Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

We have planned a little brunch gathering in our apartment, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. We just want to make sure we remember what is important. And to Bronx and me, that is family. Lenora and Milo come over and | finally get to meet Bronx's parents. 2

The first thing his mom, Sandy, does is give me a crushing hug and call me her son's saviour. A little extreme, but she's excited, so you know, whatever. | will take hugs whenever | can get them. | feel a familiar warmth coming from my hands. | quickly let go of her, feeling a little embarrassed.

“Oh! Honey, it's alright. Bronx already warned me that your energy goes into overdrive when you're happy. | take it as a compliment, "she smiles warmly at me.

“Thank you, Sandy," | smile shyly.

“No nono. You call me Mom, young lady," she gives me a faux stern look. 2

“A-alright, Mom," | test the word in my mouth. It is going to take some getting used to. | have never called anyone Mom before. Not even my real mother. | hope the Moon Goddess understands.

Bronx has Sandy's facial features including her green eyes but with his dad, Michael's dark hair. Michael and Bronx have the same hulking size, personality, and mannerisms. Just like Bronx, Michael acts tough but can't fool me, he's a big softie. He is obsessed with making sure everyone has enough to eat. | think | win him over when | offer him an oversized snickerdoodle.

Lenora shows off her baby bump and announces she and Milo are having a girl. Sandy and | can't stop admiring her and complimenting her pregnancy glow. Milo dotes over her, not letting her lift a finger for anything. Even when she wants a refill of her water, he jumps up and gets it. It's pretty adorable. | look forward to one day when that is Bronx and me.

us with hugs. Michael and Milo pull Bronx to the living room to chat. | overhear Bronx tell

this mean we can finally crack that bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue?" Milo begs. « Bronx laughs and agrees. He asks

and | make our way to the kitchen to start putting food away and talking about the details of the special day Bronx and

need it after our conversation about starting a bakery. | unwrap the small box to find a framed sheet of paper. It's a recipe for a baguette written in French,

as | look at the

you to have it. Cason translated it for me. | haven't had a good time to give it to you, but after yesterday, it seems like the right time.” “Thank you

course, Baby” he says as he kisses the top

° She wants it to be a surprise, so | can't say no. So an hour before the party, she brings the dress bag to the apartment, along with a shoe box and takes it to the closet. I'm standing in the closet with her and Delilah looking at the bag, dreading what is inside. The side of the black

shimmering silver dress. The color matches my hair. It is a floor-length style with spaghetti straps and a completely open back. “Lenora, everyone is going to see my scars," | feel a little self-conscious as | look at the dress.

scars when they see how beautiful the dress is on you,” Delilah reassures me, "They all already love you. When they see your scars, they are going to respect you even more.

says in my mind, “| am so happy you finally get to look as beautiful on the outside as you

to have her back. She always knows just what

get into the dress.” Lenora helps me touch up my makeup and into the dress. She's right. The dress fits me like a glove. It shows off my curves and | have never felt more beautiful. | turn in the mirror to catch a glimpse of the back. The keloid scars were evident, but the dress helps distract from them. Oh also, Delilah had been right, Bronx's tattoos have almost completely faded. But he decided to wait until they were completely gone before he gets new ones, just in case there is still some

through the mirror and see Bronx walk past the closet before he stops and backs up to get

another dress. “Uhh, Bronx...yes," Lenora retorts. She stands up from the bench and puts her hands on her hips, "And you are not going to stop her. And not only are you not going to stop her, you're not going to be jealous, either. You're going to be proud and show off your gorgeous