55 — Catarina Rowedder
“What’s going on in that beautiful mind
I'm passing through your magical mystery
And I'm so confused I don't know
what hit me”
All of me — John Legend
— Gael, I know you also have a lot of problems to solve, but do you remember the Foundation project? — He nods. — I have some sketches on my old desk, could you give them to Adam? I want to get started on this as soon as possible.
— Yes, sure. Tired of vacation? — Smile.
— I confess that yes, and I'm looking forward to getting started soon, even more so after seeing the way Ty was treated yesterday.
— I agree. I'm going to see Jack, to provide a team here from the company and one from C.R., for the works and I'll also look at the licenses. OK?
— Ahhh, thank you, brother—in—law! — Hug him. — Get used to it, because I'm only going to call you that. Now we are a complete family!
— Yes, I know, but take it slow, because it's all still very strange.
— Yes, yes. — I smile. — I'm going to call Noah so we can pick up our boy.
— Go there. Just present the document I gave you. See you tonight — he says goodbye and heads to the elevator.
I turn around and, at the same moment, I collide with a strong chest. This makes me feel a bit nostalgic, I remember my first day here.
— Apparently, he liked bumping into me — Noah jokes.
— Stew. Let's go get our boy. Bye, mother—in—law! Until later!
— Bye my loves! —Norah nods.
— We can go to the mall later and do some shopping, he'll need clothes and toys. Oh my God! We have a son! — I throw myself into his arms as soon as the elevator opens.
— Yes, we do and it's just the beginning of our family. — Kiss my lips. — Now, breathe, calm down, or we'll get there and they might doubt us.
— Like this?
— All this euphoria, we need to appear, at least, calm, love. I don't know. — We laughed together, like two children.
— What's this mess out front, J.? — Noah asks when we notice reporters in front of Saint Peters.
— Kenny warned me that somehow the information was leaked to the press. Logan is already arriving with a support team — he informs.
— What the hell! — he grumbles.
— Baby, we couldn't keep this secret for long, especially considering it's one of the most sought—after CEOs in Manhattan, who already has an owner, making it clear — relax.
— I know, but I didn't want him to go through that kind of situation today.
— Gentlemen, we will set up the barrier, however, it might be advisable to make a statement, to calm things down. — J. tells us.
— Right. You can let me answer it myself.
—Are you sure, angel?
— Yes, we won't be able to run away forever.
— Ok, my love, just one question.
We descended amidst an endless uproar, flashes They shoot towards us and I see a girl, shy, among a flock of vultures. I approach her, with security guards around us.
— Hey, what's your name? — I call the girl, who has her head down and her dark hair tied in a ponytail.
— Yeah... Melissa... Could I ask you a question? — I see a certain fear on your face and I admire your beautiful green eyes contrasting with your fair skin. A doll.
— Yes, I will answer two of your questions.
— Thank you very much, sorry for the nervousness, it's my first day. — I nod with an understanding smile, I already liked her. — Well, did the adoption come as a result of the miscarriage you suffered? Huh... If you don't want to, you don't need to answer. It's too intimate.
— All good. No, adopting Tyler is what our hearts asked for, we felt a surreal connection when meeting him, as if he was already part of us, so we became his parents. It is certainly a blessing for us. And about abortion, there are things that are destined to happen, it is painful and sad, but I believe that nothing happens without a purpose.
— I'm sure you'll be a wonderful mother — she comments with a smile. — Hmm , next one, let me see. — searches his notebook. — Ah, here, do you intend to get married?
— In fact, we are already married. — Pisco. — Take note, Noah Foster is no longer available on the singles market. — Gargalho. — Good luck with your subject.
— Thank you very much, and I wish the new family happiness.
— Does that mean I'm not available? Noah asks.
— I'm not going to waste my time answering that. It's okay that we don't wear rings, but wow the bitch who dares to come close to you. I don't know if you noticed, but my jealousy is a little uncontrolled — I warn, as we head inside Saint Peters, listening to the reporters' screams.
— I love you life.
We searched the garden again looking for Tyler and we didn't find him, my blood boils as I imagine that they've punished him again. However, this martyrdom ends today.
— Hello, we came to pick up Tyler — Noah informs the receptionist.
— Oh, of course. Can you wait a moment? I'll inform the director — she responds nervously.
— Something's wrong, love — I warn him as soon as she leaves us alone.
— I noticed it too.
—Actually, this place is all wrong — I comment.
— I'll talk to Gael later, to see what we can do about it, apparently he doesn't like it here either.
— He's very mysterious, I think there's a lot about him that we don't know.
— For sure.
— Noahh... — Tyler comes running to meet us, with that witch of a director looking at him crookedly.
— Hi, champion. — Lift him in your arms. — Is this all longing? — Instead of answering, he nuzzles his face into Noah's shoulder.
— Hi, little one. — I stroke his hair and, when our eyes meet, I realize that he cried. — We came to take you home. Everything is fine now.
— Excuse me, I need to analyze the document you brought, from what I understand, something must be wrong. There is no chance of them getting custody so suddenly.
— With all due respect, we've had everything in order for some time now, but feel free to check, however, Ty won't be here for another minute — I inform.
— Uhm, we'll see. — Cobra , that's what I think, but I restrain myself from saying it.
J. hands her the documentation, the next few minutes seem to turn into endless hours.
— Well, how they managed it, I don't know, however, everything is in order. Yeah, boy, you got lucky this time. I hope you don't get sick of him so soon — he says sarcastically.
— If it depends on us, this place won't last long, keep that in mind, director — Noah says. — Let's get out of here, son.
Noah remains with Ty on his lap and I follow close behind, watching the scene to immortalize in my memory.
— They're beautiful together — I comment to J., who is next to me.
— Really, this is something that not even destiny can explain, ma'am.
On the way out, we are taken by several flashes of the paparazzi who are still there. Noah tries, unsuccessfully, to divert our boy's face from the spotlight. My heart is missing beats, such is my happiness.
We are, after all, a family.
After several laps to lose those vultures, we managed to arrive at the mall with ease. I suspect someone must have managed to follow us, however, this is our life and we need to get used to it.
— What do you think so much? — I question Ty.
— Can I ask for something?
— Whatever you want — I confirm.
— Can we have a snack from McDonald's? I've never eaten one and wanted to know what it's like.
— Fast food , here we come. — I kiss your shy little face.
— Today we will enjoy it, but this week Dr. Harper will do a check—up to see how your health is going, okay? — Noah informs.
— That hurts?
— No, my sweetheart. And we will be by your side.
— Uhm. I trust you — your words warm my soul.
Trust. This is wonderful, it means that he sees in us the foundation and protection that we will provide throughout his life.
— How are you feeling, my daughter? — Mom asks, before we go to the dining room.
— Happy, I don't know how to explain it, bursting with joy. I don't know, mom. He arrived suddenly in my life and occupied a large part of it. I love this boy — I explain.
— This is wonderful. I'm so happy for you.
— Girls! — Sarah calls, with her cell phone in hand. — Nina, there's someone wanting to talk to you.
— Oh, I don't believe it! — I say as I look at the screen. — Big bear!!!! — I shout, excited.
— Nina! It's a good thing there's no one around, have you ever thought about how much fun this would become? — I laugh at his grimace. — I heard about a lot of things that were happening there. I felt helpless not being by your side, but I want you to let Ty know that I'm going to be his favorite uncle, so that those jerks won't take my place!
— Ahh, don’t make me cry! I miss you so much and I wanted you here.
— Who knows, maybe I'll get a dispensation soon? — he says, mysterious.
— Yes Yes Yes! He could very well end his career. I don't like to think about the danger you're in out there.
— One day, who knows... But tell me, are you happy? Noah's asshole yes taking good care of yourself?
At this moment, my beautiful husband — I'm still adapting to that word — arrives at my side, accompanied by Tyler.
— Benício, control your tongue, or do you want to be a bad example for your nephew? — he speaks.
— Hey, big boy! Welcome to family! And, take note, I'm going to be the favorite uncle, the others don't have a chance with me, understand? — I see Ty look at us confused.
— AND, yes. Are you from the army?
— Positive! — Beni smiles. — I'm a SEAL, just like Jack once was and my father too.
— Wooow, how awesome!
— Tyler, don't even think about it, okay? My mother's heart can't handle these worries so soon.
— Well, I just called to say hi and let you know that we'll meet soon. Take care of yourselves there and, Tyler, anything, I'm here for you!
— Bye, Bear and take care, no broken legs when you get back — I warn him.
— Well, let's have dinner and celebrate the arrival of my grandson.
— Can I call you grandma? — Ty asks my mom.
“Absolutely,” he replies.
— Include Norah and me on the grandma list, okay? — Sarah warns. — Without forgetting Iolanda, who is a fundamental part of this family.
— Our! I have four grandparents, how cool!
We walk to meet the others, smiling at the joy of this little one, who follows alongside the drooling grandmothers.
Norah organized a simple celebration, but with the people who are important to us, including John and Lynn, who, as I understand it, are increasingly united. After we settle around the table, Jack touches his glass, asking for a minute of attention.
— Good night my darlings. Well, I'll dispense with the formalities, because you're already home. However, I would like to say a few words to express the joy I am feeling. A few weeks ago, Gael joked with us that history was repeating itself, however, that's exactly what happened. I remember that Noah arrived in my empty life, immediately brightening it. For a long time it was just the two of us, but as the years went by, more and more people came. — The boys smile, raising their glasses. — Even though I know that I raised this kid very well, a father always notices when a child's life is a little empty. Anyway, just as you, almost twenty years ago, brought me joy, Tyler arrived in your life at the same age I met you, not by chance, but because it was written somewhere. — Tears run down my face. — Tyler, welcome to the Foster family. I am proud to be your grandfather. — We all applauded excitedly.
— I would also like to say a few words — Dominic says. — Well, after Beni, I believe I am the one who least manages to be among you, due to managing the business, but I take this opportunity to thank you for this family that was not united by blood but, rather, by friendship. Ty, you're a lucky boy and rest assured we'll be here for you, always!
Noah intertwines our hands, showing the emotion he's feeling. The women — without exception — are teary—eyed, and if their words weren't enough, John also gets up.
— Well, guys, I can say that some people here I've known for a long time, because they frequent the pub, others, I came into contact with after meeting Nina. I thank you for your receptiveness, especially Nina, for bringing this stubborn Lynn to me. Ty, I'm so happy to see you surrounded by great people. Know that I will always be here, for anything you need.
— John! Thanks man! You have been a great friend, and we are grateful to have you here today! — Noah answers for everyone.
— Well, my children, I think we can eat or we're going to dehydrate from crying so much! — Iolanda warns, making everyone smile.
We laughed, we talked until late at night. Noah took Ty in his arms to the bed, he ended up sleeping, exhausted from playing with Erik, who has shown himself to be in love with children.
And that was just the first day of a new life, celebrated with lots of love.