Dinner with the enemy

Dinner with the enemy
Jamie’s POV

The drive to my family’s place wasn’t as long as I expected. Because with the festive season fast approaching, most workers were already going on break. The roads were unusually calm, no long lines of cars, no honking, no impatient drivers trying to squeeze into impossible spaces. Just open stretches of road and quiet movement. It made everything feel easier. Less heavy.

It took about five hours. And those five hours were the most fun I’d had in a very long time. We talked about everything and nothing. We laughed until our sides hurt, we argued over music playlists, we stopped occasionally to get gas, and every single time we did, Aiden used the opportunity to stock up on sweets and chocolates like his life depended on it.

“Jamie,” I said at one stop, watching him pile candy bars into the basket, “do you actually plan to eat all of that?”

He grinned at me. “You don’t know what the future holds. I like to be prepared.”

It felt like a road trip. One of those spontaneous ones you talk about late at night, half-asleep, promising yourselves you’ll do it someday. It had been on our bucket list forever, and somehow, without planning it, we were finally doing it.

By the time we pulled into the driveway though, Aiden’s nerves were everywhere.

“This was a bad idea, Jamie,” he said immediately, his fingers twisting together. “What do I say? I’m not good with strangers, you know that. What if I say the wrong thing? What if—”

“Okay, poodle,” I cut in gently, reaching for his hand and squeezing it. “Breathe.”

He looked at me.

“You don’t have to say anything,” I continued. “You don’t have to do anything, baby. And you don’t have to worry about anything either. And if anyone says something rude or uncomfortable to you, we’re leaving the next minute. I promise.”

He nodded slowly, forcing a smile. “Okay.”

I unlocked the car and we stepped out. I headed for the front door and pressed the bell. The door flew open, and a tiny voice screamed my name.

“Uncle Jamie!”

I barely had time to react before she launched herself at me. I scooped her up instantly, laughing as I twirled her around. She giggled loudly, her arms wrapped tightly around my neck.

“I missed you so much!” she complained. “Where have you been? Why did you leave me alone all this while? It’s not fair!”

“I know, trouble,” I said, setting her down and guiding her inside. I reached back and held Aiden’s hand as we entered. “I’m sorry for not checking up on you. Uncle Jamie had something really important to take care of, that’s why I was away for so long. It wasn’t intentional, and I promise it won’t happen again.”

I placed my hand on my chest. “Scout’s honor.”

She copied me, giggling. “Okay fine. I believe you. As long as you’re for real this time.”

Then her gaze shifted to Aiden. Her brows furrowed.

“I know you,” she said slowly. “You’re that actor on TV, right?”

Aiden chuckled and crouched to her level. “Hi, I’m Aiden. I’m a friend of your Uncle Jamie. It’s nice to meet you, Malia. I’ve heard so many amazing things about you.”

Her eyes widened. “Can I get an autograph please? Can I? Can I?”

“Of course you can.” I said, laughing.

She dashed into her room excitedly, and just then my dad stepped out, our eyes instantly locking.

“Hi, Dad,” I said quietly.

He didn’t hesitate. He pulled me into a tight hug, one I didn’t expect. I just stood there, stunned, before hugging him back. I’d never seen him this emotional before.

“How have you been, son?” he asked, pulling away and tapping my shoulder.

Malia came running back with a notepad and handed it to Aiden excitedly.

“Dad, this is Aiden,” I said. “Aiden, meet my dad—Jake.”

“It’s nice to meet you, sir,” Aiden said, smiling as he extended his hand.

“The pleasure is mine,” my dad replied, shaking his hand. “Please, come in. Make yourself comfortable.”

I held Aiden’s hand and we headed for the couch.

“Babe,” I leaned in and whispered, “What should I get for you? Water? Wine? Tea?”

He smiled softly. “Water is fine. Thank you.”

I went to the kitchen, poured a glass of cold water, and turned back just as Jeremy walked out.

“What’s up, man?” he said casually.

I rolled my eyes and walked past him without saying a word.

I placed the water in front of Aiden, sat beside him, and took his hand as I smiled.

Jeremy joined my dad at the end of the couch. “So you finally decided to show up,” he said grinning, as he leaned back, with his hands in his pocket. “To what do we owe this special visit?”

“I’m not here for you, Jeremy,” I replied calmly. “If anything, I promised I’d cut ties with you and dad and I meant it. But I decided it wasn’t worth it, and if you must know, I’m here mainly because of Malia. That little girl did nothing wrong, so she shouldn’t punished for the sins of her family.” I said, staring at him and then at my dad, who’s expression was different from what I’m used too.

He scoffed. “And why is he here?” he asked, gesturing to Aiden. “If you’re really here for Malia like you claim, this should be a family affair and bringing strangers into it, is not the right way to handle it.”

“Okay first off Jeremy,” I snapped, “his name is Aiden. And I will not have you address him so rudely, as though he wasn’t here. And secondly, he may not be a part of this family like you said, but he’s involved in this way more than you think, and you know that I’m right. Look man, I’m not here for your apologies, I don’t need that from you or from dad. Neither am I here looking for validation from you about how I get to live my life. 

“I’m here to let you know that I’ve forgiven you and I’m pushing past what I said earlier. It may be a thing I said in a fit of anger, but I wasn’t bluffing either. I was more than ready to do that.” I squeezed Aiden’s hand gently. “But someone helped me see things differently. And I came to the conclusion that forgiveness was more important, especially if you want to move on. So that’s what I’m here for, nothing more. ”

Just then Jason walked in. “Hey Jamie.” He said as he grabbed water from the fridge and joined us. “It’s good to see you again man.” He said to Aiden.

“What’s up Jason.” Aiden said smiling. 

“So what did I miss!” He asked, as he opened the water and took a sip of it. 

“Oh nothing really,” I said dryly. “Just the fact that your brother has acting like a jerk, as usual. Asides from that, nothing new.” I said throwing a glare at Jeremy who only grinned. 

Jason snorted. “Yeah of course. I figured. He has always been a jerk as a matter of fact. By the way why didn’t you tell me you were coming over?”

Jeremy’s eyes widened, as he stared at Jason then at my dad. “See? I told you dad. He has been in touch with Jamie all along. 

“Yeah I have, so what? It’s not like you actually care about him, so why is that any concern of yours?” Jason shot back.

He was about to respond when my dad interrupted—

“That’s enough please.” He pleaded. “I’m so happy you’re back home Jamie, you have no idea how badly I’ve missed you. I admit we were wrong, we shouldn’t have done that, we shouldn’t have meddled in your personal affairs especially since we never tried to understand or help you all this while. We just thought that by doing that, we could finally get to show you our support, in our own little way. But we didn’t realize it was only making it worse. I’m really sorry Jamie.” 

His voice already shaky, he turned to Aiden. “I’m sorry, Aiden. I know that what we did really put a strain on your life and on your career. We saw Jamie unhappy and we got upset, thinking you were just happy as you lived your life however you wanted, while he was being treated as a second option. I know it’s too late for an apology and it doesn’t change anything, but I just want you to know I really mean it.” He concluded with a weak smile, and for the first time in a long time, I saw tears in his eyes. See that we’re born from regrets, pains, and deep emotions. 

Aiden turned to look at me, and then to my dad. “No sir. I should be apologizing to you instead. I thought I had it all. I thought no matter what I did Jamie would still be around. I continuously put myself first not minding who got hurt in the process. I’ve been a coward, I’ve been selfish, I’ve been self-centered and also greedy. I thought I could eat my cake and have it, but I was wrong. When I found out about the leak, I was really upset for later on I got to understand that if the case was reversed, I also had someone who would do the same for me and even more.

He smiled at me, as he squeezed my hand. 

“And that’s when I knew it wasn’t in my place to get upset anymore, decided to come up with ways to win him back. I absolutely understand and I don’t blame you for anything, neither do I hold anything against anyone. I just want to be happy and I found out that the only way that can be possible is with the person my heart wants, and that person is Jamie.”

He smiled, lifted my hands to his mouth and kissed them gently.