12

Gin dragged herself to the door and unlocked it with her key. "Vin, I'm home," Gin called out. "Mum!" She heard the shout from upstairs and a smile broke out on her face. Kin Arvis could not help admire her. He watched as she rushed to the foot of the stairs eagerly waiting for Vin to get to her. She was a good mother all right. He smiled, pleased about that fact as he silently also acknowledged she was a sensual lover and she was going to be even more of an excellent partner as his wife. Yes. "I thought you're only coming back tonight," he came flying own the stairs. "I cleaned your room and everything is in ___." Vin stopped speaking when he saw Kin Arvis. "Why did you have to clean my room?" "I thought I heard your voice dear," Shin came smiling out of the kitchen, an apron around her waist. "Vin wanted to sleep in your room. He missed you," Shin smiled. "Oh sweetheart," Gin rushed to Vin. She dropped to her knees and held Vin close against her chest. "I missed you too," she kissed him on the cheek. Shin was staring at Kin Arvis. He had not taken his eyes of Vin from the second Vin came down the stairs. Hi Kin Arvis," she greeted. Reluctantly Kin Arvis dragged his eyes away from Vin. "Hello Shin," Kin Arvis greeted politely and his eyes immediately returned to Vin. He knows, Shin perceptively deduced. "I'll put the kettle on," Shin discreetly exited. Kin Arvis stared at Vin, trying to identify and resemblance and found absolutely none. The kid did not have his eyes, or facial features … . Maybe his sandy hair resembled that of the pre-teen Kin Arvis Ra. Yet strangely something resonated with Kin Arvis that this was his kid. "Ouch mum!" Vin yelped. "I think my hair caught on your watch." "Sorry darling," Gin guiltily patted the spot, where she'd tugged at Vin's hair. "Everything okay?" Kin Arvis was instantly at Gin's side, his eyes questioning. Gin glared at him angrily, her hand reached out, placing the hair follicles in Kin Arvis's hand. Kin Arvis closed his fist tightly and slipped his hand into his pocket. "Hi, Dr. Ra," Vin greeted, wondering what the boss was doing with his mum. Kin Arvis just stared incredulously, Gin inconspicuously nudged him. "Hello Vin," he drew out after Gin's prompting. Unsuspecting to the under current in the room, Vin turned his attention back to his mother. "I've done my homework mum. Do you want to see?" "Yes," Gin linked her hands though Vin's and prepared her escape. She turned around to bid Kin Arvis farewell. "Good bye, Kin Arvis." His eyes were focused on Vin, the way his little hand was clutching so tightly to his mum's. Gin's eyes narrowed impatiently as if telling him to get a move on. Bye," he nodded, making his exit After spending some time with Vin, Gin joined her mother in the kitchen. Shin looked up at her daughter, a cautious smile on her face. "Kin Arvis knows, doesn't he?" She enquired. Gin nodded. She slumped into a chair, accepting the tea her mother offered her. "I'm glad," Shin smiled. "Vin has a right to know, Gin." She nodded again. "I know mum," she exhaled heavily. The billion dollar question was; how will Vin react to that revelation? Gin was about to turn in for the night, when she heard the soft tap on her bedroom door. She smiled, opening the door to Vin. "Hi honey, "I thought you'd be asleep by now." She'd said good night to him about an hour ago. Vin walked in and hopped onto Gin's bed. Gin noted the serious look on Vin's face and wondered what was on his mind. "Hey, what's wrong ?" she smiled, sitting down next to Vin. "I think you should get a new job mum." "What!" Gin laughed, all confused. "I don't like your boss." Oh dear! The smile disappeared from Gin's face. A weary look replaced it. "That's what I "m talking about mum." "What do you mean?" Gin got up from the bed and walked to the vanity stool next to her mirror. "Dr. Ra is a bad man. You're always nervous when he's around. He must be a very bad boss. Even just mentioning his name makes you frightened." "No!" Gin denied. "You don't even smile when he's nearby mum and earlier today, it was like you were afraid of him." Oh dear God! "I'm not afraid of Kin Arvis, Vin." Things are just ___ complicated between us. "If he comes here again, I'm going to hit him with my cricket__." "Vin no!" Gin sat down on the bed again. She took Vin's hands into hers. "Kin Arvis is a good man___ a very good man." Vin snorted disbelievingly. "As good as Uncle Dean?" "Yes," Gin smiled. He's your father! She had to cover Kin Arvis's back. "I don't like it when you're sad mum, " he wrapped his arms around his mum's neck. "Oh Vin," Gin hugged him tightly. "Please, I don't want you worrying about me. Promise me, no more of these violent thoughts, anymore." "I promise," he agreed reluctantly. "Would you like some tea, mum?" "No thanks. I was just about to turn in." "Okay, I'm going to keep you company tonight," he turned up the covers and promptly slipped under. Gin laughed. "All right!" Vin was so young. She did not want him burdened about her welfare. She removed her gown and slipped in next to Vin. "Good night again" she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Good night mum," he smiled, and switched of the bedside lamp on his side. Gin stared at the brown envelope handed to her by the messenger. It was marked confidential and for her attention. Gin did not need to open it. She knew exactly what it would contain. She had not needed verification, she knew Kin Arvis was her child's father. But he had wanted scientific proof, she thought to herself as she went through the mechanical task of tearing the flap of the envelope. She was reading the report, when a familiar voice interrupted her. "Gin, hi." A shocked Gin looked up and stared at the visitor in surprise. "Heather!" "Please, tell me I'm not disturbing you." Gin shoved the paternity results back into the envelope and placed it into her drawer. "Heather hi," Gin was more guilty now that she'd slept with Kin Arvis in Cape Town. "Gin, I wanted to ask you something ___ about Kin Arvis," a tortured look filled her face, as she walked up to Gin's desk. Gin looked away uncomfortably. "I don't know Heather. I'm probably ___ the last person you should speak to, " Gin groaned. "Why?" Heather laughed, a confused look on her face. Gin heaved a heavy sigh. "Because ___ we have a history," she stood up. Heather stared disbelievingly. "Why didn't you say anything?" Gin paced about. "It happened ten years ago" she murmured. "And I just could not talk about it." "You still care about him, don't you?" Heather whispered, her hand touching Gin's arm. Gin didn't say anything. She didn't need to. "I'm sorry, " Heather murmured. "So am I; for you," Gin let out softly. Heather shook her head. "I called him last night," she smiled, chocking back her tears. "He said we're over and that his future's been decided for him. Tell me what he meant___ please," tears ran silently down Heather's cheeks. Gin's head lowered, before she met Heather's eyes. "We have a child __ . I'm very sorry Heather." She burst into tears. It was too good to be true ___ our short affair!" "I'm sorry, " Gin touched her arm. She didn't know if an embrace was appropriate. Heather was so sweet…such a good person. "I really am sorry Heather." "But I thought he did not want children…or marriage?" "I'm sorry, I can't discuss it," Gin looked away awkwardly. Heather laughed, uneasily. "Guess you have more claim to him than I do," "He's the kind of guy, worth fighting for, except ____ I know I would lose against you, Gin," she conceded. We're just a duty to him, nothing more. Gin lowered her head. She hated seeing Heather look so hurt and despondent. "I guess, I should leave," Heather murmured. "Take care," Gin murmured, she placed her hand consolingly on Heather's shoulder. "You take care of him," Heather instructed. Don't know if he will let me. Before Gin left the office that afternoon, she had received a call from Kin Arvis, instructing her to receive him at her home at seven pm. Gin almost wished he said eight pm, so she could tell him that Vin would be in bed. She supposed the wretched toad had already taken that into consideration. So here he was now, in her lounge, standing tall, determined, ready to do battle with the world. Gin had taken Vin aside earlier. She had pleaded with her son to be civil to Kin Arvis, when he arrived. Seeing the anxiety in his mother's eyes, Vin had readily capitulated. Kin Arvis looked at his son, now observed the way Vin stood almost protectively just a step in front his mum. Their hands were laced together, and two pairs of eyes stared at him untrustworthily. "Good evening, Gin, Vin!" Kin Arvis's commanding voice got their attention. "Evening," mother and son chorused. Kin Arvis's eyes were on Vin, he took a few steps towards them. "Vin__ I." "Kin Arvis ___ please!" Gin quickly interrupted, her eyes pleading as they met Kin Arvis's. He ignored her and spoke again. Kin Arvis's merciless eyes met Gin"s. "We're doing this now," he spoke quietly, but the command was unmistakable. "I have something to show you, Vin." Gin shut her eyes for a second. At least he was not demanding Vin remove his sweater and exhibit their hereditary characteristics. "Okay," Vin was mildly curious. Kin Arvis looked at Gin questioningly. His eyes denoted that he was quite happy to unbutton his shirt right where he was, but he was offering her the option of privacy, if she wanted it. "Let's go to Vin's room," she murmured. She was not prepared to have Kin Arvis prancing about in her bedroom. Kin Arvis nodded. He followed, as he watched Gin protectively link her arm around Vin's shoulder. Knowing Kin Arvis was a step behind them, she was as uncomfortable as a cat on a hot tin roof. Kin Arvis smirked, admiring the way Gin's slender hips swayed as she negotiated the stairs. She had a delectable behind. He remembered the feel of her shapely naked flesh in his hands. Her soft sighs, as his hands had expertly stroked her curvaceous bottom. Belatedly, he picked up the conversation between mother and son. "Mum, you can sign my homework book. The math was difficult, but it's done and I finished my geography assignment as well." "In here," Gin spoke over her shoulder to Kin Arvis, as she nodded to Vin. Kin Arvis allowed them to precede him in. He looked around the room expecting it to be untidy like a typical boy's room, but it was neat. There was a work desk. There were two books closed on it and what looked like the homework record book, opened, a pen on it waiting for Gin to sign it. There was a display type cabinet, no television, he noted, but it did boast a very fancy stereo sound system. There were no clothes, or shoes untidily thrown about. Clearly, Gin was an effective disciplinarian. Surprisingly the walls were not in your face blue either. It was pleasant to the eyes in natural earth tones. Kin Arvis ran his hand over the wall, experimentally, liking the texture. Kin Arvis's eyes went to Gin"s, but she had moved away to Vin's table. She opened the books and her attention was focussed on the homework. "Do you like my assignment mum? I did a good job right?" Gin smiled at Vin. "Your assignment is lovely, but you did not finish the exercise on page twelve of your math." "Oh man, I was hoping you would not see that," he groaned. "This is you in London?" Kin Arvis was looking at a poster size picture of what looked like Vin, riding the London Eye. Most kids had cars, sports stars or action heroes on their walls, but this kid … his kid had pictures of famous cities of the world on his walls. There was another picture of the kid against the back drop of a New York night sky line and yet another of him, smiling cheerfully as he worked the oars in a gondola in Venice, in character, in a fancy top hat and very smartly dressed indeed. "Yep all of me," Vin boasted. "Every December mum takes grandma and me overseas. This year we're going to Rio. I can't wait to go there," Vin enthused. You're not going without me this year. Kin Arvis relished the opportunity when he would see Gin in a sexy bikini. She will not be going to the nudist beach! "As I said earlier Vin," Kin Arvis slowly prepared to drop his bombshell. "I have something to show you." Gin held her breath. She wrung her fingers subconsciously. Kin Arvis began unbuttoning the top of his shirt. "What is it?" Vin questioned. He was curious again. Kin Arvis could see Gin tense up. She was unsmiling, her shoulders ramrod straight as her arms draped protectively around Vin's shoulder. "I have to unbutton my shirt to show you, if it's okay with you," Kin Arvis asked. Gin said a silent prayer. Grateful that Kin Arvis was exercising some restraint at the delicate situation. She held her breath as his chest was exposed. Dark, muscular, bulging six pack, and fine hairs covering his chest. Even at this moment, her fingers, itched to run over his well-defined, sexy upper torso. "Wow!" Vin exclaimed. "I have a mark exactly like that." He was ripping his sweater of, to show his mark to Kin Arvis. Kin Arvis silently applauded his own ploy. He'd thought he would have to coax Vin into removing his sweater. It was true all right, as if somebody had photocopied the one on his chest and placed it directly on Vin's small framed, still developing chest. Kin Arvis almost could not believe it, but the positive DNA report put paid to that notion of a coincidence. "That's so cool!" Vin exclaimed. All previous intent of show animosity towards Kin Arvis forgotten. "My father and my brother have it too," Kin Arvis's voice became hoarse, it was almost cracking. "So why do I have it?" Gin and Kin Arvis stared at each other. Gin was dumbstruck. Kin Arvis began re-buttoning his shirt. Gin swallowed painfully, she was startled to see Kin Arvis's eyes become moist. She led Vin to his bed, taking his little hands into hers. She had to do this. Kin Arvis's confidence seemed to have temporarily deserted him. "Vin," Gin spoke softly. "You"ve asked me so often about your daddy," she smiled nervously. "Here he is ___ Kin Arvis is your daddy." "No!" Vin shoved Gin's hands away, diving off the bed. "You are not my father!" Like the speed of lightening, Vin scurried across the room to where Kin Arvis was standing shell-shocked. "You are not my father!" Vin went berserk, kicking wildly at Kin Arvis's ankles and pounding his tiny fists into Kin Arvis's mid drift. Speechless and stunned, Kin Arvis just stood there not defending himself. "Vin!" Gin rushed forward, imprisoning Vin's arms from behind. She circled her hands around his arms, restraining him. "Are you okay?" Gin murmured to Kin Arvis. She had not expected Vin to react so violently. She could not believe Kin Arvis was just standing there with his head hung, not defending himself. She longed to just put her arms around Kin Arvis. He looked like the world had just come crashing down on him. "Kin Arvis?" She called out, still holding Vin prisoner. She wanted Kin Arvis to say something … anything. He lifted his head and just nodded. "My father is overseas. You are not my father," Vin continued to scream. "I hate you! Get out of our house." Kin Arvis shut his eyes. He supposed Gin had told him that, when he was out of the country. "Vin!" Gin jerked his shoulders. "Stop it," she asserted, a little forcefully "He's not my father, mum. He does not care about you or me. He's a bad man." "Kin Arvis ___ didn't know," Gin offered patronizingly. "Gin," Kin Arvis shook his head. "Don't speak to my mum," Vin attempted to break out of Gin's arms, she held onto him more tightly. "And don't ever think you can boss her around, even if you are her boss. mum's going to get a new boss." Kin Arvis head swung to Gin, his eyes questioning. She shrugged her shoulders. "First, I'm hearing about it," she looked confused. "Vin, I would like to talk to you," Kin Arvis spoke in a soft tone. "No! I don't want to hear you," his hands cupped his ears. "You're going to hear me out Vin," Kin Arvis's voice rose above his son"s. Not angry or demanding, but getting Vin' attention. Kin Arvis knelt down in front of Vin, his eyes meeting Vin's squarely. "I am sorry; I have never been here for you." "It's because you never cared, that's why," Vin accused in his loudest voice. "I am sorry that your mum had to bring you up alone," Kin Arvis continued. "and though she has done an excellent job, she should not have had to do it alone. I should have been here sharing the responsibility with her." "I don't need you," Vin spat out. Gin sobbed, unable to hold back. "Vin looked over his shoulder. "You see what you are doing to my mum. Leave us alone and go!" Vin turned around and hugged his mum. From behind him, Vin heard Kin Arvis's voice. "I know it's unforgivable, that I was not here for any of your birthdays." Kin Arvis's voice was brusque, but he inhaled deeply and continued. Tears fell freely down Gin's cheeks. She hated to witness this torment Vin and Kin Arvis were experiencing. "I was not here for any of all the other important events as you were growing up, but it's going to change from today," Kin Arvis vowed. "Oh, what you going to do?" Vin challenged, folding his knuckles on his waist. Where'd he learn that? That was exactly what Kin Arvis had done the previous morning in the Cape Town hotel room, when he had stood in front of her in all his naked glory. Kin Arvis rose to his feet. "I'm going to marry your mum." Gin's head swung to Kin Arvis's. She was not going to marry Kin Arvis. Vin studied his mum's face, as if he was weighing whether she should or not. "A child needs his mum and his dad," Kin Arvis stated. "My mum has done a fine job without you. You said so." Gin released Vin's arms. She led him back to the bed. "We can do ___ stuff," Kin Arvis suggested. "Like what?" "Play football … go hunting." "I know how to play football and mum doesn't approve of hunting. She thinks it's barbaric to hunt and kill animals and call it sport." "We could go off road racing," Kin Arvis persevered, "I also have a boat, we could hang out on the Vaal Dam." "I'm not interested," Vin screamed. "You were never there for me or mum…never," Vin's voice was beginning to betray him. "Kin Arvis could we talk?" She needed to speak to him privately. She dragged him out of Vin's bedroom. "I'm not marrying you," she informed him, before her nerves let her down. "I am Vin's father, we will be married immediately." Secretly that delighted him. He wanted Gin in his bed every night and more importantly he needed to start playing an active role in Vin's life, whether his son wanted it or not. "No!" Gin protested. His eyes were cold, determined. "I'm not giving you a choice. Vin needs both his parents. I think you are fully aware of the importance of the father figure in a child's life. Gin's eyes narrowed like icicles. She was angry. There was so much she wanted to hurl at Kin Arvis, but she dare not. She may say something hurtful. Kin Arvis gripped her shoulders roughly. "We shall be married in a week. I see no reason to drag this out, do you?" His eyes were dark, determined, uncompromising. Gin looked away. She did not want to become anybody's wife in this manner. At least he could have proposed decently, but then why would he bother asking when he suspected she would say no.