"You know, I know how you feel right now," Natasha said.
"I am sure you do, but you don't really know how I feel because what happened to you is different," Lulu said.
"Is it now?".
"Yes, sorry to say but it is. I was not in any sort of relationship with Benjamin, we are just friends, and he broke my trust and hurt me with his words," Lulu shook her head.
"It might not seem like the same thing to you on surface level, but when you dig deeper, it has the same root and that is injustice and betrayal," Natasha said.
Lulu felt bad after hearing how Natasha spoke, she hit a sore chord and she felt really sorry about doing that.
"I didn't mean it that way, Natasha, please forgive me.".
"I know you didn't and that's why I didn't think anything of it, I know your hurt and you simply want to express it the way you wish to, and you have every right to, I just want to tell you my experience because I've gone through this before," Natasha said.
"Yes, and I value your words so much, you're like the elder sister I never had, and I want to listen, I am sorry that I got so defensive," Lulu said.
"It's alright, Lulu. I know how you feel, I always wished I had an elder sister to help me with things like this, so because I didn't have one, I truly want to be there for you," Natasha said.
Lulu gave Natasha and hug and Natasha laughed.
"So, when I was hurt by your brother, I felt the exact same way you feel, even much worse. I didn't want to be hurt again, I didn't want to forgive, I had condemned any sort of reconciliation, that was until I was begged by so many people and I realized at the end of the day peace and your rest of mind was the most important," Natasha said.
"I know, but I just feel so angry with Benjamin right now, I might forgive him, but things might not go back to how they were," Lulu frowned.
"And that's perfectly fine, you can forgive, just try to be cordial, don't hold it against him. Most times men don't even know what they do wrong, it's their nature," Natasha said.
"You can say that again," Lulu scoffed.
Natasha laughed, "Just try to forgive, let it go and you'll feel much better, I assure you. Take it from me, I am much happier now than I was when I let all the hate and anger boil up within me.".
"Yes, I know you're right, Natasha, thank you.".
"No need to thank me, now, let's finish with these dishes so we can go and rest," Natasha laughed and Lulu nodded.
...
"So, you all just came here to be lazy," Ernest said as he walked into the living room seeing all the boys lounging around on the couch. Well technically they were no longer boys but men, however, in his eyes they would remain boys.
"We're not lazy, grandfather, this is what you do on a vacation, relax," Michael replied.
"I agree with Michael, he's right, that's what we do on vacation, grandfather," Charlie replied. He was still very full and Joy was resting across his lap she looked up at her grandpappy and giggled at his brooding expression.
"Grandpappy, why are you upset?" she asked.
"Because my boys are being lazy when they are always supposed to be productive, my dear," he looked at her and smiled.
"Grandfather, there is nothing wrong with relaxing. You don't have to be working all the time," Dom replied.
"Sure, that may be true, but you all are just sitting here in silence not even talking to one another and the tv is on and you're not even watching it," Ernest said.
He had forgotten how hard it was to have children in the house. When they were this age, they did not do what you wanted them to do and it was very annoying.
"That's because we are so full from the hearty breakfast we had this morning, and besides, we might not be communicating physically, but our minds are," Charlie replied.
"Your minds my foot," Ernest scoffed. "My dear, are you not bored here with these grown men who want to lounge about like teenagers?" he turned to Joy with a smile.
"No grandpappy. I want to be here, it's nice and quiet, and I'm also still very full from breakfast and I don't want to move too much before I vomit," she replied.
"You see, Joy gets it," Michael said.
Dom laughed, the expression on his grandfather's face was far from happy.
"Grandfather, why don't you join us? Your chair is right there, sit down and relax with us." Dom said.
"I will sit down, yes, but I am not going to relax like you lazy people," he said as he sat down on his special armchair. It was only reserved for him and him alone with the exception of his great granddaughter when she wanted to sit on his lap.
Dom shook his head and laughed, it reminded him of when they were much younger and grandfather always urged them to go out and exercise, he never wanted them to be lazy, although not doing anything could be very beneficial in some circumstances.
"What is happening here?" Natasha asked as she and Lulu walked in.
"Oh, nothing my dear, just the men being lazy while the women were busy washing the dishes. You could have offered to help them," Ernest frowned.
"Grandfather, that was not our choice, aunt said that we didn't need to help when we offered, please stop trying to blame us, I just want to relax," Charlie groaned.
"I don't expect anything else from you, you have always been lazy from a young age, but Michael and Dominic, you too have joined in his laziness," Ernest pointed at them.
They all looked at each other and laughed, this was typical of grandfather.
"What is so funny?" he frowned.
"Nothing, nothing, just know that I am on vacation right now and all I want to do is rest and spend time with all of you," Dom smiled.
"Tell me about it," Lulu said as she sat down beside Charlie and Natasha sat beside Dom seeing as that was the only empty space left.
"I do hope that I am not interrupting anything.".
"Alfred!!!" Joy jumped off Charlie without wasting a second and she ran to hug him.
Alfred hugged her and laughed, he had expected a warm welcome but not one as warm as the hug he was receiving from her.
"Joy, I missed you so much," Alfred smiled.
"I missed you so much too, Alfred, How are you? Do you feel better now," Joy asked as she let go of him.
"I am much better, I have had some time to rest and I feel more than ready to return to work," he smiled.
"Alfred, it is such a relief to see you well," Natasha smiled as she hugged him.
"Thank you, madam," he smiled.
"Oh Alfred, you do not know how relieved I am to hear that. The house as been a mess and Dom has only been making pancakes for breakfast every single time it's his turn to make breakfast," Lulu whined as she gave him a hug.
Alfred laughed, he had a feeling that would be the case.
"Hey, what is wrong with pancakes? Joy likes it when I make pancakes," Dom said, he felt attacked.
"Yes Daddy, I love it when you make pancakes, your pancakes are the best," Joy replied.
"Thank you princess," Dom smiled as he gave Alfred a hug.
"Well there is no need to worry, I will be returning with you at the end of your stay," Alfred smiled, he was itching to get back to work.
"Alfred, have you been taking your medications? And how is the pain now?" Angelica asked.
"He has been a pain to monitor, you all say that I am stubborn, he is the stubborn one," Ernest scoffed.
Alfred laughed, he had no comment.
"Yes, I have been taking my medications, and the pain has subsided, I feel much better," he smiled.
"That is great to hear Alfred, because we all missed you, the house misses you as well," Natasha laughed as they all laughed.
"It's so true, the house felt empty without you, Alfred," Michael said and Charlie agreed.
"We missed you so much, I can't wait for you to come back with us," Joy hugged his legs.
"You all are so sweet, thank you, thank you so much, because you all are my family," Alfred smiled. His heart was swelling with joy and acceptance, it felt so nice to have people who cared for you.
There was nothing sweeter than being part of a loving family who would always be there for you no matter the situation.