CHAPTER 36 - THE DINNER GUESTS
At the entre, the guest saw the two people she is definitely familiar with not just the car that was parked on the driveway. She brushed it off since a lot of cars can be the same color and it could be just a coincident but after witnessing them standing together it was confirmed.
"Mamà? Eric?” Ben also has the same expression.
“Ben? What are you doing here?” Mrs. Venoso said in utter shock.
“Did you just follow me here?” He asked again.
“Nope, we are on the right location.” Eric answered.
“But aren't you supposed to be at the dinner?" Ben threw back almost the same confusing question at his mother.
“Yeah this is the dinner we are supposed to go.” Mrs. Venoso replied.
“Aren't you supposed to be at your girlfriend’s house?" His brother asked again.
“This is her parent’s house.” Ben informed them.
“This is?” Eric’s faced filled with confusion as well.
"Liliana is your mother?” Mrs. Montini gasped at the woman in front of her.
“You two knew each other?" Ben and Eric voice came together.
"Yes, Ara is my long-time friend.” Mrs. Venoso confirmed.
“That is true Lily and I are friends.” Mrs. Montini seconded.
"Wait, Benjamin how do you know my amica?" Mrs. Venoso raised an eyebrow.
"He is my daughter's guest or should I say fiancé." Arianna acknowledged Liliana’s query.
"Wait---your daughter is --?” Mrs. Montini was interrupted when footsteps came in.
“Courtney?” Eric saw Courtney entered the hall with her father Carlos in tow.
“Liliana? Eric? What –” Courtney's reaction is the same as the rest of them.
“How do you know our guests Courtney?” It was Mr. Montini turned to ask the same question.
“He is Ben’s family, Liliana is her mother and Eric is his brother but I don’t understand why you are both here?” Courtney is still confused.
"Let me get this straight for everyone’s peace of mind. Mamà is it Ben and Courtney that are supposed to get married?” Eric clarifies considering everyone is in deep surprise.
“Si, they are the family that I am talking about with your brother.” Mrs. Venoso confirmed.
“You met Courtney at the house yet you didn’t ask what her last name is or even recognized her?” Eric wants confirmation.
“Asking her was the last thing on my mind because when I met Courtney, your daughter amica I felt attached to her and I can’t explain it now I know why.” Mrs. Venoso vaguely explained.
“I know what you meant, Lily when I met your son Ben I had the same feeling like it was a connection that I can’t even described.” Mrs. Montini said her part.
“So none of you knew that these two already met and in a relationship prior to this dinner?” Eric pointed his finger from Courtney to Ben.
“To be honest I didn’t know but now if I look at Ben closely I can see the resemblance! How could I miss that considering we’re friends?” Mrs. Montini gazed at Liliana.
“Me neither I didn’t even realize it; I haven’t seen you for the long time and the last time I saw Courtney she was still around 8 or 9 I believe.” Mrs. Venoso gushed over Courtney who is still standing on the same spot.
“Oh yeah that was such a long time amica and now here we are. I can’t believe our kids’ path crossed without us making it happen. It’s like a total faith that they were meant to be.” Ariana focuses her attention to Ben and Courtney.
“I know right? We even promise to have them marry when their older but I guess we don’t need that anymore.” Liliana also switch her gaze to the stunned couple.
“Exactly, there is no need for us to set up such arrangement because these two already found the way to be together.” Mrs. Venoso joined in that statement.
“I'm glad Ben is your son amica we don't need to convince them since they are really in love! This is so amazing!” Mrs. Montini added.
“Of course this fantastic!” Liliana supported her.
“It is! As a matter of fact they are pregnant and that’s even more wonderful!” Mrs. Montini exclaimed.
“Oh my! I am going to be a grandmother!?” Liliana has the same excitement as her fiend earlier.
“Yes we are going to be grandmothers Lily! I am so excited to hold them!” Mrs. Montini uses their special name for each other
“Oh me too! I can’t wait for that! Oh figlio! This is such a wonderful gift I will receive for my birthday!” Mrs. Venoso hugged his stoic son.
“Mamà, please calm down.” Eric tried his best to stop his mother but it was useless.
“Oh don’t tell me to calm down Enrico; having a baby is such a wonderful blessing. We should celebrate this right amica?” Mrs. Venoso asked support from her friend.
“Definitely! Oh Tesoro I can’t believe you’re going to be a mother soon too! I am so happy and you and Ben for giving us the precious baby!" Mrs. Montini hugged her speechless daughter.
“Mamà --” Courtney was completely shocked again.
“It’s okay; no need to hide it from us tesoro specially from your father, I know it’s hard but we are here to support you and accept you.” Mrs. Montini didn’t even let her daughter talks.
"Tell me are you pregnant?" This time it was Mr. Montini who couldn’t hold his tongue.
Courtney still couldn’t comprehend what the hell is going on and she finally decided to look at Ben. He was also rooted on his spot looking as pale a ghost and can’t even form a word to say as well.
"I think we are all confused with all the information and need time to take everything in.” Eric suggested.
“I agree, why don't we all sit down and discuss this eh?” Mr. Montini suggested.
“Let’s head to the receiving area that way we can talk about the wedding stuffs.” Mrs. Venoso also agreed towing her friend.
Everyone agreed with that so they all proceed to the lounge and continue the discussion about the wedding. The long time friends’ keeps chattering as they walk while the rest are silently marching towards the corridor; but the couple who are the main topic of the night remained silent and no one dares to say a word.
