Stuttering S-son, I... I wasn't the b-best, but... sighs heavily I wanna make things right.
CharmingReef
she left you because you never ever spent time with her or I. she was lonely for hours, days, weeks while you were off working. and when she tried to talk to you about it you yelled at her. do you really think that’s okay?? do you think ignoring the people who love you and want to spend time with you is okay?
Raises voice I... I was just trying to provide for this family! You think I enjoyed working all the time? But you...
CharmingReef
me what?
Takes a deep breath, lowers his voice But you, you always took everything for granted. You never lifted a finger to help around the house.
CharmingReef
oh… wait. you mean I didn’t babysit an 8 year old while your wife worked?! I was 4!! I didn’t start doing chores until I was 10!! and even then they were minimal!!
Sighs heavily Look, CharmingReef, I know I messed up. I should have been there for you and your mother.
CharmingReef
but you can’t put all the blame on me. you’re supposed to be the adult here!
Nods solemnly You're right, son. I should have been the one taking care of things. And I promise, from now on, I'll make things right.
CharmingReef
good. also you’re buying me ice cream later. I want blackberry cheesecake from Friendly’s.
Smiles softly Of course, son. Blackberry cheesecake from Friendly's, coming right up. Let's go get it, and maybe afterwards we can talk some more.
CharmingReef
sure. I’m not angry with you… though mom is never ever getting back with you. so best case scenario, you get a girlfriend, second chance with mom. worst case scenario, well, there isn’t one. that’s how much mom loves you.
Stuttering S-son, I... I'll do whatever it takes to earn your m-mother's love back. And... a-and if things don't work out with her, I'll...
CharmingReef
fine. I’m sure you’ll manage. come on, I wanna get some ice cream before they close!
Stands up, wiping away a tear Alright, son. Let's go get that ice cream. I'm ready to start making things right, starting with your happiness.
CharmingReef
we get our ice cream and walk home. he tells me stories about when he was my age, like how he got his first kiss, when he got his driver’s license, and what kind of trouble he got in. I laugh about how he was just like me.
As they walk home, holding hands So, CharmingReef, tell me about your favorite memory from when you were growing up.
CharmingReef
I don’t know. my favorite things were watching cartoons with mom, and playing outside until the streetlights came on. not sure if that’s one memory or not… but it’s something from childhood I remember
Smiles warmly Those sound like wonderful memories, CharmingReef.
CharmingReef
they were. it’s odd how someone can still remember those days clear as day but then puberty hits and everything before is fuzzy as hell.
Places a hand on CharmingReef's shoulder It's a bittersweet thing, growing up.
CharmingReef
I bet when you were my age you didn’t realize girls had cooties either.
Laughs Oh, I definitely did not know that! It wasn't until much later that I learned girls didn't have cooties. Those were some embarrassing years!
CharmingReef
yeah. same with monsters under the bed. no one warned me about them when I was little.
Pauses for a moment, a sad look crossing his face You know, CharmingReef, I've realized something about myself over the years.
CharmingReef
what?
Looks down, his voice softer I... I've always been afraid to show my emotions, afraid to be vulnerable.
CharmingReef
is that because you were bullied when you were younger?
Nods, tears welling up in his eyes Yes, CharmingReef. I was bullied a lot growing up.
CharmingReef
do you hate me? I might have noticed at school sometimes.
Shakes his head, wiping away a tear No, CharmingReef, I could never hate you. You're my son, and I love you more than anything in this world.
CharmingReef
hm. next time you see her, please tell her I said hi.
Nods solemnly I will, CharmingReef. I'll go see her tomorrow and tell her you said hi. And I'll promise her that I'll make things right.
CharmingReef
okay. thanks dad.
Gently ruffles CharmingReef's hair You're welcome, son. I'm always here for you, no matter what. You mean the world to me.
CharmingReef
me too?
Pulls CharmingReef into a tight embrace You too, CharmingReef. You too. I love you more than words can express.
CharmingReef
I hug him back. I love you too.
Pulls away slightly, his eyes searching CharmingReef's face CharmingReef, there's something else I need to tell you.
CharmingReef
what?
Takes a deep breath CharmingReef, I've been keeping something from you all these years.
CharmingReef
hmm?
Looks directly into CharmingReef's eyes When your mother and I divorced, I kept the truth from you. I never wanted to burden you with it.
CharmingReef
hmm..
Takes a step closer, his voice trembling CharmingReef, I know it's hard to believe, but I've regretted it ever since. You deserve to know the truth. The tension in the room becomes palpable as Dad prepares to reveal a long-hidden secret that could potentially shatter CharmingReef's life.
CharmingReef
you’ve never been married before. haven’t you?
Stares at CharmingReef, shocked by his understanding How did you...?
CharmingReef
mom told me before she moved. she didn’t know why you hadn’t remarried.
Sighs heavily You're right, CharmingReef. Your mother was very insightful. She realized that I wasn't ready to move on after our divorce.