Ian's POV
**Song Suggestion: Mother by Ingrid Michealson**
She looked radiant as usual, smiling and conversing with her family. The surprise party had gone according to plan, with her having no idea what was in store for her. Of course, I needed some help from her dad and Red. Still, seeing her smile the way she did made all that hard work beyond worth it. She was happy and thankfully, her mother wasn't stealing her joy tonight. The interactions between them were tense and slightly awkward as the night continued, but her sisters did a better job than I at diffusing the situation.
"Mami will warm up to you eventually. Just keep doing what you're doing and don't mind her. We certainly don't," Hortensia said, appearing out of thin air beside me. I caught myself jumping and showing her how much she had frightened me.
"I doubt it. We didn't have a great first meeting." I shook my head at the memory, feeling my anger rise once more.
"It happens, nothing a good talk won't fix. Mami can be a lot to handle, but I think she means well. She didn't have the best childhood growing up in Cuba and it's affected her deeply. She was neglected and now she feels the world owes her. It's how she copes with it all. Really, she just wants to feel wanted and seen by everyone and anyone. She's hungry for attention," she explained, staring at her mother in the distance who was speaking with Hailey. I had left her alone for a moment to get us a drink, not expecting this conversation to hold me up.
"I had no idea, but her trauma is not for you guys to resolve. She needs to work through and realize that as a mother, the world doesn't revolve solely around her." I shook my head, not looking for excuses for her behavior.
"You're right. It is unfair to us, but it is what it is. She's our mother and we don't have much of a choice."
"Mami, ya, basta! {enough already}" I heard Hailey yell from across the room, throwing her hands down and marching off from her mother. Not only had it drawn my attention, but everyone else's as well. Nadia, noticing the attention, decided to stalk after her daughter, following her out to the balcony.
My heart pounded with worry as I made my way towards the balcony after them. As I stepped outside, I found Hailey leaning against the railing, tears streaming down her face. Nadia stood beside her, seemingly unaffected by Hailey's distress but putting on an act for everyone else's sake.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice filled with concern as I approached them. Hailey looked at me with a mix of sadness and frustration.
"She just... she can't see beyond herself. It's always about her and her needs. I don't know why I expected anything different. How dare you try to convince me that Ian wasn't the right fit for me, just because you don't like him? You don't think I know what you're doing? You just don't want me with a guy you can't manipulate the same way you have your daughters and all the boyfriends after Papi."
"Hailey, how could you? You know that's not what I was doing. I can't believe you would accuse me of getting into your relationship like that. You can't blame me for what you assumed." Nadia feigned innocence, seeming appalled by Hailey's accusation. I could see her act as clear as day.
Hailey took a deep breath, her voice trembling with emotion. "No, I can't let this go on any longer. I've held back for so long, trying to respect you as my mother. But I can't stay silent anymore. You're selfish, Mami. You always make everything about you, and you were never truly there for me when I needed you."
Nadia's eyes widened in surprise, momentarily taken aback by Hailey's outburst. "I may be a mom, but I'm also a person. I have my own needs and desires. I'm just as important as you and your sisters. Being a mother doesn't make me any less of a person."
Hailey shook her head, her voice filled with determination. "Yes, you're a person, Mami. But being a parent means putting your child's needs first. It means being selfless and supportive. I wish you had been there for me more, that you had shown me the love and attention I deserved. But instead, you made everything about yourself."
Tears welled up in Hailey's eyes as she continued, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and hope. "When I become a mother, I promise myself that I will never be like you. I will prioritize my child's well-being and make sure they feel loved and supported. I will break this cycle of selfishness and create a nurturing environment for my own family."
Nadia's expression softened, a flicker of realization crossing her face. "I- " she pauses, seeming unsure of what she could say next to still come out the victim. "I had no idea you felt this way about me, Hailey. You sure know how to attack your mother."
It seems Hailey's words did little to snap her out of her lifelong mannerisms and way of being.
"I hope that one day we can have a healthier relationship, but for now, I need to focus on my own well-being. So, until you get the help you need, I don't think I can see you again, Mami."
As Hailey turned away, I wrapped my arms around her, offering her comfort and support. I knew she was hurting right now, even though she had said everything she needed to. Nadia stood in disbelief for a brief moment before she ran off crying. How much of it was genuine and how much was for show, I would never truly know.
Everyone stared at Nadia as she ran out, followed only by her youngest children and Hailey's father. The man obviously still cared for Nadia, although I could never understand it. Hailey sobbed into my chest for a few minutes before the distinct sound of the sliding door opening altered us to someone else coming outside.
"Are you okay?" Red asked, coming around me to look at Hailey.
"I will be," she answered, wiping at her eyes with her wrists. "This is not how my birthday will end."
Hailey looked determined and fierce as she wiped away the evidence of her deep hurt and held her head up. She stared into the party, eyeing everyone carefully, before nodding her head as if she were convincing herself of something. She reached back, searching for my hand, which I quickly gave to her. Her delicate fingers interlocked with my own as she pulled me back inside. She headed straight for the music, changing the song to "Tu Sonrisa" by Elvis Crespo. Immediately, almost everyone around me began to sing, dragging someone onto the dance floor. In Hailey's case, I was that someone being brought out to dance salsa with her. She smiled at me, trying hard to push herself to enjoy the rest of her night. Who am I to deny her on her birthday?
I pulled her close and danced the night away with her, making sure to keep her happy. Hopefully, next year, I can make her birthday a hundred times better.