CHAPTER 23

Yolanda

Me (stammering): you....you accept?

Mom: Of course I accept.

I run into her arms and give her a long hug. My joy is indescribable. I give her all kinds of kisses and she pretends not to like them. And I continue even more.

Almost ten minutes where I jump around like popcorn. My mother doesn't say anything. She just stares at me. I feel her happy to see me happy but at the same time I feel this worry, this doubt in her eyes.

So I sit down and take her hands in mine.

Me: First of all, know that you are the best mom I would have wanted to have. If I had to choose my mother it would be you!

Mom (misty-eyed): Are you sure!? You're looking for your biological mother....who knows...you'll suddenly start loving her and hating me....me who loves parties until dawn. Me who may not be there for you...

As she spoke, tears streamed down her cheeks.