46

Lauren Hart
The end of the fall season had almost arrived; the breeze blew my hair and rustled the leaves as it passed through them. The chills of the wind were visible on my skin but even the strongest wind couldn’t waver the smile I had been wearing for a long time now.
The reason for the unwavering smile was my boys, who wore a matching suit and looked extraordinarily dashing. They were distributing the gifts to the children whilst I admired them doing so.
It had been a week and a half since my injury and now I was fully recovered, only the stubborn marks on my arm still lingered there. And as promised, Sean threw Ryan’s welcome party but with a twist. He didn’t want a party for the sake of the show-off, he didn’t want to include the gossipers and arrogant socialites that do not care about the reason behind throwing the party.
Besides, he wanted Ryan to learn the meaning of sharing and caring. That’s why he organized a family gathering at an orphanage where he could teach Ryan the importance of sharing the love with those who rarely or never experienced it.
The gang with the kids was there. Trish and Evan were also invited. Eloise’s and Xavier’s parents were also invited but Ariana’s weren’t because she never reconciled with her parents, not because she didn’t want to, but because they didn’t want to. Anyhow, she had accepted the painful truth of her life. They didn’t want to be called her parents, not even in name.
Surprisingly, Sean’s parents graced the gathering with their presence. No idea if it was a political agenda or sudden interest in their family but they spared their precious time to spend some time with family- something to be appreciated.
And last but not least, my parents were invited as well. Yep, they were and they came. The most shocking thing for me was the presence of Laura with her boyfriend. Apparently, after my one night stay at home and the talk with my sister, she had decided to give more time to her relationship rather than the family business. Yes, she fought for herself. But she and her boyfriend were learning to give time to their relationship since it was something new to them. They had a long to go. Hope their relationship lasts.
“Lauren, come to the side. I want to have a private talk with you.” Mom’s voice disturbed my trance. I mentally scoffed and rolled my eyes. Another nonsense talk session.
I excused myself and followed her to the side. She stood in front of me with her hands crossed across her chest, giving me a look that I had been too familiar with; a look of disapproval.
“What is this, Lauren?” She questioned and I raised my eyebrows in question. I mean what’s what?
She huffed angrily. “Firstly, you left the well-secured house you had been living in for four years…that too without prior notice.”
Ah, that old hag really couldn’t shut her mouth.
“And secondly…you are now your boss’s girlfriend? What impression do you think you are giving? People who will get to know about it will think that you did it for money! What will I answer to others?”
My jaw ticked. Could she be happy with what I do at least for once?
“Mom, firstly, I did not…I DID NOT do it for money…of all people, you must know this.” I gritted controlling my anger. “And secondly, when do have I cared about what people say about me?” I quirked an eyebrow.
“God, talking to you is such a waste of energy.” She complained frustratingly then huffed. “Listen, Lauren, you have been like this and I don’t think any amount of scolding would ever give you senses ’cause you never listen! Nothing I say will go inside your head.”
Huh! Finally, she admitted that I would never listen to the things I don’t want to.
“Listen, what’s done is done…” She sighed as she looked into my eyes. “But did you think twice before accepting to be his girlfriend?”
Her question took me off guard. “What do you mean?” I frowned.
“His son, Lauren. Do you think you are ready to take responsibility for him? I mean, you can’t take responsibility for your actions then how would you handle a five-year-old child? Could you be a mother figure for him?”
Now she had gone too far. Did she think I would ever risk Ryan for anything? Did she even know what I had done for him? No, she didn’t! Still, she dared to think so low of me.
“Mom I knew you questioned my abilities and my way of living my life but what I didn’t know was that you do not have trust in me, not even a bit,” I muttered, offended.
“And about Ryan, he is NOT my responsibility. He is a part of my life and I know what to do with my life since I have been doing it all alone since forever. I will give him everything he wants; my time, my trust, and most importantly I will set him free to do whatever he wants…because everyone deserves to fly freely.”
“Lauren, I did not say you couldn’t. I just asked you if you were ready. Don’t put words in your mouth and don’t make a villain here. I do not have a problem with your relationship, nor do I have a problem with Ryan. I simply asked something.” She muttered. She could never feel the hurt her words always give me, could she?
I sighed. It was a special occasion and didn’t want to ruin my mood, so I quickly waved off the hurt I received from her and smiled.
“Well, what a nice day it is, isn’t it?. For the first time, you do not have problems with me. We shall celebrate this oddly unique day.” I grinned, bringing myself to track. Honestly, I didn’t want to have rifts with my mother. May it be controlling and annoying, she’s my mother and I did not intend to live the beautiful phase of my life without her.
Grabbing her hand I dragged her to the food counter. I picked up a plate of cake and stuffed a bite in her mouth with a fork. “There you go. Hope you will be sweet to me now.” I gave her a full-length grin and excused myself from her.
I went to Sean who I thought may have been monitoring my actions because as soon as I went near he fired an already prepared question.
“Another argument with your mom?”
I exhaled a sharp breath of annoyance as I placed my hands on my waist. “Wanted something new but guess I only have arguments written with her in my destiny.” I shook my head, chuckling. “Anyway, when are you planning to talk to your parents?” I asked, remembering that he hadn’t met them since they arrived.
“I don’t know. I don’t feel like talking with them.” He mumbled lowly, flicking his eyes to his mother who was busy having chat with Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Norman, Eloise’s mother.
“I mean I am happy they came but they haven’t shown enthusiasm. Are they genuinely happy or is it just for their political benefit?” He surprised me by mumbling that.
I frowned. “Hey, don’t question their efforts. At least they find it important to attend the event. You must appreciate this. And mending cracked relationships take time. And your status won’t go down if you take a step first.”
“Don’t be a hypocrite, Lauren.” He said, taking his eyes off of his mother. “Your relationship with your mother is estranged as well, why don’t you take the first step to mend your relationship?” He asked.
“Okay, I agree I am being a hypocrite but unlike you, I do talk to her-it’s different that we only argue but I make an effort to talk.” I pressed, getting madder every passing second.
He groaned. “God, Lauren! We are not ruining our mood by arguing over them. Let’s leave this topic.”
My face softened. He was right. Both of our relationship with our parents was cracked but it doesn’t mean we would bring differences between us because of that.
“Yeah, you are right.” I inched forward and hugged him, pressing my face against his chest.
“It’ll take time but I’m sure everything will be fine one day,” I mumbled.
“Yeah.” He whispered, kissing my hair.
Sean Peterson
Lauren was dragged away from me by the ladies to have a chit chat while I was left standing there alone. I looked around for someone to talk to but didn’t find anyone free. Even Xavier and Daniel were surrounded by children since they were helping the kids to mingle with the other children.
Spending time with children in need of love was a far much better idea than throwing a huge party for people who would forget the purpose of part the other day. Rather than engaging in formal business talks with the high-class socialites, I found spreading love more relevant. These children will remember the day for life and that would be something to feel happy about.
Since I found nothing to do, I decided to join the boys. I marched towards them but I was stopped midway by none other than…my dad.
My body stiffened hearing his voice. Even though there had been a slight improvement after the court trial, things were still awkward between us. They would be since the differences weren’t new, they had been lingering around since forever, so it would take longer than usual time to mend things.
But yes, efforts were being made.
He stood beside me. No one uttered a word; we just stared at the smiling faces of children as they play with the new toys given to them. Then, he spoke,
“Incredible idea for the party. Ryan will learn something for sure.”
“That’s the motive,” I muttered without taking my eye off the children. A sense of proudness filled inside me when I saw Ryan helping another kid open his gift. He surely was learning fast.
Again a short silence. I thought of starting a conversation to erase the awkwardness but I had nothing to say to him. Then he spoke again.
“Hope everything’s fine…I mean your business…your life.”
He too didn’t have much to say but he was making effort. It was something good, isn’t it?
“Yeah, everything’s fine.” I gave a short reply. Then I heard him sigh.
“I think things are still pretty much awkward between us.” He chuckled and this time I turned my head to look at him. He met my eyes and chuckled again.
“I wish I could give you advice on parenting but it’s pretty clear that I haven’t scored enough in that department. I couldn’t become a father figure to you, and…and…”
He stammered and I got stunned. He was accepting his faults.
“And I apologize for whatever I did. I know it’s too late but…but…I hope you could forgive me.”
“It’s… It’s…” I stammered as well. I wanted to say it’s alright but his apology was something I had been waiting to hear for a long time. I had been waiting for him to accept what he did wrong. And now when he accepted, I was rendered speechless.
I removed my gaze from him and found Lauren’s gaze, she had been observing us. She had been standing a little too far from us but guess she knew what were conversing about. She smiled at me and nodded her head, encouraging me.
I switched my gaze back to dad only to find him looking at his shoes. He genuinely felt guilty.
“I accept your apology,” I said, surprising him as his head swiftly shot up, his eyes wide as saucers.
“You do?” He asked in astonishment. Well, I wanted to move on in life; I didn’t want to keep the burden of the past anymore. I wanted to embrace the beautiful future with positive things.
I nodded my head and this time surprising me he wrapped his arms around me, chanting countless ‘thank you’.
I felt my throat clogging up with emotions. It was probably the first time I was experiencing my father’s hug. It surely felt strange but it felt peaceful too. We finally had found our truce.
He pulled away then only I saw the mist in his eyes. I too might have the water in my eyes because I found myself swiping my thumb over my eye.
“I hope I could offer much at this stage of our relationship yet if you need any help, I’ll try my best to be there for you.” He added.
“Help me keep Samantha away from Ryan, that would be enough,” I said after clearing my throat.
“Rest assured I am with you in this. I have given her legal notice not to be seen anywhere near my grandson.” He patted my back, assuring me that he indeed was changing.
“Thank you.” I sincerely thanked him, probably the first time.
My mom approached me as well and without uttering a word she hugged me. “I am sorry son. I am sorry.”
That’s all she whispered and my arms found their way around her. I hugged her tight. No words exchanged, no questions asked. I needed it, we needed it. We stayed the same way for a while longer and only pulled away when Ryan’s voice reached our ears.
“Dad?”
I glanced down at him and found him fidgeting his fingers while his eyes held a strong connection with mine.
“Are you sad?” His question caught me off guard, making me rush to him.
I crouched down before him. “No, I am not. Why did you feel so?” I asked.
“Uncle Xavier sent me to you to ask. And I saw you hugging granddad and grandma.” He mumbled quietly.
I chuckled lightly and pulled him in a hug. “I am absolutely fine, son, but thank you for asking. I love you.”
“I love you too, dad.” He whispered against my neck, his tiny hands finding their way around my neck. I broke the hug and stood up. Lauren came to me and I didn’t take long to embrace her.
“All good?” She asked.
“Perfect,” I whispered.
After we wrapped up the party, we bid goodbye to the children and staff of the orphanage. Then we headed back home. Lauren and Ryan in my car and others following us by a different route in order not to stay clear of Lauren’s sight. I had planned something to propose to her and I couldn’t find a better day to do so since we all had already gathered together.
It was the time to propose to the woman who had changed my life for good; the woman who united me with my family.
It was finally the time to ask her to be mine forever.