Was it really your time?

I woke up all alone on our bed. The sun hitting my face directly, the heat is becoming more and more irritating. I slowly opened my eyes to see the empty side beside me, along with tangled sheets.

Where did Vic sleep last night?

So I did what I usually do in the morning whenever I’m home. I got up, stretched a bit and headed to the kids’ room to check on my children. There he is. Snoring beside Quinn with their arms around each other. I checked on Caleb, who’s awake already but is not crying. He is just simply admiring his hanging, space themed crib toy playing music. Vic must’ve left it on.

“Hi, baby boy.” I picked him up and held him close in my arms. “Is it your feeding time already? Hi. Daddy left your toy on for you? You like your toy?”

He can’t see clearly yet, but I know he can see figures now. He’s roaming his eyes around, feeling his environment.

I checked his diapers. They’re new. Vic must’ve changed him.

I sat on the rocking chair at the corner of the room beside the bed and breastfed Caleb. This is what I hate the most. No, hate is a strong word. Let’s just say that if I’m going to make a list of my favorite things about motherhood, you’ll find breastfeeding at the bottom, next to touring and missing them a lot. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to breastfeed them.

It’s weird thinking about these things. I wasn’t the person that I was before. Being with Vic comes with a lot of extra baggage. I can’t decide just for myself now. When I make a decision, I’ll have to decide for four people. Even with the tiniest things like, what brand of paper towels do I get or when I wanna buy something I’ll have to think if this is going to be okay with the baby. It’s demanding and a bit exhausting.

I never have to worry about paying bills before. In fact, when we bought the house that was the first time I ever owned a bed. The time we had Quinn, our whole lives completely changed, mine particularly. It’s like a whole new world. I didn’t even expect Vic to love me. I just wanted him to be a part of the Quinn’s life. But hey, it turns out we love each other, surprise surprise!
So he asked me to marry him after Quinn was born. And now we’re married. And I wanna stay married. These past few years with Vic have been a roller coaster. This life may have shifted my whole world. And sometimes, it can be very tiring and requires a lot of work, a lot of risks and sometimes, it can be painful and stressful, but I wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world. I’m happiest I’ve ever been.

I’ve gained more friends that I treat now as my family. I have two amazing kids. And I have my Vic, who I owe so much. He can be immature at times but he’s also the most amazing person in this planet. I stared at them. They have their arms around each other. I sighed. Vic is slowly opening up his eyes. My gaze met his.

“Hi.” I managed a weak smile.

“Hey.” He said with his sleepy voice before closing his eyes again. “He’s up for thirty minutes now, I couldn’t get him to sleep so I just let the crib toy on. It calms him down.”

“Did you get enough sleep?” I asked. I looked down at Caleb who’s already back to sleep. I got up and put him back on his crib.

“Not at all. Q woke up twice in between 3 to 4 in the morning, said she had a nightmare. And Caleb was up and crying at 4:30 so…”

I sat beside him on the bed. “Truce?”

“Truce.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. You’re the one Vic. You always have been and always will be. I don’t know what else to say.”

“Just say you love me.” He said plainly.

“Of course I love you.”

“Then that’s enough. Let’s put that behind. It’s all in the past. I just wanna be happy in this vacation with you.”

I smiled at him, my eyes never leaving his. I’m in awe of this man’s capacity to forgive and to love. Then he laughed at me.

“What?”

“I can’t…I can’t get up and kiss you. I’ve been wanting to for the last thirty seconds. My other girlfriend’s arm is wrapped around me and I’m stuck.”

I laughed and bended down so I could kiss him. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving, actually.” He replied.

“Come on let’s go down.” I got up.

“Hold on. Q’s arm. I have to be careful.”

He slowly lifted Quinnie’s arm and got up. He then wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck.

“Alright, let’s go.”

We headed downstairs to the kitchen to find Jaime and Jess cooking.

“Morning guys.” Jessica greeted.

“Morning. Hmm, that smells nice.” Vic said.

We sat on the stool behind the counter.

“I’ve missed Jessica’s cooking.” I said.

“Hey how about me?” Jaime asked. “Did you miss my egg-frying and potato-peeling skills?”

“Yeah, buddy.” I said chuckling.

He put down the potato and peeler and got something inside the grocerie bag.

“Hey, Jenna. We got you something.” He said with a smug smile. He revealed the thing and it turned out to be a jar of peanut butter.

“Oh shit, keep that away from me. Why would you even… Jaime… No…” But Jaime already opened the jar, scooped out a portion with his finger and chased me around the kitchen.
I laughed and ran around the kitchen like a kid. I think I saw Vic shaking his head on us. So I ran behind him and hid on his back.

“But no seriously, stop.” I said gasping for air. “That thing is a killer! You don’t know what it does. It’s vicious!”

They all laughed at me.

“Seriously, Jen.” Jaime commented.

“Why would you even buy that thing?” I asked. I wrapped my hands around Vic’s waist and rested my chin on his shoulders.

“I didn’t! I knew you were allergic. Jess forgot so. Blame her.” Jaime teased.

“Hey! I’m sorry, Jen. We’ll just throw it away. I forgot how sensitive your condition with peanuts is.” She threw her head back while she laughed.

“This is serious guys. Preciado, wash your hands thoroughly, I swear. And don’t touch anything while you’re infected.” I said.

“Infected?! It’s peanut butter, bitch.” He said while putting on soap on his hands.

“Whatever, you little shit. Just do it.”

“Yeah yeah.”

I felt Vic caress my arms with his hands. It feels nice.

“Jess will have to make it up to Jenna and cook her favorite breakfast, stuffed omelet.” Vic said chuckling.

“Yes, good suggestion, husband.” I said kissing Vic’s cheek.

“Since we’re living in your house, do I really have a choice?” Jess teased.

I dropped my jaw and picked up a piece of potato skin from the counter and threw it to her.
“Relax. Okay, fine.” She said laughing. “Hey, do we have plans today? ‘Cause babe found something online and it’s really cool. It’s a theme park called the Luna Park. Babe show ‘em.”

“Yeah, I know that. My parents used to take me there when I was a little kid.” I said. It’s true. My dad would always take me and Teresa up there. We would do all the rides and get some ice cream after. Wow. Now I’m taking my kids there. That shit's mind blowing.

“I don’t think we have plans today, right babe?” Vic asked while Jaime showed him the pictures on his phone. “You know this place?”

I sat down on his lap and nibbled on a strawberry. “Yeah.” I said looking at the distance.

“What?”

“It’s just crazy how my dad used to take me and Teresa there all the time, and now I’m taking my kids.” I said.

Vic smiled at me and then we shared a kiss.

“Well then, let’s go. Do the guys know?”

“No, let’s tell them during breakfast.” Jess said setting up the table.

I tapped Vic as a signal that we should help set up.

“Oh man, I can’t wait to tell Q about this. Let me just go and get her.” Vic said walking out.

“Way to go, Vincent. Nice.” I said.

I just hope and pray that we’ll all just have fun today.

I can’t wait to take my kids to Luna Park.

Notes