Now That I've Found You

Now That I've Found You: Chapter 2 "Mistakes"

It was a very chaotic morning and from the looks of it, almost a full house. This weekend is going to be filled with games, music, dancing, laughter, and family. Children were running all over the place and the women shooing all the kids from the kitchen who were trying to sneak treats. My dad had been sitting and conversing with his brothers and some friends. It felt good seeing everyone happy.

"Braxton!" His brother-in-law Ryan shouting from the back patio moved away from the group he was mingling with. "You made it, boi. I thought you might have gotten lost." Braxton laughed. Ryan and Braxton's sister Emelia have been together for what seems to be forever. They finally got married last year and it seemed like the moment the knot was tied both Families gave a deep sigh of relief. Braxton admired their relationship.

They recently had twins and he adores his niece and nephew. Since their arrival, Ryan has been running around at his sister's beck and call and Braxton knows first hand how demanding his sister can be when she wants something. Hints why he was the transporter of the cake and sandwiches today."Come help me take some things out of the car?"
"Sure." Ryan placed his drink down and they both walked outside.
The driveway was filled with cars as well as the front of the house. The lawn looked beautiful and the flowers, they made sure to have the landscape done before the guests arrived. Braxton opened the back door and reached in for the platters.
"So how are you doing? I see that you have been so busy we rarely get to talk." Ryan took the items from him. Braxton Laughed " You mean you been busy. With work, trying to complete school, and now the twins? Yeah, who's busy?"

Ryan laughed. "Boi, any break I can get I appreciate it. I love your sister and my children but I didn't think it could get overwhelming. Sometimes there is a moment I do get some downtime with my wife then the twins start crying."
"For now consider that a good thing." They both made their way back to the house after Braxton locked up his car.

"So what about you?"
"What about me?" Braxton responded, humor in his tone.
"What have you been up to? How are your studies?"
"It's great actually. I finished up the semester and got offered a position in my field of expertise. I'm going to announce that tonight cause I'm sure they can't wait to hear about it." He held the door open so Ryan could go in ahead of him. Just as they made their way to the kitchen, Ryan had to ask the dreaded question.
"Have you heard from Patricia?" Braxton slowed down before entering the kitchen.

"Boi, you sound like the women of my family asking those questions?" Ryan smirked.Braxton knew there was no getting around the question. His family has known Patricia since they were kids; yet since they both went off to college, she became busier and busier with studies, work, and meeting with friends. He never had a problem with her dedication to seeking a place in her career. It just seems like anytime he would invite her out to gatherings whether its with friends or family. She can't make it or she just doesn't show up and he can't help but feel like things have changed.

When he thinks about it looking over at Ryan, he realizes that what he is asking is obvious that everyone else is thinking to ask the same thing. We made it into the kitchen and Ryan went to place the sandwiches on the island; my mom came over to take the cake from me.
There was a bustling of activities going on as the women chattered amongst themselves. Along the counter, you could see a huge array of colorful appetizers, fruit platters, and drinks.
The aroma of food had made his stomach growl, reminding him that he'd skipped breakfast.

As if his mother could hear his stomach, his mom handed him a small plate and looked over at Ryan. "I know you ate so stay away from the appetizers." She said, wiping her hands on her apron and then turned to Braxton.
"Did you meet Ms. Margie and give our apologies for picking up the stuff so late?"