*Alejandro*
I sat behind my desk, my chair rolling around. If you ask me, I’d say the past few days have been the happiest in my life. I have a son. Not like I didn’t have one before, but I have Austin. He was given to me by the woman I love.
Anna.
Her real name is Andrea, but I still call her Anna sometimes. Regardless of what happens, she’ll always be my Anna.
My relationship with her has been progressing subtly. I have decided not to rush it. I fear she may shut me out completely if I do.
I sent her a message and flowers a while ago, but she didn’t reply or anything.
I didn’t mind.
I am sure it made her mind flutter.
My life was slowly falling back into place, and I was super glad about that.
Andrea was worried about Nora and I knew I’d have to settle it once and get it all. I don’t love Nora and I am sick and tired of this relationship we had.
I am sure Andrea would want to be with me when Nora is out of my life. I have to talk to my lawyer and get things in place.
The next day, I left work after lunch.
I have overheard a worker saying how much his kids like to be given gifts in school or just having their parents show up in school.
So I got in my car and headed for Austin’s school. I have done my fair share of research on all that has to do with my son.
He got off school in the evening, but once it’s past noon, a parent can go pick up their child.
I want to spend time with Austin, so I’ll pick him up. I drove to his school, singing the song playing in my car.
When I got to the school, I stepped down. It must have been because of my car or how I was dressed, but I wasn’t questioned aside from stating that I was there to pick up my son; the security man at the gate point immediately granted me entry.
I noticed other cars in the parking lot, and my eyes lingered particularly on one. It looked familiar.
“This is a new face,” the lady who sat in the waiting room in the school said as she stared at me and her laptop.
“You must be keen,” I praised; I took off my sunglasses, “This is the first time I am picking up my son,” the word “my son” gave me so much joy.
“Who?”
“Austin.”
I was not done speaking when someone walked in. I turned and came face to face with Dave.
He raised a brow, stunned for a brief moment. I smirked upon seeing him, a wave of pride settling in my stomach.
Why did I ever think Austin was his son? They have nothing in common. Looking at it now, Austin looked more like me
“I didn’t know you had a child here,” he said. I didn’t have to think before I knew who he came here for.
“Now you know,” I stated. Dave didn’t say anything in reply. He exchanged pleasantries with the lady.
They seemed to have a good relationship. He spoke to her early, and a smile never left her face.
“I want to take Austin off earlier than usual today,” Dave said.
I knew he was here for Austin, but I wasn’t going to let him take him-never, not when I’m here.
The lady’s smile froze on her face when she realized that we were both here for the same kid, “you are both here for Austin?”
“Yes, I’m his Dad,”
“I’m his Dad,”
We spoke at the same time.
Confusion seeped into the lady’s face as she stared from one face to the other, “I think there’s a bit of a misunderstanding.” She said, her once firm smile shaking.
“There is none. I am Austin’s father, and I want to take him,” I said. I had come first and was his biological father. Dave here has no connection to him, at least not in the way I did.
“I have always come to pick him up.” He paused and turned to me. You’ve never met this man, right?” The lady shook her head. You can’t just allow him to take Austin when you don’t know him.”
“I haven’t been here due to personal reasons. But after today, you’ll see me here often.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can allow Austin to go with any of you,” she said, and I clenched my fist.
I pushed my anger and tried to reason with her.
But it was to no avail. Dave and I were claiming to be the father of the same child. Seeing that she couldn’t settle it, she called Austin’s homeroom teacher, who was also puzzled.
“Bring Austin out and let him choose between us. Austin knows who his biological father is.”
I was against that, but I couldn’t let it show. I fear Austin would choose him.
“No, I’m sorry, but we can’t bring him.” I was relieved.
I didn’t know who called Andrea, but she came soon. Her hair danced in the wind as she took large strides towards us.
I was glad she was here.
“Thank you for coming, Ms. Andrea,”
“I think there is a misunderstanding. Both men right here claim to be your son’s dad. I thought it was only right that I informed you.”
“Thank you for calling me. Can I speak with them briefly?”
“You know both men,” the lady asked her, and she nodded.
We stepped out together.
“What are you guys doing?” Andrea sounded frustrated.
“I came to pick up Austin, and I found him here,” Dave said.
“Can you imagine he is claiming to be his Dad?” I said.
Andrea looked frustrated.
“Tell him, Andrea, who Austin’s dad is,” I said.
“You sound like children fighting over the same toy.” She passed her hand over her hair. She turned to Dave, “Can we talk? Not now, though,” She asked, and I wondered why her voice sounded soft.
“All right,”
Dave looked between us.
“I’ll take Austin home, so you don’t need to worry about him,” she said. Her tone was firm, and I knew there was no room for arguments, so I stepped into the car and drove off.
Dave did the same.
Fine, if I can’t see Austin now, I’ll see him later.
My phone rang on my way back to the company, “I thought I asked for my schedule to be cleared,”
“You did, but hmmm” Jane paused, “there’s someone here requesting to see you.” “Not just someone, I’m his wife,” I heard Nora’s voice from the background.
“I mean your wife,” Jane quickly corrected herself.
Why was Nora in my office? I wasn’t in the mood to speak with her. I don’t want to. My life was going fine, and till I divorced her, I wished we could live separately like we are doing now.
“She said she won’t leave until she sees you,”
I knew how stubborn Nora could be. I was already heading to the office so I could ask her to speak briefly.
“Fine. I’ll be there soon,” I hung up.
I walked into my office and found Nora seated behind my table.
“You could have called,” I said. She knew my presence was a clue for her to stand, and she did. I tugged my tie as I took a seat behind my desk.
“I called, but you wouldn’t take my calls. You don’t come home, you don’t reply to my text, nothing.”
I stood and took off my jacket before returning to my seat.
“Isn’t this what you wanted? Though you were satisfied with the bare minimum, isn’t that why you are still here?” My voice radiated calmness as I watched the woman fidgeting in front of me. I picked up a file.
“I never said that’s what I wanted.” She sat on the chair in front of me.
“You know that’s how this is going to be.” My eyes scanned the file I held.
“You don’t even come home. Do I truly deserve this?”
“Yes.”
She sure wasn’t expecting such a reply, but I wasn’t interested in feeding her illusion.
“Alejandro,” she stood roughly, the vein in the middle of her head visible.
I dropped the file on the table with a loud thud and pushed my chair backwards.
“Nora. We didn’t marry for love. You know. You were satisfied with being Mrs Costa; what has changed?”
“We’ve been married for over five years, Alejandro. Don’t tell me that’s what you still think.” She said.
“Oh, you should know better at this point. But you can change this if you want to.” I figured it would be better to have her end this herself.
If I stressed her enough, she would ask for a divorce herself so I don’t have to worry about my relationship with Lucas.
“I can, and I will.” She spoke.
“You know the only way to free yourself from this bondage.” I met her gaze. Her eyes burned with desire and resilience.
“No. I won’t free myself. I’ll learn how to carry it.” Her voice was soft, and she sat.
“I believe I can make you love me again. Just like in the past, I don’t care how long it takes. I don’t care if you have to stay away from home at all times. But I know that I’ll get you back.” She seemed to be resolute.
Well, I guess it won’t be possible to have her end the relationship herself.
She leaves me with no choice.
“Well, I am tired. And I don’t want you to be bound to me.” I moved closer to the desk, “I think it will be better if we…”
“Did I tell you?” She interrupted me. I squinted my eyes, not pleased. I inhaled, trying to calm my emotions. I didn’t want to snap at her. It would be better to divorce in peace.
“We are having dinner together as a family today. That’s one of the reasons I came to see you.” A smile came to settle on her face.
“I have plans,” I don’t, not yet.
But I knew I wanted to spend the night with Austin and Andrea and not anywhere near Nora.
“Oh! Lucas will be more disappointed.” She made a sad face.
“Lucas?” I was puzzled, “why would he?”
“You didn’t know?”
“Know what?”
“Lucas is here.” She said, and I furrowed a brow.
“When? He didn’t tell me he was coming.”
“He came a few days ago. You weren’t home. He said you’ve been ignoring his call, and he’s been mad at you. I thought you spoke to him?” She asked.
I didn’t.
“You should come for dinner. Please, don’t make him stay mad. He is already disappointed that you don’t care about him. For some reason, he seems to think you have another family; that’s why you are ignoring him.”
I cleared my throat uneasily.
Does she know about Austin? Why would she bring up another family if she doesn’t?
“But I told him you don’t. Who else could you have aside from us?” I did have someone else, but I don’t think she needed to know.
She can find out when I get married to Andrea, not now. And I wanted to tell Lucas myself.
“Fine. I’ll come for dinner.” I gave in.
I will spend some time with Austin tomorrow. Tonight, I’ll spend the night with Lucas.
“Good. Then we’ll meet tonight then,” I could swear that something flashed through her eyes, but it was so brief that it seemed like I had imagined it.
As I watched her leave, I couldn’t help but sigh.
I was looking forward to catching up with Lucas but not having Nora around.
So I sent a text to Lucas, “Let’s meet.”