Back home

Once Jason had gotten their checked-in bag as well and they were outside, where the refreshing outside air hit their faces, Jenny made a short spin with her arms spread wide as she said to Charlie "Look Charlie, THIS is where mommy grew up." Earning her a head shaking and a chuckle from both her in-laws and Jason himself. Charlie didn't seem too impressed with what he was seeing either. Showing Jenny nothing but a cute head tilt in reaction to her words. So, Jenny let out a soft sigh before saying, "Never mind. Let's go to the car. My mom and the other guests are waiting for us." Causing everyone to chuckle once more before they followed her to the taxi stand where a car was already waiting for them.

In a few short minutes they arrived at Mary's home, where many of her relatives had gathered for the celebration. When they entered, using Jenny's key that she had never given up, they headed straight into the crowded living room. They were welcomed with a loud energy and everyone got up so that they could exchange kisses and greetings. Jason had always been a bit more distant, giving just a hand to everyone other than Mary and this year wasn't any different. Since it wasn't a very uncommon thing for men to do in her culture, Jenny's family had accepted that without much problems. As they did their rounds, Stephen and Susan doing their best to follow Jason and Jenny's example because unlike Jason they were attending these festivities for the first time now as they were much too busy before.

The other first-time attender, Charlie, was confronted with a lot of new faces during this greeting round and unfortunately in the eastern culture they were very 'friendly'. Meaning that despite his reluctance, a few aunts managed to give him a kiss and more than one attempted to steal him from his father's arms. One of the older aunts eventually succeeding after pushing through his resistance and Jason letting go without too much of a fight as he didn't want to be disrespectful to Jenny's family members. Luckily, Charlie was quickly saved by his mother, who could more easily say something to them than Jason as a guest could. Freeing him by telling them that Charlie was a bit shy and didn't like to be held by others before handing him over to her mother as she continued greeting her direct and more distant family members.

Mary was happy to be holding her grandson again after so long. She spoke to him in her own language and was determined to continue to do so for the duration of Jenny and Jason's stay in the Netherlands. Hoping that he would pick up some of that language as well and not knowing that Jenny had beat her to it by speaking her mother tongue in his presence back in England as well. When it had become her turn to be greeted by her daughter and son-in-law, she gave them both the biggest and most welcoming hugs she could give. With envy the other female members of the family looked as both Jason and Charlie returned her hugs and kisses while rejecting theirs.

"Welcome back home my dear daughter." she whispered to Jenny. Letting her know that she could always consider this her home. No matter how long she was married and where she was living. Jason's welcome wasn't any less warm as she said, "Welcome my son." As she placed a hand on the side of his face and looked at him with gentle eyes she asked him, "What took you so long to come home? Just because I had to leave, does not mean that you cannot visit. You are always welcome here. With or without Jenny by your side."

While Jason usually acted like he didn't speak Jenny's mother tongue all too well with the other family members. Speaking mostly English except for the greetings, he showed just how well he could speak their language when it came to Mary who was receiving special treatment from him without even attempting to hide it. With a soft smile and a nod Jason answered Mary's question. "I know mother. I am sorry for not visiting sooner. I have been quite busy with the office." Mary squeezed his arms as she said, "Ah yes, I keep forgetting what an impressive son-in-law I have. You are so young, yet you already have a business to run. Don't work too hard. I need you to stay healthy to take care of my daughter and darling grandson, who looks just like his father, who is as handsome as ever." She said as she pinched Charlie's chubby, rosy, cheeks.

With an offended tone, as was part of their playful back and forth that he had built over the years with Mary, Jason asked, "Is that the only reason you want me to stay healthy?" Mary, who was showing who Jenny got her playful side from, answered, "Of course. What other reason is there?" After that she gave him a wink, while he and Jenny let out a soft laughter.