75 Reunited

Hearing the news that my mom is here makes me so ecstatic. I was never close with my mom. In fact, I hated her when I was young until before I got married. I used to hate her for always leaving me at home alone and for growing up independently. I sometimes even think that growing up without a dad is one of the reasons why I fall in love with a guy easily. I have always longed to have a father who cn guide me and help me with my decisions, something I look for in a man. But those memories are now just memories. I am finally meeting her again.

I ran as fast as I can towards the beach to see my mom as soon as possible. I can't remember a time when I missed her this much, maybe I never had that time in my life.

I saw her playing sand with Athena. Beside them is a figure of a woman. She has a curly hair and looks pregnant. I tried to look closely who it is and was surprised to see that it is Annie. Far from them are John and Colin, talking.

I ran towards my mom and hugged her. No words came out from my mouth and I couldn't help but cry. My mom held my cheeks and looked at my face closely. "It is really you. My daughter. I kept praying for this day to come, to finally see you and my granddaughter." She was also crying. She looks older now and she has a lot of grey hair. She looks haggard and very thin.

"What happened to you, mom? Are you nit eating well? Do you have some problems? Did you worry about me and Athena so much?"

"I'm okay now. I can finally let go of the burden I was carrying since you left." She hugged me tightly.

"Why are you cying mama?" Athena approached me looking worried.

"I'm just happy, baby. You and grandma finally met."

Annie who is looking at us is also now crying. She looks a little different from how I remember her. She is now chubby, I guess it is because of her pregnancy. I stood up to hug her as well. "I miss you so much, Annie. When did you and Mike get married?"

"Don't speak bad words. We need a week to catch up. And I would appreciate it if you never mention that name again." She said crying and laughing at the same time.

"I would love to hear your stories. How many months are you pregnant?"

"It's my 7th month. It's a baby girl. I hope Athena and she will also become bestfriends like us."

"Of course, that would be lovely."

"This calls for a celebration!" Colin interrupted. "I already arranged lunch for all of us in front of the motel. The catering staff set up a buffet lunch for everyone who can come. Let's just say it is our second wedding reception."

I am in awe on how thoughtful this man is. I don't want to fall for him so deeply. Geoff used to be thoughful too when we were first dating but he turned out to be the worst man I could ever think of. I can't imagine going through the same experience again knowing that Colin is also powerful and influential.

"Shall we?" Colin ushed us to his car and a van waiting which I haven't noticed when I arrived. How could he prepare everything?

The set up in front of the motel was similar to the one last night without the flower arrangements. There are more food on the buffet table and a band is also performing. Almost everyone in the village is present. It means he has invited everyone and I don't have any idea when he did it or how he did it.

I sat beside Annie and my mom who never let go of my hand since we met. I could feel her longingness and I'm happy that we are finally together. Athena is with Danny who arrived in the motel ahead of us. I introduced my mom to everyone and to my surprise, she has already met almost everyone. "They were in Dorothy's place when I and Annie arrived. They were so hospitable and I am very happy that you met these people."

Knowing how many things I don't know while everyone already knows still makes me feel in awe.

"Colin is a very fine man." My mom continued. "When he first visited me, I couldn't believe him but he showed me pictures of you and Athena and his plans for the two of you. At first I was skeptical. After what happened to you, I don't know if I could believe someone again. But I had to take a risk with him since I couldn't do anything for you."

"That's true," said Annie. "He also came to the office personally and told me about you. I wanted to punch him at first, I was thinking he is working for your ex-husband but when he showed me his calling card, I almost collapsed."

"When did he visit the two of you?"

"Last month." My mom

"About 4 weeks ago." Annie

So he was planning all these things while he was away. He never called nor text me but he was doing something for me. I look at his direction and caught him looking at me. I instantly looked at other direction when oir eyes met. I owe this man many things but I can't let my guard down that easily. I have to be more cautious this time.

"Oh, I want you to meet Danny or maybe we can start calling her by her real name again." I signalled Danny to come and she immediately came to our seats. "This is Nancy but everyone calls her Danny here. You know we had to change our names since we were hiding. I and Athena owe her our lives. She stayed with us even I don't have anything to pay her. I found a sister and a new bestfriend in her."

"Thank you so much Nancy. We already met before when Jez visited my place."

"Thank you Nancy, hope we can also become bestfriends."

"Of course."

"Attention everyone."

We all looked at the person who spoke. It is Colin who is now standing in the middle. He is holding a wine glass with red wine in it.

"I want to thank everyone for joining us with our wedding celebration. Come her honey." He then looked at me and I automatically followed him.

"I want to thank all the residents of this village for protecting my wife, and now my daughter and for accepting them like your real family. You don't know how much it means to me since I have met them in this place, happy and contented. (pause) I also want to apologize because I'm afraid I have to break the good mood we all are experiencing. Since I and Joan or Jessica are now married, I and I'm sure she would agree, will be bringing them to the city with me where they will be staying in their new home. That doesn't mean you will not see them again. I promise that we will visit here as often as possible so you can still see how Athena grows. I made a promise to Dorothy and John, and they made me sign a contract for that, that we, or in the case I can't come, my wife and our daughter will come here at least 4 times a year and that everyone of you will be invited to spend Christmas with us every year. (Cheers can be heard from everyone) I will also make sure that you can call us anytime and we will be sending you letter, postcards and pictures from time to time. You are all already part of our family and that will never be broken. For that, my family and I will be leaving tomorrow before lunchtime. I hope we can enjoy the rest of the day and please don't hate me for taking them from you. Thank you everyone. Let's make a toast!" He then lifted his glass and everyone chorused "Cheers!"

After the toast we both went back to our seats and continued our meal. I can see Athena being held by the grannies. I feel sad for them. I saw how happy they were when Athena was born and her presence changed the atmosphere of the village. I knew this time would come but I never expected it to be this soon. I know everyone understands Colin's decision and as his wife, I should be where he is.

Hearing him call Athena as his daughter is music to my ears. I met a man who is not only willing to help me but my daughter as well.

Tomorrow, everything will change again. I don't know whether it is for the better or worse, but starting tomorrow, I will be called by my name again. The old me will be back. Jessica Myers is finally coming back.