"Celine, hurry up, or you will be late for your grandmother's birthday party. " Mrs Gloria shouted.
Today was her mother-in-law's birthday party. Mrs Gregory, though old in age, was still as young and vibrant as ever. She was the definition of being ever young. Her husband had died two years ago, leaving her a widow with four grown men, her children, who were now all married.
Turning Fifty was definitely a thing to celebrate. And Mrs Gregory's wish was for all her children and their families to be present with her on this special day of hers. It was definitely going to be a full house, Mrs Gloria thought. This was the second time all the families gathered under one roof, so she had to be on time. She couldn't afford to make a bad impression by coming late. No, she could not allow her daughter to delay her anymore.
The last time the family had all gathered together was two years ago, which was for Mr Gregory's burial. It was a painful moment for the whole family. The death of Mr Gregory took a great toll on Mrs Gregory and her boys indeed. The poor man died in a fatal accident, leaving the family in shock and pain. However, like they say, time heals all wounds. She could see her husband gradually healing from the loss of his father. Although he wouldn't show it, Mrs Gloria knew the death of her husband's father pained him to no end. He was the closest among all his other siblings to his father, and the elder too. So, if not for anything, he was now the head of the family, he had to be strong for them. He was not allowed to show weakness, or so he thought. Mrs Gloria smiled, remembering how strong-willed her husband could be in his opinions about certain things in life at times.
Shaking off her thoughts, she went inside to fetch her daughter and only child Celine. She was just three years old and could be a handful at times.
" Darling are you still eating" Mrs Gloria said, seeing her gobble her food so quickly.
" I'm done now mummy, we can go" she said with her mouth full of the food she had just packed.
" Young lady, I didn't teach you to eat that way, did I?"
" Now eat properly and meet me at the car" she said while carrying their bags to put in the boot of the car.
One hour later, they had arrived at the family house. Several cars were already packed up there. She quickly turned off the car ignition and went in with her daughter.
" Perfect! You're right on time, we were just about to cut the cake", Sarah, her co-wife said as they entered inside.
The party went on and on with joyfulness in the air. The atmosphere was cheerful, the sweet aroma of different kinds of food filled the air. The loud music buzzed through the whole house. There were different kinds of games to play. The kids were all outside playing, having their own little party. While the grown-ups were all inside catching up on old times. The co-wives sat together in one place, gisting and keeping Mrs Gregory company, who wouldn't stop laughing. While Gregory's boys were outside playing basketball.
Mrs Gregory looked at her family and couldn't help but smile. She was more than satisfied with where she was now and what she had achieved so far. She smiled a sad smile, remembering her husband. Her joy would have been complete if he had been here. However, she knew he was in a better place.
Soon it was time to eat. The whole family gathered around the large dining table. Different varieties of food were displayed on the table.
" Wow! Mom, are we having a feast", Johnson, the last born, asked jokingly.
" Well, what does it look like? It's my birthday after all" Mrs Gregory answered him playfully and everyone all laughed at that.
Clicking her glass up to get everybody's attention, she started by saying
" You all being here means a lot to me. I am truly grateful to all of you for gracing this special day of mine. It is so sad your father can no longer join us. At least he is now in a better place." S
" I love you all" she said at last.
Raising her cup up for a toast, she shouted
"To Family"
" To family" every one cheered back, each raising their glass cup for a toast.