THE LAST REBORN LUNA

0012: BLOODLINE AND THE MOON

"Ma. my father?"

I was rendered speechless, unable to budge. Tears streamed down my face as I locked eyes with her. The surroundings faded into silence, and time appeared to freeze.

"I had just found out I was pregnant the day before. We were going to tell Jolina and her husband the good news that night. I never got the chance to do it. I couldn't stay there. The memories and the pain would be too much. I knew I was a coward for running away. It was all just so overwhelming. I needed to go back home to my family." Mom explained.

"I tried to contact you, but you never responded. I even went to your dorm, and they told me you had left. Then your number was disconnected. I even tried to get in touch with your parents, but they never returned my calls." Jolina added.

"I know; I was a horrible friend when you needed me the most. I should never have left. I was devastated and confused. I went through the most horrible pain. I'm sure you felt the same way, but worse. I felt like I was dying when I lost him. The only thing that kept me going was my daughter, Jezz. She was the only thing that kept me alive." Mom admitted.

"Solidad, I don't blame you for leaving. I just wish I could have been there for you throughout your pregnancy. Robert was like family to us. I would have helped you and Abby Jezz. We would have raised the children together. That's how it was meant to be," Jolina implored. My mom shook her head and looked down at her lap.

"I'm sorry; I'm so very sorry. I wasn't there for you. I changed my number and hid myself. I couldn't deal with it all. I couldn't get out of bed. I had no energy. My head hurt for months." Mom added to clarify.

My mother had always been reluctant to discuss him, leaving me in the dark about his identity. It appears that even my grandparents and father himself were unaware of this connection. The overwhelming emotions of shock and confusion left me at a loss for words. I am grappling with a multitude of unanswered questions, unsure of how to process this newfound information.

"Solidad, I remember you well from when I was a child. That day is as clear in my mind as it was when it happened. You risked your life for me and my mom. I have never forgotten that. Every year, my family has a little commemoration of thanks to you, Robert, and my dad on the date of their deaths. We will never forget the great loss you experienced that day on our behalf. You and Jezz will always be considered family to us, and that extends to your husband as well."

Marvin displayed genuine kindness as he humbly approached my mother, kneeling before her and gently grasping her hand. The sincerity in his actions was evident as tears welled up in his eyes, reflecting the depth of his emotions. In response, my mother reciprocated the affection by placing her other hand tenderly on Marvin's face, creating a heartfelt connection between them.

"Marvin. You are such a kindhearted man, just like the sweet little boy I remember. I loved you like my own child. I would have given my life for you. I'm so glad to be a part of this family again and that Jezz has been welcomed by you all.