Zoey’s p. o. v
I stood outside my parents house, listening to their familiar bickering. It was a sound that had been a constant in my life for as long as I could remember, and strangely enough, I found myself enjoying it.
“I always have to remind you countlessly before you take the waste bin out, Harrison ?” my mom’s voice came from inside the house.
“I do my best, but you always find something to complain about,” my dad shot back. He voices sounded so relaxed, he must have gotten used to this routine too.
I couldn’t help but smile at their banter. It was like a well-rehearsed play that they performed every day, with the same lines and the same dramatic flair.
“You know, Harrison, if you just listened to me once in a while, maybe we wouldn’t have these problems,” my mom said, his tone exasperated.
Mom has missed out on this part of her life, for six long, agonizing years. They went through the struggle of separation all to keep this daughter of theirs safe, sometimes I wonder how they were able to love me this much if when I’m not their biological child.
I’m forever indebted to them, and I won’t let them feel the pain of not having a child.
“Yes, yes, yes, I will listen to you for now onwards” my dad agreed mindlessly.
I chuckled to myself, knowing that they both loved each other despite their constant arguing. It was their way of communicating, their way of showing affection.
As I stood there, I realized that I didn’t want to interrupt their bickering. It was a comforting sound, a reminder of the home I had grown up in. So I stayed outside, soaking in the familiar voices and the sound of their love.
The door cracked open, revealing my dad carrying the waste bin as instructed by mom.
“Hi, dad.” I grin sheepishly at him.
He was a bit startled, but quickly recovered.
“Hey, darling.” He dropped the waste bin on the floor, and engulfed me in his arms. “I’m glad you are here, your mother is about to blow off my ears, you should keep her company.” Dad rants, complaining about mom.
I didn’t reply to that, I don’t have to knowing I don’t have a choice. Mom will soon start with her guilty trip, scolding about how I don’t come to visit often.
“Adriano, my boy.” Dad carried he from the nanny, coaxing my son tenderly. “Are you here to see your favorite granddad?” Dad a very Adriano, who was busy on dad’s beards and laughing happily.
It’s a routine I decided on, since both my mom and mother-in-law are fighting over Adriano. I decided that Adriano will spend a weekend at my in-laws, and the next on my parents. They should take turns in taking care of their grandson, while I have enough time with my man.
“I’m taking Adriano with me to the garden, don’t forget to the do away with the waste bin.” Dad takes off, heading to the backyard where his garden is.
I knew he was going to do that, leaving me to finish his work. I shook my head smiling, at his antics.
“Bring Adriano’s stuffs inside.” I instructed Alice, Adriano’s nanny.
Alice has been working for the Alfonso family for years now, she has been their nanny, catering for the kids. So I feel self-assured to leave my baby in her care, when it it comes to my son, I’m extra careful.
With our family background, it will be easy to use anything against us. Marco’s rivals could go to any length just to hurt him.
Marco’s mom has told me the story of how Marco was kidnapped when he was a kid. That makes me more fearful, I don’t want my child to be caught up in all these chaoses too soon.
“Mom!” my voice resounding in the living room.
“Over here.” Mom sticks her head out from the kitchen.
“Hi, mom.” I greet going over to the kitchen. I hug her from behind,
“You’re a grown woman, but until behavior like a child.” Mom sighed, wiping her hands dry. Then, pulling me into her embrace properly, I sighed.
Occasionally I missed living her with them, we’ve lived six year without dad. I missed my dad, especially on my college graduation wishing he was present, but thinking he was gone forever. I’m just grateful he’s alive, that’s more than enough for me.
“How are you and Marco?” Mom has gone back to doing the dishes, while I help out.
Marco once suggested he hired some domestic workers for my parents, but mom strongly refuse. Saying she doesn’t need it, as it was only dad and her living together, having these workers is a waste.
I knew she just wanted a quiet life with dad, getting back together after six years of separation. A quiet and peaceful life is all they require.
“Good.” I hummed. Mom has turned it into a thing since I got married, asking how Marco and I are doing. Especially, bombarding me with talks on how to be a good and lovable wife to my husband, I should be submissive and all.
She made a weird sound in her throat as a form of warning, I rolled my eyes inwardly.
“Come on, mom. We are doing just fine.”I snort at her obvious warning glare.
“Where’s Adriano.” She reluctantly let it slide, we are definitely revisiting this topic.
“Dad took him to the garden.” I report.
“He didn’t even allow see my grandson first.” She grumbled.
And she was saying I’m a grown woman acting like a child.