Moment with God (Book 2 of With God Trilogy)

VIII

As what I expected, in this time I was transported again to a new place. Around was men in suits, drinking in their wineglasses. Jazz music and some men, oh I can smell the beer in them. Looks like a party. I should not be seeing this. I think I am transported in the wrong place. I am in the club. Or not? I have seen this place before.

"Hey, punk! Happiest birthday!" greeted a man, wearing a tuxedo. "Here's my gift." He handed my dad a bottle with a blue ribbon.

"Wow." My dad stared at the bottle. "This is Diplomatico!"

"Yeah. I bought that when I stayed in Venezuela for a week. Ya know! Vacation!" The man smiled as he patted my dad's back and entered the room.

"Thank you, George! Enjoy at my home!" He shouted.

So this is what their home looks like with decorations for a party.

"No prob!" His friend shouted back.

So this is my dad's birthday. From what I can see, it seems like he is having a party exclusive only for guys. Where is grandpa?

"Hello, Joseph!" Another guy came behind me. He asked dad if he could sit and just chill. I sense a surprise is coming.

All the guests were glued to the man standing in front.

"Presenting, Mrs. Melbourne!"

"That was a straight introduction, Nick!" A woman exclaimed in her long, silver dress. Is it my grandma? She is so lovely.

"Hello, big boy! Happy happy happy birthday to my big and grown up son! I hope you are enjoying your night with your friends. And as you wish you can celebrate it without any girls, you know I can't let you celebrate this alone. So, I brought your aunts for me to talk with. I do hope you know your responsibilities. You are a grown up now. Make wise decisions for yourself. I love you always and see you tomorrow for a lot more messages! Your wish may not happen but there is someone who wants to say something." My grandma lifted a paper and read it.

"To my dearest son,

I know.. -

"Stop!" Dad stood up and everyone was shocked. "Mom, please. I told you I never want to hear him again."

"Joseph!" Mom shrieked. "Don't you want to hear your dad's message?"

My dad got his coat and asked for a shot glass of rum.

"Hey, man! Your mom's standing there and waiting for you." The bartender looks at Joseph, not accepting his orders.

"Joseph, please. I know you want to know what he has to say." She said as she came up to him in the drinks station.

" I was never good for dad. He beats me when I was child. He never shows up during my birthdays. He only writes letters whenever he wants. Mom, wake up! Dad does not love us!" Dad shouts at the top of his lungs as the audience's gasps were heard.

My grandma listened. She was silent the whole time.

"Your dad is a very hardworking man. You may not know but he loves you so much that he is willing to be away for so long to give you everything." Grandma slowly spoke to him.

"Is that what you call love?" Dad smirked.

Another woman heard him and stood beside grandma to comfort her. "Yes, Joseph. Love is sacrifice!" 

"Aunt Becca, you know dad beats me up every night. Mom tells you that. Is that a father's sacrifice?" Dad is trying to question her remarks by using his past.

"This is your birthday, Joseph. Please! Let your guests feel welcome!" Grandma pleaded.

"I need an answer!" Dad shouted.

"He wants you to learn from your mistakes, Joseph! He wants you to have a good life by following his footsteps!" His aunt shouted back.

"I guess he really never cared for me. He knew my passion all along!" Dad fixed his coat and stormed outside.

My grandma sat on the couch and dad's aunt was comforting her. "He will come back, don't worry Glenda! That kid is as hard as his father."

The audience were speechless and from seeing their faces, they look like they wanted to go out and go home. Everyone was looking at everyone, maybe thinking of who is the first one to leave after what happened. I also wanted to go out. Everything was a mess. And dad was one of them.

"Why do I have to see their failures?" I thought. "Can I just see their triumphs and success? I want to be a proud daughter!"

The crowd is still silent. Ten minutes have gone by. After a few minutes more, some people are asking my grandma if they could leave. They cannot take the awkwardness anymore.

"It's okay, okay. Take care." Grandma's farewell greets. "Thank you for coming!"

"Sorry, Mrs. Melbourne. But don't worry, he won't leave you." George said.

Grandma waited for dad until everyone including the ladies left but dad's aunt stayed with her.

"I'll stay and wait for that kid to come too. I'll slap him when he comes!" She cracks jokes, at least make grandma smile.

"Slap me now, aunt Becca!" Dad was standing in front of the door. I didn't see him coming.

"I'm sorry, mom. I was always a burden to you." He sat on the couch and grandma hugged her immediately.

"I love you so much!" Grandma cried.

"I know. And dad too." Dad finally came to his senses and said that. "In my short time of walking around the block and realized, I never should ruined my own party. I'm sorry again for being such a kid, mom, aunt."

"Just don't do it again or else aunt will really slap your face." Aunt Becca said in a serious tone.

"Yes, aunt. And one thing I have to say to you both!"

"What is it, Joseph?"

"Mom, aunt, I accept to be in the Navy."I could hear dad's sincere voice.

"Are you doing this because you might get punished?" Grandma asked.

"No! I mean it." Dad laughed.

"Your dad will be proud." Grandma smiled slyly. I think she was both happy and dismayed.

Indeed, being a navy is not an easy job. But maybe she is partly happy that he chose to make his dad happy.