Chapter 3.

One thing was certain, I wasn't going to let Lisa live with her father. Yes, I knew Lorenzo loved her, but I wasn't so sure about the woman he was going to bring home.

As I dragged my luggage out of my room, "Mom," Lisa called me, and I turned to her. "Have a lovely Christmas. Be merry, you deserve it." 

I smiled. Lisa had been the only good thing that has ever come out from Lorenzo, aside the money and the luxury. When I stepped out of my room, Agatha saw me and immediately put down the squeegee she was using to wipe the windows, and rushed to me.

"Sarah, where are you going?" I saw the worries in her eyes.

"I tried, Agatha. I really, really tried."

"Oh dear...so what now?" Agatha knew exactly what I've gone through in the hands of Lorenzo. She had been my right hand person for a very long time, and if I was going to leave Lorenzo, which I was, I would really miss her.

"I'm going to my mother's house for the holidays. I need to clear my head."

"Yes, yes, you should, dear. Be safe." Agatha held my hands. I saw Allison giving me a side look while she was pretending to wipe the windows.

As I got outside, Carlos insisted on helping me with my bags. "Where do I put them?"

Just in case I didn't come back, I wanted to have my best ride with me.

"The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, please."

"Okay ma'am." Carlos proceeded to the car, and placed my luggage in the trunk of the car. "Where to?" He asked.

"Carlos?" I called him. "I'm driving myself."

"Yes Ma'am." He stepped away from the car, and handed me the keys.

Before I drove off, I took a look at my house. I was sure as hell going to miss my mansion.

"Wow, Lorenzo. What a beautiful way to end a marriage." I laughed sarcastically, then drove off.

My mother's house was just an hour and forty-five minutes away, but I hadn't been able to visit her for five years. A part of me was glad, but a huge part was in pain. When I  arrived at my mother's neighborhood, I noticed how the beautiful decorations did not just lighten up the street, it also lightened up my mood. It felt like Christmas, I had long forgotten what Christmas actually felt like. A snowman and a Christmas tree were by the side of my mother's front porch, and there was a Christmas banner hanging at the top of her door. String lights were attached around the house. I couldn't get into the driveway because of the snow, so I parked at the side. When I stepped out of the car, a freezing wind blasted at me, and I shivered. I wasn't putting on a heavy sweatshirt, I had forgotten how cold it was over here during Christmas. I tried to run into the house but the snow wouldn't let me. My boots kept sinking into the snow, and it took a lot of strength for me to pull it out. Finally, I arrived at my mother's front door. I didn't know what to do. I wasn't sure if I should knock or ring the doorbell. I took a deep breath then I rang the doorbell. I heard the song, "jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle on the way. What fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh..."  I chuckled. Some things never change. I heard footsteps approaching the door, and I took one step back. I didn't know if it was okay to come to her house after all these years, even if we mostly spoke on the phone.

The door clicked open, and I saw my dad's face. I smiled at him. "Hi." I exhaled. He looked healthy, but he looked older than I remembered.

"How may I help you?" He asked. I was shocked. I didn't know what he meant by that. Was he trying to say I'm not welcomed? Maybe coming here was a bad idea.

"Frank! Who's at the door?" I heard my mother's voice. I became nervous. What was I going to say? It would be best if I leave. I turned around to take my leave when I heard my name. "Sarah? Is that you?"

I turned to see my mother, now that was the face I recognized. She looked younger and more beautiful.

"Hi Mom."

She smiled at me. "Come on in, it's freezing outside."

I was happy she welcomed me. I hurriedly got inside.

She gave me a warm hug. Ohhh, I've missed her so much. I had always admired my mother's determination and commitment. Since I was a little girl she had always made her home warm for Christmas. There were presents under the Christmas tree with names on them, and I was perceiving the smell of a roasted turkey. I just realized how much I've missed home.

"Martha! Gorge! Come see who's here!" My mother shouted towards the kitchen.

"Wait, they're here?" I asked with excitement.

"They'll never miss Christmas at their parents house."

That triggered my chest.

George and Martha came to the living room and I screamed, and hugged the both of them. It's been ages. God! Where had I been?

"Sarah, you look amazing!" Martha said.

"You too! You look taller and brighter. the both of you." My siblings were the best part of my childhood. They were the best friends I could ever ask for.

"Mama, I spilled Ice cream on my shirt." A four year old girl walked out from the kitchen.

"Ohhh baby? Where's daddy?! Michael!"

Martha picked her up, yelling towards the kitchen.

"Martha, is this..." Martha nodded before I could complete my sentence. I recalled my mother telling me years back that Martha had a child, but I was busy battling with love, and I forgot to call her. Would she ever forgive me?

"Ohhh Martha, she is beautiful."

"Thanks."

"Where's Lisa ?" George asked.

"Ohh, she couldn't come."

"Really? But why? I would have loved to see her," Mother said. It got me thinking of how much she missed us. Lorenzo did a lot of damage, not just to our family but also with my family.

"She's going on a cruise with her dad and some friends."

"Mmmhmm. The rich lifestyle huh?" I heard a scorn in Martha's voice.

"Sarah? Is that you?" Chunky Michael said with his deep voice.

"Michael! Hi," he gave me a quick hug. He looked bigger than the last time I saw him. I thought after the marriage Martha was going to work on his size, I didn't know she was planning to add to it.

During dinner, we catched up on old times. It felt weird that Dad could barely remember half his family. I wondered why nobody mentioned that dad got Alzheimer. I was sad because it felt like I lost the chance I had to spend quality time with him. Dad was the sweetest man I've ever known. He made me believe that marriage was a lovely thing because of the way he treated his wife. Why wasn't Lorenzo like him? Why did I have to marry the opposite of my dad?