I Remember Long Ago

Chapter 3

I'm sorry if this is a short chapter but I'm having a bit of trouble concentrating. Enjoy this little bit, I hope it's good enough.

Fernando entered his and Ruby's bedroom. As he expected, she was curled up into a ball hugging a pillow and tear tracks running down her face. The sight broke Fernando's heart, he had rarely seen Ruby like that. At least not at this level. She had always been so strong, that was how he knew her. It scared him seeing Ruby this way. He slowly walked to her and sat in front of her in the bed. Ruby looked up at him still crying, she saw his worried face and tried to calm herself down.

"Are you ok?" He asked softly

"If I say no, would that make me weak?" Ruby said barely audible

Fernando moved next to her and wrapped his arms around her. Ruby laid her head on her husband's chest. Taking in his warmth, this calmed her a bit more "Mi amor, that makes you human, not weak. I'm sorry you had to go through a lot of pain in your childhood. I understand that it's not easy to talk about it and that is why you didn't tell me" Fernando said, Ruby looked at him in wonder "Paulette filled us in after you walked out" he told her

Ruby sighed "Now I'm afraid of what Sophie will think of me. Back then I suffered so much and instead of fighting back, I ran away. Same as when I had to leave Mexico. I did the same thing with Donna and realizing it really makes me feel ashamed. My most happiest times in life have been so little. When I met you, whenever I sing, when Donna was born and the things that have happened after coming here. Even if Donna is not here anymore, I see her through Sophie and I get to take care of Donny like I didn't take care of Sophie. I have been strong all my life to show my mother I would make it and I did. Plus, losing you and having Donna made me stronger. Now my past has come back to haunt me and I can't face it. What kind of example is that for Sophie or Donny?"

Fernando caressed his wife's arms in his embrace "That is an example of your vulnerability under all that strong character you show to them. It's not a bad thing, we all have our limits" he said

"Sophie gave me a second chance, if I can't forgive Georganne for what she put me through, I'm not the grandma role model that I'm trying to be" Ruby said in tears

Fernando hugged her tighter and kissed her head. He hated seeing her like this. "Sweetheart, Sophie looks up to you so much as a role model. She is proud of you for overcoming the obstacles of your life to get where you are. And Donny adores his granny to no end. Donna is not here to see him grow up but you are and I am too. Our granddaughter is the most beautiful, understanding and strong woman ever. She knows what you've been through and knows it's not easy to forgive and forget. When you are ready to take the first step, your family will be with you" He said to his wife

Ruby looked at her husband with her crystal eyes, she gave him a small smile "I don't know what I did to deserve you, to deserve to be in the family" she said

"You came back and stayed, that's all" Fernando said

"Thank you. Te amo" Ruby said before kissing him

"I will always support you. Te amo" Fernando answered when they parted and locked eyes with each other

Ruby loosened from Fernando's embrace to stand up, he followed "I better talk to Pauly, I ran off without letting her say a word" she said, Fernando nodded and they went together to the courtyard.

As they were getting close, they saw Sam holding Donny and Sophie by his side explaining to Paulette where she wanted everything to go for the celebration.

"We're back" Fernando said holding Ruby's hand

"Grandma, how are you?" Sophie asked with concerned

"Better, but not entirely just yet" Ruby said shyly, she then looked at Paulette who was giving her a timid gaze.

"Ruby, I'm sorry for not telling you about Gigi right away. I swear that everything that I said about her is true. She really has changed and-"

"Pauly, I understand why you didn't tell me but I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive her. At least not yet and I know that I will have to see her tomorrow. There were things left unsaid and issues unresolved. It will be really difficult for me, you know that" Ruby told her

"I know, I'm sorry for not reaching out through the years. That is something I deeply regret. Just know that everything I did and have done has been to protect the both of you. Gigi is my friend but you still are like a sister to me. I hope that I can still be your best friend" Pauly said

"No you can't" Ruby said, Pauly frowned but Ruby smiled before saying "You can't still be my best friend because you are still a sister to me" she said, Pauly smiled and they pulled each other into a hug. Everyone around was in awe of this moment. Sophie could not be more proud of her grandmother as Fernando also was of his wife. Ruby was showing a side of her that no one had ever seen before. A side that Paulette remembered all too well and was happy to have back.

Donny was starting to fuss and leaning towards Ruby "Looks like Donny wants his granny" Sophie said

"Oh good, it's my turn" Ruby said taking the boy "I can show you the rest of the hotel while we watch him. It will be a lot of fun for all of us, if you want to" she said to Pauly

"Of course, I can't wait to know more about your life and for you to know more about mine" Pauly said, right then they put Donny on his stroller and Ruby began to show Paulette the hotel and the island.

The family was happy Ruby was opening up about her past. Their worries were more about the next day when Ruby had to see her sister again. Everyone of them wondered what would happen when the sisters see each other again after more than 50 years have past.

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