...story continues
They used to be a very loving couple. During weekends, after preparing breakfast; she will come and greet us with hugs and kisses then we will be taking a warm bath together. The rest of the day will be spent strolling in the park and doing grocery. Occasionally, we will be having picnic or organizing field excursion with luncheons pre-arranged by mom.
In a fine December morning, while at the play land, I saw dad embracing mom with great height after which she has whispered something to him. At first, I thought it was nothing extraordinary, but after hearing the news that she was pregnant, I jump up with joy. Within the same week, the entire family holds a banquet, inviting my grandparents over.
The next consecutive day, dad goes down town one day, with mom. I am staying home with the part-time sitter. They arrived eventually, in the evening, with lots of goodies for Christmas, while I am in the kitchen refilling water. I can see from afar the largest odd-shaped item, wrapped in glassy floral paper; being put away before mom and I stepped in.
I guessed it must be for mom. Then hand-in-hand we refurbished the interior with Christmas tree, fanciful lights, balloons and cute handmade clay toys with bells and glitters, and not to be left-out socks with our names sew on it.
On Eve of Christmas, we had grilled turkey and friends were invited for dinner. The food was excellent. Mom has specially hired a chaperon, somewhere in Italy, to make this dinner a success. The environment too is very cozy like a match made in heaven. We had chats, drinks and games whilst listening to carols prior midnight where we countdown. A wonderful evening we had, and shortly thereafter, I have fallen asleep.
My slumber was disturbed by the break of dawn. I strolled down the hall. To my astonishment the gift seen yesterday was lying before me. Since it has my name printed, I unearthed the gift without any haste.
Stood before me was a 12” teddy bear. I examined it carefully then discovered it was actually wearing a platinum necklace with a shining stone. “This set of gift has seen advertised on a TV commercial sometimes ago, but how would they know my desire when, in fact, I have not disclosed to anyone at all?” I thought silently, “or, do they have the ability to read my mind?” I try to consider every possibility.
I still continued glaring at the stone, mesmerized, enthralled by its dazzling beauty. With an approval smile, they revealed the authenticity of the masterpiece. “What, 0.3 carat diamond?” I repeated after them with a glow stamped on my face. I jumped up, embraced both my parents, astonished, thanking them for being so thoughtful and prudent.
Meanwhile, as the approaching of 2nd trimester, mom was getting more lethargic due to the pregnancy complications therefore a maid is hired. She helped mom with the laundry and some gardening while waiting for the arrival of the baby somewhere in September. The baby has finally arrived, earlier than expected. Everyone was ‘rushing-in’ to view the baby.
For the whole week, I felt a sense of left-out, lonesome, introvert and on top of all this, inferior and green with jealousy. Mom noticed something pretty wrong with me. She sneaks in during bedtime, one day, to ‘untangle’ me.
“On the day you were born, things were even worst,” she intricate, “with people dashing-in to witness our little miracle and even mom is being thrust aside.”
She added, “Trust me, dear, their curiosity will ease after another couple of months.” Before leaving, she kissed my forehead, stroked my silky hair then left with an affirmative smile. She meant the whole world to me. Every word is accounted vividly in my memory box until this very day. I appreciate every single deed and the struggles she has done in bringing me up and for this family.
(to be continued)
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