The Lies I Believed

Los Abuelos

In the living room, the guests were wishing Vincent happy birthday and laughing amongst each other. Sha'Kera was long gone, so I assumed she went to find Derek. Honestly, what do I have to do to get her and Hayden alone again? Maybe they can apologize to each other and make up. That would really make my night.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"...A quarter till eight. Why?" Asher nodded at one of his cousins that decided to fly in for the party.

"We should get a little socializing in before it's time to open presents and cut the cake."

"Of course. Right after we get everything sorted out with your grandparents. I'm sure they want to have a few words with me."

"Right..."

I was getting antsy. If I didn't get away from Asher soon, I'd be putting Vincent's life in more danger. I really should have had the party at home. I wouldn't be in this situation right now. Aaron has another thing coming if he thinks I'm gonna be at his beck and call.

We made our way through the crowd, grabbing Vincent along the way. I do remember that my grandparents like to socialize outside. They can't do indoor parties. As much as I'd like them to sit down and take it easy, they just can't be still. I hope I'm as active as them if I get that old.

It didn't take long for us to find them. Isabella was chatting them up. I can say that they never liked her, but I don't know what happened after I went with Jordan. Maybe they finally bonded over me being gone. That can be a good or bad thing. I don't want to be their second favorite.

"¡Abuela!" I greeted. She looked my way and smiled. "¿Cómo has estado? Ha pasado tanto tiempo."

"He estado mejor, Xan Xan. ¿Cómo has estado?" She pulled me into a hug.

"He sido asombrosa."

Abuelo hasn't been one for hugging or sweet talking. I know for a fact he's not gonna like how I moved away and married the guy he tried to keep me away from. I guess not everyone can get what they want. He might as well accept it. I no longer have to listen to what he thinks of me.

"Abuelo." I worked up the courage to look him in the eye. "¿Cómo está tu pierna?" How's your leg?

"Tan malo como cuando te fuiste, Xan Xan," he said. "I've been getting by."

"Está bien." I looked at Asher. "Creo que ambos recuerdan a Asher."

Asher nodded to them both with a smile. They didn't seem pleased with this, but I invited them here for a reason. I can't have them hating him till they die. Although that's gonna be their problem.

"Ça fait longtemps," Asher said to my grandfather. "Peut-être un peu trop tard pour demander votre bénédiction." It's been a long time. Maybe a little too late to ask for your blessing.

"Je vois..."

They stared at each other for so long, I thought they were reading each other's minds. Vincent didn't seem to like this and stepped forward. Abuelo broke eye contact with Asher to look at him. If I can remember correctly, this is their first time seeing him. Maybe they won't think of him as the enemy because of Asher. I had to live like that for way too long.

"C'est un plaisir de te rencontrer enfin...grand-père," he said. "Peut-on marcher et parler?" It's nice to finally meet you...grandfather. Can we walk and talk?

Abuelo looked at me in surprise. I have nothing to do with the way he addresses how he wants to speak with his grandfather. I am a bit relieved that Abuelo is French. It's less of a hassle to translate anything. I'm sure they'd love to connect with each other in their native languages.