Monica sat in the corner of the living room, watchin' Lena and Que as they laughed together, sortin' through the baby gifts from the shower. She'd watched her daughter grow up, seen her through all the highs and lows, but nothin' compared to seein' Lena on the brink of motherhood. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and protectiveness as she observed them, knowin' how much Lena had been through to get here.
This wasn't the life she'd envisioned for Lena—she'd hoped for something easier, smoother. But life didn't always work out that way. Monica had her concerns about Que; she knew his family's "business" and worried about what that meant for Lena and her granddaughter's future. Still, she saw how much he cared for Lena, how he looked at her with a quiet determination that spoke volumes. Maybe he wasn't perfect, but he was tryin' his best.
A Conversation with Lena
Later that evening, after Que had left, Monica found Lena in the kitchen, brew in' herself some tea. She leaned against the counter, watchin' her daughter for a moment before speakin'.
"Got a minute?" she asked gently, her voice soft.
Lena nodded, smilin' as she handed her mom a cup of tea. "Of course, Mama. What's on your mind?"
Monica took a sip, lookin' into her daughter's eyes. "I just wanna make sure you're really ready for this, Lena. Motherhood, startin' fresh... and everything that comes with Que."
Lena let out a small laugh, shakin' her head. "I know it's a lot, Mama, but I love him. And he's tryin'. I really believe he's gonna be a good dad."
Monica sighed, her heart feelin' a familiar ache. "I know, baby. And I can see how much he cares about you. But I want you to remember to put yourself and that little girl first, always. Don't settle for less than you deserve, and don't be afraid to lean on us if you ever need it."
Lena's eyes softened, and she reached out, squeezin' her mom's hand. "I won't forget, Mama. I promise. And I know I have y'all. I couldn't do this without you."
Monica nodded, feelin' a bit of relief. "You're stronger than you know, Lena. And no matter what, we're here for you. Just remember that."
Reflection
As the evening wore on and Lena went off to bed, Monica sat alone in the quiet kitchen, her mind racin' with thoughts. She wanted to trust Que, wanted to believe he'd step up and be the man Lena needed him to be. But the mother in her couldn't help but worry, especially with the baby so close to arrivin'. Monica had been around long enough to know that life didn't always go as planned, and she only wanted to protect her daughter from any heartache.
But as she sat there, she realized that Lena was no longer the little girl who needed protectin'. She was strong, resilient, and capable of makin' her own choices. And as much as Monica might worry, she knew Lena was ready for this next chapter.
With a deep breath, Monica finished her tea, a quiet resolve settlin' over her. She'd stand by Lena, support her through every step, no matter what came their way. After all, that's what family was for.
YOU ARE READING
Unfinished Business
Storie d'amoreLena thought she was doing the right thing when she broke up with Que, the love of her life, just days before heading off to college. After all, they were headed in two different directions-she was focused on building a future, and he was tied to th...
