Unspoken Desires

24.) Stress Partying

Cheska sits at the table, busily working on her laptop.

Ava looks from her book,  'I really miss Grandma Gertrude. It's been so long since we last saw her."

Cheska nods, "Yeah, bitch. I wish she could visit more often. Her stories and laughter always brighten up the place."

As they exchange longing glances, the front door creaks open, and Grandmother Gertrude, an elegant woman in her early seventies, steps inside.

Her face lights up with joy as she sees her daughter and granddaughters

"Well, well, well! Look who's in need of a little surprise!"

Ava and Cheska freeze for a moment, their eyes widening with astonishment.

Ava gasped, "Grandma Gertrude! Is it really you?"

Cheska jumps up, "Oh my gosh, Grandma! You're here! I can't believe it!"

They rush toward her, enveloping her in a heartfelt embrace, their excitement palpable.

Ava came to hug her, "We missed you so much, Grandma! It's been far too long."

Cheska hugged Gertrude, "You have no idea how much we needed this surprise. I've been counting the days."

"I missed you both more than words can express. I couldn't bear to be away any longer."

They stand there for a moment, basking in the warmth of their reunion, before making their way into the living room.

But then, Gertrude has a surprise.

Before Cheska can respond, the sound of the front door opening catches their attention.

They turn to see Martha, stepping inside. Martha's eyes are filled with joy as she sees her daughters.

"Ava! Cheska! I'm finally back from my work abroad!"

Ava gasped, 'Mom! You're here! I can't believe it!'

Ava rushes toward her mother, embracing her in a tight hug. Cheska, however, stays seated, her scowl deepening.

"Oh, I thought you wouldn't come back" Cheska rolled her eyes.

Ava sighs at Cheska, "Cheska, mom missed you. She wanted to see you and spend time with you."

"Missed me? She's always traveling, always leaving us behind. I don't want to see her."

"Cheska!" Gertrude yelled.

Martha's face falls, hurt by Cheska's words. She takes a step closer, reaching out to her granddaughter.

"Cheska, I'm sorry if my absence has hurt you. I didn't mean to make you feel neglected. I love you, and I wanted to surprise you with this visit."

Cheska rolled her eyes and grabbed her bag, "Whatever, I'm going..."

Before Cheska could leave, Martha grabbed her arm, "And where are you going?!"

"To Justin's house!"

"Who is Justin?? I told you, you can't have a boyfriend before college!"

Cheska scoffed, "He's not my boyfriend, he's my friend's lover, I'm going with Anne too, don't bother calling me!"

Before Martha could beg her to stay, Cheska had already slammed the door at her.

Martha looked at Ava and Gertrude with a long face, "Is she really that mad at me?"

Then, Alicia entered the scene, she then was greeted by Stacy and Scarlett, "Oh my babies!! Hello!" Her daughters hugged her tightly, making Martha feel jealous.