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“Parents have passed away. My brothers all live close by back home,” Kyson says.
My father looks at me. “And you like his brothers?”
I remember the night with Kenzo on the couch. “Yes, both are lovely.” In their own way, I add to myself. Kenzo in how close he is to his brothers, and Zuko with how close he is to his brothers and how much he adores Alaska.
“Let’s go inside. It’s getting dark,” my father says.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Sorry about him. Now he has his girl back he is worried he won’t see her again,” my mother gushes, reaching out and laying her hand on Kyson’s shoulder. “You wouldn’t stop her from seeing us, would you?”
My mother and I look a lot alike. Same color hair and the same build, but I have my father’s eyes.
“Never,” Kyson says, and I believe him. “Family is important. It’s why I work with my brothers and would trust them with my life.” He isn’t joking. They literally do, then they kill the ones they don’t like. Funny, but whatever.
My mother’s hand goes to her heart.
“I love that. Her ex…” She shakes her head.
“Yes, Tony. I met him.”
My father stops, turns around, and asks, “You did?”
“Yes, and he was worse than awful. So I showed him exactly how to treat a lady.”
My father smirks. “What did you do?” I’m sure my father would be happy to know Tony is dead, but I know Kyson won’t share that part with him.
“I hit him, hard, after he spoke to her like his possession.”
My father nods, smiling, then turns to me. “I’m glad you aren’t with him anymore, dear.”
“Me too,” I answer.
“Want a beer, son?” my father offers.
He likes Kyson.
I know he does.
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, please don’t call me that, it makes me feel old. Call me Hampton,” my father says, giving him his first name.
Kyson releases my hand and follows my father to the bar fridge and I hear my father ask him more questions as I turn to face my mother.
“Your father likes this one. He never liked Tony.”
“I like him too,” I tell her, smiling.
“Yeah, he seems a bit rough around the edges. But I can see by the way he looks at you he thinks the ground you walk on is magical.” She gets a dreamy look in her eyes as she says, “Your father still thinks that about me and I love it.” Mom pulls me into the kitchen and starts cutting the cake she was baking before Kyson showed up. “Do you think he may stay for a little while?”
“Yes, I think he will.”
“He won’t be needed at work?”
I shake my head and tell her, “But I have to go back to work soon.”
She reaches over the counter and clasps my hand. “I’m so proud of you. Look how far you have come.” And her words make me feel good. Really good. It’s crazy how a few simple words from someone you love can make all the difference. I’m still trying to understand and process it. Tony never complimented me. All he ever did was talk down to me. And after so long without praise, I guess you forget what normal is and only expect the worst.
Well, not anymore.
