Bruno’s POV
The next morning, the girls got up early and made breakfast. The girls slept upstairs while the guys and I slept in the living room. Everyone seemed to be wide awake and active. I stayed laying in my cot. I had my eyes closed but my mind opened. I listened to what they were whispering. They were talking about me of course. The girls sounded nervous about what is about to go down. Uncle John kept reassuring that everything will turn out okay, even if mom doesn’t take the news well.
I got up and walked over to the kitchen. All the talk made me want to wake up and get prepared. I walked into the kitchen where everyone stopped doing what they were doing and politely smiled at me. “Save your kindness.” I said in my grumpy, morning voice. “I’m not dead yet.”
I sat on the kitchen stool and looked down at the table.
Presley put her hand on my shoulder. “We’re here for you, Bruno. All of us.” I looked up and around the room. Everyone looked back at me with reassuring smiles. I sat up a little straighter in my seat.
“Mmm That smells good you guys!” We all turned around fast and saw mom standing there in her robe and slippers. “W-We made breakfast.” Tahiti stuttered. My nephews were standing beside mom, smiling when they saw the tray filled with waffles.
“How about we all sit outside?” Jamie suggested. “I already set up the table for us and for the boys.”
Presley filled our plates while we all sat at the table. Jamie served us while we all sat in silence. I looked down at my plate and felt a lump in my throat and butterflies in my stomach. I couldn’t eat right now. I guess Presley had the same thought and didn’t fill my plate like she did with the others. Uncle John sat next to me and patted my shoulder, as to say everything will be ok.
Mom looked around the table and smiled. “This is so nice, to have us all together like this!” We all gave polite smiles. Everyone started to eat, but slowly, quietly. I took a bite of bacon but my stress levels took a toll of my tastebuds and I didn’t taste anything.
I looked at my innocent nephews at the kids table. What would they think of me, well, once they get to the age where they understand.
“Bruno, why aren’t you eating?” Mom asked me. “Are you feeling ok?” Suddenly, everyone stopped eating. I heard the clinks of the forks hitting the plates. “Mom,” I started. I took a deep breath. “I really have something to tell you. I don’t know how you will take it.”
“Bruno, I’m sorry I got after y’all last night-” “No mom,” I said. “There is something.”
“Bernie,” Uncle John said. “You may not take it well.”
“You know?” Mom asked, looking shocked. I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“Mom, you know about my girlfriend from LA?”
“Yes Bruno.” Mom said, trying to stay calm. “Don’t tell me she’s pregnant!” I looked around the table, nervous as hell. Ryan shrugged. Brody sighed. “If she is, that’s ok. I won’t get mad. You are a grown man and, well, I would love to have another grandchild!” She smiled proudly while looking at my nephews lovingly.
“No mom, she’s not pregnant.” I said sighing. “Mom, I met her at school.” I heard Tahiti gasp and cover her mouth. Mom didn’t noticed but smiled again. “So she’s a teacher?” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “She was my student.”