THE PRETTY MAN

CHAPTER 4

The drive back home was imbued with a sense of tranquility, the gentle hum of the engine mingling with the comfort of shared silence between us. As we pulled into the driveway, a sense of relief washed over me; we were home, nestled in our little haven. Hayden, with his strong arms and steady presence, carefully lifted Paul from the back seat and carried him to his room.

Returning to the living room, he collapsed onto the plush sofa beside me, the cushions enveloping him like a warm embrace. “Did you enjoy yourself, Lexus?” he asked, his eyes shining with a sincere concern that made my heart swell.

“Absolutely! It was an incredible day, Brother. Thank you for treating us,” I said, leaning back against the cushions, feeling a surge of warmth. “Just like Mrs. Lee said, we really do deserve this once in a while.”

Hayden's smile radiated pride, reflecting the unspoken bond we shared as a resilient family. His new job—a welcome blessing with a salary of $3,000 a month—had lifted some of our burdens, yet I felt a persistent desire to help carry our weight too.

“Tomorrow, I need you to pick up some essentials for the house. Here’s $200,” I said, extending my hand with the carefully saved bills resting between my fingers. He accepted it with a nod, then enveloped me in a heartfelt embrace that felt like home.

“Thank you for looking out for us. Starting next month, I’ll take care of you and Paul,” he promised, his sincerity weaving a safety net around my heart.

Tears brimmed in my eyes, overwhelmed by gratitude for his unwavering support. I nodded, trying to swallow the emotions that threatened to spill out. “Oh, come on, don’t cry!” he said gently, wiping away the few tears that escaped with his thumb. “We’re a team, remember?”

As night draped its comforting blanket over the world, I drifted into sleep, and before I knew it, morning light beckoned, illuminating the apartment in soft hues of gold. The stillness of dawn cradled me as I quietly slipped out of my warm bed, alert to the soft rhythm of Paul’s breathing resonating from the next room. Slipping into the kitchen, I busied myself preparing breakfast, the aroma of sizzling eggs and fresh toast mingling with the rich scent of brewed coffee.

As the enticing smells wafted through the apartment, I savored a moment of quiet, taking a sip of my steaming coffee, the rich warmth spreading through me as I gazed out the window. Our neighborhood unfolded like a tranquil painting; a picturesque town with quaint houses, streets lined with trees, friendly faces, and sprawling green forests surrounding us, creating an ideal refuge from the chaos of the city. Just a short walk of thirty minutes took us to an open park, brimming with the potential for adventure.

“Good morning, Lexus,” Hayden greeted me, his presence filling the room with warmth. I returned his greeting with a smile, “Breakfast is on the table.”

After finishing my coffee, I placed the cup carefully on the counter and strode toward Paul’s room to rouse him. “Hey, little prince!” I called cheerfully as I peeked into his room. “Get ready! We have a busy day lined up!”

As Paul burst into the room, full of energy and excitement, his joy was infectious. “What are we doing today?” he asked, eagerness radiating from him. “I thought we could go to the park and maybe dive into some fun outdoor activities!” I proposed, my heart fluttering at the thought of bonding and creating cherished memories together.

“Yay!” he exclaimed, dashing toward the door. “Not so fast, mister! Breakfast first, then we can go!” Both Hayden and I laughed at his exuberance.

“Today I won’t be coming with you,” Hayden interjected, his tone steady though tinged with a hint of regret. “I have some errands to run in town and I’ll pick up the supplies we need along the way.”

His work as a contractor for a nearby company had not only given him a sense of purpose but also alleviated some of the stress that had once gripped us tightly. I felt a wave of relief course through me, grateful that I didn’t need to worry as much about him on the construction site anymore. With both of us graduating in international construction management, it was gratifying knowing he was employed at Xencorp now, easing my worries about his time on the construction site.

“Alright, just be careful out there,” I replied, sending him off with a warm smile. I’ll be back soon, he assured me, stepping outside into the brisk morning air, and the door gently clicking shut behind him.

Hours slipped by, and with eager anticipation building, Paul and I finally set off towards the park, the sun shining brightly overhead. We even invited Mrs. Lee to join us, and Paul was bubbling with excitement at the thought. As we arrived, the park erupted with life—children’s laughter echoed through the air, dogs barked with glee, and the delightful scents of summer wafted together like a vibrant tapestry.

We found a secluded spot beneath the sprawling branches of an old oak tree, where we spread out our picnic blanket and laid out our lunch like a delicious feast under the open sky. With a grin, we presented Mrs. Lee with a surprise—a beautifully crafted bracelet we had picked out for her.

“Do you like it?” Paul asked innocently, his wide eyes glimmering with anticipation.

“Oh my, it’s stunning!” Mrs. Lee beamed, gazing lovingly at the bracelet. “I absolutely love it, my sweet boy,” she replied, her voice warm with gratitude.

After our lunch, as Paul and I ventured off to play while Mrs. Lee lost herself in the pages of her book, he suddenly turned to me with a serious expression. “Angel sister, what do you think Dad would say about Hayden’s job?” he asked, his innocent curiosity tugging at my heartstrings.

A wave of emotion washed over me, and I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I think he would be very proud. Just like I am,” I said, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat. “He always believed in us.”

“Do you think I can do things like Hayden one day?” Paul asked, his earnest eyes searching mine for assurance.

“I believe you can do anything you set your mind to,” I reassured him, placing my hand gently on his shoulder. “But remember, you also have to work hard, just like we do.”

“Yes! I’ll always work hard!” he declared with fierce determination, puffing out his small chest like a valiant knight ready to face any challenge.

As the last rays of sunlight faded into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, we began to gather our things, ready to head home. Just as we reached the front porch, I spotted a familiar figure standing at our door. It was Brian, Hayden’s friend and colleague from the construction site. He often came by for casual visits, but tonight was different.

“Hey Brian, how are you?” we greeted him warmly, but a sense of unease washed over me. Something didn’t feel right; why was he here alone? I opened the door, and the familiar warmth of our home enveloped us as we stepped inside. Mrs. Lee gently took Paul to his room, her footsteps scarcely making a sound. I wandered into the kitchen, hoping to prepare a simple snack for Brian, but my mind was preoccupied.

Hayden was not yet home, leaving an unsettling void in the air. “You can wait for him,” I suggested, trying to offer some comfort. Just then, Brian called out my name, a note of urgency in his voice that made my stomach drop. I turned to him, and my eyes caught the tension in his expression—it was as if he was battling an inner storm, struggling to find the right words.

“Are you okay, Brian?” I asked, my concern deepening as I felt the weight of something unspoken hang between us.

“I tried to reach you, but your phone was off,” he said heavily, his voice trembling slightly. “It’s your brother.” In that moment, time seemed to freeze, and the walls of the room felt like they were closing in. A chilling sense of dread washed over me, and every comforting detail of our home faded into the background, leaving only Brian's haunting words echoing in my mind.