Chapter 34

1022words2026-01-19 05:37

I pondered his question before responding. I never really thought about what it was going to be like. I always thought about the future and never about everyday things. This is my first child, and I didn't know a lot about motherhood. Voila had shown me a few tips on how to hold the baby, feed the baby, the dosage for her medication but she never actually told me what it would be like when I left the hospital. She never told me what to expect, so am I ready?

"I'm ready as I can be. I'll just let nature takes its course. I'll ask your mom or Zuria if I need to know anything vital."

"Good. We all want what's best for you and Jamaica."

"Thanks." I looked over at him and smile, "Thanks isn't even enough to show my gratitude."

"Don't mention it."

I looked back on the road but noticed that we weren't going towards the apartment, "Where are we going?"

Valdo quickly look at me, "Going to stop by mom to pick up something, is that okay?"

I nod, "Of course, it is. I'd love to thank them for the fruit basket they sent me three days ago. I'm sure they'd love to see Jamaica as well."

"For sure." Answering looking straight ahead.

I turn my head and look at my sleeping baby at the back, "She's so beautiful."

"Just like her mommy." He replied without taking his eyes off the road; I couldn't help but blush.

"I never knew I could love someone so much. It's just powerful."

Valdo chuckled, "Love is powerful, indeed. It makes one want to protect that person with everything we have."

"Even if it's not much."

"Even then."

I look at Valdo, "Imagine if you never bumped into me."

He quickly glanced at me, "You bumped into me and let's not imagine that. It's too painful to imagine a world where you're still on the streets or even worse."

I remained silent for the rest of the drive, mostly because I couldn't stop thinking about what would have happened if I never met Valdo. Around fifty different scenarios and none of them were happy.

"We're here," Valdo stated as he shut down the car.

I looked at the house and smile, remembering my last time here. I opened the door to passenger down to exit. Valdo exit quickly and walked to back door, opening it. He slowly opened the locked on the car seat; then he gently lifted the baby out. He gently patted her back and smiled, seeing him with her made my heart tingle. He's a natural at this. He looked over at me, "Time to go to mommy." He gently placed her in my hands. I held her against my chest then started walking towards the door.

"It's open," Valdo called out from behind me. "They're expecting us."

I couldn't open it because my hands were occupied so I waited for Valdo to pull it and when he did we walked in. When I entered the living room I heard a big, 'surprise!!' I nearly jumped out of my skin, then I started to smile when I recognised the faces; Kevin, Hannah, Zuria, Emily even Christina. I suddenly felt tears coming down my face, how can people I just met be so nice to me? And people I've known for years just abandon me?

I lift my head and look at Valdo as he rested his hands on my shoulder.

I turn my head to the group and smile, "Thank you guys so much."

"You never had a baby shower, and so we decided why not a surprise dinner." Zuria beamed.

"We also get to meet, baby Jamaica," Emily said with a grin.

"That's a nice name," Christina said from the back.

"Thanks," I looked at the shy teen with a smile.

Kevin walked up to me and looked at Jamaica, "Can I?"

I nod then gently place the baby in his outstretched arms. He looked down at her and giggled, "My first grandbaby." He looked over at me, "What's her nickname?"

I frown, "I didn't give her one."

"I think you should." Emily suggested, "Jam since her name is Jamaica."

"What's her middle name?" Christina asked.

"Gizelle." Even though my mother had hurt me, I wanted to give Jamaica something from her grandma.

"What about Jelly?" Valdo suggested.

I looked around at everyone's face; they were all nodding in approval.

"Jelly bean."

Hannah nod, "She does kinda look like a jellybean."

"Jellybean it is." Valdo laughed.

A toddler with shiny black hair came up and touched Zuria's side, "Mommy, I'm hungry."

"Me too, me too." Another little voice said, running in the room.

Zuria looked down at the boy and smile, "This is my son, Alessandro."

Emily pointed to the blond boy, "And that's my son Harry." She frowns at the little boy, "Where is your brother?"

"I'm here, mommy." Everyone's attention turned to the little boy who entered the room. His face was covered in, well, I'm guessing, Chocolate cake. I bent my head to laugh at the child while his mom took a deep breath.

"Jason, is that the cake I baked this morning for dinner? I told you we couldn't eat it." I could tell Emily was angry, but she kept her cool.

"Mommy you said we couldn't eat it until we got here and we're here," Jason said innocently.

Kevin laughed out loud; I couldn't blame him because I wanted to laugh too.

Emily looked at me with sad eyes, "I'm sorry, Jakoby."

"It's okay. He looks too adorable to be angry with him."

"I think this is a sign for us to go and eat." Hannah sang.

"I really enjoyed tonight. Thank you so much." I looked up at Valdo with a big smile on my face. Tonight was beautiful; the love and union that everyone showed each other were so pure. We shared jokes and stories from the past; it was a blast. The best dinner I've had in years. Being around these wonderful people made me wish I'd run away sooner.