Lust and Love

🍻34 - Cheers for July 1st

Sunday morning and I'll be going to church alone with mom. She stayed over Saturday night. She said Alex invited her over. Did he tell her about my case? I really hope not. I don't want my mom to think too much and worry about me.

Although mom insists that we don't need a bodyguard, Steve still goes with us. Actually I'm also glad he's with us so he'll be the one to drive.

It's been a while since I had bond with mom and I miss her so much. And something's telling me that she also noticed the oddness in me. That I just had something going on and only kept it to myself. Or at least, should I say, kept it away from her.

"We haven't been bonding together lately, what keeps you so busy?" She asks in the car as we head to the church.

"Ma, you know I'm aaalways busy."

"And I noticed something."

That's my mom. She could always notice even a very little thing about me and she could eventually figure out what's going on. "There's something up, isn't it?"

"No. There's nothing."

Good thing I'm ready with that kind of question of hers.

"Oh come on.. I always know when something's up." She says, being so sure of herself.

"Are you a mind-reader?" I still play hard-to-get but I know I should tell her sooner cause she would never give up until I'll spill the beans.

She holds my hand, a look of concern across mom's face.

"Jennifer, tell me about it. You can always tell me everything. Even if it's something that will make me upset."

I feel like crying. But I choose to smile at her instead.

I told mom everything after the mass and I feel so relieved than ever. It's like the huge burden I've been carrying had suddenly vanished. She gets so worried but I tell her that everything is under control now. She then gets upset for not letting her know about it earlier but then I have my excuse about that, too. What's important is that, I'm now back to being feeling free-spirited and happy.

"You are a very strong and independent woman, Jennifer. I always believe that you can do everything."

"Awwe.. I got it from my mama," I wink at her as she then gives me a very comforting hug.

"I'm always proud of you, Jen. Always." She says, tightening the hug.

"Te amo tanto, mamá." I hug her so tight like a little girl not letting go of her mother. This moment makes me feel like, I wish my mom could live by my side forever. If we can live for a thousand years, I know she's the only person I'm sure would never ever leave me.

_______________________

Later afternoon, I didn't know my mom and Alex had planned something for this day. We have a lot going on in the house, preparations and alike. There is going to be a dinner with the family and the people closest to us.

"Baby, what's the occasion?" I ask Alex as I hold hands with him.

"Nothing, love. You needs to be celebrated. Because YOU are a very great woman." He says, kissing the back of my hand.

I find it sweet when he did the hand kissing thing but I suddenly realize that we are still sort of in a "break" as of now. I suddenly feel odd. I immediately look for an excuse so I could take my hand from his grip. I just decided to phone Benny and invite him to come over because he's been a family friend ever since and is never absent on occasions like this.

When I talk with Benny on the phone, the first thing he says is "I already know, Jen. I can't believe everything that happened." And before I could protest what is it about that he already know, I immediately realize what he means. Oh, he knows already too?

"How did you know?"

"Your mama just told me." He says in the other line.

Mom? Dios mio. How fast could that be? I just told her my story this morning and now she already passed it on to my manager, too? Anyway, I'm okay with it.. But did she..? My mom is so talented. And so am I haha I really got it from my mama.

As usual, mom would always insist that hired chefs are NOT necessary since we have the "best cooks" in the family. My cousin Tiana, my sister Lynda comes early to take care of all the cooking. Of course mom helps in the kitchen, too. Alex also does some help cause he can also cook. But meanwhile, he doesn't want me to help or do anything at all cause this day is for me. Seriously, does everyone already know my recent issue?

And speaking of cooking I suddenly remember about someone who's really good at it but nevermind..

At 5pm, my mom's sister Mercedes comes with her daughter, my cousin Vera. Benny then arrives then followed by Leah. It's surprising Leah didn't arrive earlier than the others cause usually she comes way earlier than the others. Well, things really do change. Alex's mom arrives and she kisses every female in the room on the cheek. She's always been sweet like that. Natasha and Ella are also here and of course, my lovely kids Max and Emme.

By 6:00 everything is already prepared, the table was set up. We are all 14 people having dinner together. It's like we're having Thanksgiving in July. I'm so delightful to see these faces in my house tonight.

Later on in the part of wine-opening, Benny stands up, fills his wine glass with the red wine, and makes a toast. Have I told you before that Benny makes one of the best toasts? Like that one time when we celebrated Christmas in 2011. It was the first Christmas without Marc. I've been through a lot that year, and the divorce. His toast made everyone touched and teared, especially me.

Everyone on the table keeps quiet, waiting for tonight's Benny Toast, including the kids.

"We are so blessed to be all here celebrating even with no special occasion." We chuckle at Benny's starting line. Then he continues, "This goes to all the blessings we have and shared with each other tonight. Spending time with important people in our lives even with our busy schedules and careers, is very heart-warming."

"And I'd like to emphasize tonight the importance of family. Family is not just determined by blood. But it is about the one's who stayed. The one's who's always been there no matter what. Some of you might be facing some real problems today. Some of you may have a lot of personal issues. But remember when you are having troubles," Benny pauses and glances at me for a second, "Your real family will never leave you. And because it's almost independence day, this goes for everyone who's been very brave and independent! Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone clinks their glasses altogether.

The kids then find their own place to enjoy while us adults are left to chatter. I feel so happy and complete. Having all these significant people in my life to cheer me up no matter what, I can definitely go through any circumstances I may face. They are my rock, I get my strength from them. I will always cherish my love ones, my greatest treasure.

*****

A/N: I want to ask opinions from y'all. Whom should Jennifer get back to? Alex? Ryan? Or maybe.. Beau? (lol😆) write down.. Or should I say type down your answers and PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER WHY you want Jen to end up with ✨Alex or ✨Ryan or ✨Beau.

See you at the comments later! Eeeeyyy I'm exciteeed 😍👏👏