In Love With Ms. Manoban

Part 44

Lisa

She wasn't here. Jeremiah looked at me with an encouraging expression. I returned it with a tight lipped smile. I didn't really know how I felt about her not being here; relieved, sad, disappointed? But I did know I couldn't let my mother ruin things. Today wasn't about her. It was about my baby.

"I'll be okay," I told Jeremiah reassuringly as he looked at me in worry. He nodded and held my hand in his, giving me the comfort I needed. 

Jafhia, the MC, held the mike in her hand, starting the ceremony off. She instructed everyone to say the Lord's prayer and then we were off to mingle. Jeremiah and I greeted the guests together, while I simultaneously introduced him to them. After talking to a few people, Jeremiah lead me away to someone he had invited. When the women turned around, I recognized her as his mother. Even though I had met her before, I still grew nervous. She was my boyfriend's mother after all. 

"Mrs. Kim," I politely greeted, "It's nice to see you again." She dodged my outstretched hand and pulled me in for a hug instead.

"Oh honey. It's great to see you. You look even more beautiful than I remembered." She sure was a woman who knew how to use her words.

"Thank you, Mrs. Kim," I said shyly.

"Dear, you can call me Mama Kim if you want. There is no need for all the formalities. You'll be my daughter-in-law soon anyway." I hid my face in Jerry's chest at her words. The thought of being married to him sent butterflies to my stomach and shivers up my spine.

"Mom, you're making her shy," Jeremiah groaned.

"Hush boy. Now run along. I want to spend some time with my daughter in law."

"You didn't even greet me," he complained.

"Hello, Jeremiah. You can go now." He shook his head at his mother's behaviour before giving me a kiss and walking off. They were slowly building back their relationship now that she was sobering up and I was so happy for Jeremiah. He was getting his mother back.

"Honey, how is the pregnancy treating you?" Mrs. Kim lead me to a chair at the table she was at.

"Terrible," I instantly replied. "My enter body aches, day and night, and I'm always tired. And hungry." I added, looking around to see if Jeremiah was anywhere in sight so that he could get me something to eat.

"I know what it's like. Jeremiah was a real killer. But at the end, it will all be so worth." Why couldn't it be my mother telling me this, giving me the advice that I need? How I wish we were close and that she was here beside me.

"He's a real helper too. He rubs my feet after a long day. Cuddles me without me having to ask. He's always there to tend to my needs. Well, except now. I'm so hungry. I want an empanada, or three." It was so easy opening up to her. She was so easy going and carefree. "Excuse me," I said, struggling to get up from my seat.

"You sit back down," Mrs. Kim instructed and I immediately did after hearing her stern voice. She probably thought I was a glutton. I didn't want to make a bad impression. Just as I was about to apologize, she got up from her seat. "Lean back and Mama Kim will get it for you. No need to pressure yourself." She gave me a sweet smile before leaving to the buffet table. The smile on my face couldn't be wiped off. Jeremiah's mother came back with five empanadas on a plate and told me to eat up. I dug right in.

We continued talking as I ate. These things were so delicious that I started eating the crumbs left on my plate. Mama Kim noticed and immediately scolded me for not telling her before going back for more. I was so grateful for her.

"You're one big eater. We're going to get one healthy baby on our hands," she said when she got back. I was eating up her compliments and praises just like I did to these empanadas. My father then came over, introducing himself to Jeremiah's mother. The two of them engaged in conversation while I just leaned back for a bit. I was so tired and we had just gotten started.

Not long after, it was time for the gender reveal. I was so excited, but Jeremiah seemed nervous. I couldn't help but shake my head at his antics. He really wanted a baby girl. We were lead to a spot where a big box was located by Rain. She gave us a wink before walking off. Jafhia, told us to pull the bow surrounding the box. We pulled it together and the white balloons that came out left everyone in confusion. When we gave them puzzled looks, Jafhia and Rain cracked up laughing.

"Okay, okay. We're just messing with you guys. This way everyone," Rain said. We were lead to two helium balloons with darts beside them.

"We'll start counting from three," Jafhia announced. "Three...Two...One..." With the growing anticipation in me, I popped the balloon in my hand while Jeremaih popped his. This time, nothing even came out. The balloons just popped.

"Girls!" I groaned, just wanting to know my babies gender. When they sobered up from the laugh they were dying of, once again, they placed back their serious face. They took us back to where we started and that's when I noticed a huge cake. "If this isn't the finally one..." I stressed.

"It is."

"Here goes." Jeremiah did the cutting and I took the slice of cake out with my fork. It was just regular sponge cake with frosting on it.  "You've got to be kidding me."

"No we're not. You're looking in the wrong place." And that's when I noticed the onesie on the table. Jeremiah shouted out a yes beside me when he spotted the pink onesie. I myself started jumping up, even with my big belly. "Now look on the other side of the cake." There sat another onesie, it was also pink. But this one said, 'Baby #2'. 

"You're having twins!" Jisoo exclaimed, pulling down a banner.

I was non-responsive as I opened and closed my mouth repeatedly.

"Aaaaah!" I suddenly screamed out, realisation now hitting me. To say I was excited was an understatement. "Two babies?" The crowd cheered.

Not hearing a word from my boyfriend, I turned to look at Jerry. After seeing his pale face, I got worried.

"Jeremiah?" When said man did not respond, I tightened my grip on his hand. "Jerry?" He slowly turned his gaze to me.

"We'll give you two a minute." I sent a strained smile thankfully at Jafhia.

"Jerry..." I sighed when everyone walked away. "I understand if you want to back out. And I wouldn't blame you. I will accept whatever decision you make."

"No, Lisa. I'm not going to back out."

"Then why are you calling me Lisa?" I asked calmly and softly. Jeremiah took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry. It's just a lot to take in." He ran a hand over her face, breathing heavily.

"And that is why I would not blame you. One baby is already a lot and now that I'm going to have two, the pressure could be overwhelming. I'm not going to force you to s-"

"Don't do that. I said I'm not leaving!" I flinched as Jeremiah harshly said his words. His expression soften when he realized. "I love you, Lili. So I'm staying right here. I just need some time to adjust. I mean, damn, we're going to have two babies." Jeremiah chuckled, not realizing the effect of him saying 'we' had on my heart.

"I love you, too." I kissed my lover passionately. The sound of someone slowly clapping, loudly, brought us out of our bubble.

"How nice," the person said sarcastically with an obvious fake smile.

"Mother."