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He surprises me with his response.
"Is it about the fact that you're my dad? I know about everything now. About me and you."
I'm taken aback by his revelation.
"I had no idea you existed, Michael, I swear."
He looks at me, his eyes earnest.
"I believe you, Jeffrey. I also didn’t know you were my father either. Mom must have had a good reason for keeping it a secret,” he says, shrugging casually.
"Oh," I whisper.
"Yes. And to be honest, I'm somewhat relieved that Jason isn't my father. He treated mom horribly. She tried to protect me from it, but I still knew. She went through a lot with him. "
"I wish I could get a hold of that bastard and make him pay for what she went through. Phebe didn't deserve any of that. She is the sweetest woman I know," I tell him.
"Yes, she is," Michael says.
"What do you want to do when Mom wakes up?" He asks, his voice curious yet composed.
I meet his gaze, my emotions swirling within me.
"I want to be there for her, Michael. I want to be the man she deserves. The one who loves her and supports her."
Michael studies me for a moment before responding,
"I'm glad you're here. My mom deserves all the love she can get. "
He surprises me by recounting the trials Phebe has faced over the years while she was married. The challenges and sacrifices she's made for Michael. His words leave me stunned and in awe of Phebe.
"I know Mom loves you, Jeffrey," he firmly asserts.
"She keeps a necklace close to her heart. I once read her diary, she described you as the love of her life. "
"I'm happy to know that you love her, too. She's been through so much, and she deserves to be happy."
"I will love her with all my heart. I just hope she comes back to me," I tell him. Michael gives me a reassuring smile and says,
"She will. "
I desperately want to trust his words. I want another chance to make up for everything.
22
PHEBE
As I slowly pry my eyes open, loud beeping sounds fill my ears. I instinctively shut my eyes as the bright lights cause a throbbing headache. My body feels heavy, making it difficult to even move my fingers.
"Oh, my goodness. Phebe, can you hear me?" I hear Jeffrey's voice, and my heart leaps with relief.
"Jeffrey," I manage to whisper.
"Oh, my goodness, she is awake. Call the doctors," I hear him yell with excitement. Within seconds, I hear a flurry of movement and activity around me.
When I muster the strength to open my eyes again, my senses are hazy, and my vision remains blurred. I blink repeatedly, attempting to bring my surroundings into focus. Unfamiliar faces hover around me, and I search desperately for Jeffrey, he is nowhere to be found.
White walls surround me, the incessant beeping of machines filling my head. It takes a moment for the realization to sink in—I'm in a hospital room. Memories of the last thing I remember going out to buy groceries, and then suddenly, a car appeared out of nowhere and slammed into me. That's all I remember before I blacked out.
