Chapter 25 – Hospital Bombs

Dear Beverly and Mordecai

I am sure that the two of you were curious about my strange behaviour the last time I saw you. Well, it was just me saying goodbye to you both. My paradise awaits me. I was done with my life on Earth.

This also means you have a surprise from me. Beverly, I am pretty sure Mordecai told you what happened with us. I could see that he trusts you, so he’s surely told you. Well, what you both don’t know is that a baby came from that incident.

I named him Kyle, but I never loved him, and neither was I ever a mother to him. He called me by my name, and from a young age, I told him that he would one day be with his true parents. Beverly, he may not be your blood son, but I know that you can be a mother to him, and that you can help Mordecai to be a father to him.

I know that this is a shock to you both, but I truly believe that you can both do it. You love each other, that much is clear as day. Please give him the home that he deserves.

PS If he calls you mommy and daddy, it’s because I showed him your pictures and told him you’re his parents.

Yours in love from paradise Loraine I was oblivious to everything. My mind was numb, and all I could truly focus on, was the little boy staring back at me with big brown eyes. A big part of me was also thinking about Mordecai, but this little boy, this innocent little boy, was my main point of fascination.

Kim squatted before me, dressed in her scrubs. “Hey Bev.”

I broke eye contact from the little boy to turn to her. “He’s going to be ok. They’ve operated on him again, and luckily this time, it looks like he won’t be in a coma. Alex said he should be up in the next hour if you want to see him.”

I opened and closed my mouth a couple of times. I just didn’t know what to say – couldn’t even form a proper sentence. There were a million things going through my mind, but I was relieved that Mordecai would be ok.

We thought he’d fainted again, but in actual fact, he had another heart attack.

This was 29 hours ago.

Kyle freaked out the most since Mordecai wasn’t responsive, and I was frozen in fear. Everyone else moved quickly to call the ambulance and get help for Mordecai. Despite my inability to react fast enough, I grabbed Kyle and together we drove to the hospital, despite what anyone was warning me against. I knew that if I took the ambulance with Mordecai, Kyle would have to stay behind, and for some reason, I wasn’t having that.

“Mommy, he’s going to be ok,” the little hand wiped my tears away. I wasn’t even aware that I’d started to cry.

I nodded. “He is.”

“No more crying?” he asked.

“No more crying,” I smiled at him as I wiped away my tears.

I had been allowed to sit in the nurse’s staff room with Kyle since I’m technically still employed by the hospital. Everyone else was in the waiting area downstairs. I couldn’t be in the presence of everyone, and amazingly, Kyle was the only one I needed in that moment. He’d managed to fall asleep and wake up, while I’ve been awake the entire time.

“Will you be good? Do you need me to get you anything?” Kim asked. I wasn’t aware she was still in the room.

“You said an hour right?” I asked her. She nodded.

I turned to Kyle. “Are you hungry?”

He nodded. “A little.”

“What would you like to eat?” I asked him.

He looked thoughtful. “Does the hospital have hot dogs?”

“I doubt it, but let’s go and see what they have,” I giggled.

“Ok!” he beamed.

Kim left us to go and share the news with everyone else, while the two of us headed to the canteen. Kyle was telling me all about his superhero action figures. It turns out he’s a big fan of Marvels, and his father.

My mind travelled back to the other contents of the envelope. Loraine had attached a DNA test, though I’m sure Mordecai will want to have another one done, as well as Kyle’s birth certificate, and court papers saying that she was relieving custody to Mordecai and myself. Little Kyle is six years old, has his father’s last name, and is adorable by all means.

It’s so funny what one can discover from such things. It turns out that my name, according to the law, is Beverly Cecily Hart-Tedder. When I saw that, I made it a point to call Dean and find out what that was about since I could only pinpoint it as Mordecai’s doing.

Apparently Mordecai, the slick person he is, managed to get us a marriage license and certificate, that was approved despite us not having actually gotten married. Dean admitted to me that Mordecai has friends in high places who managed to get this done without any questions, so when I signed all those papers, I wasn’t only signing for shared ownership, but I was signing this marriage agreement and license.

I should really listen to myself more.

I knew I should’ve read what I was signing.

But at the same time, I don’t regret it. To know that Mordecai is really my husband is actually amazing. I already love him, and while I was initially mad at him, I understood why he wanted me to wear the rings. He wanted to ease his thoughts.

It’s endearing in its own way.

“Mommy, can I have a cookie?” Kyle asked, bringing me back to reality.

“Ok, but not just a cookie ok? They have sandwiches. Which one would you like?” I asked him.

“Do they have cheese and tomato?” he asked.

I nodded. “Yes they do.”

“Ok, I’ll have that one, and a chocolate chip cookie,” he smiled.

He’s such a beautiful little boy.

I ordered a chicken salad for myself, a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich for him, as well the chocolate chip cookie. For me, I got myself a mango juice, while he wanted chocolate milk. He’s a lot like his father, which served to keep me in high spirits.

“Mommy, when are we going to see daddy?” he asked me as we sat back in the staff room.

“When he wakes up,” I replied.

“Ok! Loraine told me that we’re all going to be a happy family. I’ve been waiting for you guys,” he beamed.

My heart constricted.

I sighed as I put my arm around his shoulders. “We’re very sorry my angel.”

“It’s ok! Loraine said you guys were getting everything ready for me and that you would give me the best life ever,” he beamed.

And I would!

I don’t know how Mordecai will react to this, but I am sure that Kyle is my son now. He’s such a bright child, and he’s so full of love. He only deserves the best, and I intend to give it to him, whether Mordecai is on board or not.

I would never abandon him when I know what it feels like to be abandoned.

“He’s awake,” Kim came to notify us. Kyle was instantly excited.

“You have to finish your sandwich first sweetie,” I told him.

“Aaaaw, ok!” he pouted before eating very fast.

“Slow down. You’re going to get a tummy ache,” Kim giggled.

“I really want to see my daddy,” he said through the mouthful of food.

“Chew then swallow angel,” I told him. He nodded and continued to chew before finally swallowing.

“I’m done! I’ll have my cookie later,” he said, bouncing in the chair.

“I guess we can go then,” I laughed.

“But mommy, you didn’t finish your salad,” he pointed out to me.

“I’m also an adult,” I tapped his nose, making him scowl as we walked out of the room.

His hand was securely in mine as we walked to Mordecai’s private room. The closer we got though, the more nervous he got. He was bouncing less, and he was walking slower. By the time we reached the door, he looked ready to freak out.

I squatted to his level. “What’s wrong my angel?”

“What if he doesn’t want me? What if he doesn’t love me?” he said lowly, tears shining in his eyes.

My heart shattered into a million pieces, and I’m sure my own eyes filled with unshed tears.

“He will,” I said, even though I wasn’t sure of my own words.

“Do you love me? Do you want me?” he whispered.

“Oh my angel, I love you with all my heart. I want you. You’re my son ok?” I said as I hugged him. He held on tightly, hugging me back.

“I love you too,” he said into my ear.

I stood up and we both wiped away our tears before I opened the door. Mordecai was sitting up, with the bed having been elevated for him. I guess his surgery wasn’t all that major. He looked happy to see me, until Kyle stepped in from behind me. His reaction changed instantly.

“I was hoping it was all a bad dream,” he murmured.

I glared at him. “Mordecai!”

“What? What do you expect from me Beverly? It’s been almost seven years. She had ample time to tell me, and she chooses to do so by committing suicide and leaving me with a responsibility I didn’t ask for. Did you expect me to rejoice?” he asked.

“No, but the last thing I expected was for you to be an a-hole. Do you have any idea how excited he’s been? Loraine told him that we were preparing for him, and this is what you present him with? Good going!” I said before picking up Kyle. His bottom lip was already quivering.

“Where are you going?” Mordecai asked me.

“I support you through everything Mordecai, and you know that, but I will not support you through this. It’s one thing to be upset, but he didn’t do anything to you. He’s my son, and if you won’t accept him, you lose me,” I told him.

“You’re giving me an ultimatum over a child you’ve known for a day?” he asked incredulously.

“I’d rather pick him over a heartless person,” I said before walking out of the room. Kyle was already crying onto my shoulder, and I had to work hard to get him to stop crying.

“Bev? What’s going on?” Alex asked me when he found me trying to still get Kyle to stop crying.

“I can’t really say, but he won’t stop crying,” I complained.

“Bring him here,” he said. I gave him a look, to which he returned an encouraging smile. I decided to trust him and hand Kyle over.

“Hey there little buddy. Why don’t you tell Dr Alex what’s wrong?” Alex told Kyle.

“My daddy doesn’t want me,” Kyle sniffed.

“I’m sure that’s not true,” Alex said.

“Mommy called him an a-hole. Loraine told me that it’s a bad word. Why doesn’t he want me? Loraine said he would love me,” Kyle said before crying even more.

I was furious.

I left Kyle with Alex and went back into the room to find Mordecai on his phone. “I can’t believe you! I can’t believe you could be so selfish and heartless.”

He raised an eyebrow. “So what? You’ve come back to insult me? To lecture me?”

“Whatever spat you have is with a dead woman! It wasn’t your fault, but you need to take up responsibility for this. Your son didn’t do anything to you Mordecai,” I replied.

“He is not my son!” he denied darkly.

“Deny it all you want! I can have the fucking DNA test done for you right now!” I spat.

“Well, you’d better get to it huh?” he said.

The fucking nerve!

“You know, the only thing he seeks is your love and acceptance. I can’t believe that even after I opened up to you about my own father abandoning me, that you would turn around and do the exact same thing to your son,” I said, my eyes heavy with tears.

“This is different!” he argued.

“Bullshit! It’s exactly the same. But you know what’s the worst part? I was old enough to understand what was going on. You don’t even know his name, and right now all he knows is that you want nothing to do with him,” I said as I wiped away my tears.

He shrugged. “I’m sorry that I can’t be as sympathetic as you are.”

And so Mordecai the asshole has returned.

“Sympathetic? You’re being a fucking asshole Mordecai! I’m not being sympathetic! I’m being accepting and loving. We are his parents by law now and you let him down already,” I replied.

“I DIDN’T LET HIM DOWN. I DIDN’T EVEN TALK TO HIM!” he shouted.

“YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO! I lied to him Mordecai. I told him that you would love him, that you would be a father to him. Now I have to face him knowing that I lied to him. I really, I don’t know what is wrong with you,” I vented.

He glared at me. “It’s your own fault for making empty promises. You know very well that I don’t want children now Beverly, and we discussed this just earlier this week.”

Unbelievable!

“Really? Well deal with this! I have a five year old daughter who I love more than anything and anyone in the world. I just gained a son who I will share this unconditional love with, so you can stay here and be one with yourself!” I said angrily.

He paled. “What?”

“I’m done Mordecai. I can’t do this. I can’t be with a man who will not love my children because he isn’t ready to be a father,” I said as I took off the rings. I walked over to him and put them on the bed.

“Children? You can’t just fucking leave after saying something like that!” he growled.

“Watch me,” I replied before walking out of the door. This time Alex was standing alone.

“Where’s my son?” I asked him.

“I took him down to the paediatric ward. There are kids in the playroom. Are you ok?” he asked.

I sighed. “How much did you hear?”

“Just the last bit. You have kids?” he asked in shock.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

“That’s, wow. I would’ve never expected it,” he chuckled a little.

“Christie is my own, and Kyle is Mordecai’s son, who was also placed in my custody,” I explained.

Why? No clue!

“How old are they?” he asked.

“Christie’s five, and Kyle’s turning seven soon,” I replied.

“Well, I think you’ll make a fine mother, though I’m not sure as to why your daughter isn’t living with you. Just give Mordecai time,” he advised.

“He doesn’t want children right now, and I come with two,” I pointed out.

“Every man would be wary of such a situation. He just needs time,” he countered.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I thought you were fighting for me to be with you, not encouraging me to be with Mordecai.”

“I must be a gentleman too,” he smirked.

I raised an eyebrow. “Sneaky.”

“Go to your son Beverly,” he said before doing the unexpected and kissing my forehead.

I headed to the paediatric ward with confusion clouding my thoughts. What had I just done? Did I really tell Mordecai the one thing I was afraid to, all while fighting with him? Just two nights before, I thought it was something I’d never have the guts to do, and yet it just came out.

I got to the paediatric ward and greeted the nurses there. Apparently Alex had already alerted them that I was coming, so they led me straight to Kyle. He looked much happier now that he was playing with the other kids.

“Mommy, look!” he said, showing me the drawing in his hands.

“Wow! It’s beautiful,” I smiled.

“Were you crying?” he asked lowly.

I nodded. “A little.”

He hugged my legs. “Don’t cry mommy.”

“That’s what I said to you and you cried,” I giggled.

“I’m also a little child,” he said cheekily, looking up at me.

He used my own line against me!

“Clever,” I laughed, making him laugh as well.

“Are we leaving now?” he asked.

“Yeah! We’re going to grandpa’s house. Is that ok with you?” I asked.

“Will I get to meet him?” he beamed.

“Uh huh, together with your aunts, uncles and other grandparents,” I smiled.

“Yes! Let me get my bag,” he said before running off to get his little backpack.

“He’s adorable Bev,” Elena, one of the nurses, said to me.

“He’s smart too,” I said proudly.

“I had no idea you had a son,” she said.

“And a daughter too,” I added.

I was in touch with my maternal instincts more than usual.

“Wow!” she said in awe. Before she could say anything else, Kyle ran back to me.

“Ok, I’m ready,” he smiled.

“Thanks again Elena. I’ll see you guys again soon,” I told her.

“Anything for you Bev. Bye Kyle,” she said as she waved.

“Bye Miss Elena,” he waved at her before taking my hand and leading me down the corridor to the elevator.

“What happened to your rings?” he asked in the elevator, surveying my bare finger.

“They’re with daddy,” I told him.

“Is he sleeping?” he asked.

I nodded. “Probably.”

“Is he, is he mad at me?” he scowled.

“No my angel. Daddy’s anger has nothing to do with you, and I never want you to think that it does ok?” I told him.

“Ok! Was he angry with you?” he asked.

“He’s angry at a lot of people sweetie, and mommy is one of them,” I responded.

“It’s going to be ok,” he said before kissing my hand.

How could I not love him?

We reached the ground floor and walked out just as my family and friends stood up. There was an awkward pause with all of us looking at each other like we didn’t know what to say to each other. Kyle tugged at my hand, and when I looked down, he looked very nervous.

“How is he?” Zebedee asked me, referring to his brother.

I shrugged. “Ask him.”

“You fought,” Nellie said knowingly.

“I can’t be here right now, neither can I be back at the house. Daddy, can I stay at that apartment you were telling me about?” I asked my father.

“Sure thing lollypop, but running isn’t going to solve anything,” he said.

“I’m not running. I’m simply moving my son and I to a place that won’t be surrounded by negativity and anger,” I countered.

“Son?” they all said.

“You guys can come over tomorrow so that I can explain everything. Oh, and Jake, please find out everything that you can about Loraine Newman,” I requested.

“The physiotherapist?” he asked. I nodded.

“Ok!” he agreed.

“So you’re staying at the apartment?” Geronimo asked.

“Yeah! I’m going to fetch my stuff from the house, as well Kyle’s stuff from the mansion,” I replied.

“You’re not wearing your ring,” Angel commented.

“I know. Daddy can I please have the key?” I requested.

“There’s no key. It’s a password for the penthouse. I’ll text it to you,” he informed.

“Ok,” I said before taking Kyle’s hand and walking away.

I was glad that I actually ended up taking the car to the hospital, despite it being Mordecai’s (and mine). I drove out and let Kyle pick a music album to listen to. He ended up choosing a Mozart album, which surprised me.

He’s just like his father!

I stopped at the house first, which Kyle was absolutely fascinated with. It broke my heart when I thought about the possibility of this never being his home because his father doesn’t want him. I quickly collected some of my stuff before he could get attached.

We headed to my parent’s place next, where Kyle had been dropped off. His bags were in the lounge, while the rest of the house was spotless. One would’ve never guessed that there was a party going on there just the hours before.

My father had texted me the address and the penthouse code, and both Kyle and I were completely fascinated by the whole place. It’s a very nice apartment, and it’s a nice change from Mordecai’s house.

“Are you sleeping with me?” I asked the little boy.

He nodded. “Yep!”

“Ok! Let’s go and get you washed up, so that I can shower too, and then we’re sleeping. Deal?” I asked. It was 03:52 in the morning.

“Ok,” he smiled.

We took a relatively short time to get clean and changed into our pyjamas. He wanted me to tell him a bedtime story, but it apparently had to have a lot of action in it. This is Mordecai’s forte, and yet here I was, improvising.

“I love you my angel. I will never abandon you,” I promised him as he slept away.

And I would die before breaking that promise.