Pieces of Me by Pua Ramona (small books to read txt) 📕

Daddy was here right now because after all these years, I finally understand what family means. It doesn’t matter where I am in this world, what matters the most is that I always remember where I came from. And even though I don’t know the whole Samoan traditions, it’s okay for me to be proud of my culture. I have learnt that it doesn’t matter what I do or don’t do, there will always be someone that will judge you and I understand that now. I owe it all to Daddy for teaching me everything that I know today. I may not be suitable to be a pastor’s wife, but I am good enough to be in this family. AIGA: Is where my roots begin and where unconditional love never ends.

Chapter Seventy-Three

Eli

Everyone left about an hour ago after Grandpa Tali prayed over the whole family. What I experienced tonight was probably the most intense and most honest evening I’ve had in my life. It made me realize how much family means to Sina. I still have a lot of questions about what happened tonight, but that’s a conversation for another day. I may not come from a cultural background, but I do come from a family that shared the same beliefs, and that was good enough for me. Have I mentioned how much I love her and how proud I am of the strong woman that she’s become? Because dammit I got fucking lucky with her. Or should I say I’m blessed to have her in my life. It didn’t matter because at the end of the day whatever or wherever Sina was going to be, I will always follow her. I may not understand her culture, but I’m willing to learn because I know it’s important to her. If that means I have to wear an ie lavalava then I’ll do it proudly because it’s important to her, and if I have to learn to speak the Samoan language I will learn because it’s important to her. Anything that’s important to her is important to me because I love her.

“Are you ready to make her your wife?” Megan asks.

I look over my shoulder and say, “Fuck yes!”

My soon to be sister in law laughs. “I still hate you” she says and I chuckle.

“I hate you too Sis.”

She gives me the finger and says, “I’ll see your lame ass tomorrow” before she leaves.

Luka and Daniel are still at the table eating. “Is she still outside?” They ask as I pull a chair out and sit down.

“Yeah, she’s walking your grandpa and your Auntie Claire to the car.” I tell them. I don’t know what they’re eating, but I figure since I’ll be marrying the whole family that I should start learning now.

“What’s this?” I ask, pointing to it.

“Cocoa rice” Daniel says.

What the fuck?

“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it Bro” Luka says. I don’t want to look like a punk so I try it. I expected it to taste gross, but I’m surprised at how good it is.

“Try it with bread and butter” Daniel says. He gives me a slice of bread that’s still hot with butter on it. I take a breath then eat it with the cocoa rice.

“Shit! This is good!” The guys laughed.

“E, wait ‘til you try oka” Luka.says.

“What’s that?” I ask, frowning.

“It’s pieces of raw fish marinated in coconut milk with onions, salt and pepper. People make it different, but it’s fucking good.” He says looking hungry just thinking about it.

“Yeah, baby steps man, baby steps.” I laugh as I eat the rest of my chocolate rice. I feel arms around my neck and feel Sina rest her head on my shoulders.

“I’m ready to go home,” she says and I turn my head and give her a quick kiss.

“Let me wash my bowl then we can leave.” Her eyes are swollen from crying again, but this time is different because when she looks at me she looks relieved.

“Leave it Bro, Luka will wash it” Daniel says.

“The fuck you volunteering me for,” Luka says frowning at him.

Sina rolls her eyes. “Come on Emma, we’re leaving” she calls.

Emma comes running inside from the back yard. “Can I watch t.v in my room when we get home?” she asks. I love that my girls both refer to my home as their own.

“Yes, but you have to take a shower before you get in your bed baby girl.”

Emma smiles. “Thank you Mama.”

“Say goodnight to your uncles so we can go.” Emma says goodnight to the guys.

“Night Uncle D.” Emma says to Daniel

“Night princess.” He says and plants kisses all over her face.

Luka picks her up. “You little traitor.”

Emma giggles. “Night Uncle Luka.”

He kisses her forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too Uncle.”

Sina and I do our rounds of saying goodnight and I drive my girls home.

Sina is in Emma’s room getting her ready for bed, and I’m in our room already in bed waiting for her when my phone starts buzzing. I grab it off the nightstand and check to see who it is. It was a text message from Mama:

Mama: Just wanted you to know that I love you Son!

Me: Love you too Mama.

Mama: Sleep with angels.

Me: Night Mama!

I set my phone back on the nightstand and I feel the bed dip a little.

“I am so tired,” Sina says. She gets under the covers and I wait for her to get comfortable before I turn the light off. “Is she sleeping?” I ask as she lays her head on my chest and I kiss her hair.

“She’s probably going to fall asleep with the t.v. on.” She says as she starts fidgeting.

“Babe, are you not comfortable?” I ask.

She sighs. “Can you spoon me please?” I’ve never been a spooner, but I am now. And I definitely don’t mind kissing and cuddling. “Better?” I say as I wrap my arms around her and tuck her into me.

She sighs again. “Much, much better.