Chapter 82: Granny

MIA

HALF AN HOUR LATER....

I grabbed the doorknob of the door and it opened effortlessly.

My aching heart increased as I walked into the house.

Tears rolled down my face as I recalled the first thing that happens whenever I walk in.

Vicky would hug me.

I closed the door as more tears flowed.

I placed my bag on the couch as I stared at the empty house.

No mom or Vicky.

I moved my hand on the sofa as I looked around. I would chase Vicky all over the living room and she would laugh happily.

I would pick her heavy body up and pinch her cheeks.

It made her laugh.

She has cute cheeks like Jay Jay.

But Jay Jay's is more tempting.

I let out a humorless laugh as my heart bled.

I saw a portrait is Mom and Vicky. Another is Mom, Vicky, and George. Then there is only Vicky.

I grabbed it and the one with Mom and Vicky.

I looked at them as more tears flowed.

I hugged the pictures as I let out sobs.

I walked towards mom's room and I met a scattered place.

I placed the pictures on the bed and moved towards the nightstand.

I took out a drawer and I found nothing.

I took out the second drawer.

I found some money. A few bucks.

I took all.

I walked towards the cupboard. I opened it and I found my mom's diary.

I took it out and opened it.

Something fell out of it.

I crouched down and picked it up.

It says a letter to our son's family.

I put down the diary and opened the letter.

It is from my grandparents.

My heart lit up as I read it.

They were asking to see me. They wanted to visit, asking for the address.

The letter looks old.

How long has Mom had this?

She never said anything.

I continued reading the letter.

They ended it with a phone number.

Oh.

I have to call them.

I walked towards the bed and picked up the portraits. I attempted to walk out of the room but stopped.

I walked back to the cupboard.

I searched George's things.

He must have money hidden somewhere.

I searched and searched and I found some money.

I took all.

I searched again.

I ransacked the house but I didn't find more.

I stared at the ones I found.

It would be enough.

I headed out of the room, picked up my bag, put the portraits and letter into it, and headed out.

I walked out of the area and headed towards the main street. I crossed the slightly busy road and hurried towards a black telephone booth.

I walked in and searched my bag for a coin.

I found one and paid.

I dialed the number from the letter.

It rang a few times but no one was picking up.

Please. Please. Please.

Pick up, please.

"Hello?" A female voice spoke up.

My heart picked up.

"Who is this?"

"Hel....hello?"

"Yes?"

"It is me, Mia."

"Who?"

"I am Mia Jefferson. Julio Jefferson was my dad. I am your granddaughter"

There was a little silence, making my heart pound.

"Oh Deus. Mia?"

I nodded as my heart lit up again.

"Antonio, come. It's our grandchild."

"What?" I heard an old male voice.

"Come, hurry."

I smiled as a tear rolled down my face.

"Hello?"

"Grandpa?"

"Mia, sweetie?"

I sniffled. "Yes, it's me."

"Oh thank the heavens. Your mother wouldn't let us see you. I don't know what Julio told her but...."

"Antonio not now. Not on the phone. She just called. Let's enjoy the moment." My grandma said.

I let out a humorless laugh.

"We need to meet her first."

"Yes, yes, grandma. I want to come over. Please tell me your address so I can come right now."

"Really? Right now?"

"Yes, please."

"Okay."

HOURS LATER.......

The taxi pulled up in front of a farmhouse and a bungalow next to it with a large compound.

It is late but the street lights are helping out.

This seems like a calm street just like Mom's street.

According to the address, it should be this house.

I hung onto my back and took steps towards the bungalow with lights.

I can see a gentle movement through the windows.

I can also perceive the sweet smell of homemade cookies.

I want to think they are making it for me but I don't want to get my hopes up.

I walked up the three stairs and moved to the door.

I inhaled and exhaled before knocking.

After a tiny while, someone opened the door, revealing my grandparents.

My heart melted as I stared at them.

They both look like my dad in different ways.

No need to confirm if they are the ones.

It is them.

My dad's parents.

My first time seeing them.

Grandma covered her mouth as she stared at me. Grandpa who stood behind her with his stick smiled.

"Oh Deus. Antonio."

"I can see our Julio's face," Grandpa said.

"Honey," Grandma said, holding out her hands to me.

"Grandma, Grandpa." I hugged them, sobbing silently.

"Oh, sweetie," Grandma said as Grandpa caressed my back.

"We are so happy to see you," Grandpa said.

"Very happy," Grandma added.

"It is sad what happened to your mom, honey," Grandma said as I chewed my cookie.

Yes. She made it for me.

I just finished telling them what happened.

Not exactly how it happened.

I didn't mention Big Kai.

I don't want them to get scared.

They are too old to carry such a burden and worry.

I just got them.

I want them to stay longer. They are the only ones I have in this world.

"She shut us out completely after your dad died. We had no idea why. We kept sending letters, requesting to see you but we got no reply." Grandpa said.

We are seated at the dining table in this beautiful home filled with portraits, a bookshelf, tiny statues, and nice furniture.

I am loving this place already.

I am here to stay.

"But when dad was alive, he still didn't let me see you," I said.

They lowered their gazes sadly.

"What's wrong?"

They looked at me.

"Honey," Grandma called, placing her hand on mine. "Promise when we tell you this, you won't hate us."

I stared between her and grandpa.

They are both staring at me with emotion, awaiting my answer.

"I promise."

She heaved a sigh.

"Julio wasn't our only kid." Grandpa started.

I froze.

I gave more family?

"We had three children. Julio was the last. Our other two were Pedro and Blanco. Our first and second sons. We didn't give Julio much love that a parent should give their kids. Our attention was mostly on his older siblings. We gave them the best education but gave Julio the lowest. At one point we stopped him from going to school. I said it was of no use. I told he once any of his brothers prospers, he can go with him and serve him."

I furrowed my brows slightly.

"We were foolish parents." Grandma chipped in. "He felt the maltreatment and grew distant. We didn't care until he ran from home."

He ran?

"We didn't feel his absence till his siblings got married, had kids, and didn't care about us. They didn't visit or help us with money. But your dad cared. He didn't visit but he sent money. He sent us money monthly. He took care of us without showing his face. He sent pictures of his wedding and of you when you were born." She said as tears rolled down her face.

I reached for her hand and held it. She placed the other thing on it. I placed my other hand on grandpa's.

"He sent more pictures of you every year. You looked so adorable. We felt like grandparents thanks to your dad, sweetie."

Tears rolled down my face.

"Even though we didn't see you physically, we were satisfied with the adorable pictures and the money. Thanks to him we were able to feed and feel like grandparents. When he died, it broke us. We lived in regret every day of our lives." she said.

"Our other children decided to change and visit when they can. They started sending money but the time we survived thanks to your dad remained in our heads. We were restless. We wanted to see you badly,  sweetie." Grandpa said as he cupped my cheeks.

I rested my cheeks on his pass, closing my eyes and opening them.

"Now, here you are. Our little angel. Please forgive us." Grandma said, making me look at her.

I nodded. "Of course, I forgive you both. I am here, Grandma. Grandpa. I am here now. I am never going to leave you."

"Oh honey"

I got on my feet and walked towards them. I wrapped them both in a hug.

My heart felt great for the first time.

I am happy I found them.

My grandparents.

I am so happy.

"Do you like it, sweetie?" Grandma asked as I stared at the beautiful room.

"It was your dad's room," Grandpa said, making me look at them.

They are standing close to the door, staring at me with their beautiful homely smile.

"I love it. Thank you, Grandma, Grandpa." I said, walking towards them, and hugged them.

"I love you guys."

"We love you too, sweetie."

I unwrapped them and continued staring at the room.

"Alright, settle in and go to bed. Tomorrow we will show you our farm animals. You like animals don't you?" Grandma asked.

I looked at them. "Yes, I do."

"Tomorrow then," Grandpa said.

I nodded.

"Good night," they said in unison.

"Good night," I said as they walked out of the room.

I let out a sigh as I sat on the bed, staring at the room. It is an old typical boys' room.

I love it.

I landed my eyes on a tiny portrait on the top shelf. I placed my bag on the bed,  got on my feet, and walked towards it.

It is an old picture of my little boy holding a football.

I reached for it and stared at it.

It must be Dad. He looks very happy in the picture.

Ignorant of his parents' preference.

I am proud of him.

He didn't let hate stop him from showing love to his parents.

He was a good man.

I really miss him.

I felt tears coming as I stared at the picture. I kissed the picture and placed it back.

I looked around the room again.

I should take a shower and go to sleep.

I can't wait to see my grandparents' farm tomorrow.

I am excited.

I walked towards my bag and took out my nightgown. I attempted to walk towards the bathroom but stopped in my tracks.

I looked at my nightgown.

Why am I taking it in there?

This is not Big Kai's house. No one is watching me.

I placed the nightgown on the bed.

No. I should take it.

I am not comfortable.

I headed into the bathroom.

Not long later, I was done. I walked out of the bathroom and got into bed.

It is very comfortable and smells nice.

I love it.

I reached for the lights and turned them off. I covered myself with the duvet and closed my eyes.

Mom and Vicky filled my head again, making my heart clench.

I flinched at the three gunshot hits to my mother's forehead.

My heart dropped as terror washed over me.

I quickly reached for the lights and turned them on.

That was a mistake.

Because the next thing I saw standing far opposite the edge of the bed and leaning on the window made my heart drop.

God, no.

"Sup, Shawty."

Big Kai.

"Cool grandparents."

My heart pounded violently.