Chapter 26 – The Return

“GREEN!”

“YELLOW!”

“RED!”

“BLUE!”

“PINK!”

“PURPLE!”

We sat there laughing at ourselves when the show took an ad break. I was sitting with Kyle on the couch as we watched some cartoons while waiting for everyone to get here. It had been such a fun morning, from making pancakes, to singing along to the cartoons on TV.

And FYI, Kyle verbally taught me how to make proper pancakes.

“Mommy, when are they getting here? I’m hungry,” he whined. They had said they were bringing lunch.

“There they are my angel,” I said as the elevator dinged.

They all came into view, and they still had the wary looks on their faces as they eyed Kyle and I. I rolled my eyes at them and indicated for them to take a seat. They all took their seats and silence settled onto the room as Kyle watched them with curiosity.

“Guys, this is my son Kyle. Kyle, this is your new family. Those are your grandparents. That’s Grandpa Howard, Grandpa Hershel, Grandma Demi and Grandma Karen. Those are your aunts and uncles. That’s Aunt Angel, Aunt Nellie and Aunt Kim who you met at the hospital. That’s Uncle Jacob, Uncle Jackson, Uncle Zebedee, Uncle Geronimo, Uncle Charlie and Uncle Fernando. Those are mummy’s friends Whitney and Shawna,” I introduced.

“Hi, I’m Kyle,” he smiled at them.

“Oh my God! He’s so adorable!” Whitney cooed.

“Thanks! You’re really pretty,” Kyle told her. I laughed when she gasped and blushed.

My little boy’s a charmer already.

“Darling, not to spoil the mood or anything, but do you mind telling us what’s going on?” my mom asked.

“Jake has to first tell me what he found,” I said.

“Loraine Ursula Newman committed suicide four days ago. She was suffering from multiple personality disorder, as well as bipolar disorder. According to her neighbour, for the past couple of weeks, she’d been saying that her time on earth has come to an end, and that she has to go to paradise. The same neighbour believes that it was one of her personalities that was ‘telling’ her if you may, that she needed to commit suicide. She had one child, who she named Kyle. His father, according to the law, is Mordecai, and from a week ago, his mother, according to law, is Beverly, who happens to be legally married to Mordecai,” Jacob told, resulting in some gasps.

“What? When did you get married?” Nellie asked me.

“Trust me, I didn’t know about it either. I don’t know how the hell Mordecai made it happen, but I know I signed for it when he made me sign those ownership papers,” I replied.

“He broke the law?” Karen asked.

I shrugged. “I can’t say I know.”

“Ok, so hold on one bit! This Loraine girl, what’s the story with her and Mordecai?” my father asked.

“I didn’t even know they slept together,” Geronimo said, looking very confused.

“Same here,” Zebedee and Charlie added, confirming my suspicions.

Mordecai never told them about the incident.

“Wait! So you guys knew Loraine?” Angel asked.

“Yeah! She and Mordecai were best friends from back in high school. They stopped talking and seeing each other altogether in college and we never found out why,” Geronimo explained.

“How long ago was that?” my mom asked.

“About seven years ago,” Zebedee was the one to respond.

“And how old is Kyle?” she asked me.

“Almost seven,” I replied.

“There you have it,” she said.

“So they stopped talking because of him?” Kim asked.

“I highly doubt it, considering the fact that Mordecai looked genuinely shocked to find out he has a son,” Shawna pointed out.

“What was his reaction?” my dad asked me.

“He’s denying the whole thing. He made Kyle cry, and that pissed me off. I ended up telling him about Christie in my rage, and I told him I can’t be with him. He doesn’t want kids right now, and I come with two,” I explained.

“Whoa! You told him about Christie? I’ve been waiting for you to do that,” Fernando said.

“Yeah! It wasn’t the most ideal time or way to go about it, but he just made me so angry,” I replied.

“Did you tell him the whole story?” Jackson asked.

“No. Like I said, I said it in the middle of a rage and that was it. He told me I couldn’t walk out after dropping a bomb like that on him, and that’s exactly what I did,” I replied.

“You do know that wasn’t right though, right?” Angel asked.

“I really couldn’t care. Explaining my situation to him won’t change his mind about having children. He denied his own biological son for heaven sakes. I’m not putting myself, or my children through that,” I said.

“So what now? Walter’s coming back with Christie next week. Are you going to now be a single mother of two?” Charlie asked. He was there with Angel when I told them about Walter and Christie, and she must’ve told them about them coming back.

I nodded. “If that’s what it comes down to.”

“Darling, we all love you, and we’ll support you whatever happens, but I’m pretty sure I speak for everyone when I say that you need to go back and talk to Mordecai. I know you’re stubborn, and you believe you won’t be able to change his mind, but he at least deserves to know,” my mom told me.

“I know. I just needed time to cool off. I’ll see him later on today,” I promised.

“We’ll babysit,” Whitney smiled.

“What’s it looking like in the media?” I asked. Since at the party I dropped the ‘he’s your son’ bomb in the presence of everyone, I hadn’t checked what that meant in the media.

“People actually don’t know about it. You’re such a nice person that when you left for the hospital with Kyle, the people who stayed behind, mainly the press and Mordecai’s fans, all agreed that we wouldn’t leak the story. I made a bargain on your behalf that should the story turn out to be true, the reporters you invited would be the first to get the scoop. Everyone else was either a friend of yours or Mordecai’s, so they understood the need for privacy. Luckily Mendel and Satan had already left,” she explained. I’d only invited three reporters and Tia.

“Speaking of which, has anyone heard from Satan?” Jackson asked.

“She called Mordecai’s phone sometime this morning, but when I answered it, she hung up,” Nellie replied.

“And she hasn’t released anything to the media?” I asked.

“Nope! The only articles released to the media were about Mendel’s gate crashing, the fan competition and the success behind it, the party in general, and about you and Mordecai’s clear love for each other,” Shawna informed me.

I frowned. “Nothing about Mordecai’s heart attack?”

“Another mutual agreement amongst the guests,” my father replied.

“Thank you so much guys,” I smiled.

“We’d do anything for you, but you need to go and see your husband,” Angel told me.

“I know,” I mumbled.

Geronimo smirked, looking at my sister and her fiancé. “I told you they’d beat you to the altar.”

I laughed. “We didn’t even make it to an altar, so technically you’re wrong.”

“Still got hitched before Angel and Charlie,” Nellie giggled.

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”

“Go on then,” my mom told me.

“Now?” I asked wide-eyed.

“Yes! We’ll all stay here and babysit so that we can learn more about Kyle,” she replied. The little boy was preoccupied by the patterns on my dress.

“My angel, mommy’s going out for a few minutes ok? Will you be ok staying with all these people?” I asked him.

“Are you going to see daddy?” he asked.

“Yes I am,” I nodded.

“Oh ok! Please tell him something for me?” he requested.

“Sure thing,” I said.

“Do you have video on your phone?” he asked. I took out my phone and set up the camera to record.

“It’s ready,” I informed him before pressing start.

“Hi daddy. My name is Kyle Hart. I’m six years old. Loraine told me that you and mommy would want me, and that you would love me. Mommy loves me, and she told me I’m her son. I love her very much, and I also love you too, even though you made her cry. Mommy loves you. I know you’re mad at her, but please don’t be. We both love you very much. She was crying a lot at night when she thought I was sleeping. You hurt her real bad. Please forgive her. I love you daddy,” he smiled at the camera. I pressed stop with the tears rolling down my cheeks.

I wasn’t the only one crying either.

“This boy just stole my heart,” Nellie sniffed.

“Mommy, I don’t want you to cry anymore. Daddy will forgive you. If he doesn’t, then we’ll run away together ok?” Kyle said as he wiped away my tears.

I was speechless. I didn’t know that he’d heard me crying. I didn’t even know he was this smart really. I don’t care what anyone says. Kyle is a blessing to me, and I will fight for him. I will choose him always.

“I love you mommy,” he said before kissing my cheek.

I hugged him. “I love you too my angel, so much.”

“Good! Now go and see daddy. Don’t forget to show him the video,” he said.

“I promise,” I smiled before kissing his forehead.

“You’re really a goner huh?” Angel asked me as I put on my shoes. It was just the two of us in the bedroom.

“I love Christie with my whole heart, and I didn’t think I’d ever share that kind of love for another human being, but Kyle is just extraordinary. He’s my son Angel, and I don’t care about what anyone says,” I said.

“Not even Mordecai? It doesn’t bother you that you’re losing him over this?” she asked.

“Of course it bothers me. I’m completely heart broken by his actions, but Kyle is a child. I refuse to abandon him when I know what it feels like to be abandoned. I can get over my heartbreak, but I will never forgive myself if I let Kyle not live a wonderful life,” I replied.

“And what about Christie? How will that situation work out?” she asked.

“I’ve already told Kyle about her, and he’s super excited about having a little sister. I’m pretty sure she’ll feel the same way about having a sibling, but I’ll have to wait to tell her in person,” I stated.

She hugged me. “Alright sis, I hear you. I just want you to be happy, and I hope that Mordecai does come around.”

“That makes both of us,” I whispered.

I truly was heartbroken by Mordecai’s words and behaviour, despite my ‘don’t care’ attitude. It hurt me to know that the man who I’d thought was so amazing in the past few weeks – the man who I was ready to spend the rest of my life with – had flipped so fast. I understand his unwillingness to accept, but his attitude about it, bothered me immensely.

With everything on me, and Kyle occupied, I left for the hospital. I was still confused about what I was truly feeling since Alex was also at the back of my mind, despite me not wanting him there. How he’d handled the situation with Kyle and just how attentive he’d been had made an impact on me, despite my resistance to thoughts of him.

I parked the car and headed in, going straight to Mordecai’s room. When I got there, he wasn’t in the bed, which made me frown, until the door in the room opened and he stepped out of the bathroom. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“Hi to you too,” he said.

“Where are you going?” I repeated with an eye roll.

He shrugged. “Your boyfriend discharged me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “My what?”

“Alex,” he replied.

“Oh, so he’s my boyfriend now?” I asked.

“Seemingly so since you were so impressed by his daddy playing skills,” he spat.

I frowned. “Excuse me?”

“You didn’t close the door on your way out Beverly. I heard how your son wouldn’t keep quiet and how Alex saved the day,” he explained.

Your son.

I rolled my eyes. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“No Beverly. Ridiculous, is you coming in here, shouting at me, and then telling me that you have a daughter, and then walking out like you didn’t just reveal that you’d been lying to me,” he said, glaring at me.

“I didn’t lie to you. I just didn’t tell you because I wasn’t ready to,” I defended.

“And you saw fit to scream it at me?” he scoffed.

“You were pissing me off. I love both my children Mordecai, and I’m not changing my mind about that,” I told him honestly.

“I’m not changing my mind about being a father either,” he replied.

“Then I guess I shall be a single mother of two. To think I came all this way to explain my story to you because everyone felt like you deserved to know. I knew you wouldn’t change your mind, but for the benefit of your son and our relationship, I thought I’d come and try. Check your emails,” I said before walking out.

He didn’t even stop me.

“Bev,” Alex called behind me as I headed towards the elevator.

“Hey,” I said as I turned to face him.

“Came to see Mordecai?” he asked.

I nodded. “Yeah!”

“I take it all’s not so great?” he asked.

“Alex, please,” I sighed.

“I’m not doing it to gloat Bev. I’m genuinely concerned,” he replied.

“No Alex, all is not well,” I responded.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Anyway, please give this to Kyle. He told me he was missing this and I thought to get it for him,” he said, giving me an action figure of Batman. Kyle had told me that too.

“Thanks,” I smiled.

“Look, I know you probably don’t want to, and you don’t have to, but I’m really curious about Christie. Would you mind telling me the story?” he asked.

“Alex, I...” I trailed off speechlessly.

“No, it’s fine! I shouldn’t have asked,” he said quickly.

“No, that’s not it. Why do you care?” I asked bluntly.

“I care because it’s you Bev. Even if I was mad at you, I’d still want to know about your daughter,” he replied.

“Are you on your lunch break now?” I asked.

“As a matter of fact, I am,” he smiled.

“Ok, let’s go,” I said.

Against my better judgment, I went to Alex’s office with him. He requested lunch from his P.A, who was prompt in getting it delivered to us. We sat in the air conditioned room, and my mind travelled to the last time I was in here.

I’d broken up with him then.

“Start anywhere you feel comfortable,” he smiled.

“Six years ago, I treated a guy by the name of Ren Gordon-”

“The drummer of Six Feet?” he asked. Six Feet is an internationally recognized and loved rock band.

“Yeah! Anyway, I treated him and he ended up inviting me to a party of theirs as thanks for the nursing. I wasn’t going to go, but Nellie convinced me otherwise, and so we went. That was the day I met Christie’s father Walter Granger. As you know, he’s the lead singer of Six Feet. Anyway, so he and I hit it off pretty quickly. He and the band were on their break from touring, so they were in Cali for a while. He and I started seeing each other a whole lot more. Long story short, I found out I was pregnant six months into the relationship. He wanted nothing to do with Christie, so he took off with the band, and I never heard from him again, until two years ago. I was doing fine raising Christie by myself, despite my financial situation. Anyway, he came back and went looking for me. I’d been called into the hospital, and I’d left Christie in Manny’s care. Now, as you know, Manny is a gang leader. When Walter left, he and I said some pretty horrible things to each other, and we hated each other, so when he found Christie in Manny’s care, he decided that he would use that against me. Apparently Manny was having poker night at his place so there was drinking and smoking going on. Christie had a bruise on her cheek because one of the guys who were there, had hit her. Manny killed him right there and then and Walter walked into that scene. He took Christie and left again. I lost my mind when I returned to find my daughter gone. Walter then called to tell me that he’d taken her and wasn’t coming back anytime soon. He told me not to bother fighting him about it because he’d only take me to court and prove that I’m an unfit mother. It was the worst thing having to let go of my baby,” I sniffed as I wiped my tears away. Alex got up and came to sit next to me.

“You didn’t fight him because you didn’t want anyone else paying for your legal bills,” he said knowingly.

“He let me talk to her every day for the past two years. He called on Mordecai’s birthday, to say that he’s coming back and Christie stays for good. I just hope that there are no strings attached to what he said. I can’t be without my baby girl any longer,” I said.

“How come you’re still friends with Manny when it’s his fault your daughter got taken from you?” he asked curiously.

“Manny has his mistakes, but he’s a good guy. Christie was only there for two minutes because Manny needed to get something from his place. He’d been babysitting her from my apartment. The man who hit her was drunk and only hit her because she wouldn’t stop whimpering. She was afraid of the men in the room. Manny’s only mistake was killing the man in front of her. I don’t fault him for that day since he was the only one who was available to take care of her,” I explained.

“You are truly a kind hearted person Beverly, and I hope that you can finally be with your little girl. If not, I’m always here to help ok?” he smiled.

“Thanks Alex, and not just for that offer, but for listening as well. I really appreciate it,” I hugged him.

“Anything for you Bev,” he hugged me tighter.

“Wow! We have one fight, and you’re off running to your ex-boyfriend. Good fucking going Beverly,” Mordecai said from the door. I pulled back from Alex to find him glaring at us. Geronimo was standing behind him.

“Don’t bother telling me that it isn’t what it looks like,” he told me.

“Fine,” I said as I shrugged. He glared at me one more time before walking away.

“Why didn’t you fight him?” Alex asked.

“Because he’s too angry to believe me,” I said knowingly.

“So what now?” he asked.

“Now I’m going to my son,” I said as I stood up.

“Can I call you sometime?” he asked.

“Alex, I’m not exactly single,” I pointed out.

“I know, but I’d like to keep in touch with you,” he smiled.

“Alright, but don’t have any expectations. My heart is still with that idiot,” I said irritatingly.

“Ok, I understand,” he chuckled.

“Thanks again for this,” I smiled.

“Again, anything for you,” he winked.

I left the hospital in better spirits and headed back to the penthouse. When I got there, Kyle was fast asleep on the couch, and the only people who were still there, were my parents and sister. I guess everyone else had places to be.

“So, how did it go?” Angel asked as I sat down.

“At this point in time, I can’t say that a future with Mordecai is definite for Kyle, Christie and I. He’s not changing his mind about them, and I refuse to leave my children,” I sighed.

“Is Christie actually staying this time?” my mom asked. Before I could respond, my father’s phone went off.

“Hershel Haskins,” he answered the phone. I watched his expression change to one of confusion.

“Send them up,” he replied before hanging up.

He got up and walked to the elevator door before entering the pass code. I was wondering who had him so dumbfounded, when the elevator doors finally opened. I swear my heart must’ve dropped to my toes when I saw who it was.

“MOMMY!” she squealed before running up to me.

“Christie?” I whispered in disbelief.

She hugged me with her missing front teeth. “I’m back mommy! I’m finally home.”

“How?” I asked, choked up.

“She wanted to surprise you, and I figured why not? Found out you were staying here and well, here we are,” Walter said.

I looked up at him and I swear he looked so much better than the last time I’d seen him. I’d stopped following news of him and the band because it only broke my heart to think that he had my baby girl, but seeing her wrapped around my legs made me forget I ever hated him.

“Is she really staying Walt?” I asked him, tears in my eyes.

“I was a dick Bev. I should’ve never taken her from you like that, and I know it doesn’t mean much since it’s taken me two years to realize this, but I truly am sorry. She’s not just here to stay, but I’m relinquishing my parental rights. It’s been fun having her around for the past two years, but she’s better off with you. She needs you and my life is getting busier by the day. I’d like to pop in and see her every now and then, but she’s all yours. I had my lawyers draft the papers and I’ve signed them. They just need your signature,” he replied as he gave me the envelope.

I gasped. “Are you serious?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“Mommy, who’s this?” Christie asked in reference to Kyle, who was slowly waking up.

“His name is Kyle, and he’s your older brother,” I told her.

“I have an older brother?” Christie asked excitedly.

“Is this Christie?” Kyle asked me.

“Yes it is my angel,” I replied.

“It’s nice to meet you Christie,” Kyle smiled. Christie got up onto the couch and hugged him.

“It’s nice to meet you too Kyle,” she said.

“Aaaaw,” Angel cooed.

“By the way, that’s my sister Angel, and my dad Hershel. Guys, this is Walter Granger, Christie’s father. You already know my parents,” I introduced.

“It’s lovely to finally meet you both,” Walter told my father and sister.

“You told him about us?” my father asked.

I shot Walter a look. “He wasn’t all bad.”

“Except he left you while you were pregnant, and then had the nerve to come back and take your child away from you,” my dad said angrily.

“Dad!” I pleaded. He never forgave Walter for any of that.

“No Lee, it’s ok. He’s right, and I admit that I was wrong, hence me asking for forgiveness. I know I’ll never be great in your eyes again, and I accept that. I just want Christie to be with her mother. I promise that if you say so, then you’ll never have to see me again,” Walter said.

“Leave, and never return,” my dad told him.

“DAD!”

“HOWARD!”

Both my mom and I said.

My dad shrugged. “What? He just offered.”

Mom glared at him. “It isn’t your decision to make Howard. It is Beverly’s decision, and if she says he can visit, then you’ll just have to deal with that. Are we understood?”

“Fine,” he mumbled.

“Lee, can I talk to you in private?” Walter requested.

“Sure,” I said, getting up. I led the way to the kitchen.

“I really am sorry Lee. I’m sorry not only for Christie, but for the way I treated you in general. You didn’t deserve it and I’m sorry,” he sighed.

I hugged him. “I forgive you Walt. Thank you for everything.”

“So, you and Hart huh?” he smirked.

“Yeah,” I blushed.

“You two look good, and seemingly you’re good for him,” he smiled.

“Apparently, but I doubt anything will come of it. He doesn’t want kids right now, and I have two,” I sighed.

He scowled. “He doesn’t want his own kid?”

The irony.

“How’d you know Kyle is his?” I asked.

“The kid looks like him, plus I know Christie’s your only biological child,” he replied.

“He doesn’t believe that Kyle is his because of some complicated past situation and all. Kyle’s mother relinquished parental rights to him and me. I took Kyle since he wants nothing to do with him,” I explained.

“You’re being there for the kid because you know what it’s like to be abandoned. I get that. How are you going to raise two kids on your own though? You’re still a nurse right? How’s Ellen?” he asked.

He still knows me like the back of his hand.

“I am still a nurse, and I’ll manage just fine. Ellen died last year,” I informed.

“Oh? Sorry to hear it. I want to help you though, you know, on Christie’s behalf. I know you’re going to refuse my offer, but I’m going to stop you right there because you know I can be just as stubborn as you are, so don’t even bother. The money will be in your account by tomorrow morning,” he said.

“I’ve got money Walt. I co-own everything Mordecai does,” I pointed out.

“I know that Lee. I keep up with the news, but I also know you. You’re not going to want to spend any of his money to sustain the kids, knowing that he wants nothing to do with them,” he pointed out.

Damnit!

“Must you know me so well?” I whined.

“You’re still my best friend Lee,” he chuckled.

We’ve also talked and fought some more over the past two years, but once I’d gotten over what he’d done to me, it was easier to not hate him so much. I knew he was giving Christie the best life, something I couldn’t give to her at the time.

“Alright fine, I accept your offer,” I resigned.

“Good! Now, are you and Hart hitched? I saw the pics from his party and you were both wearing rings,” he questioned.

I nodded. “We are.”

He raised an eyebrow. “No wedding?”

“Long story,” I replied.

“Alright, but what happens now?” he asked.

I wish I knew.