?" I asked.
"Yes,"
"Which one?" she laughed suddenly.
"At first they both said I should marry the father of my 1st child," she began to explain. "I was confused, I didn't want to choose and I know they thought this made it easier but it meant leaving one of them behind. I couldn't do that. I was going to marry Chris since I was having Nathan's baby but plans changed and Chris wanted me to marry Nate. The brothers always surprise me though. On our honeymoon, I married Chris. I told you love is complex but in the end, you need to do what your heart feels. What feels right, or else you will live with regret."
"It's kind of scary," I admitted. Suddenly, I felt queasy and asked where the nearest bathroom was. I ran to it and threw up tonight's dinner.
"Are you okay?" Mrs. Lionheart asked.
"Yeah," I said as I washed my face. "I think the food didn't sit well in my stomach."
"Okay," she replied. "Here, have some water."
"Thank you," we went back to the kitchen to talk some more.
"Well, I hope you can always take care of my Santi and Mateo, especially Santi," she said.
"I will," we both smiled at each other.
A few hours later, we went back home. As we approached the entrance, I saw her. The ghost of my past.
"Mom," I said.
"Honey," she smiled. "My little Alice. Who are these two men?"
"I'm Mateo and this is my brother Santiago,"
"Well, I hope one of you is lucky enough to be her boyfriend," they both looked at each other and grinned. I rolled my eyes.
"Why are you here? How did you know I was here?" I asked coldly.
"Your friends told me you moved out, why didn't you tell me? You know I worry,"
"Yeah, I know," I tried to move away from the crowd of people. "Mom, please, can we talk later, in private."
"Where are you staying?" Mateo asked her.
"Oh, I didn't find a motel yet?" my mother answered.
"Motel," Santiago repeated. "You can stay here."
"No," I said quickly. "I mean, I don't want to bother you guys with this." I couldn't find the words to say to not sound so mean but it was hard. I didn't know she would come so suddenly. No warning, nothing. I was annoyed.
"It's no trouble," Mateo replied.
"Um,"
"Alice, she can stay in another room," Santiago said. "Come on." Santiago took my hand. I think he could tell how nervous and off I was. He talked to the front desk and got her an empty penthouse room next to ours.
"We will have breakfast tomorrow morning," Santiago told my mother.
"Oh okay," she kind of looked disappointed but quickly changed her expression. "I'll see you tomorrow." I slightly smiled and headed inside.
"Little Alice, Are you going to explain?" Santiago asked me.
- Writer
