My Son's Father

Homecoming

Chapter 2

The plane landed on a Friday afternoon, families awaiting patiently on the airline as the door opened. One by one the soldiers got off the plane. Families rejoiced when they saw familiar faces. Joe got off the plane with his bags and spotted a small islander woman with long jet black hair. He walked up to her and kneeled down before her.

"Hola mother. I took your words to heart and didn't die. Please forgive me for leaving you". Joe said bowing his hand as the his mother bent down to his level.

She wrapped her arms around him as tears flowed heavily. For the first time in ten years Joe's mothers' heart beated at a relaxed pace.

"You are forgiven. Welcome home my son". She told him placing kisses on his cheeks.

Later, Joe lounged at his mothers new estate that his father bought her before his death. Joe's father had a famous flower business that he left behind for the family.

Joe looked around as he could smell Berry and Ancient Flower Tea brewing. His mother's favorite. The staff members walked around cleaning here and there. His mother (Akela) came and said over by him. She leaned over and kissed his hand.

"Your father would be proud of you.... and your brother. Now, you can finally focus on building a family of your own. I want grandbabies". Akela told him as he lifted his eyebrows.

"Mom, I haven't been home even five minutes".

"Don't be silly, you been home three hours. But whose counting". She said smiling.

Seeing her smile warmed Joe's heart.

"You have all this people here cleaning and you still got Gloria here with you. You shouldn't be to lonely". He said

"Gloria? I fired Gloria years ago. She's now my best friend. Who else am I going to go on cruises with". Akela said as a staff member came and gave her a cup of tea.

"Thank you. . . Everyone, please excuse me and son". Akela told the staff.

Joe smiled and winked at the cute staff members as they walked out. Then he turned back to his mother getting her his undivided attention.

"Yes, mother", Joe said focusing on Akela.

"Now, your brother is in Panama running the business there. I have been looking for a director for the one here. So, I am asking you. Are you ready to take over the business here and this branch"? Akela said

"Ready for me to work, huh? So it's this business anything like the one back home"?

"Yes, lots of gardens, potting flowers, the whole nine". Akela said as she patted his thigh.

"Okay, let me rest first. Then I'll take over". Joe stood his mother as she smiled getting up.

"Thank you, I will make your favorites for dinner tonight". She said kissing his forehead.

Akela soon left and Joe went to his room. He fell asleep as he thoughts suffocated him.

Akela started preparing food to cook. Later that night, Joe sat and had dinner with Akela and caught up some more. Akela couldn't help but notice that Joe wasn't being totally himself with her. She took heed that his bright smile was not so bright anymore.

The next day, Joe went out and looked for a temporary job while he made up his mind. He found hisself at his family company. He visited the gardens checking the colors, strengths, and textures. Some of the keys things his father taught him. He came up to the hibiscus garden and smile thinking of his childhood. Times then were easy and sweet. He laughed at the thought of his father fussing at him due to him picking hibiscus flowers for Akela. Joe went on noticing that the staff wasn't being nice like they were supposed to.

"Excuse me, when do the flowers be watered in the morning and evening"? Joe asked as he looked at them.

The employees couldn't tell him. Joe looked at them as his eyebrows frowned.

"Instead of standing here looking like lost deers and being rude to the people that keep this business a float. So, that paycheck you get to pay your bills. Get me the person in charge over here, right now". Joe said drawing attention.

All eyes was on Joe as the some of the staff came back with a short lanky man with glasses.

"You got to be kidding me". Joe said under his breath.

"Sir, what seems to be the problem"? The man asked.

"What's your name"? Asked Joe.

"Shawn, sir".

"Well Shawn, my name is Joseph Garcia". Joe said as Shawn bucked his eyes.

"Mr. Garcia. . . You're here early".

"Yes, I wanted to come see first hand how things were around here". Joe said looking at the flowers.

Joe walked off as Shawn looked at the workers.

"Who was that"? A employee asked.

"The man who is going to be signing our paychecks. Step your game up or lost your job".

Joe went on and looked around and made notes.