Chapter 40 Chapter 14.1
Playing games is our way of passing the time. Laughter filled the house once again because our whole family was finally complete. I couldn’t help but laugh nonstop until tears welled up in my eyes and I was laughing before I could even finish what I was saying.
I took a deep breath to calm myself down. I turned to look at Desmond beside me when he gently rubbed my back.
“That’s enough; you might laugh too much and end up dreaming about it tonight,” he teased. I smiled at him. I could see and hear that he was laughing along with us.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine. We’re always like this whenever we’re complete. It’s been a while since I last visited them, so I don’t know when we’ll be like this again,” I replied. He nodded in response.
We continued playing until Mommy and Daddy started preparing dinner. I looked at Desmond; he didn’t seem eager to go home yet. I wasn’t sure if we were heading home tonight or staying over.
I sat beside him to ask.
“Are we going home?” I asked.
“Let’s just go home tomorrow. I can see you’re still enjoying your time with your family. Let’s stay here tonight so you can spend more time with them.”
His words made me smile. I just wished he’d told me earlier so we could’ve packed a change of clothes for both of us.
I still had plenty of clothes here—but what about him?
“Thank you so much,” I said. He nodded and smiled back.
I went into my room to tidy up, but when I entered, it was already clean and smelled nice. The bedsheets and pillows were freshly washed.
I opened my closet to look for something to wear and laid it out so I wouldn’t have to look for it later when I showered. I glanced around my room. It was a double-deck bed since I shared it with Anica.
I searched for something Desmond could wear—some of my oversized shirts might fit him. If I borrowed from Randy, his shirts would definitely be too tight on Desmond.
“Heaven,” Anica called as she entered the room.
“Where are you taking your things?” I asked as she grabbed her blanket and pillows.
“I’m sleeping in Randy and Jerome’s room for now. Mom said you and Desmond will stay here tonight.”
I looked at her in shock. Did they really want us to sleep in the same room?
“Why are you the one leaving? Desmond can stay with Randy and Jerome. You and I can sleep here,” I said.
“You’re married, Heaven—you and Desmond are husband and wife, so why shouldn’t you share a room? Don’t you sleep beside each other at home?” she asked. I shook my head.
“You know very well Desmond and I only got married because I got pregnant. We live in the same house, yes, but not in the same room.” I explained. Anica just shrugged.
“Mom’s orders—you two will be sleeping here together. Are you still shy around Desmond? You two seem to have a good relationship. I can see that he’s sincere with you. I don’t think he’d mind sharing a room with you. And you know we only have three rooms in this house—there’s no extra one for him unless he’s fine sleeping in the living room.” She gathered her things and left the room.
I looked at the double-deck bed. Maybe he could take the bottom bunk and I could take the top. That should be fine.
I went to the kitchen where my parents were cooking together. They were teasing each other while cooking—it was heartwarming to see. Even though life was simple, it was full of happiness. Contentment really comes from the little things.
“Heaven, dear, do you think Desmond will like this? We didn’t know what to cook since we don’t know his favorite dishes,” Mommy asked worriedly. Desmond liked what Daddy cooked earlier, so I thought he’d enjoy this too.
“He doesn’t really have a choice but to eat it,” I joked, making Mommy laugh.
Then I remembered what Desmond gave me earlier. I took it out of my pocket and handed it to Mom. She looked at me in surprise.
“That’s a lot, dear. You just sent us some money last week, and now you’re giving us more?” she said, trying to hand it back. “Keep it for when you give birth. Don’t worry about us, your dad provides everything we need.”
“It’s from Desmond, Mom. He felt bad relying on you to feed us while we’re here. I tried to refuse, but he insisted I give it to you.”
Mom looked embarrassed but accepted it anyway.
“Just tell him thank you. You really don’t need to give us anything when you visit. We don’t spend much on food since you rarely come by. Next time, save your money for your baby.” she said. I nodded and smiled.
“Call your husband now so we can eat,” Dad chimed in.
I went to the living room to get Desmond and my siblings. We all ate together. Mommy and Daddy kept glancing at Desmond, probably waiting to see his reaction to their cooking.
“So, brother-in-law,” Randy began, “do you think our dad could be a chef?”
Desmond smiled, gave him a thumbs-up since his mouth was full, then said,
“Of course! Dad, why don’t you try applying to a restaurant? I’m sure your cooking would be a hit.”
Daddy chuckled. “I never finished school, son. No one would hire me—and these are just simple dishes. They only seem new to you because you’re used to expensive food.”
He was right, the food was simple, the kind people like us from a low-income family usually eat.
“If you ever want to start a business, Dad, just tell me. I’ll invest in it,” Desmond said kindly. Daddy only smiled in response.