Chapter 3
1057 Words
"You can meet him here and only when I'm home," I say to Reid.
I had agreed to let Reid request. However, I was not happy about it and was not comfortable leaving my son alone with that man.
So I told him that he wanted to be with Eli any time I would also have to be there or Aria.
He was not happy with the idea but still agreed.
Since it was the weekend and Elias didn't have school, I didn't have to go into the bookstore. Reid had come over.
I explained to him again about my rules, and he mostly rolled his eyes at me but thankfully didn't argue back.
"Where is he?" He asked.
"He's getting ready. He should be out," I said, moving past him to go the kitchen. I started mixing the pancake batter for breakfast and looked up and noticed Reid pacing back and forth as he waited. I almost wanted to see him like this.
He was never the kind of man to be nervous or anxious about anything, but knowing that at least something did make me feel slightly better.
I didn't want to tell Eli he was his father right away. I knew this only confuse him a lot more, and I knew telling him it has to be done properly.
"Mommy," Eli rushed out of his room with his PJs still on. He didn't even notice Reid standing there. He had run right past him and stood in front of me. I crouched down to his level.
"What's wrong, Eli?" I asked him. "I can't find my dinosaur t-shirt! Can you please help me look for it?" he asked politely. I gave him a broad smile and nodded my head. "Of course. Give mommy 5 minutes. I am just going to finish breakfast, and I'll help you. Okay?"
He nodded his head, running back to the living room to sit on the couch but noticed Reid standing in the middle of the room.
He titled his head and looked at him so confused.
"Hey, mister, who are you?" He asked him.
Reid went on his knees, matching Eli's height. "well, buddy, I'm your dad," he said.
I hadn't expected him to say this so soon. I had wanted him to wait and sit down and tell him, and I wanted to curse at myself not to let him know this sooner.
I set my batter down and rushed to where they were standing.
But my son only tilted his head, looking at Reid with curious eyes.
"But mommy never told me I had dad," He said, his eyes still curiously looking at Reid.
Reid looked up at me, a little taken back, but I didn't know whether he had expected me to say anything.
"I've been away on a trip for a long time, buddy. Mommy must have forgotten to tell you. But I'm back now,"
Eli looked back at me, his eyes looking for something to tell him its true. I gave him a smile assuring him everything is okay.
I was not too fond of this. I couldn't believe I had to lie to him to understand this, but I knew we had no choice.
"mommy is it okay if you help me now," he asked with his sweet voice. I nodded my head, and we headed to his room.
I checked inside his drawer as he waited for me. I get him to come up to stand next to me and tugged on my shirt, gesturing me to bend down.
"Mommy, is he really my daddy?" he asked.
I wish I could say No. I wish he didn't find out this way, and I want to Reid never came here.
The look on my son's face as he questioned me about this only made it harder to lie.
"Yes, baby," I told him.
"But how come he never came to see me?" He asked.
"Daddy was very busy before," I lied.
Elias had always been a clever and curious boy. Though he was still a child, he understood things more than any other.
And I could tell he was still baffled and wanted to know more about this, but he didn't ask any more questions.
I found his favourite shirt putting it on him and got him already, and came out to see Reid cooking the pancake I had left.
He had even made bacon and egg for the side.
"Come, one, buddy, let's eat," he called. But Elias stood beside me, not moving at all. He grabbed on to my hand and said, "I want you to make,"
I nodded my head, smiling at him. I made my way over to the kitchen area. "He wants me to make it," I told him.
"He'll eat mine," he said, ignoring me. He took a plate full of food to Eli, sitting on the couch as he watched cartoons.
I already began preparing his breakfast as I know my son. He was stubborn, and he will not eat something that he doesn't want. And that's exactly what he did.
He ignored Reid's approach and continued to fix his gaze at the tv.
I can see him get angry. It was vivid, but he stayed quiet.
Reid had always been a stubborn, angry man. He always wanted everything to happen his way, but it's not as if he would be able to do anything when a child ignores him.
He came back, placing the food on the counter with a loud thud.
I had to hold in my laugh.
"He's just like you!" He complained. "Stubborn," he said.
"Or that more you?" I questioned. He didn't say anything.
I gave him a dirty look and continued to prepare Eli's food.
The whole time Reid just sat quietly at the table watching Elias. He didn't try to approach him or anything but carefully watched him.
I didn't know what he must be thinking, and frankly, it felt odd to ask.
He had never seen him, and I can only imagine all the things he is thinking about.
But I knew of him not knowing him earlier was his own fault.
And having him here now, I know it would take Elias some getting used to. He will need time.
And maybe I do too.
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- Writer
