FEELINGS - "MONTE CASTELO"
So there they were, hand in hand, standing in front of the entire family. No one knew what to do or how to act. They were relieved because Eli and Grace were back. They al wanted to say something, they wanted to jump in their arms and express their feelings but they just stood there instead, not very sure if it was or wasn´t a dream. The seconds went by but they felt like they were standing there, in silence for hours. The silence was so thick, they could fell it and they knew it couldn´t last any longer. Lily and Rick started to walk towards Eli and Grace, they were ready to speak but Eli didn´t give them the chance to.
"Stop right there!", Eli warned and they stepped back. "Don´t. Don´t say anything. We didn´t come back to let you lecture us." "But-", Lily attempted to interrupt Eli but Grace stopped her. "No *buts*, mom.", Grace strongly uttered. "You´re not gonna say anything. Because you´ve got nothing to say. And in fact, you have a lot to listen."
All the ones there got very surprised with their words. They didn´t expect that kind of determination from them. Karen, Zoe, Jessie and Jake placed themselves sat as their curious eyes tried to figure what Eli and Grace had to say. Eli looked at Grace, his gaze asked for assurance. He took a much needed deep breath and began his speech. "I know you wanna hear us say we´re sorry but we´re not. I´m not. I also know that running was stupid thing to do but... I was desperate. I, we didn´t know what to do... I was afraid. I was terrified to lose the best thing that ever happened to me...", as Eli poured his heart to his family, his words were penetrating Lily´s and Rick´s souls in a way that they couldn´t understand. "... ... I couldn´t lose Grace. I can´t. She´s my everything. Without her I´m a boat drifting through the sea of life... with no anchor. She makes me want to be a better man and I am... And I owe it all to her. She saved me, dad. I love her. I do... She´s my Lily.", Eli finished his sentence as tears rolled down his cheeks. Rick was deeply touched when he saw his big boy crying like a helpless little kid. He almost couldn´t believe it was happening. Lily couldn´t find the words to describe to herself what she felt at the moment she finally realized her daughter was truly loved by her step-son. It moved her but it hurt too. "Mom?", Grace half-weakly, half-strongly hummed, catching everybody´s attention. "Please, don´t take him away from me. Please... Eli is... um... ... I loved Eli when I first laid eyes on him. I know it sounds crazy but... I always knew... always...", Lily felt like Grace´s words were a real sharp dart penetrating her selfish-blinded heart. She felt so weak, so vain and small as she kept listening to her daughter´s deepest feelings. "... I swear, mom, I didn´t plain it. I didn´t mean to fall for Eli. I struggled with myself. I denied it. But it was stronger, it was bigger than me... Mom, remember when I told you I was all alone? Well, I´m not alone anymore. I am no longer *the girl with the lonliest eyes*. And it´s because Eli´s with me. I love him. I love him. And nothing you can say or do will change that." , and with Grace´s last words, Lily couldn´t hold back her tears anymore and so couldn´t Karen, Judy, Tiffany, Zoe and Jessie. They all got amazingly moved by Grace´s words. It was true love, they could tell.
Lily exhaled deeply. She closed her lids, wiped away her tears and stepped towards Eli and Grace then she finally got out some words. "You shouldn´t have lied to us... ... You shouldn´t have run... ... ... But I´m glad you did...", Grace, Eli, everybody else there were almost sure Lily would reprimand them... that she would burst out yelling and fighting. But when they heard her words, they knew she was sorry. "... I´m glad you were brave enough to face us... because if you hadn´t done it, we would have probably found a way to put an end in, in-" "Our love.", Grace stuttered the word that her mother still hesitated to say. "Yes.", Lily went on. "I´m sorry... I was blind, I was selfish. I, I... I love you, sweetie and I love you too, Eli. I´m so sorry for what I put you through. I-" "It´s okay, mom. We understand.", Grace softly murmured, letting her mother and Rick know that they were aware that this situation wasn´t easier in any way to their parents. "Eli?", Rick walked closer to his son. "I don´t even know what to say. I´m, I´m ashamed... ... I´m sorrry for being sop hard on you. I´m sorry for putting you through so much pain. I_", Rick was the one now confessing his feelings. "You didn´t put me through any pain, dad. I-", Eli interrupted his father.
"No, Eli. I did.", Rick had surrender completely to the truth. He didn´t want to deny it anymore. He knew he was wrong and he wanted to show how sorry he was. "I blindfolded myself just not to see what was right before my eyes. You, Eli. You, a boy with dream and wishes. A boy full of passion. A boy who knew what to do with his life but who was cut by his own father...", Karen felt a little responsible for he son´s unhappiness too. She knew she also denied Eli´s feelings. She felt like she was not a very good mother for doing such a thing but by witnessing that whole scene, she knew that no one there or in this world was perfect. "... I can honestly say, Eli that I´m really glad you never listened to me. And that I´m proud of the man you´ve become.", Rick´s face was stained by his tears. All those feelings and emotions were over taking his heart. "Grace, thank you. Thank you for loving my son. Thanks for understanding him. thanks for giving him what he deserves... He deserves the best from this world and you, Grace are the best for him." "Thanks, Rick.", Grace sweetly nodded then Eli gave his father a real tight hug. "Thanks, dad.", Eli happily said in hearty voice as his tears rolled down.
"Come here, sweetie.", Lily extended her arms, motioning to Grace to hug her and they did. Tears couldn't stop flowing from no one's eyes. "Eli!", Karen called. "Come here." Eli went to her arms as Grace ran to Jake's. They both thanked them for their support and understanding. Jessie was the next to receive a hug. Grace and Eli hugged her at the same time and then Zoe jumped on them because she wanted to share her happiness too. Feelings of happiness, understanding and most of all forgiveness over floated their hearts and souls at that moment. Everything was forgiven and love had once again won... * * * Next day after school, Jessie and Katie were at the attic talking. "So everything ended up just fine.", Katie beamed as she watched Jessie separate some of her dirty clothes. "Yeah. Now Eli and Grace can make out around the house freely.", Jessie slightly joked. "Why didn't you tell me about them?", Katie quizzed. "I don't know. I guess... I mean, it was not my secret to tell.", Jessie got out, sitting next to Katie. "Grace hasn't told Eli about us so I felt like I had no right to tell you about them. That's all." "So, she knows that you and me, that we-", Katie cautiously inquired. "Yes, she does." "And what does she think about it?" "She's okay with it. Actually, she's quiet happy for us.", Jessie replied, surprising Katie. "Grace had suffered for love, she understands this kind of stuff." "So, I guess she would help you... with you parents if we-", Katie's ton was slightly serious now. "I can't tell them.", Jessie figured what Katie was about to ask. "I can't. I'm sorry." "But why not?", Katie raised her voice a little. "Shhh! They will hear us.", Jessie warned. "... ... They wouldn't understand." "They accepted the romance between your brother and step-sister. Why wouldn't they accept us?", Katie was making the situation harder to Jessie.
"I just don't wanna think about it right now.", Jessie snorted effortly. "Then when?", Katie *pushed* her against the wall. "I just, I-", Jessie tried to find what to say but the truth was that she was ashamed of herself. She still felt uncomfortable about her relationship with Katie but she couldn't tell her that. Jessie knew it would devastate Katie. "Oh my God. You still have doubts about us, don't you?", Katie saw the fear in Jessie's eyes. "You still don't accept this, right?" "No, it's not that-" "If you're not sure abut your feelings, just tell me. ", Katie burst out and Jessie just stood, never answering her. "I'm gonna go home. Later." Katie grabbed her backpack then blazed out, leaving Jessie in a state of complete stillness.
Jessie spent the rest of the day thinking about Katie's words. She felt really awful about it. Lily even noticed she was *different* and when she asked if there was something wrong, Jessie said that everything was fine then she excused herself and went up to her room. * * * When Katie got to school, she found Jessie next to her locker, waiting for her. "Hey.", Katie got out, not looking Jessie in the eye as she picked a book from her locker. "Are you mad at me?", Jessie stammeredly inquired. "I mean, when you left yesterday, um... it seemed to me that you were, you were-" "That I was hurt?", Katie slam her locker shut which confirmed Jessie's suspicion. "yes. I was hurt, Jessie." "I'm, I'm sorry, Katie. I-" "No, it's okay. You don't have to apologize or anything.", Katie's voice softened. "I don't want to push you. It's just that... I thought, um... hugh... I know it's not easy to tell your parents that you're, you're... you know. When I told my parents... ... it was a nightmare. i do believe that's the reason why my mother is depressed. i felt so bad and lonely. But after a few days they just started to pretend it wasn't true so... you know." "I didn't know.", Jessie sympathetically mumbled. "It was hard but when I told them the truth about me, it was like an enormous weight was taken off of my back.", Katie continued. "But it's okay, you know. I understand. So let's just live our lives one minute at the time. Right? And see what happens." "Right.", Jessie said as the school bell rang. "The books call for us. See you at launch?', Katie quickly changed the subject. "Sure." "Bye, Billie.", Katie left and Jessie allowed herself a shy smile. * * * "So?", Eli asked after a long, long passionate kiss. "How do you feel? Grace who was laying between his spread legs, sluggishly looked up at him, saying; "I'm happy." "So am I.", a smile that reached his ears appeared on Eli's face then he leaned in and their mouths kissed each other fervently. Eli hesitantly broke the kiss, only to start kissing her neck. As he went on leaving kiss trails along her neck, she said. "Um... Eli?' "What?", he uttered, never stopping savoring her. "Um... well, now that we're officially together... hugh...", Grace to make a short pause because his touches were making her to giggle. "Hugh, I thought, well the prom is next week so-" Eli stopped, looked into her eyes then he softly whispered in her ear. "It's going to an honor to take you to the prom, Grace Manning." At the moment she heard his gentle words, she abruptly turned round, rolling them down to the floor. She pressed her body against his, using her weight to keep him from moving. She leaned down and their lips met again. It never felt so good, they thought. Eli's hands were caressing the back of her trousers; she gasped when she felt his hands running all over her covered body. Their kisses and touches grew more and more. Eli was on top of Grace now, he slowly slid his hands under her top thank but then they heard his door opening. "Dinner!!", Zoe brightly reported, interrupting them. "ZOE!", they exclaimed together as they parted from each other. "Hey, *they* sent me here. I said it was a bad idea but. And anyway, if you don't want to be interrupted, why don't you just lock the door?", Zoe ironically pointed and they laughed at it. "Okay, okay. We'll be there in sec.", Eli replied then Zoe headed out. * * "Where are they?", Lily questioned while Zoe made her way back in. "They're coming. They just need a minute.", Zoe smirked and the others got the message. "Mrs. Sammler, thanks for inviting me for dinner.", Katie tried to make a small talk. "Oh, it's always a pleasure to have you here, Katie.", Lily beamed at her. "Hey, everyone.", Grace greeted as her and Eli came in. "Katie! You must really love Lily's food or you wouldn't---- *OW*!!", Eli sarcastically smirked right after him and Grace had placed themselves sat but he was stopped from saying anything *embarrassing* by Grace, who slightly kicked his right foot. That's why he lowly muttered the *ow*. "What?", quizzed and Grace gave him a *shut up* look. "So, Grace and Eli. I heard the news. Congrats!", Katie uttered the Grace and Eli grinned in reply. "Um. Eli? Did Grace mention that our prom is next week?", continued Katie. "Yes.", Eli quickly said then he immediately felt their *urging* and curious looks upon him. "You know, we were just talking about it and. Yes! Yes! As a good boyfriend, I'm taking my beautiful lady to her Junior prom.", Eli playfully stated. "Oh, that's great, sweetie", Lily happily got out. "Have you thought about your dress, Grace? Oh, of course not. You just decided to go. I tell you what. Tomorrow, you and I are going to by you the most beautiful and expensive dress in town. A dress that will make all the males there want you." "Thanks a lot, Lily.", Eli sarcastically rose his voce, letting them know that he was not very pleased with idea of other guys wanting his girl. "Mmmmm., you're jealous. I like it.", Grace joined him the *joke*. "What about you, Katie?", Lily noisily inquired. "I don't like those stupid dances.", Katie responded. "I might drop by just to see how things going but that's it. And besides, nobody asked me anyway. "Oh, that's sad.", Lily pretended sympathy. "Jessie?! Are you going to the prom?' "No. Like Katie said, it requires a date and I don't have one.", Jessie cleverly tried to get rid of Lily's phony interrogation then she quickly got back to her food. Grace stared Jessie and Katie, knowing the real reason why they were not going to the prom. "Gracie?! What's wrong with the boys from your school?", Lily annoyingly continued her nonsense search and the girls looked at her in an awe. "I mean, two beautiful girls like you with no date?!!! I can't believe it. There must be-" "Mom?", Grace lightly warned. "Drop it." "Why Gracie? Is there anything wrong in a mother and step-mother wanting her kids and her kids' friends to have a good time?", Lily couldn't quit the case. She started to babble about the prom, making it the top conversation of their dinner. And it was making Jessie extremely uncomfortable. "I have to confess that I always dreamed to see my daughters, it includes you, Jessie, my daughters in those long fancy party dresses. And before you leave, I would take pictures of you and you dates. The boys would be well dressed too. Tuxedo. They would be wearing tu-" "I'm gay.", Jessie, for some reason, couldn't bare that conversation anymore. it was torturing her. So, without thinking of the consequences , she outburst those words. All the ones there froze at her revelation. Rick was with his mouth opened, he was shocked. Eli was not even blinking. Lily was a little confused but not that shocked. Katie was surprised as Rick, she didn't expect Jessie to do such a thing. Grace and Zoe were the only ones that were not in any shock; Grace knew about Jessie and Katie, she was cool with that. And Zoe was finding the whole thing very amusing. "Katie and I, we're dating." "Oh my God! You're guys are actually gay?!!", Zoe shrugged, her ton was filled with a little bit of excitement. "Shut up, Zoe.", Grace demanded. "Go to your room." "I wanna stay.", Zoe disputed. "Zoe!", Grace warned. So Zoe reluctantly left the scene, rushing up to her room. "Eli? Eli?", Grace arose, trying to take Eli out of his trance. he sluggishly shook his head the he looked at her like he didn't or couldn't understand what she had said. "Eli? Let's go to my room. Come on." Eli did what Grace told him to. they left Rick, Lily, Jessie and Katie at the table. Jessie was with her eyes fixed on her plate. She couldn't look any of them in the eyes at that moment. Rick, without murmuring a single word, stood up and went to the kitchen. Lily followed him right away. * * "Rick?!", Lily called as they entered the kitchen.
"I can't--- I-", Rick tried to put together a sentence but he was too stunned to do it. "Rick, please. just. breath. Just breath." Rick turned to face Lily. His face had a 8what did I do wrong* expression on it. "It's just too much. I can't stand it. It's a bomb after bomb." "Rick, I understand what you're feeling but-", Lily cautiously attempted to help her husband but he didn't let her to continue. "No, you don't.", he angrily blew out. "You don't." "I know it's hard. But you know there's nothing we can do about it. it's her life and we can't tell her how to live it. We can try but.", Lily reasoned. "You and I know how things are going to end if we, I mean you, if you go against it. Hugh. um. Remember when I thought Grace was gay? I freaked out at first. I- I-. well. but after I realized that this new particular information about her would not make me love hr less. Then I kinda accepted it pretty well. To be honest, it was easier for me to accept that Grace was gay than accept that she was in love with Eli.", Lily finished then she embraced hr husband. *
*
Jessie and Katie remained in silence for a quiet while until Katie broke. "You shouldn't have." "But-", Jessie looked at Katie with a bit of confusion. "Why did you do it?" "I just felt like. I don't know. Lily kept talking about that stupid dance. I just wanted to make her stop.", Jessie confusedly explained. "It is not the time or place to tell your family you're gay.", Katie snapped in a low voice. "But I thought-- I mean, you said that_", Jessie stammered, not feeling why Katie, apparently, wasn't on her side. "Forget about what I said. I didn't say those things to push you to do something that you were obviously not ready to." "You didn't pushed me.", Jessie searched for Katie's eyes. "But it fell like I did.", Katie hummed, looking away. "I'm sorry." "Well, I'm not.", Jessie stated then Katie gazed at her in amazement. *
* Grace was sitting on her bed next to Eli. Eli was till in a state of shock. "Are you okay?" Eli shook his head, his eyes fixed on the floor. "I don't know." Grace didn't know what to say to him at that moment. She felt like she had run out of words or something. "Why didn't you tell me?", Eli asked, realizing Grace knew about his sister. "Tell what?" "Oh, come one, Grace!", he replied. "You obviously knew about this and you didn't tell me." "Of course I didn't.", Grace snorted. "She's my sister, Grace.", Eli disputed. "And because she is your sister, she had to be the one to tell you.", she reasoned. "Right.", Eli muttered, looking away. "it's so weird. that she's gay." "You're okay with that, right?", Grace noticed that Eli was having troubles to accept it. "Right?" "I don't know." "Eli, your sister needs us. You know that. You know better that we can't tell our hearts who to love.", Grace remarked, trying to make him understand his sister. "I know.", he lowly got out. "But it's gonna take some time to get used to it." "Sure it will. But you gotta stay on Jessie's side. You gotta support her. Because Rick and Karen are going to make a storm out of it." Eli sighed heavily as Grace softly placed her head laid on his left shoulder. *
* Rick and Lily came out of the kitchen then into the dining room. Jessie and Katie was still at the table. Rick and Lily stared them in embarrassment. "I better go now.", Katie assumed that a big fight was about to begin and she thought her presence there would only complicate things. So she decided to leave. "No, you stay.", Rick bitterly ordered ad she sat back down. Lily excused herself and left them alone. She knew it was something too private and too delicate to be discussed in front of her. Rick walked around the table, trying to gather strength to speak. He stopped, pulled a chair, sat and spoke. "I'm not going to lie to you, Jess. I'm not happy with, with. well. After all this family had been through, we both know that I'm not in the place to judge you or impose you anything. It's your life.", Jessie and Katie observed him very carefully. They could hear the sadness and disappointment in his words. "All I need to is if you're happy. Are you happy?" "I am, dad.", Jessie mouthed as her father looked into her fulfilled-tears eyes. "I am." "So that's all that matters to me.", Rick, in his own way, told his daughter it was okay. Tears streamed down his face as he said it. Jessie abruptly got up and threw herself into her father's arms. Katie smiled as she watched them hug. *
*
*
Things didn't go so well for Jessie after she told the truth to her mother. Karen couldn't understand why her daughter was gay. She even thought it was her fault. if it wasn't for Henry, Karen would have got depressed again. Grace, Eli and Rick did the best then could to help Jessie and try to make Karen understand. lily chose not to get involved just not to turn things even more complicated that they already were. The days, the weeks passed and with them Karen's anger was gone too. She came around and blessed her daughter's relationship. And the Manning and Sammlers felt like peace had finally fulfilled their lives. *
*
* One year later. *
*
* It was summer time. The entire family was getting together at Lily's for a barbecue. Lily was setting the table, Grace and Zoe were helping her as Rick and Eli took care of the barbecue itself. "Grace, could you get another plate?", Lily requested. "Lily! Lily!", Barbara repeated, coming out of the kitchen. "What, mom?" "Why is Grace kissing her own brother. It's wrong, Lily.", Barbara, once again forgot that Eli wasn't Lily's son. "Mom, Eli's Rick's son. Remember?", Lily lightly stated. "Rick is your husband, isn't he?" "Ashely?!!!", Lily called her mother's nurse. "Ashely." "Yes, Mrs. Sammler.", replied the nurse. "Did you give my mom the twelve o'clock medicine?", inquired Lily. "I tried to, but she refused to take it.", explained Ashely. "Mom! Mom!", Lily called a couple of time but Margaret pretended no to listen to her so Lily turned to Ashely and said. "You're doing a great job with my mom but don't let it happen again. Okay? Great." "Eli!", Rick stuttered. "Coming, dad.", Eli replied from the kitchen then he and Grace went back kidding. They heard somebody clear their throat *rmmrmrrr rmmrrrmm* which made them stop kissing and see who was there with tem. "Guess your father needs a hand out there.", Karen smirked as Jessie, Katie and Henry watched them, smiling. "Hey, mom.", Eli hugged her. Karen kissed his check then she hugged Grace too. "Can I hold him?", Grace asked, extending her arms to take Isaac. (Karen's and Henry's two month old baby) "Sure.", Henry gave him to her then they headed out to the back yard. "Hey, Karen!!", exclaimed Rick as he saw them coming. "Eli!" "I'm here.", Eli snorted as Lily greeted them. Rick told Eli to watch the barbecue then him and Lily slipped out, going to the kitchen. "What, Rick?" "Shall we tell them?", Rick's face seemed to shine as he asked it. "You mean, now?", Lily happily frowned. "It's a happy day. Happy days require good news and we've got good news.", he joked as she made a thoughtful face. "I don't know. Why don't we wait a little more. I mean, it's just too soon.", Lily stated and Rick looked at her, not getting her point. "It's a *just too soon* reality. There is no point in hiding it from them.", Rick pleaded. "And if we don't tell them, I will explode." lily laughed at his final words then she hesitantly agreed in telling the family their *big news*. Rick smiled easily and gave her a full kiss. A few minutes later when they were about to go back outside, they heard some footsteps coming from the living. "Anybody home?", Judy made her entrance as Sam, Jeremy, Jake, Tiffany and Maddie made their own as well. "Hey, you guys!", Lily distributed hugs to all of them. "Hey, Maddie." "Um... Sam, Jake? Could you help me with these ?", Rick pointed to some food that there were still in the kitchen. They grabbed the food then walked out. "Daddy!!!", Zoe excitingly got out when she saw her father coming. She rushed and jumped into his arms. "Hey. everyone.", Judy exclaimed while the *husbands* placed the food on the table. "How are you feeling, Judy?", Karen brightly questioned as Judy took a seat next to her. "I'm not nauseous which is already a good thing, but my back is killing me." "You know, yoga helped me a lot. you should do it.", Tiffany adviced, pouting a glass of orange juice. "Maddie! Honey! Don't put that in your mouth!" "you should have mentioned it seven months ago.", Judy sarcastically put it. "I don't know how you did it. I mean., Karen, you've got three kids. Lily, you've got two and Tiffany, you've one but. How you did it?" "Oh, Judy! you don't sound like the same woman who was thinking about freeing her eggs.", Lily jokely remembered. "And I'm not. I'm pregnant, Lil. I don't need to freeze my eggs anymore.", Judy shrugged and they laughed.
The barbecue had officially began. Everybody was in a wonderful mood. They were chit-chatting, laughing, making jokes. They hadn't had a great time like that in ages. The afternoon was nearly ending and so was the food. The Mannings, Sammlers. Blues and Higgins, were still sitting around the table and that was when Rick lightly hit his glass with a spoon, catching everybody's attention. "We've got an announcement to make.", reported Rick, standing up. Their eyes were all focused on Rick and Lily. They waited a few seconds but no other word was spoken by them. "Come on, mom. Tell us. This mystery is killing us.", Zoe impatiently mumbled. "Okay. Okay.", lily stood up too then she looked at Rick.". . . . . . . . I'm. I'm. I'm pregnant!" "Oh my God. Congratulations!!", Grace beamed. Everybody got every excited with the news. They felt like they couldn't keep so much joy inside. "Hey, wait a minute.", Zoe warned and their gazes fell upon her. "Where is the baby going to sleep. There is not even enough room for us." "Oh, sweetie. We haven't thought about it yet., Lily began. "But, well. Grace's going to college so I thought-" "I haven't even told you if I'm leaving or not and you have already made plains to my room.", Grace sarcastically faked a pissed off feeling. "Oh.", Lily gasped from her spot. "Well, since you mentioned the college thing. I guess that I should report you my decision.", said Grace, standing up as Rick and Lily sat back down. "You know that I got into every college I've applied for. And I'm proud of that. Thank you very much. And that's why I didn't know which one I'm going to attend. But after a lot of talking, a lot of thinking, I've decided to go Lincoln University." "That's great!", exclaimed Katie. "I'm going to Lincoln University too." "But it's in San Francisco.", Jake sounded a little upset. "Um, well, the reason why Grace chose Lincoln University is because I asked her to move in with me. to move with me to San Francisco.", Eli was the one under the spotlights now. After he began his explanation, everyone's faces seemed to puzzle at it. "I'll explain. Me, my band. . we, we got a contract with Universal Records. And the recording studio is in San Francisco, and . . . . . . . I asked Grace to marry me." "And I said *yes*.", Grace happily got out, squeezing Eli's hand as the others still couldn't believe in their ears. "Oh my God!", Lily snorted. "Oh, sweetie!!" Once again all the *hugging, OMG, Congratulations and blah, blah, blah*, was going on. They were extremely happy and excited with all the good stuff that was going on. "Mrrmm mrrrmm.", Barbara cleared her throat, grabbed a glass, stood up and said. "I believe that his occasion requires a toast. To my daughter and lovely husband and my new grandchild, to my granddaughter, her Eli and their beautiful and touching love, to this big, big, big complicated and wonderful family. and most of all. to LOVE." "To LOVE.", all the voices exclaimed together. The couples there were hugging and kissing and so were Grace and Eli. "Hey! Hey!", Jake sarcastically made them all stop the kissing thing. "Remember what I said?! No holding, no touching and specially no kissing while I'm still in the room or here or whatever. She might be getting married but she is still my little girl." Burst out laughing, that was all they could do after Jake's words. "Shut up, Jake!", Tiffany ironically ordered. "What?" Lily kept watching them laugh and she remembered the camera was on the kitchen table. She stood up and went to get it. As she grabbed the camera, she accidentally dropped Grace's bag that was on the table too. A few papers flew all over the floor. Lily kneed down and began to gather her daughter's papers but a title in one of them caught her attention. The title was *Mount Castle*. Lily slowly got up, put the papers and the bag back on the table then she began to read the one that was still in her hand. Lily read out loud.
*Even if I could speak the language of men Even if I could speak the language of angels Without love, I could never be.
It's only love It's only love Only love knows what's true Love is good, it doesn't will the evil Love never envies or becomes conceited.
Even if I could speak the language of men Even if I could speak the language of angels Without love, I could never be.
Love is the fire that burns unseen Love is wound that aches without aching Love is an unhappy joy Love is unfelt pain that maddens.
Love is wanting without want Love is a lonely walk among the people Love is never being pleased with the satisfaction Love is to be a winner when you're a loser.
Love is to be in chains by self-will Love is to serve the one who beats the winner Love is to be loyal to the killer that killed us Because, so opposite to itself is the same love
I'm awake and everybody else's asleep They're asleep They're asleep Now I see it partly But one day we'll see it face to face.
It's only love, it's only love Only love knows what's true
Even if I could speak the language of men Even if I could speak the language of angels Without love, I could never be.*
As she finished, tears of happiness streamed down her face. She walked to her kitchen's door and carefully observed her family. She saw them playing, singing, laughing. living, she saw happiness in their eyes. And she realized that in spite of all the pain, all the broken hearts, all the weep, in spite of all the fights and the problems they had been through and the ones that they would certainly go through, she realized that LOVE was worth wall the grief in the world. Because she knew that no matter what life held for them, as long as they loved each other, everything would end up just fine and that they would always, always be together.
The End.
MONTE CASTELO Letra: Renato Russo Música: Renato Russo Inc. Adapt. "I Coríntios 13" e "Soneto 11" de Luís de Camões
Ainda que eu falasse a língua dos homens. E falasse a língua do anjos, Sem amor eu nada seria.
É só o amor, É só o amor. Que conhece o que é verdade. O amor é bom, não quer o mal. Não sente inveja ou se envaidece.
O amor é o fogo que arde sem se ver. É ferida que dói e não se sente. É um contentamento descontente. É dor que desatina sem doer.
Ainda que eu falasse a língua dos homens. E falasse a língua dos anjos, Sem amor eu nada seria.
É um não querer mais que bem querer. É solitário andar por entre a gente. É um não contentar-se de contente. É cuidar que se ganha em se perder.
É um estar-se preso por vontade. É servir a quem vence, o vencedor; É um ter com quem nos mata a lealdade. Tão contrario a si é o mesmo amor.
Estou acordado e todos dormem Todos dormem, todos dormem. Agora vejo em parte. Mas então veremos face a face.
É só o amor, é só o amor. Que conhece o que é verdade.
Ainda que eu falasse a língua dos homens. E falasse a língua do anjos, Sem amor eu nada seria.
So there they were, hand in hand, standing in front of the entire family. No one knew what to do or how to act. They were relieved because Eli and Grace were back. They al wanted to say something, they wanted to jump in their arms and express their feelings but they just stood there instead, not very sure if it was or wasn´t a dream. The seconds went by but they felt like they were standing there, in silence for hours. The silence was so thick, they could fell it and they knew it couldn´t last any longer. Lily and Rick started to walk towards Eli and Grace, they were ready to speak but Eli didn´t give them the chance to.
"Stop right there!", Eli warned and they stepped back. "Don´t. Don´t say anything. We didn´t come back to let you lecture us." "But-", Lily attempted to interrupt Eli but Grace stopped her. "No *buts*, mom.", Grace strongly uttered. "You´re not gonna say anything. Because you´ve got nothing to say. And in fact, you have a lot to listen."
All the ones there got very surprised with their words. They didn´t expect that kind of determination from them. Karen, Zoe, Jessie and Jake placed themselves sat as their curious eyes tried to figure what Eli and Grace had to say. Eli looked at Grace, his gaze asked for assurance. He took a much needed deep breath and began his speech. "I know you wanna hear us say we´re sorry but we´re not. I´m not. I also know that running was stupid thing to do but... I was desperate. I, we didn´t know what to do... I was afraid. I was terrified to lose the best thing that ever happened to me...", as Eli poured his heart to his family, his words were penetrating Lily´s and Rick´s souls in a way that they couldn´t understand. "... ... I couldn´t lose Grace. I can´t. She´s my everything. Without her I´m a boat drifting through the sea of life... with no anchor. She makes me want to be a better man and I am... And I owe it all to her. She saved me, dad. I love her. I do... She´s my Lily.", Eli finished his sentence as tears rolled down his cheeks. Rick was deeply touched when he saw his big boy crying like a helpless little kid. He almost couldn´t believe it was happening. Lily couldn´t find the words to describe to herself what she felt at the moment she finally realized her daughter was truly loved by her step-son. It moved her but it hurt too. "Mom?", Grace half-weakly, half-strongly hummed, catching everybody´s attention. "Please, don´t take him away from me. Please... Eli is... um... ... I loved Eli when I first laid eyes on him. I know it sounds crazy but... I always knew... always...", Lily felt like Grace´s words were a real sharp dart penetrating her selfish-blinded heart. She felt so weak, so vain and small as she kept listening to her daughter´s deepest feelings. "... I swear, mom, I didn´t plain it. I didn´t mean to fall for Eli. I struggled with myself. I denied it. But it was stronger, it was bigger than me... Mom, remember when I told you I was all alone? Well, I´m not alone anymore. I am no longer *the girl with the lonliest eyes*. And it´s because Eli´s with me. I love him. I love him. And nothing you can say or do will change that." , and with Grace´s last words, Lily couldn´t hold back her tears anymore and so couldn´t Karen, Judy, Tiffany, Zoe and Jessie. They all got amazingly moved by Grace´s words. It was true love, they could tell.
Lily exhaled deeply. She closed her lids, wiped away her tears and stepped towards Eli and Grace then she finally got out some words. "You shouldn´t have lied to us... ... You shouldn´t have run... ... ... But I´m glad you did...", Grace, Eli, everybody else there were almost sure Lily would reprimand them... that she would burst out yelling and fighting. But when they heard her words, they knew she was sorry. "... I´m glad you were brave enough to face us... because if you hadn´t done it, we would have probably found a way to put an end in, in-" "Our love.", Grace stuttered the word that her mother still hesitated to say. "Yes.", Lily went on. "I´m sorry... I was blind, I was selfish. I, I... I love you, sweetie and I love you too, Eli. I´m so sorry for what I put you through. I-" "It´s okay, mom. We understand.", Grace softly murmured, letting her mother and Rick know that they were aware that this situation wasn´t easier in any way to their parents. "Eli?", Rick walked closer to his son. "I don´t even know what to say. I´m, I´m ashamed... ... I´m sorrry for being sop hard on you. I´m sorry for putting you through so much pain. I_", Rick was the one now confessing his feelings. "You didn´t put me through any pain, dad. I-", Eli interrupted his father.
"No, Eli. I did.", Rick had surrender completely to the truth. He didn´t want to deny it anymore. He knew he was wrong and he wanted to show how sorry he was. "I blindfolded myself just not to see what was right before my eyes. You, Eli. You, a boy with dream and wishes. A boy full of passion. A boy who knew what to do with his life but who was cut by his own father...", Karen felt a little responsible for he son´s unhappiness too. She knew she also denied Eli´s feelings. She felt like she was not a very good mother for doing such a thing but by witnessing that whole scene, she knew that no one there or in this world was perfect. "... I can honestly say, Eli that I´m really glad you never listened to me. And that I´m proud of the man you´ve become.", Rick´s face was stained by his tears. All those feelings and emotions were over taking his heart. "Grace, thank you. Thank you for loving my son. Thanks for understanding him. thanks for giving him what he deserves... He deserves the best from this world and you, Grace are the best for him." "Thanks, Rick.", Grace sweetly nodded then Eli gave his father a real tight hug. "Thanks, dad.", Eli happily said in hearty voice as his tears rolled down.
"Come here, sweetie.", Lily extended her arms, motioning to Grace to hug her and they did. Tears couldn't stop flowing from no one's eyes. "Eli!", Karen called. "Come here." Eli went to her arms as Grace ran to Jake's. They both thanked them for their support and understanding. Jessie was the next to receive a hug. Grace and Eli hugged her at the same time and then Zoe jumped on them because she wanted to share her happiness too. Feelings of happiness, understanding and most of all forgiveness over floated their hearts and souls at that moment. Everything was forgiven and love had once again won... * * * Next day after school, Jessie and Katie were at the attic talking. "So everything ended up just fine.", Katie beamed as she watched Jessie separate some of her dirty clothes. "Yeah. Now Eli and Grace can make out around the house freely.", Jessie slightly joked. "Why didn't you tell me about them?", Katie quizzed. "I don't know. I guess... I mean, it was not my secret to tell.", Jessie got out, sitting next to Katie. "Grace hasn't told Eli about us so I felt like I had no right to tell you about them. That's all." "So, she knows that you and me, that we-", Katie cautiously inquired. "Yes, she does." "And what does she think about it?" "She's okay with it. Actually, she's quiet happy for us.", Jessie replied, surprising Katie. "Grace had suffered for love, she understands this kind of stuff." "So, I guess she would help you... with you parents if we-", Katie's ton was slightly serious now. "I can't tell them.", Jessie figured what Katie was about to ask. "I can't. I'm sorry." "But why not?", Katie raised her voice a little. "Shhh! They will hear us.", Jessie warned. "... ... They wouldn't understand." "They accepted the romance between your brother and step-sister. Why wouldn't they accept us?", Katie was making the situation harder to Jessie.
"I just don't wanna think about it right now.", Jessie snorted effortly. "Then when?", Katie *pushed* her against the wall. "I just, I-", Jessie tried to find what to say but the truth was that she was ashamed of herself. She still felt uncomfortable about her relationship with Katie but she couldn't tell her that. Jessie knew it would devastate Katie. "Oh my God. You still have doubts about us, don't you?", Katie saw the fear in Jessie's eyes. "You still don't accept this, right?" "No, it's not that-" "If you're not sure abut your feelings, just tell me. ", Katie burst out and Jessie just stood, never answering her. "I'm gonna go home. Later." Katie grabbed her backpack then blazed out, leaving Jessie in a state of complete stillness.
Jessie spent the rest of the day thinking about Katie's words. She felt really awful about it. Lily even noticed she was *different* and when she asked if there was something wrong, Jessie said that everything was fine then she excused herself and went up to her room. * * * When Katie got to school, she found Jessie next to her locker, waiting for her. "Hey.", Katie got out, not looking Jessie in the eye as she picked a book from her locker. "Are you mad at me?", Jessie stammeredly inquired. "I mean, when you left yesterday, um... it seemed to me that you were, you were-" "That I was hurt?", Katie slam her locker shut which confirmed Jessie's suspicion. "yes. I was hurt, Jessie." "I'm, I'm sorry, Katie. I-" "No, it's okay. You don't have to apologize or anything.", Katie's voice softened. "I don't want to push you. It's just that... I thought, um... hugh... I know it's not easy to tell your parents that you're, you're... you know. When I told my parents... ... it was a nightmare. i do believe that's the reason why my mother is depressed. i felt so bad and lonely. But after a few days they just started to pretend it wasn't true so... you know." "I didn't know.", Jessie sympathetically mumbled. "It was hard but when I told them the truth about me, it was like an enormous weight was taken off of my back.", Katie continued. "But it's okay, you know. I understand. So let's just live our lives one minute at the time. Right? And see what happens." "Right.", Jessie said as the school bell rang. "The books call for us. See you at launch?', Katie quickly changed the subject. "Sure." "Bye, Billie.", Katie left and Jessie allowed herself a shy smile. * * * "So?", Eli asked after a long, long passionate kiss. "How do you feel? Grace who was laying between his spread legs, sluggishly looked up at him, saying; "I'm happy." "So am I.", a smile that reached his ears appeared on Eli's face then he leaned in and their mouths kissed each other fervently. Eli hesitantly broke the kiss, only to start kissing her neck. As he went on leaving kiss trails along her neck, she said. "Um... Eli?' "What?", he uttered, never stopping savoring her. "Um... well, now that we're officially together... hugh...", Grace to make a short pause because his touches were making her to giggle. "Hugh, I thought, well the prom is next week so-" Eli stopped, looked into her eyes then he softly whispered in her ear. "It's going to an honor to take you to the prom, Grace Manning." At the moment she heard his gentle words, she abruptly turned round, rolling them down to the floor. She pressed her body against his, using her weight to keep him from moving. She leaned down and their lips met again. It never felt so good, they thought. Eli's hands were caressing the back of her trousers; she gasped when she felt his hands running all over her covered body. Their kisses and touches grew more and more. Eli was on top of Grace now, he slowly slid his hands under her top thank but then they heard his door opening. "Dinner!!", Zoe brightly reported, interrupting them. "ZOE!", they exclaimed together as they parted from each other. "Hey, *they* sent me here. I said it was a bad idea but. And anyway, if you don't want to be interrupted, why don't you just lock the door?", Zoe ironically pointed and they laughed at it. "Okay, okay. We'll be there in sec.", Eli replied then Zoe headed out. * * "Where are they?", Lily questioned while Zoe made her way back in. "They're coming. They just need a minute.", Zoe smirked and the others got the message. "Mrs. Sammler, thanks for inviting me for dinner.", Katie tried to make a small talk. "Oh, it's always a pleasure to have you here, Katie.", Lily beamed at her. "Hey, everyone.", Grace greeted as her and Eli came in. "Katie! You must really love Lily's food or you wouldn't---- *OW*!!", Eli sarcastically smirked right after him and Grace had placed themselves sat but he was stopped from saying anything *embarrassing* by Grace, who slightly kicked his right foot. That's why he lowly muttered the *ow*. "What?", quizzed and Grace gave him a *shut up* look. "So, Grace and Eli. I heard the news. Congrats!", Katie uttered the Grace and Eli grinned in reply. "Um. Eli? Did Grace mention that our prom is next week?", continued Katie. "Yes.", Eli quickly said then he immediately felt their *urging* and curious looks upon him. "You know, we were just talking about it and. Yes! Yes! As a good boyfriend, I'm taking my beautiful lady to her Junior prom.", Eli playfully stated. "Oh, that's great, sweetie", Lily happily got out. "Have you thought about your dress, Grace? Oh, of course not. You just decided to go. I tell you what. Tomorrow, you and I are going to by you the most beautiful and expensive dress in town. A dress that will make all the males there want you." "Thanks a lot, Lily.", Eli sarcastically rose his voce, letting them know that he was not very pleased with idea of other guys wanting his girl. "Mmmmm., you're jealous. I like it.", Grace joined him the *joke*. "What about you, Katie?", Lily noisily inquired. "I don't like those stupid dances.", Katie responded. "I might drop by just to see how things going but that's it. And besides, nobody asked me anyway. "Oh, that's sad.", Lily pretended sympathy. "Jessie?! Are you going to the prom?' "No. Like Katie said, it requires a date and I don't have one.", Jessie cleverly tried to get rid of Lily's phony interrogation then she quickly got back to her food. Grace stared Jessie and Katie, knowing the real reason why they were not going to the prom. "Gracie?! What's wrong with the boys from your school?", Lily annoyingly continued her nonsense search and the girls looked at her in an awe. "I mean, two beautiful girls like you with no date?!!! I can't believe it. There must be-" "Mom?", Grace lightly warned. "Drop it." "Why Gracie? Is there anything wrong in a mother and step-mother wanting her kids and her kids' friends to have a good time?", Lily couldn't quit the case. She started to babble about the prom, making it the top conversation of their dinner. And it was making Jessie extremely uncomfortable. "I have to confess that I always dreamed to see my daughters, it includes you, Jessie, my daughters in those long fancy party dresses. And before you leave, I would take pictures of you and you dates. The boys would be well dressed too. Tuxedo. They would be wearing tu-" "I'm gay.", Jessie, for some reason, couldn't bare that conversation anymore. it was torturing her. So, without thinking of the consequences , she outburst those words. All the ones there froze at her revelation. Rick was with his mouth opened, he was shocked. Eli was not even blinking. Lily was a little confused but not that shocked. Katie was surprised as Rick, she didn't expect Jessie to do such a thing. Grace and Zoe were the only ones that were not in any shock; Grace knew about Jessie and Katie, she was cool with that. And Zoe was finding the whole thing very amusing. "Katie and I, we're dating." "Oh my God! You're guys are actually gay?!!", Zoe shrugged, her ton was filled with a little bit of excitement. "Shut up, Zoe.", Grace demanded. "Go to your room." "I wanna stay.", Zoe disputed. "Zoe!", Grace warned. So Zoe reluctantly left the scene, rushing up to her room. "Eli? Eli?", Grace arose, trying to take Eli out of his trance. he sluggishly shook his head the he looked at her like he didn't or couldn't understand what she had said. "Eli? Let's go to my room. Come on." Eli did what Grace told him to. they left Rick, Lily, Jessie and Katie at the table. Jessie was with her eyes fixed on her plate. She couldn't look any of them in the eyes at that moment. Rick, without murmuring a single word, stood up and went to the kitchen. Lily followed him right away. * * "Rick?!", Lily called as they entered the kitchen.
"I can't--- I-", Rick tried to put together a sentence but he was too stunned to do it. "Rick, please. just. breath. Just breath." Rick turned to face Lily. His face had a 8what did I do wrong* expression on it. "It's just too much. I can't stand it. It's a bomb after bomb." "Rick, I understand what you're feeling but-", Lily cautiously attempted to help her husband but he didn't let her to continue. "No, you don't.", he angrily blew out. "You don't." "I know it's hard. But you know there's nothing we can do about it. it's her life and we can't tell her how to live it. We can try but.", Lily reasoned. "You and I know how things are going to end if we, I mean you, if you go against it. Hugh. um. Remember when I thought Grace was gay? I freaked out at first. I- I-. well. but after I realized that this new particular information about her would not make me love hr less. Then I kinda accepted it pretty well. To be honest, it was easier for me to accept that Grace was gay than accept that she was in love with Eli.", Lily finished then she embraced hr husband. *
*
Jessie and Katie remained in silence for a quiet while until Katie broke. "You shouldn't have." "But-", Jessie looked at Katie with a bit of confusion. "Why did you do it?" "I just felt like. I don't know. Lily kept talking about that stupid dance. I just wanted to make her stop.", Jessie confusedly explained. "It is not the time or place to tell your family you're gay.", Katie snapped in a low voice. "But I thought-- I mean, you said that_", Jessie stammered, not feeling why Katie, apparently, wasn't on her side. "Forget about what I said. I didn't say those things to push you to do something that you were obviously not ready to." "You didn't pushed me.", Jessie searched for Katie's eyes. "But it fell like I did.", Katie hummed, looking away. "I'm sorry." "Well, I'm not.", Jessie stated then Katie gazed at her in amazement. *
* Grace was sitting on her bed next to Eli. Eli was till in a state of shock. "Are you okay?" Eli shook his head, his eyes fixed on the floor. "I don't know." Grace didn't know what to say to him at that moment. She felt like she had run out of words or something. "Why didn't you tell me?", Eli asked, realizing Grace knew about his sister. "Tell what?" "Oh, come one, Grace!", he replied. "You obviously knew about this and you didn't tell me." "Of course I didn't.", Grace snorted. "She's my sister, Grace.", Eli disputed. "And because she is your sister, she had to be the one to tell you.", she reasoned. "Right.", Eli muttered, looking away. "it's so weird. that she's gay." "You're okay with that, right?", Grace noticed that Eli was having troubles to accept it. "Right?" "I don't know." "Eli, your sister needs us. You know that. You know better that we can't tell our hearts who to love.", Grace remarked, trying to make him understand his sister. "I know.", he lowly got out. "But it's gonna take some time to get used to it." "Sure it will. But you gotta stay on Jessie's side. You gotta support her. Because Rick and Karen are going to make a storm out of it." Eli sighed heavily as Grace softly placed her head laid on his left shoulder. *
* Rick and Lily came out of the kitchen then into the dining room. Jessie and Katie was still at the table. Rick and Lily stared them in embarrassment. "I better go now.", Katie assumed that a big fight was about to begin and she thought her presence there would only complicate things. So she decided to leave. "No, you stay.", Rick bitterly ordered ad she sat back down. Lily excused herself and left them alone. She knew it was something too private and too delicate to be discussed in front of her. Rick walked around the table, trying to gather strength to speak. He stopped, pulled a chair, sat and spoke. "I'm not going to lie to you, Jess. I'm not happy with, with. well. After all this family had been through, we both know that I'm not in the place to judge you or impose you anything. It's your life.", Jessie and Katie observed him very carefully. They could hear the sadness and disappointment in his words. "All I need to is if you're happy. Are you happy?" "I am, dad.", Jessie mouthed as her father looked into her fulfilled-tears eyes. "I am." "So that's all that matters to me.", Rick, in his own way, told his daughter it was okay. Tears streamed down his face as he said it. Jessie abruptly got up and threw herself into her father's arms. Katie smiled as she watched them hug. *
*
*
Things didn't go so well for Jessie after she told the truth to her mother. Karen couldn't understand why her daughter was gay. She even thought it was her fault. if it wasn't for Henry, Karen would have got depressed again. Grace, Eli and Rick did the best then could to help Jessie and try to make Karen understand. lily chose not to get involved just not to turn things even more complicated that they already were. The days, the weeks passed and with them Karen's anger was gone too. She came around and blessed her daughter's relationship. And the Manning and Sammlers felt like peace had finally fulfilled their lives. *
*
* One year later. *
*
* It was summer time. The entire family was getting together at Lily's for a barbecue. Lily was setting the table, Grace and Zoe were helping her as Rick and Eli took care of the barbecue itself. "Grace, could you get another plate?", Lily requested. "Lily! Lily!", Barbara repeated, coming out of the kitchen. "What, mom?" "Why is Grace kissing her own brother. It's wrong, Lily.", Barbara, once again forgot that Eli wasn't Lily's son. "Mom, Eli's Rick's son. Remember?", Lily lightly stated. "Rick is your husband, isn't he?" "Ashely?!!!", Lily called her mother's nurse. "Ashely." "Yes, Mrs. Sammler.", replied the nurse. "Did you give my mom the twelve o'clock medicine?", inquired Lily. "I tried to, but she refused to take it.", explained Ashely. "Mom! Mom!", Lily called a couple of time but Margaret pretended no to listen to her so Lily turned to Ashely and said. "You're doing a great job with my mom but don't let it happen again. Okay? Great." "Eli!", Rick stuttered. "Coming, dad.", Eli replied from the kitchen then he and Grace went back kidding. They heard somebody clear their throat *rmmrmrrr rmmrrrmm* which made them stop kissing and see who was there with tem. "Guess your father needs a hand out there.", Karen smirked as Jessie, Katie and Henry watched them, smiling. "Hey, mom.", Eli hugged her. Karen kissed his check then she hugged Grace too. "Can I hold him?", Grace asked, extending her arms to take Isaac. (Karen's and Henry's two month old baby) "Sure.", Henry gave him to her then they headed out to the back yard. "Hey, Karen!!", exclaimed Rick as he saw them coming. "Eli!" "I'm here.", Eli snorted as Lily greeted them. Rick told Eli to watch the barbecue then him and Lily slipped out, going to the kitchen. "What, Rick?" "Shall we tell them?", Rick's face seemed to shine as he asked it. "You mean, now?", Lily happily frowned. "It's a happy day. Happy days require good news and we've got good news.", he joked as she made a thoughtful face. "I don't know. Why don't we wait a little more. I mean, it's just too soon.", Lily stated and Rick looked at her, not getting her point. "It's a *just too soon* reality. There is no point in hiding it from them.", Rick pleaded. "And if we don't tell them, I will explode." lily laughed at his final words then she hesitantly agreed in telling the family their *big news*. Rick smiled easily and gave her a full kiss. A few minutes later when they were about to go back outside, they heard some footsteps coming from the living. "Anybody home?", Judy made her entrance as Sam, Jeremy, Jake, Tiffany and Maddie made their own as well. "Hey, you guys!", Lily distributed hugs to all of them. "Hey, Maddie." "Um... Sam, Jake? Could you help me with these ?", Rick pointed to some food that there were still in the kitchen. They grabbed the food then walked out. "Daddy!!!", Zoe excitingly got out when she saw her father coming. She rushed and jumped into his arms. "Hey. everyone.", Judy exclaimed while the *husbands* placed the food on the table. "How are you feeling, Judy?", Karen brightly questioned as Judy took a seat next to her. "I'm not nauseous which is already a good thing, but my back is killing me." "You know, yoga helped me a lot. you should do it.", Tiffany adviced, pouting a glass of orange juice. "Maddie! Honey! Don't put that in your mouth!" "you should have mentioned it seven months ago.", Judy sarcastically put it. "I don't know how you did it. I mean., Karen, you've got three kids. Lily, you've got two and Tiffany, you've one but. How you did it?" "Oh, Judy! you don't sound like the same woman who was thinking about freeing her eggs.", Lily jokely remembered. "And I'm not. I'm pregnant, Lil. I don't need to freeze my eggs anymore.", Judy shrugged and they laughed.
The barbecue had officially began. Everybody was in a wonderful mood. They were chit-chatting, laughing, making jokes. They hadn't had a great time like that in ages. The afternoon was nearly ending and so was the food. The Mannings, Sammlers. Blues and Higgins, were still sitting around the table and that was when Rick lightly hit his glass with a spoon, catching everybody's attention. "We've got an announcement to make.", reported Rick, standing up. Their eyes were all focused on Rick and Lily. They waited a few seconds but no other word was spoken by them. "Come on, mom. Tell us. This mystery is killing us.", Zoe impatiently mumbled. "Okay. Okay.", lily stood up too then she looked at Rick.". . . . . . . . I'm. I'm. I'm pregnant!" "Oh my God. Congratulations!!", Grace beamed. Everybody got every excited with the news. They felt like they couldn't keep so much joy inside. "Hey, wait a minute.", Zoe warned and their gazes fell upon her. "Where is the baby going to sleep. There is not even enough room for us." "Oh, sweetie. We haven't thought about it yet., Lily began. "But, well. Grace's going to college so I thought-" "I haven't even told you if I'm leaving or not and you have already made plains to my room.", Grace sarcastically faked a pissed off feeling. "Oh.", Lily gasped from her spot. "Well, since you mentioned the college thing. I guess that I should report you my decision.", said Grace, standing up as Rick and Lily sat back down. "You know that I got into every college I've applied for. And I'm proud of that. Thank you very much. And that's why I didn't know which one I'm going to attend. But after a lot of talking, a lot of thinking, I've decided to go Lincoln University." "That's great!", exclaimed Katie. "I'm going to Lincoln University too." "But it's in San Francisco.", Jake sounded a little upset. "Um, well, the reason why Grace chose Lincoln University is because I asked her to move in with me. to move with me to San Francisco.", Eli was the one under the spotlights now. After he began his explanation, everyone's faces seemed to puzzle at it. "I'll explain. Me, my band. . we, we got a contract with Universal Records. And the recording studio is in San Francisco, and . . . . . . . I asked Grace to marry me." "And I said *yes*.", Grace happily got out, squeezing Eli's hand as the others still couldn't believe in their ears. "Oh my God!", Lily snorted. "Oh, sweetie!!" Once again all the *hugging, OMG, Congratulations and blah, blah, blah*, was going on. They were extremely happy and excited with all the good stuff that was going on. "Mrrmm mrrrmm.", Barbara cleared her throat, grabbed a glass, stood up and said. "I believe that his occasion requires a toast. To my daughter and lovely husband and my new grandchild, to my granddaughter, her Eli and their beautiful and touching love, to this big, big, big complicated and wonderful family. and most of all. to LOVE." "To LOVE.", all the voices exclaimed together. The couples there were hugging and kissing and so were Grace and Eli. "Hey! Hey!", Jake sarcastically made them all stop the kissing thing. "Remember what I said?! No holding, no touching and specially no kissing while I'm still in the room or here or whatever. She might be getting married but she is still my little girl." Burst out laughing, that was all they could do after Jake's words. "Shut up, Jake!", Tiffany ironically ordered. "What?" Lily kept watching them laugh and she remembered the camera was on the kitchen table. She stood up and went to get it. As she grabbed the camera, she accidentally dropped Grace's bag that was on the table too. A few papers flew all over the floor. Lily kneed down and began to gather her daughter's papers but a title in one of them caught her attention. The title was *Mount Castle*. Lily slowly got up, put the papers and the bag back on the table then she began to read the one that was still in her hand. Lily read out loud.
*Even if I could speak the language of men Even if I could speak the language of angels Without love, I could never be.
It's only love It's only love Only love knows what's true Love is good, it doesn't will the evil Love never envies or becomes conceited.
Even if I could speak the language of men Even if I could speak the language of angels Without love, I could never be.
Love is the fire that burns unseen Love is wound that aches without aching Love is an unhappy joy Love is unfelt pain that maddens.
Love is wanting without want Love is a lonely walk among the people Love is never being pleased with the satisfaction Love is to be a winner when you're a loser.
Love is to be in chains by self-will Love is to serve the one who beats the winner Love is to be loyal to the killer that killed us Because, so opposite to itself is the same love
I'm awake and everybody else's asleep They're asleep They're asleep Now I see it partly But one day we'll see it face to face.
It's only love, it's only love Only love knows what's true
Even if I could speak the language of men Even if I could speak the language of angels Without love, I could never be.*
As she finished, tears of happiness streamed down her face. She walked to her kitchen's door and carefully observed her family. She saw them playing, singing, laughing. living, she saw happiness in their eyes. And she realized that in spite of all the pain, all the broken hearts, all the weep, in spite of all the fights and the problems they had been through and the ones that they would certainly go through, she realized that LOVE was worth wall the grief in the world. Because she knew that no matter what life held for them, as long as they loved each other, everything would end up just fine and that they would always, always be together.
The End.
MONTE CASTELO Letra: Renato Russo Música: Renato Russo Inc. Adapt. "I Coríntios 13" e "Soneto 11" de Luís de Camões
Ainda que eu falasse a língua dos homens. E falasse a língua do anjos, Sem amor eu nada seria.
É só o amor, É só o amor. Que conhece o que é verdade. O amor é bom, não quer o mal. Não sente inveja ou se envaidece.
O amor é o fogo que arde sem se ver. É ferida que dói e não se sente. É um contentamento descontente. É dor que desatina sem doer.
Ainda que eu falasse a língua dos homens. E falasse a língua dos anjos, Sem amor eu nada seria.
É um não querer mais que bem querer. É solitário andar por entre a gente. É um não contentar-se de contente. É cuidar que se ganha em se perder.
É um estar-se preso por vontade. É servir a quem vence, o vencedor; É um ter com quem nos mata a lealdade. Tão contrario a si é o mesmo amor.
Estou acordado e todos dormem Todos dormem, todos dormem. Agora vejo em parte. Mas então veremos face a face.
É só o amor, é só o amor. Que conhece o que é verdade.
Ainda que eu falasse a língua dos homens. E falasse a língua do anjos, Sem amor eu nada seria.