Chapter 97 Under The Stairs, Between Hearts
Two hours later, Rowan returned to the house. He had taken a walk after separating from Amanda to get hold of himself. By the time he entered the house, the lingering tension seemed to have dissipated. “That's a good thing” he said before heading to his room.
He had almost walked past when he noticed Tyler sitting in a corner right under the stairs. Rowan approached him. “Hey buddy”
Tyler looked at him and looked away immediately. “Can I sit?”
“If you are asking because you want me to say no, you don't need to, it's your house.” Tyler said, playing with his fingers.
“No..I am asking because I am about to intrude on your solitude, your personal time.” Rowan responded, careful with his words. “May I?”
Tyler nodded. “Watch your head” he said to Rowan as he tried to fit in under the stairs.
“How are you holding up?" Rowan asked, not sure of how to start.
Tyler glanced up, his eyes revealing a mix of uncertainty and vulnerability. “Holding up with what? Your parents being mean to my mom or the fact that you could be my dad? Or is it about us leaving again soon?” Tyler asked.
Rowan sighed, he understood what Tyler said and could relate to how he felt. “I am sorry about my parents. They are not always like that, they were acting based on what happened before now.”
“I know that. I overheard Grandma and mom talking about it. She didn't tell them she had us.” Tyler responded, still playing with his fingers as his coping mechanism.
Rowan noticed and he grabbed his hand and then covered it with his, squeezing it softly. “I used to do that a lot too… not at your age though”
“I see,” Tyler responded and Rowan continued. “I am sorry you had to go through that. I want you to know that I didn't plan for any of this to happen."
“I believe you. No one planned to have a quadruplet with a random girl he met at the hotel.” Tyler answered.
“That was not what I meant.” Rowan interjected immediately. “To be honest, I am the happiest man on earth knowing you are my kids. You are smart…too smart. Look at you? You all look amazing, no one can ignore you and I love your mom.”
“But you sent her away,” Tyler interrupted.
“Because she lied to me!” Rowan exclaimed. “Do you have any idea how painful it was for someone you love most in the world, look into your eyes and tell you lies? Do you know how hurt I was trying to get over her keeping a secret like this” he pointed to Tyler, “from me?”
Rowan sighed again to control his emotions. “Nevermind. You can't understand but I am sorry I did that”
“I understand you.” Tyler responded. “I was really mad at mom when she didn't tell us Aunty Mabel died even though I never liked her. And when she canceled my order for a bicycle after she had promised us without informing us, I was rebellious for days.”
He looked at Rowan for the first time, “I understand how you felt. I wasn't angry about her canceling the bicycle order because she was broke, I was angry because she didn't tell us. You were not angry because she had us, you were angry because she kept us from you.”
Rowan met Tyler's gaze, his own eyes reflecting a mix of regret and joy. “Why am I just meeting you?”
Tyler scoffed, “that does not mean you were right. You also kept a secret from her. If she found out about that first, would you have expected her to stay with you?”
Rowan shook his head in protest but Tyler continued. “I know what your answer is. But you were both wrong.”
Rowan remained silent for a moment, processing Tyler's words. “I am sorry.” He said softly. “For everything, for coming into your lives this late.”
He leaned in and continued, "I messed up, buddy. But I want to try. I want to be a part of your lives, if you will let me. It's not just about me and your mom; it's about you and your siblings, too. I know I am terrible …”
Tyler interrupted him, “you are not that terrible. You came through for us and put Uncle Albert's family in their place. That is what a good Dad would do”
“Does that mean you have accepted me as your dad? I can call you son?” Rowan asked, expectantly.
“No.” Tyler responded firmly that Rowan was almost disappointed. “It sounds weird but you can call me that sometimes if the DNA proves we are your kids.”
“I don't need one,” Rowan said, smiling. He suddenly realized what Tyler meant. “Wait, what DNA?” He asked.
“Your dad wants DNA. We all gave a strand of our hair to a doctor that was here about an hour ago.” Tyler responded.
“What? I don't want that!” Rowan exclaimed and he stood up immediately forgetting that he was sitting under the stairs. He hit his head on the wall and Tyler became alarmed.
“Are you okay?” he asked consistently and when Rowan, holding his head tightly didn't respond, he panicked and was about to call for help when Mason found them.
“Do I always have to be the one to look for you?” He yelled not knowing what was going on.
“Come here!” Tyler cried out.
Mason, who didn't see Rowan before scoffed when he did. “ I can see you are already bonding with your dad but count me out. I am not interested.
“I need your help. He is hurt” Tyler screamed, trying to help Rowan now stooping back up.” Mason rushed over, concern etched on his face. "What happened?"
"He hit his head on the wall," Tyler explained, still visibly worried. “He hasn't said a word since then.”
“Stay with him. I will get Grandma” Mason said, racing out but in a few seconds he was back again. “Did you see her?” Tyler asked, his tension rising.”
“No. I lost my way again” Mason responded, breathing heavily but I found Ryan and Adora. Just then the two joined the scene. “What happened to him?” Adora asked, scared.
Rowan breathed heavily, that they heard his breadth. “Are you okay?” Tyler asked.
"I'm fine. Just a bit dizzy," Rowan mumbled, still holding his head. “I am sorry I lost it for a moment.”
“Maybe you should sit down for a while," Adora suggested.
“Then we should get him to a comfortable place” Mason exclaimed.
“The couch,” Ryan said, pointing to the living room. The kids helped him to the couch. I will go and call for help. “Tyler said before leaving.
“I heard you had DNA while I was away.” Rowan stated softly. “I do not need to know you are my kids. And I am sorry for coming this late into your lives. I would be glad if you let me make it up to you.”
They were all quiet for a moment before Adora broke the silence. “Mom has the final verdict. Whatever she says. If she says we stay then I stay.”
“Same here” Ryan retorted. “I am with mom too” They all turn to Mason, waiting for his response.
“What?” He exclaimed. “Do I have a choice? I am with Mom.”
“It's good to know we are all with mom on this” Rowan exclaimed and the children exchanged surprised glances. Just then, Amanda came in.