“You've been standing there for five minutes, Winnie.”
I turn, startled.
It is their grandmother, her hands in her pockets. I chuckled.
“I can tell you're thinking about them. From your smile.”
“I love them so much. They are my world.”
“Yes, I know that. I'm sure they know that, too. Rest assured that they'll grow up to love you, too, so worry less.”
I gave her a huge smile, letting her lead me to the sitting room.
“It was a nice party. The planner really did well, and the ideas used in designing were top-notch.”
“I never expected it to turn out so well, though,” I reply. Ted forgot about it, so I had to remind him when he woke up. We planned it in the morning, and it all came to reality.”
Mrs. Grace Gates nods, and I can tell she is not happy. I know it probably has something to do with her husband's betrayal. She has tried her best to conceal it all this while, but I see it now–her tired eyes and red-rimmed eyes say a lot.
“I'm sorry my husband made you go through all that, Winnie. No one deserves such a thing.”
She is a very strong woman, and I know she is trying her best not to burst into tears now.
“He couldn't even tell me, at least out of his love and respect for me.”
I caress her arm, then pat her on the shoulder. I know what it feels like to have someone you love to do that to you–I felt it, too, when I was in the facility, without a baby and a man to look up to.
“I'm so sorry he did that to you, Mrs. Grace Gates. I honestly do not know what to say. I was also dumbfounded when I found out.”
“I think of all the good times we've had together and wonder where it all went wrong. I'm happy that my son is happy, and he has you and the children to call his own.”
I nod, acknowledging that yes, family is warmth—family consoles. Family heals.
“You have us, Mrs. Grace Gates. The children will visit you from time to time. And you can come and stay with us whenever you wish.”
“I am happy it is you my son got pregnant,” she responds, wiping a tear amidst laughter, “I cannot imagine a better daughter-in-law.”
I chuckled, knowing that she meant what she had just said. She has been very supportive, and I admire her strength and courage. Leaving a man after so many years of marriage is not possible for everybody.
“I am happy that I have you in my life too. You've done everything and more–just like a mother would do for her child.”
“Thank you, Winnie. I appreciate that. Now, where are the kids?”
“Sleeping in the bedroom.”
I lead her to the bedroom, where she watches the children.
“They are so cute when sleeping together!” she whispers. I don't want to wake them, either, so I think we should get out of here as soon as possible.”
I have always liked that Mrs. Grace Gates had a sense of humor and I struggle with my laughter until I am out of the room. There, I laugh with careless abandon, while she joins me when she comes out of the room.
“When you saw me, I was thinking about my time in the facility, compared to this moment. It's been a unique journey, and I truly appreciate that you've been there for me.”
“I wasn't there for you during your time, and I regret it. Courtesy of the man I had as a husband. How was your time there?”
she asks me as we descend the stairs, heading for the sitting room once again.
“It was horrible. The nurses there are something else, and having one who really likes you is a bonus. I was lucky to be liked by the head nurse.”