Helen and Gwen sat in the family room and talked over peach cobbler and coffee while Allen and Steven drove around the neighborhood reuniting with the past. Helen took the liberty to talk about herself for a moment hoping to warm Gwen up. She talked about her career, her bout with breast cancer and how she has beaten it. Gwen congratulated her and told her about the date auction and how the proceeds were going to the American Breast Cancer Foundation. Helen knew that Gwen and Allens trip was only for the weekend so she wanted to get to know Gwen as much as possible before they returned to Los Angeles.
"So Gwen, you said that you were an attorney in LA?"
"Yes," she replied after taking a sip of coffee. "I am a partner in the
firm of Cochran Matthews and Associates."
"A partner?" Helen said excitedly.
"Yes maam."
"I am proud of you."
"Thank you Helen." Gwen said as she lowered her head. "It feels
good to hear a mother figure say that to me."
"What do you mean? I cant imagine that your mother doesnt tell you
how proud of you she is."
"Im sure she would if she were able to, but my mother passed away
when I was a child. She and my father."
"Oh baby I apologize. And here I am telling you to call me Mom. I
didnt know Gwen. I apologize."
"It is ok Helen. I need to know that someone thinks enough of me to
want me to call them Mom."
"Baby, who wouldnt think that you were good enough to be called
daughter?"
"Its not that, its just that I havent been called or introduced as
daughter in over fifteen years. I havent heard this is my daughter in so
long that if I didnt have the love of my memories I would have forgotten
that I had parents."
"Well Gwen, if you will have me as your mother I would love to have
you as my daughter."
Gwen smiled as she accepted Helens offer.
"You know Helen, if GOD feels the same as I do, maybe you will
become my mother-in-law."
"Now that is what I would like to see."
"I dont know if it shows, but I really like Allen."
"And he really likes you too. One night, and I thought it was so sweet,
I called him and he was so frustrated. He was trying to remember a
name and was having trouble doing it. At first, I didnt know what was
wrong so like a mother I offered my advice. I told him that when he
worried that he should turn to Matthew chapter six. Baby, after I told
him that he got so excited he rushed off the phone shouting "thats it,
thank you Mom, thats it." I had no clue of what he was talking about
until I met you. The name he was trying to remember was your name.
He was trying to remember Gwen Matthews. So I think that it is safe to
say that he likes you also."
"That is good to know. I have only been in one serious relationship in
my life. Ive had boyfriends but never anyone that I would consider
marriage material. Now, being with Allen, he gives me a new laughter
and hope. When I am with Allen he makes me feel the way that I am
supposed to feel. I dont feel the need to hold back or be shy. I know
that I am rambling, but do you understand what Im trying to say?"
"Yes I understand and your rambling makes me feel good because
that means that we did a good job raising him."
"So Son," Steven started conversation, "whats going on with you and
Gwen?"
"What do you mean Pop?"
"Boy dont play stupid with me. Whats going on with you and Gwen?"
"Nothing yet. We are just dating right now."
"Do you like her?"