Abby and Kelly were shocked with all they had heard from Ellen. "I can't believe this." Abby said, and the rest nodded. "It's so brave of you to forgive him Elle. I don't know if I'd be able to." Kelly expressed. "I think so too, and judging from what I saw this morning, I think you made the right decision because you are happy. And to think of all people, your mom scored Dr. Wilson is very impressive." Abby said with a wink, and they laughed. Though they were listening to Ellen, they shopped for school items as well. Abby offered to shop for Ellen, but she politely refused because she wanted to experience shopping with her father. It was almost 5pm when they arrived at Ellen's place. Aaron's car was still where they saw it this morning. They bade farewells and Ellen went inside to meet her parents chatting excitedly. "Oh hey, you are finally back. I was getting worried." Elena said when she saw her daughter. "I'm never going to get used to this joy of seeing you two together after coming home." Ellen said and hugged them, tears welling up in her eyes. "Awn me too honey, and I hope I can make it permanent and official." Aaron said, looking at Elena. "Freshen up Ellen, we are going out for dinner, with your grandparents." Elena instructed, stressing on the grandparents' part, which made Ellen halt in her steps. "What did you say please?" She asked with surprise. "I said we are having dinner with the Wilsons, your grandparents." Elena expounded. "Why?" Ellen demanded, getting angry. "They want to see you honey." Aaron replied instead. "But I don't want to see them! They are responsible for my life without a father for so many years. No! I don't want to see them mom." Ellen refuted. "I know dear, and I understand but they are your grandparents, Ellen. Sooner or later, you are going to have to see them. They can come see you too, but I'd rather they do that while I'm around than go behind my back. So please stop being stubborn and freshen up. Don't forget they are elders Ellen, don't say or do anything to disrespect them. You know what God says about children and honor." Elena explained and got her to agree, much to her chagrin.
***
Ellen and her parents arrived at the restaurant in East Legon, to meet a beautiful woman, and handsome man in their late seventies. She had to admit good looks was an heirloom in their family. The woman smiled when she saw Aaron and rushed to hug him. She turned to Elena and before she could bat an eyelid, she hugged her too, stunning everyone. Aaron breathed in a sigh of relief when his mother didn't slap or insult Elena. Heck he was prepared to jump to her defense when his mother, Jessica, turned to Elena before hugging her. Elena didn't have time to recover from her shock when Jessica turned to her daughter, she became alert instantly. "Oh my, she's as beautiful as her mother. I knew your children would always be beautiful, Aaron. Come dear, come sit. This is your grandfather Ben." Jessica said after hugging her and introduced her to her husband. Benjamin Wilson, Aaron's dad, was happy to see his granddaughter too. They had to admit Elena did a fine job raising the young lady. He reached out to Ellen as well, who was forcing herself, with everything she's got to keep the smile on her face, and hide her disdain. Elena on the other hand, didn't know what to make of the drama unfolding before her, as Aaron held her hand. Elena smiled his way, and they ordered after settling down. "So, Aaron tells me you are Ellen, right?" Jessica starts a conversation while waiting for the order to arrive. Ellen just nodded. "Okay, tell me about you. I want to know everything." Jessica said excitedly, folding the napkin on her lap out of habit. Ellen sighed inaudibly, and gave herself a little squeeze before turning to answer her grandmother. "Um my name is Eleanora Wilson. I am fourteen years old, in the first year of Achimota Senior high school. I'm studying general science, and I'm part of the quiz team, but the most interesting thing about my life, is the fact that I grew up thinking my father was dead, because my grandparents didn't think, I was worthy enough to be fought for, or receive the love of a father." She said with sarcasm, making everyone gasp, and her mom shocked. She had a feeling Ellen would pull the same stunt she pulled, when Aaron first found them. "Ellen!" She made an attempt to reprimand her. "No. It's fine, she has every right to say that. I knew tonight wasn't going to go easy, but we had to try. Ellen dear, nothing I say, can make up for the wrong we did you in the past. But we're here now, and we want to earn your forgiveness, especially yours, Elena. You both are our family, and Ellen is our blood, our granddaughter…" Jessica spoke but got interrupted. "Oh, I see. So that's what this dinner is about. Your daughter-in-law lied about the paternity of your supposed grandson, and so you came for me, your biological one. Oh, don't be shocked, I know a whole lot of things." Ellen sneered and her mother burst into tears. "Now, sweetheart, I know you are angry and hurt, but that's not the only reason for this dinner. We wronged you and your mother. Let's face it, I was never truly successful in separating Aaron from you, because all these years, I've seen my son suffer for a choice I forced on him. He's never been happy like this until now. I love my son as much as your mother loves you, and though you may be right, I still want to apologize and start a life with you two. We are truly sorry, and I hope you can one day forgive us." Jessica propounded, just when the food arrived. They all stared at it, with Aaron doing his best to calm the woman beside him. Elena, however, knew that whatever move she made would influence her daughter's actions, so she decided to be the better person and forgive. "I forgive you, both of you." She said after wiping her tears and went to hug the overjoyed couple. Ellen could not believe what she was seeing, her mom actually forgave them. "Ama, it's not good to hold resentment in you. And trust me, I know that feeling. It only holds you back from the good things you can enjoy, and the new memories you can create. I don't have parents, and I never had grandparents too, but you have it all. Take advantage of what God is giving you, a new life with a big family who loves and cherishes you." Elena spoke to her daughter's heart. Ellen stared at them with stinging tears and finally got up to hug them too after much thought and reflection. God was indeed giving her a chance, and she decided to take it. Jessica turned to call Aaron to join in on the hug, when they realized he's gone. "Um good evening, ladies, and gentlemen, sorry to interrupt your dinner. I kind of need your help with something important." They heard him from the stage of the restaurant. "What is he up to?" Elena asked in bewilderment. "I think we should sit for this." Ben spoke for the first time since they sat to talk. He seldom spoke, always leaving things to his wife and agreeing to her decisions.