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“Avi, let’s not talk about him anymore, please!” The tears burn as they start to pour.
“Okay, I promise,” he gives me a big hug.
For the next couple of hours, he shares with me every detail about his life. He doesn’t spare people’s names, family stories and his nightmares as a young boy. I hug him so tightly, I practically glue myself to him, and kiss every inch of his body.
He also tells funny stories about women who would try to seduce him while he closed his heart to them. Playing hard to get. At some point, they were willing to do anything to get him, they begged on all fours, pleading. At those times, he’d worship sex. It was his outlet. And now, he was making rough and uninhibited love to me, having an intimate relationship that heals and, at the same time, is so exciting that it hurts. We’re amazingly open with one another.
“I’ve almost forgotten it all,” I look at him, humbly satisfied.
“Sam,” his expression becomes serious. “I want to marry you. I already have everything else that I want in life.”
“Seriously? Are you sure?” I ask, astonished.
“Are you joking? I’m yours forever. And I promise, I won’t give up on you, like some other losers.”
“Okay,” I reply. “That’s much better than losing you.”
“Losing me? Never.”
“You know, Avi, there are a couple of important issues I want to discuss with you. Your relationship with your mother, for instance. If you want me to become a significant part of your life, there are some things that we need to tend to before they come crashing down in pieces, you know what I mean? We aren’t the only two people in the world. We’ll have to smooth out the rough parts, too.”
“What else would you like to know, gorgeous? I’ve already told you everything.”
“That’s true,” I clarify. “But we have to do our best to improve things. Your mother is just as important to me as you. After all, she gave birth to you, so I owe her one.”
“She’s very important to me, too,” he becomes withdrawn, “but our communication isn’t so great. Everything she says sounds silly or fake. Although she constantly tries to fuss over me and show me that she cares,” he replies with restraint. By the way, it’s her birthday next week.”
“How wonderful!” I’m excited. “This is a great opportunity. We can throw her an exciting surprise party. Perhaps you can say a few words? Move her, just like you do with everybody else? Avi, you have to understand that even though your beloved grandmother is gone, your mother is still here, and she isn’t getting any younger. I’m sure she would have wanted to change certain things that are beyond her control, but at least she’s trying. You should appreciate her for it, not offend her,” I gently encourage him. “Don’t forget the meeting that you insisted we have with my parents,” I remind him. “Turn over a new leaf, forgive her. Try to see her side of it, she lost the love of her life. Give her a real chance to reconnect with you. Motherhood is something that cannot be broken or replaced. I would never want our future children to become estranged from us.”
He listens to me, smiling.
“Yes, you’re right. Parenthood demands responsibility and sacrifice. Now that I already know what love is all about, I’m not sure what I’d do if I’d ever lose you,” he hugs me tightly.
“Can I arrange it, please? It’s going to be perfect. Trust me.”
“We’ll do it together,” he surprises me. “I think that, deep down, I’ve been wanting to thaw the ice for some time, but we only grew more distant and now we’re alienated from one another. But then you showed up, and you’ve broken through all my walls.”
“When you’re loved, you have a sense of confidence,” I reaffirm what he had said. “You’re an amazing man, and there are so many people who want to be in your presence just because of who you are. Let them. Soften up a little. At least when it comes to people who matter.”
“Okay,” he concludes the conversation. “Let’s start planning tomorrow. All I want to do now is hug you,” he falls asleep.
The day of the party arrives. The fancy hall we’ve booked is already decorated in a classic and refined style. All the guests and family members are seated at the round tables scattered throughout the hall. Avi is excited; he does sound checks and speaks with delivery boys. I’m in charge of the refreshments and decorations. We’ve both been running around for a week to arrange this event. But we’ve both thoroughly enjoyed planning it. I felt as though I was untying a knot in the heart of this man who had dismantled the puzzle I was living in only to reassemble it again, now true to myself and with self-esteem and self-respect.
The luxurious white Rolls-Royce pulls up in front of the glass door facing the road. His beautiful mother, Rachel, elegantly and fluidly steps out of the car. She’s dressed in the designer gown we had sent in advance. She looks so impressive; I can clearly tell from where Avi got his looks. My heart aches when I realize I had never met his father, Michael. My prince has been through so much. I hope he’ll let her in and allow her to become a real part of his world. Moved, she looks at everyone, and responds gleefully when everyone cries out “Happy birthday, Rachel,” and “cheers”. She hugs and kisses all the guests. Her favorite music plays in the background. People start dancing on the main dance floor, food is served, and the alcohol starts flowing. The atmosphere is blissful, and everyone looks pleased, especially Rachel. Avi is nervous and shies away from everyone.
Then, the highlight of the event: a cake with sixty-eight candles comes rolling in. She blows them out with a few long puffs and then everything turns silent. Avi climbs up to the stage and grabs the mic.
“Thank you everyone for being here and gracing us with your presence,” he starts. “I’d like to tell you a bit about my mother,” his voice trembles. “My mother has always been a dedicated, affable, and lovely woman,” he addresses her. “I know we’ve suffered a lot of pain and sorrow, but now it’s time to leave that all behind and look forward to the future. I thank you, Mother, for everything you’ve done for me. Although today is your birthday, you are, in fact, my gift. I am committed to putting aside whatever disagreements we’ve had in the past. From now on, I promise you’ll know each and every day just how much you mean to me. In addition, I would like to apologize for my long years of estrangement. It’s important for me to explain that the pain I felt was due not to your absence nor, God forbid, your presence. I would be honored if you help me raise my future children.”
He completely surrenders to the moment, hugs her and takes no notice of the guests in the hall. Every single one of the guests had tears in their eyes.
“Okay! We’ve cried enough,” he declares. “Now it’s time for presents.” He surprises her when he gives her a beautiful heart pendant with ‘Avi’ engraved on one side and ‘Rachel’ on the other. She seems elated and beside herself. I’m filled with a sense of pride for having had the opportunity to spread some magic dust over these dear people I love the most.
An hour passes and Rachel addresses me and warmly places her hand on my shoulder.
“You can’t even imagine what you’ve done for me, Sam. I know that Avi wouldn’t have made this step without you; I felt I had lost him forever. Thank you for giving him the courage to forgive me. I have so much love to give him, and he deserves every bit of it.”
Tears of joy keep pouring down my cheeks.
