Chapter 41 Hard Invite
JESSICA
I lowered my gaze to my meal.
"No. It is not her birthday. But I promised to celebrate her new job so yeah. That's what the party is for. Celebrate our daughter's profession as a nurse." She took my hand.
I looked at her.
Her smile made my heart melt.
"Not just a nurse but a nurse working in Wellness Oasis. One of the biggest hospitals in the city. I am proud of you, sweetie."
I smiled. "Thanks, mom."
"So you intend to throw a party just because she got a typical job?" Dad's tone killed the mood.
"Leo, why are you sounding like that?" Mom asked as I lowered my gaze.
"Where do you want to hold this party?"
Mom scoffed. "Where else? Right here."
Dad scoffed.
"What's the problem with that? It's just a small party. No big deal. Our compound is big enough for a bigger one though." Mom said.
"You are not throwing a big party in my house, Carmen."
I felt more uneasy.
"It is a small party, Leo. For our daughter's success."
He scoffed. "Her job is barely a month and you call it success."
I looked at Mom.
She is staring at Dad with furrowed brows.
"She got a job not a freaking trophy. Everyone has a job. It is not a big deal. You didn't see me throwing a party after getting this huge deal of mine, did you?"
"Leo, yours is different."
"How so?"
Mom huffed in disbelief.
This is getting heated. I don't like it when they argue.
Especially when it is because of me.
"How is mine different, Carmen?"
"Our girl is a professional nurse. It is a thing of joy."
"So mine is a thing of misery, huh?"
"That's not what I....."
"No party, Carmen. That's it." Dad retorted, making my heart clench slightly.
"Leo, you can't do...."
I held my mom's hand, making her look at me.
I shook my head.
She stared at me.
"We don't have to throw any party, Mom. I will be fine without any."
"Of course, you will be fine. Being a nurse is no big deal." Dad said as I lowered my gaze.
"Count it as one of your lowest achievements."
Mom scoffed in disbelief.
"That's if it is even an achievement at all," he added.
My heart tightened as I withdrew my hand from my mom's hand and moved my spoon on my meal.
"David, hurry up already. And let's leave. I don't want to hear more ridiculous plans." Dad said coldly, making me look at him momentarily.
He is eating and staring at his phone.
He still has that bitterness towards me within him.
His work hasn't changed anything.
"Jessica," mom called.
I looked at her.
She is looking at Dad.
"Invite your colleagues at the hospital for your congratulations party on Saturday." She said boldly and without looking away from Dad.
I looked at Dad.
He is looking at her.
My heart picked up.
"I am throwing you a party whether your father likes it or not." She said, still without looking away from him.
"Carmen...."
"Did you hear me, young lady?" Mom retorted, looking at me this time.
With all seriousness.
I nodded.
"Good."
Dad scoffed. "You are really testing me, Carmen."
I gulped in terror at Dad's angry tone.
"I will celebrate our daughter whenever I want, Leo. You had to deal with it." Mom said sternly.
I looked at her.
She is staring at Dad sternly.
"Fine. I will not give you a dime for the stupid celebration." He said, making my heart tighten.
Mom scoffed. "Keep it. I don't need it. The party will be done without your support."
I looked at Dad.
His eyes moved to me.
I lowered my gaze instantly as my heart pounded.
"Very well." He said, making a moment that caught my eye.
He is wiping his lips with his napkin.
"Let's go, David," he said, getting on his feet.
David got on his feet instantly as Dad picked up his briefcase and walked away.
I couldn't let him leave in that mood.
"Da...." Mom held my hand, stopping me.
I looked at her.
She shook her head.
"Bye Mom," David said, making me look at him.
He is standing close to Mom with a smile.
Mom removed the napkin and kissed his forehead.
She helped him fix his school bag on his back and handed him his lunch box.
"Bye, honey,"
"Bye, Jessica." He sang as he ran towards the entrance.
"Bye," I said as I watched him run out the door.
I heaved a sigh.
Mom got on her feet, picked up her plate, and headed towards the kitchen.
I got on my feet and was about to walk towards the kitchen but stopped myself.
I reached for Dad's and David's plates and took them to the kitchen.
Mom was washing the plates in the sink.
I walked towards her and placed the plates in my hands on the counter.
I looked at her.
She is focused on the plates.
My heart melted as I recalled the way she insisted on the party.
I am happy about it. I am blessed by her love for me.
She is the best mother any child could ask for.
But I don't want trouble between her and dad.
They are a couple.
I don't want their relationship to be unhealthy.
"Mom, I...."
"No need, sweetie. My decision is final." She retorted.
"But mom....."
"Listen, young lady, I hope you have made friends in that workplace of yours because I want them here on Saturday. Two pm is the time," she said.
I stared at her.
"I will get you a pretty dress on Friday so you will look your best." She said, looking at me with a smile.
Tears approached my eyes as my heart melted.
"Mom,"
She heaved a sigh.
"Ignore your father. Being a nurse is a huge achievement, okay?"
I nodded.
"Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You are a professional nurse and your mama is proud of you."
I smiled.
"Mama is proud of her baby!" she said dramatically, making me chuckle.
"Forgot about your dad or any negative energy. Saturday is for you, my princess. It is not easy to be a nurse and then get employed by one of the biggest hospitals in the city. Your hard work must be celebrated." She said, facing her plates.
"Thank you, mom," I said as a tear rolled down my face.
She looked at me with furrowed brows.
"Hey, no tears, young lady. Geez."
I chuckled, wiping my tears.
"Go and start inviting your friends. Saturday is three days from now," she said.
I nodded. "Alright."
"Go, hurry. Start sending text and making calls."
I smiled, walking towards the door.
"Invite Alex and Kendra too. Your uncles are included."
I froze.
I turned to her.
She is busy with the plates.
"Un... uncles?"
"Yeah. They will give you gifts. I am sure they will." she said without looking at me.
"Um....which of my uncles?"
She scoffed. "Both."
I gulped.
"Especially your uncle, Xavier."
My heart picked up instantly.
"He is a free giver like Brad." She said, turning to me.
I stared at her as my uneasiness kicked in.
"Why don't you go to his company and invite him?"
I furrowed my brows slightly.
She turned back to the plates.
"He doesn't do business like your uncle, Brad. He is mostly in his office. So go there and invite him to your party."
Go there?
As in, to him?