The Ride

Chapter Five

Elena

"Elena, lets go! Your guest are waiting!"

I knew my sister was getting annoyed with me being that this was the third time she had called for me in the past twenty minutes.

"Just a minute!" I called back,

It felt like it had taken forever for this day to come. Finally, Angelo and I would be able to tell our family that we would bringing not one, but two new babies into the world. Since finding out earlier this week, I had been trying to grasp my mind around being a mom of twins. Although this would never replace the baby I had lost to domestic abuse, I felt like this was God's special way of blessing Angelo and I.

Our excitement had led us to staying up just about every night picking out names. Whether it was two boys, two girls or a girl and boy, we had name pairs that we had come up with and loved. It would be our second surprise for the family.

"Girl, what's taking you so long?" Em's popped her head in.

"Coming," I stood up from my tufted white vanity chair, "how do I look?"

"Extra as always," she giggled as I did a twirl, "beautiful, glowing and extra."

Gelo had surprised me with the cutest dress this morning when I had woken up. A floral, off the shoulder wrap around gown in the color navy. It was so me and I loved it. He was definitely throwing it out there that he wanted boys.

"Awe, look at your belly," she came over and rubbed it gently, "and your boobs look amazing."

I laughed, "Yeah, I'm starting to think that the 40 pounds I've gained went straight to them and my ass."

"Can you believe it was just a little while ago that you were helping me get ready for my baby shower? Now your little sis is doing the same for you for your gender reveal."

"I know. I can't wait to raise our kids together," I grinned, "it'll be so special. Mom's gonna love seeing that."

"Alright, come on let's go. I'm ready to see what auntie's baby is gonna be," she hooked her arm around mine and walked with me downstairs.

The set up was amazing. The backyard was a complete gender reveal take over. Pink and blue themed decorations everywhere. Em had created and cooked a full spread of my favorite finger foods. Her display and presentation were so creative. Mom had guest signing in, putting their names under Team Boy or Team Girl chart and taking pictures.

So far, Team Boy consisted of Aubrey, Angelo, Courtne and half of OVO crew plus my dad. Team Girl featured Emilia, mom, Owen, some of my co-workers from the hospital and the remaining half of Angelo's boys. They all had the color of their choice coordinated into their outfits, which I thought was super cute and festive.

Angelo's parents had arrived in town last night from Toronto and were staying in our guest room for the weekend. We had a nice dinner, where they shared their excitement about becoming grandparents. This morning, my heart smiled to see Mrs. Ferraro helping my mom set up for the party. They were talking and laughing, enjoying each other's company while Mr. Ferraro was in the kitchen whipping up the best Sicilian style breakfast I'd ever tasted. His parents were and have always been very welcoming, kind, supportive and sweet to me. For that, I was so thankful. Especially given the not so nice people that my former in laws were.

Once I made my rounds with greeting everyone. Mom called everyone together to enjoy food, drinks and participate in games: Baby Bingo, He Said/ She Said, Old Wives Tales and Baby Around The World.

When the final game wrapped up, it was time for the big reveal. Mom had Angelo and I stand out in an open area in front of a large cardboard box filled with balloons that would tell us what our babies would be. Everyone gathered around with smiles and excitement.