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We walked together to the dining table, and there, Audrey was. She was already eating. My mood changed swiftly.How could you just come down to a meal on the table and think everything is for you?It was rude, but I didn’t let it steal my joy.
I noticed that Michael’s mood immediately changed.
“Hello, Mom.” He said with a strain in his tone.
“Hello, Michael.” She responded mildly.
He smiled faintly and turned to me. “Dad! I smell radishes.”
“Yes, you want some?” I asked.
“I’d love some, Dad” His grin displayed his little white teeth.
“I bet you would!” I said.
“I’m glad you like them, son.” Audrey said forcing Mike into silence again at the sound of his mother’s voice.
“Where have you been?” Michael asked. His tone was a tad harsh.
“Hey, son. Don’t worry about that.” I said to hold back.
“She left me, Dad! She left us!” his voice increased gradually.
His brows furrowed, and his face turned crimson with frustration. It was as if a storm had erupted within him. Then, it happened. In a fit of anger, he pushed his plate away and abruptly stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. He mumbled something unintelligible and stormed off. The silence that followed was deafening, and my heart sank.
I sat there, feeling a mix of confusion, worry, and sadness. What had triggered such a strong reaction from my usually composed son? As a parent, I felt a profound sense of helplessness, unable to understand or alleviate his distress. I thought again, maybe I was the cause. He had practically watched me since he was little, and the things he probably learned were all my doing. It made me feel worse, no doubt.
The emptiness at the table mirrored the void in my heart. I knew that my son's anger was a part of growing up, and it still weighed heavily on me. I needed to begin showing him the good path as a father. I longed for the cheerful moments we had shared earlier in the evening. It was a stark reminder of the challenges of parenthood. The moments when you can't protect your child from their own emotions, and how deeply it can affect you as a parent.
I knew he felt this way all the while. I was handling a boy with a fragile jar of emotions, and I knew someday it was going to pour. It got triggered and busted out tonight and as much as I was in shock, Audrey had it coming. I could see regret in her eyes, but it didn’t matter what I saw. I stood up and walked to my room. Dinner was over, and I was going to talk to my son the next day. I wanted to allow him to feel what he already felt. He had already slammed the door to his room, signaling he needed to be left alone.
I got into my room and started thinking. I thought of Olivia and her connection with Mike. They had shared far more than what Mike had with his mom. Now I wanted Olivia even more; I cherished her as a blessing to me and my son. The mere thought of her made me smile.
My thoughts occasionally drifted into the realm of fantasy, where Olivia occupied my daydreams. In those moments, her image danced through my mind, a captivating vision ofgrace and allure. I imagined stolen glances and whispered conversations, the brush of her hand igniting sparks of desire.
Fantasies wove scenarios of shared laughter and intimate moments, where time stood still. These reveries were a secret refuge, a place where my deepest desires for connection and passion took shape. Although they remained locked within the confines of my imagination, waiting for the right moment to become reality. I was happy that her face was the last image I pictured before my eyes closed to sleep.
CHAPTER 20
Olivia
Dear Diary,
I couldn’t sleep at all night last night. And for various reasons. One, I haven’t been able to get over this skull-racking migraine, and two, who on earth told Dad where I was? Now he’s back with his hard-headed notion that I should get back with that Godforsaken Jack.
That wretched soul.
And if giving me deaf ears wasn’t hurtful enough, He’s still bent on humiliating me by demanding that I marry that cheating beast. Jack had always been favored by Dad, and that’s one thing that makes my blood boil in disgust. To him, Jack is an idea son-l in-law. Tall, easy-to-control goof bag; a wealthy son of a wealthy father; courteous to elders.
Lies. All freaking lies. How come no one ever sees the lies?
Well, Jack might be a smooth sailor, but my life has been a sea of regret he’s crossed one too many times. I won’t forgive that. The facade of his smile, too innocent to not be a criminal; his husky voice, what used to attract the old me, now is a trait I so detest in men.
I still want to live. I want peace. I want to be happy, once again.
I guess I was yesterday with… Ben. Now, I think hearing his voice will help. It’s nothing serious. Nothing, I haven’t thought of telling you about.
And with that, I got up from the bed and returned my diary to the shelf on the mahogany table. I left for the kitchen to help Aunty Nelly.
