Guests

The Image Of Serendipity

I'm quite nervous. Once again, I find myself in an unexpected situation, being the center of attention. I must get used to this new life, which, like everything else, has its ups and downs.

This time, I'm not on the set of any show. It's something of a different nature, but more important: the celebration of Thee's birthday with her family and friends who were able to escape for the occasion.

On many occasions, you'll remember extravagant events for this type of celebration. But Thee wanted to celebrate only with the people who supported her the most during the moments when she needed a hug, a comforting word, or a shoulder to cry on. It's sad to see that the number of people is so small for someone with Athena's contacts and social life. Many of them didn't come to her defense, although they didn't side with Gareth either. So, in this new chapter, she didn't want to surround herself with those who sought any kind of benefit from her, no matter what it was.

And there I am, surrounded by beautiful people who helped Thee believe in herself, take a step forward, and fight to become a new and better woman. I don't feel worthy of any of them. The work and support they provided are incomparable to anything I have done or will do in the near future.

I'm glad to be a part of this family as well, of this perfect group filled with imperfect individuals who fit so well into each other's lives that our shortcomings are fulfilled by those who are by our side. Like a puzzle. One piece has a gap, so that another can fit perfectly into it. That's what families are, and now I am a new piece that I hope can fit into Thee's gap, just as she fits into mine—and the same goes for the rest of the people who are part of her life.

"Rick, would you like a soft drink? Or a beer?" Anna, Thee's mother, asks in Spanish.

If you wonder what she's like, imagine her with about twenty years more. They look very similar. Same hair color, similar features, and even her voice has a tone that reminds me of her.

"Do you have Radler?" It's possible that many of you don't consider it a beer per se, but I love lemon drinks, and what's better than combining it with a beer?

"We don't have it right now, to be honest. No one in this family has ever really had it, if I'm being sincere."

"I'm just special," I say, laughing.

"Did you know that my great-grandfather was from Spain? From Tarragona, to be more precise. My paternal surname is Novell."

"I had no idea, but now I understand why Thee is so resilient and determined. There should also be some Andalusian in there because she's very friendly," I joke.

"I'm not so sure about that, but it's possible that it comes from the Mexican side." She puts her hand on my shoulder and looks at me excitedly. "I want to thank you for everything you've done for her. Seeing her so happy, so fulfilled... you're a father, I believe you understand what we can go through for a child."

"I haven't done anything, Anna. You shouldn't thank me for doing what I want to do, which is to love her and respect her."

"It should be that way. In any case, thank you."

"Then I owe you my gratitude. Thee is such a special woman, so strong, and with values that she could have only learned at home."

"Aurelio and I have tried to give her the best education. Even when we were separated, we worked as a team. It was tough for her at first, she was very young when it happened, but it was the best we could do. Then each of us found a new partner who complemented us in a magical way. They provided what was necessary, and more, for our children to grow up and become the best people possible. I understand a lot of what you're going through and what lies ahead. But despite sometimes being afraid of making mistakes, time will show you that there was no better path than the one you took."