AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jeni looks up at me, and I nod.
“Is it time?” she asks, and I nod again.
She smiles and sits up on the bed, looking back at me. “Just remember, I’m here. I’ll always be here. Do you want me to come with you?” she asks.
My stomach does backflips at the thought of Jeni not being there with me.
“Of course, I need you, Jeni. You’re my oxygen. I can’t do this without you,” I admit while my stomach tightens.
“I’m proud of you, babe.” Jeni stands and walks over to my side of the bed. She puts her hand out for me to take, which I do. I interlace our fingers gaining the extra strength I need from her.
We head downstairs to face my mom and my… father.
I take each step slowly, and Jeni keeps the same pace as me, trying not to rush or force me. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me, and I know I am blessed to have Jeni in my life. I look at her, and she’s watching me cautiously.
I am nervous as hell.
Why am I so nervous? I have no idea. What the hell is there to be nervous about?
I guess even though I know Mike inside and out, I can’t help but feel like I’m meeting him for the first time.
We get to the bottom of the stairs, and Jeni winks at me as we round the corner walking toward the kitchen. My breathing is fast and shallow. I don’t know why I’m feeling like this. I can’t tell if I’m angry, sad, frustrated, elated? I have no idea what I’m feeling. It’s annoying the fuck out of me.
Jeni squeezes my hand tighter as we walk into the living room, and Mom and Mike are sitting on the sofa. Mom’s rubbing Mike’s back as he sits hunched over with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.
He looks miserable.
I know I didn’t handle my reaction well. I was only thinking about myself and how I was feeling, not to mention catastrophizing everything. I didn’t stop to think about the way I reacted and how it would upset Mike. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still furious they didn’t tell me, but I guess the idea that Mike is my father is not a terrible thing, after all.
We walk to the sofa, and I clear my throat, gaining their attention. They both quickly look up, and Mom and Mike have both been crying. Both of their faces are red, and I’m guessing that’s what they see in my face as well.
Mom stands to walk over to me.
“Where’s Chris and Sarah?” I ask.
“They went home to give us some privacy,” Mom announces.
“Good,” I say sternly.
“Aiden, don’t be so hard on Chris, it’s not his fault. He only wants what’s best for you. You know that. Don’t be angry with him. He’s your best friend,” Mike chides, and I scoff.
“Oh, honey. We never meant to upset you like this. We know it’s a hell of a lot to take in and to ask of you to understand right away, and we know this must be difficult for you to come to terms with. But, no matter what, remember we both love you, and we just want you to be happy,” Mom implores with fresh tears filling her eyes.
I stand here in silence.
Damn if I’m not frozen to the spot. I have no idea what to say or what to do.
Jeni gently nudges my elbow, and I look at her.
She smiles with a nod.
I swallow and take in a deep breath. “I’m sorry I reacted the way I did. It is just as you say… it’s a lot to take in. There are so many things that could change because of this. I just don’t even know where to start,” I murmur and run my hand through my hair.
“Aiden, this doesn’t have to change anything if you don’t want it to. I’m still Mike. You’re still you. Nothing has to change,” Mike announces.
I shake my head in disagreement. Mike winces and stands to walk over to Mom. He takes her hand in his, and they entwine their fingers.
“One question… why?” I say, louder than I was aiming for.
