Dom rushed into the living room with a cup of hot tea in his hands.
"Here," he handed her the cup.
She sat upright and took a sip of the tea. It was hot, just the way she liked it, and it was also a different blend, which was nice, but she just could not help but feel guilty that everyone was focused on her.
"Where is Joy?" she asked. She had been carried in such a rush that she had no time to see her baby.
"She's fine, she's asleep. My dad took her to her bedroom," Dom replied.
"Alright, that's good. I'm glad she's asleep," Natasha said.
"Yes, me too, you should please just focus on getting better. Do you need anything, like some warm water or a nice blanket?" he asked.
"No, I'm fine, you should just go and check on Joy, make sure she didn't wake up, she might be scared to find herself in an unfamiliar place," Natasha said.
"Well, I doubt that she would wake up, she was really out cold, but okay, if that will make you feel better, I will go and check on her," Dom said. He did not wish to argue with her and make her feel any worse than she already was.
Dom went to do as Natasha asked and his mother walked in right after him.
"Oh, here you go my dear, place this on your abdomen and it should relieve some of the pain there," Margaret said.
"Thank you, aunt," Natasha forced a smile as Margaret placed the hot water bag on her abdomen for her.
"Oh, you don't have to thank me, my dear, tell me what is the matter? You don't seem pleased," Margaret said. She was quick to notice the way Natasha's smile was forced. She had known Natasha ever since she was a little girl, there was definitely something on her mind.
"Nothing, aunt, nothing is the matter," Natasha looked down.
"Oh, you know you can't lie to me. I know you too well, when there is something bothering your facial expression contorts slightly, and you get that little fake dimple that appears your right cheek," Margaret said.
"There is?" Natasha looked up surprised. She never knew that.
"Yes, there is, it only appears when you are lying and something is bothering you, so tell me, my dear, what is the matter? This is a safe space, you can trust me," Margaret sat down beside her.
"I know that I can trust you, aunt. It's just that I feel bad that we came over here to spend some time with the family and as soon as I arrived, I made everyone worry about me. I don't want to inconvenience anyone," she said.
"Oh hush, that is not true, you are not inconveniencing anyone. We all care about you, of course we worry, and that's why we rush to make sure you feel better, because that's what family does, and we are family," she smiled.
"I know, but still... I just don't like to feel like I'm needy," Natasha looked down.
"That is nonsense Natasha. Even before you became my daughter-in-law, you were always like the second, older daughter I always wanted, and I care for you like I would Lulu. If Lulu was feeling sick, I would drop everything just to make sure she is feeling okay, and I will do the same for you.".
"We all care about you, we all do, and your health matters to us. So, don't ever feel like you are needy, never feel like you are inconveniencing us, we want to do this for you and that is because we all love you, so enjoy it, and don't allow yourself feel sad for something that is outside your control," she said.
"You are right, aunt," Natasha nodded.
"Of course I am, so what would you like to eat for dinner?" Margaret smiled.
"I'm not hungry right now, aunt," Natasha replied.
"Oh, that's nonsense, you are going to eat something, it will make you feel much better, I am sure about it," Margaret smiled.
Natasha laughed lightly, she should have known that Margaret would not take no for an answer.
"Alright then, can I have some fried rice please?" Natasha smiled.
"Somehow I knew that you would ask for fried rice, so I made it for dinner, I'll be right back," Margaret laughed.
...
Ernest Jr walked into Joy's bedroom. He looked around, his wife had gone above and beyond to make sure the bedroom was lovely, as lovely as their precious grandchild.
Joy stirred in his arms, he walked to the bed, pulled the covers and placed her on the bed before tucking her in.
She looked so peaceful when she was asleep. He of all people knew how energetic she was. There was no doubt in his mind that their house would be filled with jumping and laughter once she woke up in the morning.
Ernest Jr smiled at her, he bent down and gave her a tender kiss on the forehead, "Goodnight my child.".
Dom walked in to witness this rare moment. He smiled. It was very odd to see his father be affectionate with anyone. They all knew that he was not an affectionate man. He was always cool, calm and collected and he rarely showed his soft side, but it seemed that he did show it with his granddaughter.
"What are you doing here?" Ernest Jr frowned when he turned and saw Dom standing by the door.
"Natasha was worried about Joy waking up and panicking, so she sent me here to check on her," Dom whispered.
"Wipe that grin off your face, Dominic," Ernest Jr frowned.
Dom resisted the urge to laugh, he nodded and tried to remain as serious as possible.
"How is Natasha doing now? I could hear all the commotion downstairs," Ernest Jr asked. He switched off the lights and closed the door gently behind them.
"She's better now, although, I am sure she's not telling me how bad she truly feels right now," Dom frowned.
"Is it serious?" Ernest Jr asked.
"I hope not. From what I know it's a combination of very strong period cramps, a headache and I think stress," Dom said as they walked down the stairs.
"I believe so, especially the stress part. She is still running the new store that she opened right?" Ernest Jr asked and Dom nodded.
"That must have added to her stress, especially now that her business partner went on vacation," he said.
"Dad, how do you know that?" Dom was surprised. He did not think that his dad knew as much as he was saying right now.
"Lulu talks to your mother, your mother talks to me, do the math," Ernest Jr shrugged.
"I thought you never listen when mom gossips with you," Dom laughed.
"It's not gossiping, it's relaying of information, and being well-informed should be something to strive for," Ernest Jr replied.
"Just say you like gossip and that will be that," Dom laughed as they walked into the kitchen.
"I don't like gossip," Ernest Jr frowned.
"Who doesn't like gossip?" Margaret asked as she was busy heating some food in the microwave.
"Dad, he's lying that he doesn't enjoy gossip," Dom laughed. He poured himself a glass of water.
"Oh yes, definitely, your father enjoys gossip quite a lot, even though he likes to pretend like he does not," Margaret said.
"Aha, you see, I am right," Dom laughed.
Ernest Jr frowned at him, "Don't you have bags to bring in?".
"In fact, I do, but I am hungry, that smells so good, mom," Dom smiled as Margaret brought out the heated plate of fried rice.
Dom tried to steal a bite, bit Margaret hit his hand away.
"Ouch," he frowned.
"Sorry, Dominic, but it's not for you, it's for Natasha. I will heat your own dinner for you after I have served her, you go and unpack," Margaret said.
"Yes, mom," he replied. He walked out of the kitchen. He muttered under his breath, he was so hungry and tired, but first thing was first, he needed to go and remove the rest of the bags from the car, lock it, and then he could come back and relax.
Ernest Jr smiled, Margaret saw his smile from the corner of her eye. She shook her head. She knew he would not like what she would say, but she would say it regardless.
"You better get used to their presence, we are going to have a full week of the boys being home, and they are definitely going to say things you don't like to hear," she said.
His frown returned, she did not mean to down his mood, she just wanted him to be realistic and prepared. He was starting to rethink having them all back home. There would be no more peace.
"I'll be right back," she said as she carried the tray out.