While Isabel was away,Gael had gone to visit his family.Security had told him about his mother dropping by a few days ago.
Though their relationship after his marriage with Hannah was ridgid,they hadn't completely cut ties,but it was awkward.
Seeing the mansion where he had spent most of his happiest moments gave Gael a sense of peace.At the door his mother was waiting for him,with her was a tall man around her age,who was holding a cute 5 year old girl.
"Mom…I'm home."
His mother took a slow step at first,but then rushed to hug him.Her eyes were obviously red and she kept gently patting his back.She would always do that since he could remember.When he was sad,when he got hurt,when he was scared,his mother would always hug him while saying comforting words.This time she was silent.
"Mom I- "
"Shhh,it's not your fault.You didn't do anything wrong.You just loved someone.It was her who made the mistake not you."
Hearing his mother not blaming him,Gael returned to the vulnerable child many years ago.He buried his head on his mother hair and let himself be comforted.No matter how old,everybody wants to be in their parents security when hurt.Back to those times where safe,loving arms held us warm when experiencing our worst nightmares.Somebody to love us unconditinally,somebody who's only reward is our own happiness.
"Uncle Gael,uncle Gael!I want a hug too!" the little girls crisp voice was heard.Gael couldn't help but laugh.
"Come here little angel!"
As the little girl was reaching out,Gael caught her.Little angel hugged his neck
"Uncle Gael…are you sad?" even the little girl could see it.Gael gently smiled while booping her nose.
"What makes you think that?"
"Your eyebrows were like this?" little angel tried creasing her eyebrows,feeling like it wasn't enough she used her hands to make them look creased.The three adults laughed at her.
Little angel got a bit angry.
"Stop laughing!I'm serious!"
"Fine.Fine.Yeah,uncle is a bit sad right now.But uncle is strong so he'll be okay."
"Uncle,I know a spell that can get all the pain and sadd-sandss-sadness away.Mama and Dada always do it when me and Bibs are crying." Little angel said while exaggeratedly opening her arms.
"Really?"
"Really!" little angels sweet voice melted the people around when she tried saying the 'spell'.Then she smiled mischieviously and started tickling Gael.Gael burst laughing.
"Little angel,you actually did this to uncle?!You asked for it,tickle monster accepts the battle!" Little angel laughed crisply.Looking at this sweet uncle niece interaction,Gaels mother felt even more touched and leaned on her husband.At least things were back in place now and her son was okay.
Both this couple,with their age had seen how people got destroyed when they discovered their beloved spouse having an affair.Being hurt was inevitable,but at least Gael was trying to fix himself instead of harming it.
Seeing the whole family gather around laughing and having a good time,reminded Gael of his happy Christmas dinner.His brothers,grandparents,parents,sister they were all here and now this family had gotten bigger with little children that ran around playing and giggling.He also wanted to add this joy with his own family.When he was settled to marry Hannah,he was really happy and had dreamed for them to happily sit down in that table like his brothers and sister with their spouses,clink their glasses,enjoy a warm meal while sharing their stories,but alas it was all a dream,it had always only been a dream.He thought the nightmare had only been when his family was against him,but it seems that had only been the start of the fake daydream he had lived for more than 2 years.
Did he regret it?Maybe a little,but maybe he might've regreted more if he had never fought.This experience might've hurt him,but it also taught him a lot,made him grow and made him understand there are many people around that actually genuinely care for him,his happiness without wanting anything back.
After the dinner and playing together a bit everybody started getting to their respective homes.Suddenly the once noisy place started getting quiet.Gael saw his father sit on a chair in the balcony looking at the night view.Feeling Gael's presence he filled another glass of whiskey and pointed to the other seat.
"Join me for a drink."
Gael sat down quietly and asked.
"Hasn't the doctor said to lower your alcohol intake?You also drank a lot of wine during dinner."
"The wine you brought was pretty good,Isabel has grown quite a lot.Besides this is nothing compared to what I used to drink."
Gael just smiled and took a sip of whiskey,letting the spicy liquid burn his throat.Silence.
"How have you been lately?"Gaels father decided to break the silence.
"Could've been better."
"Mmm."
Silence again.
This time Gael spoke first.
"What about you?How is your retirement going?"
"At first I was enjoying staying home doing nothing,but then it got boring.So I've been trying new things with your mother."
"Really?"
Gaels father started reciting his new hobbies and the conversation started going smoothly.After years this father and son duo were laughing freely ,enjoying each other company without discomfort and awkwardness.
When the topic ended and they were looking at the starry sky.
"Gael...I'm...Sorry!"
Gael was caught off guard and looked at his father who was still looking at the sky,his eyes were glistening a bit.
"I'm sorry for...being too rash and saying those things...I...Sorry your old man can be too stubborn sometimes."
It was the first time he had seen his father so vulnerable and weak.For the first time this thought crossed Gaels head,his father had gotten old.He had been thinking about those words over and over,regretting that he had hurt him,denied him,but still his father this stubborn, proud man was willing to throw all of it just for him.His father was willing to do that even when what he had told him about Hannah came true.His father didn't put Gael down,didn't judge him,but apologised and cared about his feelings.
"Dad" Gaels father flinched when he heard the word.Only these two new that during the years that Gael had grown this word was said less and less,and during that marriage never.Gaels father turned his head away.
"Dad?Are you..." Gael didn't continue.He knew that his father always wanted to be the strongest,undefeated,always there to protect them,he had also thought that when he was a kid,but honestly now,for Gael,his father was the strongest he had ever been.He had mustered the courage to do something against his nature just for his sake and both their feelings.
"Dad...You're not the only one at fault.I also was wrong.I also crossed the line and said hurtful things.But dad...thank you...for the apology I never knew I needed and for everything you've done for all of us."
"Gael-" his voice was emotional and he refused to look at Gael now,but he took a deep breath,turned to look at him saying what he most wanted to say."Gael,remember,no matter what you do,no matter what happens,you're my son,you'll always be my son and I'll always love you."
How many years had it been since Gael had heard these words from his father?How long?Gaels eyes also turned red.
"Dad...I love you too."
Watching her husband and youngest son reconciled,brought tears into Gaels mothers eyes.Finally her family was back together,complete.