Foes, Allies, and Curious Connections–2
Once out of their sight, I leaned against a car, taking several deep breaths.
“That was fucking brilliant, Iris said, clapping her hands and laughing. “The way you handled her, you were like a warrior!”
I managed a small smile.
“Thanks, but I need to head home now. Sorry to cut our plans short, but I’m exhausted,” I said, rubbing my swollen belly. “Too much excitement for one day.”
“Don’t worry,” Sophia gently wrapped an arm around me. “We understand. Go home and rest, don’t let those shitheads get to you.”
“What are you two going to do now?” I asked them. I felt bad about canceling our plans, but I knew I needed to get home.
“We’re still going ahead with Iris’s crazy plan to eat some greasy food,” Sophia replied, her face showing something close to dread.
I laughed, hugged them goodbye, and then drove home.
Back at the house, I had barely set down my bag when Leo came rushing down the stairs like he’d seen a lifeline, grabbing my hand.
“Mom! Quick, Wyatt won’t stop crying!” he urged.
“Slow down, Leo. What happened?” I asked, following him upstairs.
“I don’t know,” he said anxiously, tears glistening in his eyes. “Wyatt just got really upset, but he won’t tell me why. I don’t know how to help him.”
When we entered the room, I found Wyatt curled up in the corner. His head was buried between his knees, arms wrapped around himself. He was sobbing. Heart–wrenching sobs. My heart instantly clenched.
I awkwardly knelt in front of him, gently touching his arm. “Wyatt? It’s me. What’s wrong, little man?”
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Foes, Allies, and Curious Connections–2
At the sound of my voice, he jerked his head up, then flung himself into my arms, clinging to my neck as if trying to merge with my body. I lost my balance and sat on the floor, letting him nestle against me.
“Shh, it’s okay,” I soothed, rubbing his back. “Tell me what happened? We’re all worried
about you.”
“1-1 don’t understand,” he hiccupped, his voice choked with tears. “Leo said even though you and his dad don’t live together, you still love him so much… why can’t my mom be like that? Why won’t she even look at me?”
My heart shattered as I held him tighter.
“I only saw her once. She doesn’t want to see me again or be near me. Did I do something wrong? Does she hate me?” he cried. “Am I a bad kid… is that why she doesn’t love me?”
I took his small hand in mine, kissed his forehead, and wiped away his tears with my.
fingers.
“Listen to me, Wyatt,” I said softly. “I don’t have all the answers, but I know one thing-
you’re an amazing little boy. You’re smart, brave, kind… any mother would be proud to
have a son like you.”
I paused, searching for the right words. “So never doubt yourself, sweetheart. I may not know your mother, but it’s her loss, because you’re incredible, and we’re so happy you came into our lives. More importantly, you are loved. Leo and I love you, and in my heart, you’re like a second son to me. And your father definitely loves you.” I poured out my heart. I hoped it was enough to bring him back to us. Every word I spoke was true, and I just hoped he believed me.
His sobbing gradually subsided as he focused on me. “Really? You… you really love me?”
That cautious tone broke my heart and made me furious at the same time. I silently vowed that if I ever met his mother, I’d make her regret hurting an innocent child like this.
“Of course,” I answered firmly. “You’re part of Leo and me now, how could we not love you?”
He calmed down and then leaned forward to kiss my cheek.
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“I love you guys too. I’m glad my dog ran into your yard that day, because that’s how we met you and Leo. I’ve been much happier since I met you both.”
“We’re glad we met you too, Wyatt,” Leo said, hugging him.
He smiled, and his smile instantly lit up the room. He was the spitting image of his father,
but there was something special about his smile, as if I should recognize some important
clue.
I looked at him, feeling something nagging at the back of my mind, but for the life of me,
I couldn’t pinpoint why his smile seemed so familiar, or why I felt like things were about
to come to light.
