The car pulled to a stop just outside the house. It's been a good while since I've been here but it feels like nothing changed. He'd told them we were coming, knowing they were home though I'd hoped they'd say no to it.
I want to see them, they are my parents. Unlike Riley's who weren't there when he was young, mine had been available. I remember them helping me at home. My mom taking me shopping and telling me how much clothes make humans.
She'd told me if you can't get it just tell me and I'll procure it for you...mommy can get you anything.
Then things just changed little by little. She started keeping her distance then before I knew it, she was gone.
"You can still change your mind you know."
"We're already here."
He placed his hand on my bare thigh and squeezed it.
"Did you really have to do this?"
I had on a red dress that had driven up during my fidgeting. One reason we were late was because we were arguing over it. He'd told me I had many closets to choose from and didn't need to get myself into a skirt. I like the dress though, he'd bought it himself and had been quite excited to see me put it on once.
"I carried you a shawl..."
"It's not that short, it gets past the knee."
"Until you sit then your thigh is full on display."
"Why did you buy it then?"
I think we were going to get into the mornings argument one more time. We'd nearly missed the flight which would have meant waiting or taking a long drive.
"Riley, make sure we go back today!"
"I'll do that."
The place was silent as we went in, just like the last time I was here. They were seated in the living room, just like last time but now they seem more tense. All in one sofa, mom twiddling her thumbs.
"Hello! Hope we aren't intruding!"
"Not at all, come in, have a sit."
Riley led us to the sofa opposite them before covering my legs with the shawl once I was sat. He really did carry it with him, I hadn't seen him with it.
"Have you two been okay? Do you need anything?"
"We're fine!"
"Blane hasn't been using the money we gave, the school even told us his fee was fully settled..."
"Riley paid it, I'll reimburse him myself in future don't worry and maybe stop sending me the money..."
Riley held my hand and squeezed it which made me stop talking. I have been gone for a while and all they were asking was about money? They were still insistent on money issues.
"Right now we're okay. As he said his fees was paid though I don't need it refunded but he wants to now work for his own upkeep. Don't worry, it's nothing illegal."
"Then..."
"Money isn't the only reason your son is supposed to look for you."
"That's not what I meant Blane!"
I sighed then turn away.
"Riley was hoping this won't be the last time we talk. But if it is, let's make it worthwhile."
"What do you mean, you're our son, we were waiting for you to come back."
"So you'd have never come looking for me then, good to know."
"Blane!"
"I killed someone, as a kid I killed someone. All these years i never knew about it, just knew my parents were blaming me for something. Do you know how that feels."
"What did you want us to do, that was the only way, you were being hysterical and it was either that or go to the asylum."
"Maybe if I'd gone and seen you behave like that, I wouldn't blame anyone else. I was nearly raped, I defended myself but what did dad always say, I kept throwing myself at people.
Let me ask you something, if you had been home with your son, would you have needed to hire that guy? If you two would have atleast been there once and not always working for money no one needs now, would I have always ended up in those places?
Even once did you ask yourselves why I always wanted to go out and meet other people? Or was it just my own convenience? Was money that important? People come from poor families and live well, are healthy, no mental issues, are happy as a family, as a unit.
Maybe what I wasn't you'll see in the new kid right?"
Mom stood up once I said that pointing g at me...
"Y-you...h-ow..."
"So you know?"
"Yeah! Congratulations by the way. I hope they are twins so that you know, no one has personality issues."
"Blane!"
"Told you no one was going to say a thing about it Riley! We should just leave!"
**********
Now I have the tendency to investigate everyone and everything. Imagine my shock when I found out the reason they were home more often was because during a trip they had tested and found out they were expecting.
They really are living a good life...totally jealous. While their son was wondering whether they were okay and pretending not to care those two had been hiding this for a while. But I had to tell him. What if he found out I knew something and didn't tell him?
We should share happiness and woe so as to live a great married life, right?
"I wanted to tell him to leave first so we talk but I am his family now so I'll say it. You might have had no choice back then, but if you chose to hide it from him that you'd buried some memories, shouldn't you have atleast acted warm about it?
He's right, if you were there, maybe he wouldn't have visited those dangerous places, maybe he'd have deligently studied and done everything you two expected.
Maybe that other side you don't like would never have shown up, being buried. Haven't you ever blamed yourself even once?"
I looked at the group then at Blane who had his head raised looking at the ceiling. I am very much sure he's crying, he'd told me he didn't want them to see his tears but here he was.
"I have parents, very imperfect parents but at least when they see me they ask me how I've been. If I don't call them in two or so months they call me to ask if I was alive.
Have you ever even looked for him? Is sending him money that important? Do you know if he's alive?
You don't care about the first one, what will be so different about the second one?"
The silence was deafening even for me. I held Blane's hand while I sat up straight. This was the most important thing. My mom was being so relentless about it even talking about doing a background check....like she could unveil whatever I hid.
"My parents want to officially meet. Afterall, he's going to marry me. It won't look great to them to be taking someone else's son home while they didn't even know his roots. If you two want... no one's forcing it, if you want, contact us and we'll prepare a date.
We'll be leaving!"
I stood, bowed twice...they were his parents afterall, gave him life, sent him to the one place I met him. I was greatful for that...really. They might have done a lot but this was the most important for me.
I bent and picked him, thank heavens for the shawl he was now holding onto. Maybe he should listen to me about this kind of affair more.
I set him on the passenger seat and adjusted it so it was leaning back, no one should see him this way.
"Sorry about this!"
"Will they love that kid?"
"Only they know that."
I tucked the shawl under him as he sniffled but stayed still.
"Don't worry too much!"
I got out and closec the door ready to go to the driver's side and leave only to see the old man standing a few meters away. Was he here to ensure we left?
"We can meet before schools reopen."
"Sorry, we're booked. It's holiday and mom likes calling people home every other day. They are available all year round though. After the new year you can choose any day, they'll make it work."
"Okay! I'll pick a suitable day then."
-Rue, book a hotel room for us.
-Yes boss!
-Then go back to Quint, he's leaving the country again.