Nat arrived alongside his parents, so Ric and I excused ourselves to go say hi, after which we dragged him along to the table where Ash, Ace and Henry where already seated. This is so much better than being cornered by mum's friends. We enjoy our conversations with Ben and Lay later joining us at a point. Raymond, Ric's big brother also joined us when he arrived. Came together with their parents.
Lights twinkled, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene in our family garden. Laughter and conversation mingled with the clinking of glasses. It wasn't every day that Dad retired, after all.
Dad stood on the temporary stage placed in the center of the garden, a microphone clutched in his hand while mum, Ben, Lay and I join him. He usually seemed so comfortable navigating the vast halls of knowledge, but here, surrounded by family and close friends, he seemed a little flustered.
"I must say I didn't really expect this to be a grand affair. But then my wife always has her ways" he says and the crowd erupts in laughter. "And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. She always knows how to make me feel loved, even if it means a little public embarrassment." A chuckle rippled through the crowd. Dad continued, his voice taking on a more sentimental tone.
"Wow" he says, his voice warm and familiar. "I never thought so many of you would squeeze into our garden." He scanned the faces – colleagues he'd known for years, his closest friends, and of course, all of us, his children. "This truly means the world to me."
He paused, his gaze lingering on Mom, who stood next to him, her hand resting gently on his. "For Thirty years," he continued, "these walls haven't just housed us, they've witnessed countless gatherings big and small. But beyond being our home, these walls also saw me grappling with complex concepts, scribbling theories onto whiteboards until dawn, and celebrating breakthroughs with you, Tina, always by my side."
He looked at Mom, his eyes full of love and appreciation. "Your unwavering support and patience have been the bedrock of my journey. Thank you for everything."
A wave of applause washed over them, and Dad cleared his throat again. "And to my dearest children," he said, his gaze shifting to us. "Ben, Lay, and Bee, seeing you blossom into the incredible individuals you are today has been the greatest reward of all."
He paused, his voice thick with emotion. "Remember those countless nights I spent explaining theories, wishing you could all understand " he said with a chuckle. "Well, even though you might have driven me crazy sometimes, I wouldn't trade those moments for anything."
A tear escaped my eye, and I reached for Lay's hand, feeling the warmth of her squeeze. Looking around, I saw Ric wiping away a tear as well, a small smile playing on his lips.
"So yes," Dad continued, "today might be about my retirement, but it's also about celebrating the amazing life I've built with all of you. It's about new beginnings, cherished memories, and the beautiful future that awaits.Speaking of new beginnings there's someone else I'd like to recognize tonight, a man whose wisdom and friendship have been invaluable throughout my life."
He raised his hand, gesturing towards a corner of the garden. "Old Ben, Please join me up here."
Ric's father emerged from the crowd, a wide grin on face. Applause rippled through the guests as he joined Dad on the stage.
"As some of you may know," Dad continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "Old Ben and I have been discussing our plans for the future. Inspired by the countless conversations we've had about making a positive impact on the world, we've decided to embark on a new journey together."
He placed a hand on Old Ben's shoulder, their eyes locked in a look of shared determination. "Yes, that's right. We're venturing into the realm of politics."
A collective gasp filled the air, followed by a mixture of murmurs and excited whispers. My hand in Lay's freeze. I couldn't believe my ears. I look over at where Ric is standing and he seems to be frozen as well.
"We understand this might come as a surprise," he said, "but know that this decision isn't taken lightly. We believe in the power of community, in using our voices and experiences to advocate for the betterment of our society."
He gestured towards Old Ben. "Together, we hope to bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to serving the people. We'll be sharing our detailed plans and platform soon, but for tonight, we simply wanted to share this exciting news with all of you, the people who have shaped and supported us throughout our lives." A wave of applause erupted, a mix of surprise and anticipation filling the air.
He raised his glass, "To new chapters, to family, and to living life to the fullest. Cheers!"
As Dad and Uncle Ben basked in the applause, a knot of unease tightened in my stomach. Don't get me wrong, I love dad and admire his dedication to making a difference. But the thought of our lives becoming public, scrutinized under the harsh glare of politics, sent a shiver down my spine. With my complicated relationship with Ric thrown in the mix, It felt like the universe was conspiring to turn my life upside down. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile and clapped along with the others. (What can I do?))
Later that night, as the last guests trickled out, I linger around in search of dad. I needed to get this off my chest. Dad emerged, his face etched with a mixture of excitement and fatigue.
"Hey, Beanie" he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Everything okay?"
I hesitated, searching for the right words. Finally, I blurted out, "Dad, I… I'm happy you're excited about this new chapter, but I can't help but feel a little worried" I say stammering a little while he pulled up a chair beside me, his gaze filled with concern. "Worried? Why, what's wrong?"
Taking another deep breath, I confessed the pressure I felt, the fear of scrutiny and the potential toll on the family. Dad listened patiently, his expression softening as I spoke. When I finished, he placed a hand on mine, his touch warm and reassuring.
'Listen,' he said, his voice gentle, 'I understand your concerns. This will be a big change for all of us, and I wouldn't expect you to be anything but honest. But trust me, we'll face it together, as a family.'
He squeezed my hand gently. 'Remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what.'
His words offered some solace, but the uncertainty still lingered. This new adventure, felt like uncharted territory, and I couldn't help but wonder how it would affect the balance of my own life which is already brimming with unspoken truths and unforeseen challenges. As I looked up at the night sky, I silently wish for the strength to navigate the storms that lay ahead, hoping that amidst this change, I will find the courage to forge ahead.