Chapter Three
Snooze

I sat across from my mother, Talisua, in the familiar warmth of our living room, the afternoon light filtering through the curtains.

It should have been a peaceful afternoon, but I could feel the tension coiling between us like a taut wire. My heart raced as I braced myself for another round of the conversation I'd been having too frequently lately.

"I know you guys started dating while she was pregnant," my mother began, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "But I still don't know how I feel about you dating a woman who's still legally married."

I sighed, feeling the weight of her words press down on me. It seemed like every time I turned around, someone wanted to discuss my relationship with Cardi, dissecting it like a specimen under a microscope.

I understood their concerns—hell, I had my worries—but what mattered most was that I loved Cardi. I could see the way she looked at me, and I knew she felt the same.

"It's complicated, Mom," I replied, my tone attempting to be reassuring but coming out more defensive than I intended. "I know it's not traditional, but we're happy together. She needs me right now, and I want to be there for her."

My mother leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. Her expression softened slightly, but the skepticism remained. "Joshua, I just worry about you. Cardi is still in the middle of a confused divorce. What if you're just a rebound for her? What if she decides she wants to go back to her husband?"

Her words hung in the air, a weight I had felt creeping in on my thoughts too. But I brushed them aside. I wasn't just a distraction; I knew that. "Mom, you don't understand. This isn't a fling. We have something real. She's been through a lot, and I want to support her."

Talisua's brow furrowed as she looked down as if weighing my words against her fears. "You've always been the sensitive one, Joshua. I just want to protect you from getting hurt."

"I know," I said, my voice softening. "But this isn't just about protecting me. Cardi deserves love and support too. I want to give that to her."

Just as my mother was about to respond, the door opened, and Cardi stepped in. She paused when she saw us, the warmth of her smile illuminating the room. My heart leaped at the sight of her, as it always did.

"Hey, I hope I'm not interrupting," she said, glancing between us, her eyes shining with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.

"No, you're just in time," I said, squeezing her hand as she approached. "We were just talking about you."

Cardi turned to my mother, her expression shifting to one of determination. "Hi, Talisua. I know we've had some tough conversations, and I really respect you. I want you to understand that my relationship with Joshua isn't a rebound or a safety net. I truly care about him. I would marry him in a heartbeat, you know."

I felt a swell of pride at her words. She spoke with such conviction, and I could see that she meant every one of them. My mother seemed taken aback, her expression shifting to something more open.

"You would get married so soon after your divorce is finalized?" Talisua asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Cardi nodded confidently. "I plan to be Mrs. Fatu for the rest of my life on this earth. That's how much I love your son. He has shown me a kind of love that I didn't believe I deserved. He has been an amazing person to me."

The words hung in the air, heavy with promise and sincerity. I felt a rush of emotion, pride swelling in my chest. Cardi was right; our love was different, built on understanding and genuine support.

"I love you, Cardi," I said, looking into her eyes, feeling the bond between us.

"I love you too, Joshua," she replied, squeezing my hand tighter, her gaze unwavering.

Talisua's eyes softened as she took in our exchange. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, weighing Cardi's words against her earlier doubts. "It's just... it's a lot to take in," she finally said, her voice quieter now, more reflective. "I know you both have feelings for each other, but I worry about the timing. Relationships can be tricky."

"I get that," Cardi said, her voice calm yet earnest. "I didn't expect to fall for Joshua, especially while I'm still sorting out my life. But it happened, and I can't ignore how I feel. He's not just some temporary fix. He makes me feel seen and valued."

Talisua shifted in her seat, her arms unfolding slightly as she absorbed Cardi's words. "You say that now, but emotions can cloud judgment, especially after a divorce. It's a difficult time for anyone."

Cardi nodded, her expression sincere. "I understand that completely. But I'm not looking to rush anything. I'm taking it one day at a time. The love I feel for Joshua isn't just a reaction to my situation; it's something deeper."

My mother glanced at me, searching my eyes for reassurance. "And you believe that?" she asked softly.

"I do," I replied, feeling a newfound confidence. "Cardi and I are building something together. It's not perfect, but we're committed to making it work, despite the challenges."

Talisua sighed, her features softening further. "I just want you to be happy, Joshua. I've seen you struggle in the past. I don't want to see you hurt again."

"I appreciate that, Mom," I said, my voice steady. "But you have to trust me. I know what I'm doing. Cardi is a part of my life now, and I want her to be a part of our family too."

The tension in the room eased just a bit as Talisua looked at Cardi, seeing her for who she was—a woman in her own right, not just a character in a complicated story. "It's not easy for me to let go of my fears," my mother admitted, her voice laced with vulnerability. "But I'll try."

"Thank you," Cardi said, her smile brightening the room. "I promise I'll do everything I can to prove that I'm serious about Joshua. He means the world to me."

"Just take it slow," Talisua said, her tone gentle. "That's all I ask. I want you both to be sure about this."

Cardi nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding. "Absolutely. We're in no rush. I want to build a life with Joshua that's strong and lasting."

As we continued talking, I could feel a shift happening. Talisua was beginning to understand the depth of what Cardi and I shared. We weren't just rushing into something; we were choosing each other, every single day.

The conversation flowed more freely, laughter punctuating moments of vulnerability. I could see my mother relaxing, her concerns easing as she learned more about Cardi and her past. The walls were coming down slowly, brick by brick.

At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope. I knew that our path wouldn't be easy. There would be challenges and misunderstandings, but as long as Cardi and I had each other, I believed we could face anything.

As the afternoon turned to evening, I found myself sitting closer to Cardi, our hands intertwined on the table. She leaned in, her head resting gently against my shoulder, and I could feel the warmth radiating from her. I glanced at my mother, who was now smiling, her worries giving way to something more supportive.

In that small room, I felt the beginnings of acceptance and understanding. It was a start, and for now, that was enough.