Chapter 59 Missed
"Mom, we bought this newspaper on the street for a dollar," the kids said.
It really was my fault. Ever since they started preschool, I got into the habit of giving them my spare change as pocket money. I never thought they'd actually use it to buy something.
I glanced down and saw a large photo of Jack and me at the press conference on the front page.
No wonder the kids were okay with me going on a business trip—they thought I was going with Jack.
I picked up the newspaper and tore it into pieces, scattering them on the floor. Ethan, seeing my change in expression, tugged at my shirt and asked, "Mom, are you mad?"
I couldn't be mad. The kids hadn't done anything wrong.
They just wanted to know who their biological father was.
I knelt down and hugged them both, whispering, "Mom's not mad. I just don't want you to misunderstand. That man is not your dad."
Saying those words, I felt a lump in my throat. It was the second time today I had to hold back tears.
This morning, when Jack teased me and then left, I really wanted to cry.
But I gritted my teeth and held it in.
Sophia and Ethan didn't dare bring up their dad again, knowing it would upset me. But they were all for me going on a business trip.
Since Mom wouldn't let them find their dad, they planned to do it themselves.
They were secretly plotting how to bring their dad and mom back together, so they could have a complete family.
That night, Alison went to Rebel. She had asked the manager for time off before her performance. After over a month at Rebel, she hadn't found anything or seen any familiar faces.
Sometimes, she felt like giving up.
But she couldn't let it go.
After her performance, she walked over to Jackson, who no longer smelled of alcohol.
"Thanks for last night," he said, a hint of apology in his clear but tired eyes under the neon lights. She would have to ask him what was wrong when she got back.
"Jackson, find yourself a woman," she suggested. She couldn't give him everything and didn't want to see him suffer, clinging to her hopelessly. Last night, when he kissed her, she didn't feel the same passion as before.
Some things, once missed, are truly missed.
Some things can never be undone.
He didn't say anything, just downed his drink in one gulp and smiled faintly. "Alison, I don't ask about your life, so..."
So, he hoped she wouldn't ask about his.
He didn't finish, but she understood.
Except for last night's drunkenness, he had never asked about her past three years.
"Jackson, I'm sorry." It was the second time she apologized to him, but she knew those words couldn't make up for the hurt she caused.
He put down his glass, nodded to Liam in the distance, and asked, "If something had happened that night, would you have chosen me?"
If she had given him her first time, what would have happened?
But there are no ifs in life.
"Jackson, I'm not good enough for you." She sensed he had already guessed something from his words.
"Don't say that. I don't want to hear it." He was a bit angry, grabbing her hand but quickly letting go. His eyes were first confused, then concerned. "From now on, I won't see you off or invite you to that cabin again. Alison, promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay?"
The warmth from his grip lingered in her palm, warming her heart. In this world, having someone silently pray for her during her hardships was a blessing.
"Go on, good girls should go home early," he said softly, downing another drink.
She wanted to say something, but her lips moved without sound. "Jackson, I'm going on a business trip for half a month. I've already taken leave from Rebel."
"Okay, I got it." He took another drink, making her worry he'd get as drunk as last night.
But then he suddenly pushed her away. "Go, I don't want to see you anymore."
Alison's hands fell limply. This meeting, her rejection hurt him again. But she couldn't promise him anything. Who knew what the future held?
She left, not wanting to drag out the pain for both of them.
In this world, she couldn't let go of the one who hated her, but she could let go of the one who always cared for her. Maybe she was the heartless one, or maybe it was the man who once crazily lay on the rooftop with her...
Aidan had planned ahead. Before Jack and Alison fully agreed, he had already arranged their temporary visas and booked the flights.
"Mom, don't miss us, have fun!"
"Mom, don't worry. Sophia and I will listen to Auntie and Laura, go to bed early, and eat on time."
"Mom, take lots of pictures for us to see!"
Their sweet little voices competed, none wanting to be left behind. Though they told her to go and have fun, their expressions showed reluctance.
Alison smiled, pinching Ethan's cheek. "Ethan, you're the big brother. Take care of your sister, okay?"
"Of course, Mom!" Ethan puffed out his chest, showing off his little manly pride.
"Come on, give me a kiss, and I'll go."
Sophia kissed Alison's cheek first, while Ethan playfully bit her cheek, thankfully not hard enough to leave a mark. "Mom, remember to bring me a gift!" Ethan said.
"What gift?" Alison planned to buy them gifts but didn't recall promising Ethan anything specific.
"I want a picture of you and Uncle Winston," Ethan said.
"You little rascal, stop thinking of him as your dad. Alright, Mom's leaving. Go play inside." Alison stood up and turned to leave. Looking at her kids, she regretted agreeing to go to Paris for half a month. She would miss them terribly.
Just as she took a step, Sophia called out, "Mom, remember to call us every day."
"Yes, Mom will remember. Don't cry and say you miss me."
"We won't," Ethan said with a mischievous smile, looking completely unworried.
"Mom's really leaving now. Say goodbye to Mom." Alison waved, watching the kids wave back before quickly heading to the door.
She couldn't look back, or she'd start crying.
She couldn't bear to leave them.
As soon as she stepped outside, Aidan called. "Alison, I'm almost at your complex. I'll wait at the entrance. Look for my car when you come out."
Oh no, was it the complex where she had asked him to park?
"Okay, I got it."
She hung up and started running. She couldn't let Aidan find out she didn't live there.
She had to get there first.
She remembered a shortcut to the complex and took it.
Finally, out of breath, she entered the complex, relieved. She straightened her clothes and grabbed her luggage, heading to the gate.
A bright red Volvo was parked by the gate, impossible to miss.
She walked straight to it, and just then, the car door opened. Jack gracefully stepped out from the back seat...
Jack walked towards her. "Give it to me," he said, taking her luggage like a gentleman. "Why were you so slow?"