#dwayne pancakes

[storiesbyjes2g]

Hello again! I got a little something extra and special for you. As we're celebrating Emmy's life, I figured hey...let's talk about the elephant in the room lol. Let me know what you think!

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.150 Finding the words

"Thank you, everyone who expressed kind words. I think it's time we hear from the man of the house. Luca..."

"Thanks, Dwayne."

I stand in front of everyone, wondering how to put words together to encapsulate my dad's life. He experienced so much loss and hurt. It defined him for a while, but he overcame it all and found peace in the end. There's a lot I don't know about him because I was too scared to ask, worried it would upset him or bring back painful memories. I thought he was fragile, but he turned out to be one of the strongest sims I know. This loss is the biggest hurdle I've had to jump so far. Dad always supported me like a parachute. He wasn't always around, but he when I needed him, he was right there ready to gently guide me to safety. Heh, that would have made an okay speech and wish I would have said that aloud instead. My audience awaits me, so I gaze at the urn for a few moments, hoping to draw inspiration from him one last time while I'm still in his presence, kinda.

"It's nice to hear I'm not the only one who thinks my dad is the man."

My goal was not humor, but pockets of laughter spread across the room anyway. I'm sure we all enjoyed the brief levity.

"No, but seriously. I appreciate you all being here and saying such nice things about him. My dad was just one of those guys, you know? I've never known anyone to dislike him. I wouldn't be the man I am today without him. He was so wise. This is a big one, guys..."

I cleared my throat a few times as the words bottleneck in my throat. Maira, who was sitting behind me, grabbed my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze and told me it was okay. I needed that. Still, I think I should wrap it up before I lose my cool.

"I know he didn't try to be amazing, but he always knew just the right thing to say. I think that's a goal we could all have. Live in such a way where when we're gone, we leave a huge hole in other's lives. He had challenges, but his life meant something. Things didn't turn out how he wanted them to, but his life was definitely something worth celebrating. So ... Yeah ... Thanks for coming. Enjoy the food."

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.149 Perfect fit

I originally thought having Dad's service at the cemetery was a good idea, but Mama convinced me to do the memorial part at the house. Afterward, we'll take him to the cemetery and say our goodbyes in private; she said we'll need that. Plus, the weather in Newcrest was gonna be iffy, so she didn't want to risk having everyone standing around in the rain. As if I'd need one more reason to seal the deal, she reminded us this will be our first time traveling with a baby. We didn't need that extra layer of complexity on top of an already emotional moment. At the house, we'll be more at ease and have easy access to anything she'll need.

Once dressed, I grab Desi, head downstairs, and park her on the play mat. The toys hanging above her and the new perspective of the dining room captivated her instantly. I pull out my phone to send Dub a text to wish his daughter a happy birthday, only to find one from him saying he's thinking of us today. I thank him and suggest, when all of this is over, we get our families together for some much needed fun. No sooner than I hit send, Dwayne called, also extending condolences. I guess my phone will ring a lot for a while. But he had another motive and extended an offer for help any way we needed. My first instinct was to decline. I had resolved my issues with him, and he and dad had made peace, so it wasn't about that. It was simply a mindless response on autopilot. But I thought about it before the words left my mouth. Our friends and neighbors will be in our faces us all afternoon to comfort us and express condolences. Plus, I'll need to make sure we have enough food. Sophia will more than likely have Desi, Mama will be a mess, and Alessia will decline all opportunities to take charge. We need a neutral third party to keep things together while we're all encumbered in one way or another, so I accepted his generous offer. It felt weird to admit, but he's the best man for the job. Outside of our family, he knew Ali the best, despite their limited relationship. He was glad to help, though a little nervous about the details. I allayed his anxiety and told him he didn't have to give a speech or anything unless he wanted to. I just needed someone to keep things organized, kinda like an emcee, but not really. All he has to do is welcome everyone as they come in and create space for our guests to say a few words if they want. He graciously accepted the charge. I laughed to myself after hanging up, amazed at how far we've come. I went from near hating the man to opening my home and letting him in on a private family matter. It's amazing what time and a bit of maturity can do.

He arrived early and complimented our home, saying this was his first time in San Sequoia. I introduced him to Sophia, officially. She saw him at the wedding, of course, and knew he was Mama's man friend, but I never made formal introductions. We also introduced him to Desiree. I wish I had time to further our friendship. I mean, after doing this for us and giving those kind words at the wedding, I think it's pretty clear he is our friend now. There's so much I don't know about him, and from the way he speaks, I feel he's someone who enjoys cheerleading his loved ones from the sidelines. He would have been a cool step-dad, I guess. But it's too late for that now. Hopefully, it will be a few more days before he and Mama pass, but hope is all I really have.

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.97 No ways tired

Dad, not to be outdone by Mama, made a toast immediately after hers. But not to her. It was to me...how it should have been, heh. But then the weirdest thing happened. Dwayne got up and stood in front of everyone.

"Uh, hi. I hope it's okay if I say a few words," he said, looking at Dad.

"Ki said something about grace, and it made me think of you, Luca. I appreciate the grace you extended toward me regarding your mother. And I wish you the best in your endeavors. I know you're gonna have the best yoga studio around because you work hard and go for it. And Sophia, congratulations to you as well. May you have many many happy years together, plenty of children, and lots of money."

"I'll drink to that," Sophia shouted.

Sophia and I dragged ourselves through the door, tired and drunk on love. Probably champagne too, but definitely love.

"Gosh, I'm so tired," she said. "I don't know if I can make it upstairs."

"I'll help you upstairs." I couldn't help but stare at her, in awe of being my wife. "You're Mrs. Murillo now."

She grinned like a child in front of a platter of cupcakes.

"I am!"

"You're so beautiful."

"On second thought," she said, "I'm not so tired anymore..."

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.80 Favor ain't fair

I couldn't help but watch the elders and how they dealt with each other. All of us had long since gotten used to this post-divorce world we lived in. Though everyone had moved on, I expected Winterfest to be very weird. Me seeing Dwayne with Mama or Dad hearing about him from me was one thing, but having them in the same room was another. Dad made a lot of progress, but was he ready for that? I had prepared to be a buffer or make an excuse for him, but he looked surprisingly comfortable. Dwayne was the one who was hesitant. He had always been reserved and comfortable in the background, however, so he could have been okay. Mama was all smiles, of course. Heh, this was probably the best day of her year with her kids and both lovers at home. I watched them all with pride despite feeling like it was all very weird. It took a LOT for all of them to get to that place. I honestly doubted Dad would ever get there, but he walked around Mama's house grinning up a storm and peacefully sharing a space with the man who took away his soulmate. Winterfest miracles did exist.

After dinner, Rosie found me, and I gave her some holiday love.

"Happy Winterfest, Ro! You've been a very good girl. You think Father Winter will bring you a nice treat?"

Alessia stood there watching us, and I hoped she would do better with our dogs than she did with Tofu.

"Did you meet your auntie yet?"

"Ehhhhh...hi," Alessia said stiffly.

I laughed.

"She's not gonna bite you, Less. Just put your hand out slowly and let her smell you. If she thinks you're okay, she'll let you touch her."

"Okaaaaay." She bent over slowly and cautiously. "I'm coming down...don't be weird..."

Rosie stepped toward her equally as cautious, sniffed her hand, and then sat in front of her.

"See? She likes you. Give her a pat on the head so she knows you're friendly."

"That was really cool. She's cute."

She never gave Tofu a chance. Maybe Rosie and Kooper will win her over.

Mama came in with the dirty dishes and caught Less and I having seconds.

"Hey! Don't fill up on that. There's dessert, you know."

Dwayne left shortly after dinner. He said wanted us to enjoy our family time. I could see the disappointment in Mama's eyes and imagined her saying something like, "but you're my family too." Dwayne was a realist, and I appreciated that because Mama's fantasy land was gonna get someone's feelings hurt eventually.

It was time for presents, and I caught a glimpse of Less and Sophia dancing in the living room as I passed by. Whether they had bonded or it was just coincidence, I was glad to see them together, not in conflict.

"Luca," Mama sang, "I've got something extra special for you!"

Alessia rolled her eyes.

"Here she goes with the special gifts just for Luca."

"It's not a special gift! It belongs to him."

She handed me a box, and I took it hesitantly. What did she have of mine? And why make a big deal out of it on Winterfest? She wasn't the re-gifting type.

"Uhh...thanks," I said.

I took the box and opened it slowly. Inside, I saw a painting I'd seen my entire life. It hung in my room when I was little. And then when we moved to Newcrest, Mama put it in the kitchen. I seemed to recall one time Mama said Gammy painted some things for my nursery before I was born. This had to be one of them!

"Gammy's painting?? You're gonna let me have it?!!"

"She painted it for you. The one with the dogs too, but I want to hold on to that one."

"Yeah, of course! Wow! Thanks, Mama. This is so cool!"

I thought about our frigid meeting in the cemetery often. I loved that I now had evidence of our past relationship and would hang it in a place of honor in our new house.

After presents, we gathered around the tree and sang songs. And as always, Less acted like she was too cool for school. That only made us turn up and be even sillier. At least she was in a good mood, though. At the end of the night, she sat on the rocking chair doing belly laughs. It was very contagious, so I joined in. Mama came in and told us a story about how Father Winter came to their house in Sulani while she was doing belly laughs. He thought it was adorable and gave her some tips! And just like how it happened in her story, Father Winter walked in on her doing a belly laugh demo for us.

"I remember you," he said. "You still go it."

"Thank you, Father Winter! This is my son, Luca! He's getting married soon!"

"Yes," he said, "I've been watching him. He's been very good this year. This is one of my extra special gifts."

I didn't know what to think. An extra special gift from Mama, and another from The Man himself? And I was getting married in three days to the kindest, sweetest, funniest woman in the world? It was all too much. I thought about everything I'd gone through and how burdened and confused I was. All of that was a test. I held on and did the best I could, and now I was being rewarded. Not with a gift from Father Winter, but in love, success, favor, and friendship. I had already reckoned with my problems, but at that moment, I felt like the struggle was officially over.

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.79 Merry and bright

Soooo... Just as Sophia predicted, we arrived late, but not as late as she thought. When we walked in, the scent of cookies and tomato sauce filled the air. The food and desserts had probably just come out of the oven, and far as I was concerned, we were right on time. The house looked amazing, and so did Mama. I couldn't get over how her new hair color just set off all her outfits. She looked like one of Father Winter's helpers with the red and green clothes, brown boots, and white hair.

"Merry Winterfest, buddy," she shouted, pulling me into a very merry hug. "Can't believe you made it before we ate."

"Heh, that makes two of you."

Dad greeted Sophia, and I wrapped my arms around my dear sister.

"It's sooo good to see you in real life, Less."

"Yeah, you too...even though you didn't call me when you got engaged."

"It literally just happened yesterday! And you know Mama kidnapped us."

"Oh, I know. She called me all frantic talking about, pack my things and come home immediately. I thought somebody died!"

Oh, Mama. She was so extra, and I loved it. Yeah, it could be too much sometimes, but I never had to wonder if she loved me.

I tried to introduce Less to Sophia, but she was really weird. She gave her a quick "nice to meet you" and went right back to speaking to me. Dwayne sat quietly watching all of us, so I introduced Sophia and sat down to give the illusion of including him. Naturally, Sophia and Less followed me. She dominated the conversation, asking me 1000 random questions. Sophia tried to insert herself and asked her about life in Mt. Komorebi, but Less wouldn't let her in. At one point, she got really annoyed and yelled at her.

"Can't you see I'm talking to my brother??"

I was used to her attitudes, but it took a lot not to lash out at her. I wouldn't tolerate anyone treating Sophia like trash. She missed me and wanted to catch up; I got that. And she had always been weird about girls around me, but the way she behaved really surprised me. But this was new for her, too. She never had to share me with anyone before, so I remained calm.

"Less... She just wants to get to know you. Don't you want to know her?"

She contemplated my suggestion, as though it was new information. Throughout our childhood, she always followed me. Whatever I did, she did. As long as I remained in the room, she would never give Sophia a chance, so I left them and looked for Dad. I found him in Mama's office decorating the tree...with Dwayne. Well, they weren't exactly working together. Dad hung the ornaments, and Dwayne was more like the hype man, approving of his placement and doing the whole a little more to the right thing. They worked on the tree with such precision, as if they painted a masterpiece or something.

I had to mess with them. They were so serious about the tree, but I didn't think it took all of that. I guess that's why I wasn't on tree duty.

"I think we need something blue right here. Like, bright, shocking blue right there."

They both glared at me with that "boy, get out" face, tee hee. Mission accomplished!

I sat and watched them finish hanging ornaments. When they completed that task, Dad asked if there were garland or other decorations. If it took them that long just to place ornaments, Father Winter would be there before the tree was ready. Luckily, Dwayne said it looked good. He probably felt how I felt. Mama came and said the food was ready, so Dad turned the tree on, and we placed our presents under it.

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.2 Him

Luca keeps running into someone at the gym he’d rather avoid.

Chapter 2 is up! I only had these two written, so it'll be a little bit before I can get to the next one.

Need to catch up? See what you missed or start reading here!

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.30 Kierra

After a successful day at the spa, Luca hangs out with Emmy to celebrate her birthday.

The results are in, and you guys want to rock with me! I appreciate your willingness to stick it out. So, without further ado...enjoy another chapter! 💛

Need to catch up? See what you missed or start reading here!