TLWM: The Hate Experience

\XVI/ Meet the Parents

Thursday/December 24

     I couldn't believe I was really walking around these folk's house. Raven's mother Belinda was kind in person so far. Raven had her blue eyes and that's about it. And I'm not implying that Belinda Rosario was unattractive, just that her subtle features and pale skin helped me understand why people would always question if Raven was hers.

     Belinda tried putting Ace on her hip but he was like a little energizer bunny. When we had arrived to the Brooklyn home, he screamed from the backseat, "That's my nana's house!" and on the front porch he jumped into his nana's arms squealing.

     First thing she did was compliment his red button-up and green bowtie. "So stylish, just like your daddy, huh? You two look like movie stars."  Then she told us Ramon was out getting the other grandkids India and Raul, so for the time being, it was just me, Raven, Bam and Belinda.

     They were giving me a tour, Raven trying to lead but Ace constantly cutting in to pull me in a different direction.  The house was nice... Cluttered with trinkets, family photos and plants—but nice.

     "Daddy! This is Mommy's room!" Using two hands, Ace pushed opened the wooden door. The thick carpet underneath made it a little workout for his arms. "She used'ta sleep in here when she was little like me."

     "Well, not that little," Raven said. "This is where we moved after my parents renewed their vows. I was what, 14, Mom?"

     Belinda shrugged. "Yeah, something like that."

     "So yeah," Raven sighed. "This is where teenage Raven dreamed her dreams." Stars in her eyes, she looked so proud but there was hardly anything to flaunt. Looked like a guest bedroom. There was a dresser with some dance photos and ribbons on top. I wasn't exactly impressed—or I just didn't care. Maybe there was more to it all that I just wasn't seeing because I was still pissed at her.

     Fake smiles almost came just as easy as real ones but I was struggling on this eve of Christmas. Raven was doing great though. Ever since she hung up on me three days ago, I hadn't really spoken to her. She would call at night to talk to Ace but refused to take the conversation anywhere with me. "We'll talk when you get here." I kept getting that. So when I arrived to her fancy penthouse in the afternoon, I thought we'd get a moment to ourselves but she was already rushing us out the door to come here to her parent's house.

     "You hungry?" Belinda asked me as we all stepped back into the hallway.

     "I ate before I got here," I said, and I instantly thought of Wizzo. Ever since she told me about her struggle to lie, it made me realize how often I do it.

     "Well, you better have room for sweets at least."

     "Oh, always." That was a fact.

     "Raven was up late last night making your favorite cake, the caramel one."

     "Really? Haven't had that in years."

     Raven hit my arm with the back of her hand. "Stop, babe. I've made it for you since moving back home with you."

     I don't know if she was saving face or what but I really didn't recall getting any salted caramel cakes from her. Since she moved in last September, I've had more bitter days than sweet.

     The four of us walked downstairs and just as we were turning a corner to reach the smell-good kitchen, the front door opened, letting in a waft of cold air and hyper kids. "Ace!" Raul and India came flying in to tackle their little cousin.