Page 28 of Shattered Trinket
With eight kids to take care of, you’d think she’d have gotten easily overwhelmed, but she always handled the chaos with grace. Her ability to handle the never-ending stresses, pressures, and countless obligations of raising so many children made us playfully dub her our very own Wonder Woman in disguise.From instilling family values and respect in us to giving us a reality check when it was needed, she made sure we grew up to be good people with independence. Her guidance molded our character, emphasizing the value of empathy and self-reliance. None of us have ever felt neglected of her love because she’s always made time for any of us when we’ve needed her. Whether it’s a hug, a listening ear, or words of encouragement, she’s always been there. She’s never missed a game or talent show or debate, and no matter how exhausting it seemed to us when wewere growing up, she’s always worn a smile and continued to go with the flow.
Don’t get me wrong, our dads were just as present and caring, and we love them just as much as we love her, but I can confidently say that for me and all of my siblings, our mom is our hero. For each of us, she’s been a therapist, a nurse and doctor, a chef, a teacher, and so much more. She’s been everything, and she’s never complained or taken a break. Even now that we’re all grown and have our own lives and homes, she’s still trying to take care of us in her own way.
“Lo siento, Mamá.I’ve just been really busy with work lately,” I say, switching the phone to my car’s Bluetooth before pulling out of my parking space. “I’ll try to stop by tomorrow after work if it’s not too late, okay?”
“Promesa?”
I can’t help but picture her honey eyes narrowed into thin slits and her lips pursed in a way that says she doesn’t believe me.
“Si, prometo.”
She laughs joyously through my speakers, and I relax in my seat with a soft smile. All it takes to make my mother happy is a simple night at home with the comforting presence of one of her kids back under her roof. As I drive, she talks to me about everything I’ve missed in the time I haven’t been home, and I listen dutifully.
“Tus papásare trying to talk me into going to Italy for a few weeks, but I haven’t decided yet. But, other than that, everything is as usual. Still too quiet without all of yourunning rampant through my house.¡Todavía no me gusta!”
I chuckle, shaking my head as I pull into the parking garage at my apartment complex and park.
“You should go.Quit being so stubborn and go on a vacation with your mates. You’ve talked about going to Italy for as long asI can remember, and now you can. Nothing is stopping you but yourself now.”
She huffs down the line and mutters low enough under her breath that I can’t hear what she says. But I can guess.
“I’m supposed to be the parent giving you advice. When did the tables turn?”
“Eh, probably around the time I graduated college to be a therapist,” I snort.
“Ah, yes. My son, the shrink. And how have things been with your job? You’ve been very busy lately. Dare I say, too busy. How will you ever find someone to love if all you do is work,mí amor? I want to be a grandmother before I’m too old to even enjoy it.”
There it is. I knew there was something missing from this conversation.
I sigh and rub my hand down my face, rolling my eyes.
“You already have grandkids,Mamá,” I deadpan.
She sniffs and I can imagine she’s pursing her lips at me pointing that minor fact out.
“But only three! I should have more than that by now.”
Gods. The woman is a loon. She’s lucky I love her, but this interrogation will have to resume tomorrow at dinner.
“I just got home and need a shower so I can figure something out for dinner tonight. We’ll continue this discussion tomorrow, okay?”
“Fine. But wewilltalk tomorrow.”
Her tone is no nonsense, and I know she means it, stubborn woman that she is. She can’t stand the fact that all of her children aren’t packed up and in love. I mean, four of my siblings are, but the rest are still figuring their lives out and my younger omega siblings are still at the Center and haven’t met their matches yet.
“Té amo mucho, cariño,” Mom murmurs softly, and I close my eyes.
I know she does. Just like I know her nagging for all of us to find love comes from a good place. She just wants us happy. And yeah, she wants more grandkids, but really, she just wants us to find what she and our dads have.
“Yo también té amo,”I reply, listening to her kiss me through the phone before hanging up and finally shutting my car off.
I groan as my head falls back against my seat, thoughts quickly turning back to Cozette when I have nothing distracting me. Her wild red curls. Her tiny button nose that rests above dusky lips that beg to be kissed properly. The way her clear blue eyes sparkle when she truly smiles….
Shaking my head, I climb out and head inside.
She’s my patient and I need to stop fantasizing about her as anything more than that.
Eleven