So, That's Your Dad? (Freddie Mercury) | Under Construction

Chapter Sixty One: Christmas 1990

       The small group of people at my dad's house are having a great time. Everyone is laughing and enjoying themselves. But if I am being quite honest, I just wanted to go home. I was tired and I had to work the next day. But I'm going to stay, because I can tell that my father is sadly getting worse. I am not sure how much longer I am going to have with him.

       I cut tomatoes on a cutting board because I am trying to help Liza as much as I can. I could fall asleep right now. Rami is not here. He decided to spend Christmas with his parents and siblings. Which I thought was completely okay. Joe decided to go back to America today as well. He hasn't seen his mom in about a year. It would be best if he spent a little bit of time with her.

       But right now I hear him open the door and make a very dramatic entrance. He was greeting everyone very loudly and I was preparing for him to come into the kitchen. He came in and hugged me tightly. I go wide eyed and laugh as there's a knife still in my hands. He let's go of me and takes a seat at the counter area. "How are you, Tiff?" He wondered. "I'm so tired. I don't know why because I slept for ten hours." I almost complain to him. He seemed very understanding. It must be a pregnancy thing.

       My dad stepped into the kitchen and was surprised by who he saw. "Hey, I thought you were supposed to catch a plane today?" He wondered. "Yeah, but I thought I would stop by before I leave for the airport." He answered. My dad hugged him and smiled down at him. He's probably more proud of his adopted son than me. I could see why. "Are you excited to see your mom?" My dad asked. "Yeah, it's been a long time since I've seen her." Joe answered. 

       My dad let go of him and moved over to me. "Darling, you look exhausted. I'll take over from here." He said. "No, dad. I got it. You'd probably ruin them. They're supposed to be in cubes, you'd probably make them triangles." I explain. He squinted his eyes at me. "You're so mean to me." He said. I shook my head and just continued to start cutting the last tomato. 

       "Dad, I brought all of the presents and put them under the tree. But I want you to open yours." Joe informed our dad. "Now?" He wanted to make sure. "No, tomorrow. Now! I'm only going to be here for a few more minutes, as you said I have a plane to catch." Joe stated in a smart-ass tone. My dad walked out of the room with Joe following. 

       I dropped the knife and walked out there not too long after. I had to know what Joe had gotten him. He always has something up his sleeve in some way, shape or form. I sit on the couch because I really need a break. But I will fall asleep if I sit down for way too long. Joe handed my dad the gift which was in a rectangular box. My dad undid the wrapping paper and opened the box that did not even have tape over it. 

       It was a blouse of some sort. I don't know how else to describe it. I wanted to laugh as my father did not say anything. I cover my mouth because it almost comes out. Anyone around would have the right to slap me. Because I know how much work Joe has put into this. He even has pictures of the cats hanging up in his room for reference. 

       "I made it myself, it took me a couple of weeks because I'm not the best at sewing. And my apologies if it may be too big. I didn't want to give it away by asking for your size." Joe explained. My dad cut him off before he could ramble on. "Joe, I love it. Thank you very much, it's beautiful." My dad made it clear to him then smiled. Joe did the same out of relief and they hugged again. 

       "Tiffany, look what your brother made for me!" My dad exclaimed and showed me the front side of the shirt. It was very colorful and Joe depicted all of the cats so perfectly. "It's beautiful." I commented.