“I see,” She muttered, “Well, at least you’re okay now.”
“Yeah, thankfully…”
“Your mom is…?”
“Mylena,” I said, “Uhm, she’s auntie Muriel’s second eldest sister, you know her?”
“But of course,” She said playfully, “everyone knows Mylena.”
“Oh…why does it feel like it’s not a good thing?”
She laughed, “Oh, no, sweetie, it’s not like that…It’s just…Well…Mylena has this reputation of being uhm…well, she’s been with almost every guy out here back when we were young. And then she moved to New York and never visited, and last we heard, she got married to this really rich guy but they divorced—Oh, God, I’m sorry, I’m horrible, those are your parents I’m talking about…”
“It’s okay,” I said, “Honestly, my mom and I were never close…We’re too…different.”
“I can see…” She smiled, “You’re more like Muriel.”
I laughed, “I know. She’s an inspiration.”
Just then Paul and his dad came back.
“Looks like you two are getting along…” Reed smiled as he handed us some mojitos. Paul put down a large tray of food on our table.
“Thank you,” I smiled and sipped some mojito, “Chi-Chi was just telling me about my mom.”
“Who’s your mom?” Reed asked.
“Mylena,” Cecelia said, “Mylena Anderson. I’m sure you remember her…”
“Oh,” Reed said, “Yeah well…”
“Yeah well?” Cecelia said, “You almost went to the prom with her!” She teased.
“That’s not true,” Reed said, “I mean, how would you know? We were fighting then…”
Cecelia laughed, “You had a crush on her.”
“Not until I met you.”
“Here they go again, talking like little kids…” Paul quipped and I laughed.
“Are you high school sweethearts?” I asked Reed and Cecelia.
“Yes, we are,” Reed smiled, “She courted me.”
“Shut up!” Cecelia said, giggling, “He asked me to get married when we were fourteen! Can you believe that?”
“And they tried to elope when they were sixteen but mom’s dad found out…” Paul said.
“Wow,” I exclaimed, “Why, you two are such lovebirds. Cute.” I smiled.
“Do you have a boyfriend, Mindy?” Reed asked.
“Oh, no, I’ve been really busy with my art…” I said.
“Well, you know, Paul here’s single…” He added.
“Dad,” Paul said, “Sorry.” He looked at me. I just smiled.
“Reed! Chi-Chi!” Someone called out from the background.
Cecelia turned to look at who it was, “Oh, those are some of our friends,” She said and held Reed’s hand, “We’ll leave you two alone for a while…” She smiled and went with Reed to see their friends.
“My mom, the social butterfly…” Paul quipped as he drank some mojito.
I smiled, “I like your parents,” I said, “They’re nice. And sweet. And in-love. Unlike my parents and my dysfunctional family…”
“At least they have you,” He said, “You’re exceptional.”
“Stop being too sweet.” I smiled.
He shook his head and chuckled, “So…your parents…are they friends? I mean, after the divorce and all…”
“Well,” I said, “They’re okay. They’re both dating some other people now…as far as I know, mom’s been dating a different guy like, each month or so…and dad’s with this girl named Dana…Leigh told me she’s nice. I’ve yet to meet her, though…”
“And how does that feel?”
“How does what feel?”
“Your parents’ situation.”
“Oh,” I said, “To be quite honest, it’s good that way. At least, my dad got his life back, my mom’s free to do anything she wants and I’m sure they’re both glad this is how things turned out.”
“Wanna dance?” He suddenly asked me as a Michael Bublé song started playing.
“What? Oh, no, I don’t—“
But he already grabbed my hand and dragged me to the dancefloor.
“I don’t do this, you know?” I muttered as I put my hands on his shoulders.
He chuckled, “You’re blushing.” He said.
“What? No, I’m so not…”
“You are,” He smiled playfully.
“Because you’re making me dance and I don’t even dance!”
He laughed, “Fine,” He said, “Come on, let’s just go back to our table…”
“Aren’t you gonna sing?”
“Well, I—“
“Paul wants to sing!” I shouted to the guy setting up the keyboard on stage.
“Hey, hey, hey, no,” Paul said, “I wasn’t really planning to—“
“Come on, you’re a star!” I teased him.
“Go Paul!”
“We want Paul!”
The crowd was cheering and the man on stage called him up. I pushed him a bit, laughing. He went on stage unsteadily and looked at me.
“So, hey people,” He started, “Happy anniv, Cove! Uhm…my friend over there,” He pointed at me, “wanted me to sing this song for you…” He then whispered something to Mister Pianoman and went back to the mic. The first few notes of Savage Garden’s “Animal”. I couldn’t help but laugh. Couples were dancing everywhere; some even said “hi” to me. Paul came back to me after his song.
“What the hell?” I muttered with a smile on my lips.
“What? You liked it.”
I nudged him, “Shut up.” I said, and we laughed. I bet my heart is even smiling in the inside, if that was possible.
7
“Sky falls, it’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away…”
-U2, “Beautiful day”
“Good morning, sunshine…” Auntie Muriel greeted me the following morning as I found her in the dining room.
“Oh, God, I’m so sorry…” I said. What happened was this: I passed out last night due to the number of cocktails and mojitos I drank and when I woke up this morning, I found myself in my room. “I’m screwed,” I went on, “Geez, I feel like a virgin drinker!”
Auntie laughed, “Well, Paul and his parents brought you home last night…”
“He was…he went here with his parents?”
“Yes, Chi-Chi likes you…”
Oh, maybe not anymore, I thought.
“She actually sent these strawberries this morning,” Auntie said, pointing to a pack of strawberries on the table with a note pinned to it, “She said you need some fruits.” She winked.
Geez, can it get any more embarrassing?
“Thanks,” I muttered.
“Okay, Miranda, I’ll just be meeting a friend, okay?” She said, “You think you’d be okay here?”
“Yeah, yeah, thanks.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
I just nodded my head and she went away. I sat down on a chair and pulled the pack of strawberries from the table, untangling the ribbon and shoving a piece in my mouth. I then opened the note from Paul’s mom.
Hey Mindy,
Just thought of sending you some fruits, you passed out so bad last night, I feel responsible! It was nice meeting you…ring us soon
Chi-Chi
Oh, man. Of all the things I could do in New Orleans, I became wasted in front of people I just met. Great, just great. I opened the fridge and got myself a glass of water. I then heard the phone ring. I went to the living room and answered it.
“Hello?”
Leigh’s overly happy voice came booming, “Mindy! Hey, Neil and I are currently in Hawaii, I just thought of giving you a call, you know…We’re heading back to New York tomorrow…How are you?”
“Oh, uhm, wow, that’s…great…I’m—“
“Mindy? You sound so…w
ait…Are you drunk?”
“No,”
“Minds,”
“Okay, yes, but that was last night, I didn’t do it on purpose—“
“Mindy! Why?”
“Leigh, calm down, believe me, it was an...accident? Well…I mean, I was with a friend and his parents, and we were all celebrating the anniversary of this legendary bar here and then…that’s it. Honestly, after what seemed like an eternity of being sober, I feel like a first time drinker. My head hurts like hell right now and I sure wouldn’t want another drink in the near future.”
“I just don’t want you to, you know, get down that path again. You’ve worked hard to be where you are now…”
“And where exactly am I now?”
“New Orleans.” She joked and I laughed.
“Don’t worry, Leigh, I’m okay,” I said, “Nothing to worry about. So, how are you? Are we expecting a honeymoon baby?”
She laughed, “Who knows?” She went on, “So…you coming home soon?”
“Yeah,” I said, “In a week or so, I guess…”
“Good,” She said, “We miss you.”
“You all just saw me at your wedding…”
“I’m serious, Minds, it’s different with you not being here…”
I laughed, “Well, don’t worry, sissy, I’ll be there soon.”
“Good.”
Someone was ringing the doorbell.
“Wait a sec,” I called out.
“Is that your doorbell?” Leigh asked.
“Yeah,” I answered, “I think I better go. I’ll see you soon.”
“K,” She said, “You take care, no more alcohol, see you.”
“Yes, ma’am…” I said and we both clicked off our phones. I went over to the door and opened it. There stood Paul, his eyes gleaming, wearing this really nice preppy top and Levi’s jeans. I looked at myself and my unflattering almost ragged sundress. One more time: Great, just great.
“Hello, Cinderella,” He greeted.
“Excuse me?”
He laughed as I ushered him to come in. “You said you wanna be Cinderella…”
“No, I didn’t…”
“Yes, you did.” He said, “In fact, my mom was laughing so hard last night. You said, ‘Oh, it’s always Caroline who gets to be Cinderella at home’…and now she has her Prince charming, I want my own Prince Charming…’”
“Oh, no, tell me you’re joking.”
“I sure am not.” He said.
“Geez, I’m screwed.”
He laughed, “I didn’t know you could get so red in the face when you drink!”
I rolled my eyes, “Your mom sent me strawberries.”
“Oh, that, yes,” He said, “Last night you kept going on and on about how you wanted your own strawberry farm!”
“That was my childhood dream…”
“Thought so.” He winked.
“Oh, God,” I sighed, “Just uhm…thank your mom for the strawberries, okay?”
“Sure will.”
“I will never drink again.”
He laughed, “You are too cute,” He smiled, “Honestly, I’m sorry too, I mean, I shouldn’t have allowed you to drink too much.”
“It wasn’t your responsibility, really.”
“Anyway…I was just uhm…checking up on you.”
“Thank you, I’m alright,” I said, “Actually, my sister called a while back, asking me when I’d get home to New York…”
“And what did you say?”
“Maybe next week…After all, I promised her. I’m planning to go back by Sunday…”
He nodded his head.
“So, uhm…well…I just remembered, it’s aunt Muriel’s 43rd birthday on Friday, and since it’s probably my last week here, I’m thinking of giving her a celebration…You know, so I could also say thank you for everything she’s done for me.”
“Sounds cool. I think my parents would wanna be there, and also Belinda’s mom, and then of course, Dan and Belinda…”
“Yes, I was thinking about that, too.”
“Great,” He said, “Let’s see…maybe we could, you know, give her some gifts? Like, personal paintings, or songs, you know, any artwork or so…”
“She’d love that.” I smiled.
He smiled back, “I’ll take your aunt out on Friday, tell her I need some advice on buying a…shirt?”
I laughed, “Whatever.”
“Yeah, anyway, I’ll take her out, then you, Dan and Belinda could prepare things here in the house.”
“Aye, aye, captain.” I winked.
8
Sometimes you have to lose your mind to find your freedom.
I never planned birthday parties before, but since it’s auntie Muriel’s birthday, and I’m leaving soon, I’m doing this. Belinda and I were preparing the cake we made all by ourselves, and Dan was cleaning up the living room, preparing the music and fixing the decors. Belinda’s mom and Paul’s parents soon arrived and by 7 pm, we heard Paul’s car arriving. We closed the lights and waited for him and auntie Muriel to come in. Auntie Muriel came in first, opened the lights, and we all came out of our hiding places, “Happy Birthday!” We all shouted in our cheeriest voices.
“Oh, my,” auntie exclaimed, “Wow.”
I hugged her, “I just wanted to say thank you for everything.”
“Hun, you didn’t have to do this.” She smiled, “I should have done a farewell party for you, since you’re leaving like, tomorrow evening…”
“Nah, I’ll visit you.”
“Mindy’s leaving?” Chi-Chi said, “Oh, why?”
“Oh, uhm, I…well, I promised my sisters…”
“Oh,” She said, a bit saddened.
“Come on, this is supposed to be a celebration!” I said, “Come, let’s eat. Oh, and no alcohol.”
They all laughed.
***
After dinner was the gift giving portion that Paul and I thought about.
“So,” I started, “we’re all here to give you a piece of our minds,” I went on, “And of course, a piece of our hearts.” I smiled, “Bells?”
Belinda nodded and took out something from her bag. It was a box of a ring. She opened it and out came a pretty little ring with a Ruby gem sitting on top.
“I’m not really sure if you remember this,” She said, “But when I was in sixth grade, and having the worst insecurities about myself and my art, you gave me this, and it cheered me up…” Auntie smiled and Belinda continued, “So, now, I’m giving it back. I mean, with Mindy going home and Dan and me coming with her, I know you could do with a lot of cheering up.” She handed her the ring.
“Thank you.” Auntie smiled.
“Okay, okay, my turn,” Belinda’s mom, Anne, quipped, “So, Muriel, we’ve been friends for years and…and you know we’ve shared everything, but one thing I wasn’t able to share with you is,” She said as she pulled a scarf out of her bag. It was a white scarf with Pink batik prints all over, “this!” she exclaimed and auntie laughed, “Okay, I know all of you here are probably wondering why…so…let me tell you. Once upon a time, when Muriel and I went to college, she wanted this scarf as a reminder of me. And I didn’t give it to her, thinking she’s being crazy, but now I realize why…Sometimes, we keep things because it reminds us of the people we love. And this scarf? It was made by Muriel’s one and only love, Arturo, and I’m so sorry it took me so long to give this to you. I know he’s gone, but this would be a reminder of how much he loved you.”
Auntie’s eyes filled with tears, “Thank you,” She said as she hugged Anne.
Next up was Paul.
“Hey, uhm, well, Muriel here is really an inspiration to all of us. I mean, living here and having her drop by your house, her vibe is just…magnifique,” He smiled, “and I thought of making a song for her…I’ll sing a few lines.”
Auntie clapped her hands. Paul then started singing.<
br />
She’s beautiful,
And wonderful
She likes rock and roll
She makes you smile
Takes off your frown
She’s the coolest aunt this side of town…
“You are amazing,” auntie said as she clapped her hands, “You shall win a grammy.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Paul winked.
“That was beautiful…” I whispered to Paul.
“You are.” He said and I was surprised. It was the his parents’ turn.
“We’ve known Muriel for years,” Chi-Chi said, “And we know this will mean so much to her. No, this already means a lot and she deserves to have it.” She handed auntie a parcel and auntie opened it. Inside was a painting—a portrait of Auntie back when she was young. I think she was around 17 or 18 in the portrait. I saw her eyes fill up with tears. The painting was beautiful; auntie was stunning—her long dark brown hair in curls, her eyes gleaming, she was holding a hat and some flowers.
“Oh my…” Auntie muttered, holding the painting.
“Arturo made that before he died in Spain,” Chi-Chi said, “We bought it from a museum. You deserve to have it.”
“Thank you, I just…I can’t…” Auntie cried. I looked at her and smiled. “Thank you,” She mouthed.
“Well, I still have my gift…” I smiled, “And though I know it won’t hold any much value as that, and though I know it won’t make up for everything you’ve done for me, I just wanna let you know that I’m really thankful, so, I made this painting just for you…” I opened a parcel in front of me. It was of auntie’s face now, older, wiser, and for me, a whole lot more beautiful. “That’s you, as you, because you seriously are one of the best people on earth. And I’m proud that you’re my aunt.”
She hugged me, “I’m proud that you’re my niece.”
I smiled, “To Auntie Muriel!”
“Cheers!” They all said.
***
“Thank you,” I told Paul mush later that evening as he was about to go home, “This means a lot.”