As I spoke with Dad, I noticed my guests dipping into the kitchen and getting our leftovers out of the fridge, so I excused myself to go make a proper meal, noting I should prepare food before our next party. Finding a dish that satisfied Sophia’s lactose intolerance and Dad’s vegetarianism proved challenging, so I went to the internet to help me. I found an interesting vegetable stew called Three Sisters that fit the bill, so I made that on the grill, hoping to entice everyone to come outside. I thought about Dub as I chopped veggies and added them into the pot. How was everything going with him and Maia? He should be here with the rest of my friends, but I chose not to invite him and felt very guilty about it. I didn’t feel right about leaving him out of our struggles and then pop up out of nowhere with a party invite. Maia should have been about ready to pop by then, so they probably couldn’t come anyway. She may have already given birth, and they’re dealing with a demanding newborn right now. I could say that was my assumption if he got upset, but I needed to tell him the truth. He trusted me with something, so I needed to do the same.
My stew was looking pretty good and smelled even more amazing. Sauteed onions, peppers, and garlic were one of my favorite smells, but adding the sweetness of butternut squash was enough to make my mouth water. Maira found me as I sprinkled a little cilantro on top.
“Hey! Can you try this and make sure it tastes okay?” I asked.
“Sure. What is it?”
“It’s a vegetarian stew.”
She raised the spoon to her nose and sniffed.
“Hmmm…that smells wonderful.”
Finally she puts it in her mouth, and her soft moans give me the answer I needed. Maira wasn’t exactly Ms. Sunshine, but she didn’t seem to be herself. Something about her eyes tipped me off, and I felt as though she were putting on for our benefit.
“So, how’ve you been?” I asked.
Her eyes widened as if I had alarmed her, but after a moment she relaxed in resignation.
“Uhhhhh… Not great, honestly.”
My initial reaction was to be upset about her not telling me what went on in her life, but then I thought about how I had just beat myself up over doing the same thing to Dub. Maybe the natural response to trauma was to retreat instead of reach out.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you,” I said.
She snorted.
“Don’t apologize for living a great life, Luca,” she said, flatly.
But that was the thing. It hadn’t been great, but how would she know that? Sophia and I had become masters of fake smiles and carrying on.
“So…what’s going on?” I asked.
“Well…to start, my brother died and-“
“There you are,” Chi Chi shouted, interrupting Maira and I. “I was wondering where you’ve been hiding. Your house is amazing! I always wanted to know what the inside of this one looked like. Did you renovate or is this how it looked? …”
She went on and on and on, hammering me with questions about the house without even taking a breath. Sophia brought the portable speaker outside, placed it on the table, turned it on, and began to dance. It was one of those wedding gifts we never thought we’d use, but actually came in handy. One by one, everyone else joined us outside, and before I knew it, my moment with Maira was gone. I wanted to hold her and express my condolences, but she wiped her tears and put on a smiling face, moving on as if nothing happened. How did she do that? Death was such a big event. Maybe later I’d be able to revisit the subject. Until then, I too plastered on a smile and regaled Chi Chi.
Eventually the music drew Chi Chi away from me, and I was relieved. I’m surprised my stew was still warm and ate while everyone shook their groove things. Alessia and Sophia seemed to giggle about something, and I was so happy to see them getting along, especially since Less had been scowling and complaining all afternoon. I still felt some kind of way about knowing my friend was suffering while we were all celebrating, but seeing everyone enjoy themselves in our new home made me happy.
When Sophia had her fill of dancing, or maybe she couldn’t hold her secret any longer, she called everyone inside for cake, and I lit the candles for her. She stood in front of it, looking at everyone and smiling; she was so beautiful.
“I appreciate you all being here,” she said. “You’re our village. If you haven’t guessed by now, we’re gonna welcome a little one into this village.”
Gasps, cheers, and applause erupted around the table, and my heart was so full. I glanced at Mama to see how she reacted because I had previously told her she would be the first to know when we found out, but clearly I did not hold up my end of the bargain, especially when I had a prime opportunity to tell her in the kitchen. I thought maybe she’d want to strangle me, but instead, her eyes were full of tears of joy, and I was relieved. She had two grandchildren loading and was probably in shock.
Sophia continued.
“It means a lot to me personally to have so many friends and loved ones who love and support us, especially on this new road we’re going down, so thank you all!”
Everyone applauded again. As she made a wish, we all made a great ruckus as we celebrated her transition into adulthood.
“Sweet llamas that’s a beautiful sim,” Chi Chi said. “You are one blessed man, Luca.”
