When She Turned Seventeen

Past

Everything happened so fast.
My perfect birthday breakfast just turned into a horrible event.

They took my dad away and we have no idea who they were, or at least I don't.

"You need to pack things Bettina, I need to take you to a safe place" she said with her adrenaline rushing.

"What? Are you kidding me?" I said shocked upon her request.

"No, yaya please prepare Miguel's stuffs" she looked away

"Mom, what is happening?" I asked. I want to get an answer so bad.

"Your father is okay. I'm pretty sure he is. They won't do anything bad to him. I just need you guys to be somewhere safer." She said, now calming herself down.

Like what she said i took a quick bath and packed some of my things just good for a week.

Within an hour we were all inside mom's car and the next thing I know we are traveling going south. It took us approximately 9 hours to arrive in.....

Rivera Golf and Country Club? Why are we here?

"What exactly are we doing here?" My brother asked mom

"You'll see" she said with a smile

Then we stopped in front of a astonishing house. Wow....

"What is this place?" I asked

"This is our old house." I can see in her eyes how much she missed this place.

Its huge, and antique. Its not a house but a home. Waiting by a doorstep is a woman around 60's I guess and she gave mom a huge hug.

"Iha, welcome home!" She greeted

"It feels so good to be back home." inhaling the fragrance of the clean air.

Miguel and I were just standing behind mom. Who is she?

"Oh, lovely. You look very much like Belle! Come here and give me a hug" and so I did. I do. I know I do, I saw couple of portraits of my grandmother.

"Thank you?" I said a bit confused.

"She's the sister of your grandmother. Lola Beth." mom then explained. I never knew that my grandmother has a sister.

WHY AM I KNOWING THINGS JUST NOW?

"And you must be Miguel. You're as good looking as your dad." Miguel smirked and gave her a kiss on the cheeks

After all those hugging and kissing we were finally asked to come inside.

"Come, come along. They are waiting for you." ohhh did she just said they?

THIS PLACE IS HUUUUUGEEE.
A house where you can really call home. Portraits, flowers, there are televisions yes and huge couches that can fit the whole family!

And then we walked towards the dining area.

"Due to your mom's short notice, this is all we have." she said showing... the preparation they made.

"WOW. thank you so much lola Beth! this is amazing." i was teary eyes upon seeing everything laid on the table.

Pink fondant cake with vanilla frosting. Chicken and white sauce lasagna! And cute cupcakes! They made this all for me.

"What else are we waiting for? Let's start! i'm soooooo hungry" my brother said.

I blessed the food, prayed for dad's safety and thanking Him for this amazing day.

While eating mom went outside, when she came back she handed me a box.

"Happy birthday dear, i love you"

"Awww mom. thank you!!! I love you so much" i said i hugged her, i wish dad was here.

"Open it later okay?" I agreed.

After eating and taking some pictures mom said she needs to leave.

"Mom? Why..." I felt sad, why is she leaving us here?

"Your dad needs me, i promise to come back. I will call you and check on you every time but promise me you will not let any one know you're here. Nobody can ever. Understood?" She said with care and authority.

"Yes mom," she kissed my forehead and went to her car.

She's now gone for 10 minutes. And i miss her already.