The Wallflower's Revenge

AWR Chapter 9: Finder's keepers

Carson went back to his workplace in a happy state. He never thought that he'd be over the moon to meet his best friend in high school. It was more of a coincidence since their break up.

She’s no stranger to him. He considered her more than that from his  colorful, bittersweet past. Yes, she was his best friend in middle school and his first love. They loved each other so dearly that everyone thought of each other’s ever-after when they happen to graduate and reach the point of marriage. Many people knew them. They were a power couple. Most of their classmates from elementary and middle school supported their love s********e were even updated of the latest updates that’s happening between the two of them. They were unstoppable. It’s when everyone thought that nothing could ever go between the two of them. However, many of their friends were shocked when Nova let him go because of her career and ambitions. She got a scholarship in Germany and she thought of leaving everything with her in the United States for a fresh new start. It happened that he got something better and that's in the place of Stella, mother of Leylah.

Thinking back about the previous years, Carson realized that everything was indeed made for a reason. It could be that Nova was really made for the other guy but not him. Today's 'catching up' seemed a clear closure for both of them. Carson could feel deep within him that they were not meant for each other as husband and wife, but best friends forever.

Now, what he had experienced with her is only proof that they both already moved on with their lives. When they thought that after their parting, everything fell apart, they were both wrong. The friendship was strengthened by time and tested by faith. 

He was looking at the window pondering about what happened a while ago when somebody tapped his shoulder.

"Hey, dude, this is the thing you've requested," One of his colleagues grinned at him as he handed his documents to him. 

"Wow! You're done right away?"

"Yep. I inserted tasks after patrolling some areas assigned to me."

"You're the best. Thank you, Kean!" He tapped him as a reply.

"Not a problem. Is there anything that bothers you right now?"

"Nope. I'm okay,"

"You sure?" Kean looked into his eyes. He avoided his gaze as if it's the most awkward thing to ever do.

"Hey snap it. I'm fine. I guess I'm just a bit tired from all the paperworks we're having lately."

"I could never blame you. We're now moving from tons of paperworks to the digital age. I can't imagine how you're able to manage those things."

"Passion, maybe."

"Of course! Who would have all the patience in the world to type and encode all of these for us to achieve paperless reports? The one and only SuperCarson!"

"That's too much of a compliment, it becomes annoying to me." Carson couldn't help but laugh because of what Kean said.

"Please leave the office on time. You only have one daughter, not one dozen." Carson even laughed harder as he followed Kean as he went out the door.

Before he knew it, Kean was gone from his sight. Carson sighed. He glanced at the clock and it's around three in the afternoon. They're supposed to leave the office at exactly four thirty in the afternoon. However, due to extra duties, he usually leaves the office at around five thirty and reaches home at exactly six in the evening, just in time for dinner.

"Hello sweetheart!" Carson greeted Stella as soon as he went inside the house. Stella is already going back and forth wearing her apron. She's so busy cooking that she forgot to even acknowledge Carson's greeting.

Carson dropped his bag on the sofa and took a step forward, going to the kitchen. He hugged her from her back and she chuckled in delight after realizing it was Carson. However, she slowly took his hand that hugged around her waist.

Carson noticed that she is wearing oven gloves and she's about to pull something out of the oven.

"Hun, please wait a minute, I'm going to get my baked lasagna."

"Wow! My favorite!" Carson cried excitedly. He's like a child who has received something that he's been wishing for a long time. Stella chuckled as a reply while she's pulling the baking pan out of their oven. 

"Stella, you see...something happened today during lunch time." Carson started. Stella wasn't looking at him when he said it. When she turned around and flashed her beautiful smile at him, he suddenly filled with doubt.

"Uh, hmm...go ahead. What is it?" He avoided his gaze at her and smiled a little while touching his nape. Guilt suddenly hit him. What will happen if Stella will find out that he met with Nova? Will she understand it? Stella knew Nova very well and what's her past relationship with her husband. Carson didn't know what to say anymore.

"Hun? Are you alright?"

"A-h...oh yes. I'm great."

"Was it about your job? What's the problem?"

"Well, we had a patrol duty this morning and I am happy that we caught one of the most notorious gangs in the city."

"Wow, that's great news." He could see the delight in her eyes when he said the other one as he swallowed.

"Wow! I knew it was lasagna!" They both looked at the door and Leylah just got home from school as well. They all excitedly arranged the table and got themselves ready for dinner. Leylah took a quick bath while Carson and Stella are having some quick chitchats while waiting for her.

"Can you believe it? Leylah is sixteen years old now."

"Hey? Don't make our age too obvious."

"Yeah...we can't deny the fact that we're getting older now that our daughter is getting ready to become a lady."

"If only she'll not grow up too fast." Stella smiled as she followed Leylah with her eyes as she came towards them.

"Were you both talking about me again?"

"We're your parents. That's just supposed to be normal, right?"

"Leylah, no boyfriends allowed okay?" Carson looked serious as she said those words to Leylah while she's taking a seat in between the two of them.

"Poor is the guy that will ever get your attention, Leylah." Her mother added.

"As if that guy will live longer. No, thanks. I'd rather study." Leylah said as she met her dad's gaze. She slowly swallowed and crossed her fingers down the table.

"Sweetheart, I told you. Leylah is more like me. Sorry to disappoint you." Carson said between chuckles.

"Well I'm sorry too, honeybunch. Leylah looked exactly like me because she got all of my facial features. What can you say, sweetie?" Her mom giggled.

"I'd rather eat, and I guess both of you should do it, too. You're both just hungry." Leylah got the baking pan full of lasagna and sliced a portion of lasagna to each one of them. She scooped it using a big spoon and put it to each of their plates, including hers.

"I mean it. No boyfriend and study first. Guys will just beg for your love when the time is right."

"Honey, don't be too harsh on your daughter."

"It's for her own good."

You're always like that, dad. You think that you always knew what's good for me. You're not thinking about my happiness. 

Leylah simply rolled her eyes and sighed quietly. If it is loud, she will be told and labeled as rude. She tried to take a glance at her mom and they met their eyes. Leylah could feel that her mom is with her because she's of the same gender. Her mom is totally right, she looked like her and she felt like her, too.

----

Carson and Stella are now on their beds. Carson is lying on the left side while Stella is beside him and she is now asleep. He slowly looked at her and sighed.

Why did he ever doubt telling her about what happened during lunch time? He knew to himself that they have both moved on from the past, him and Nova...but why is it like this?

Carson looked at his wife's beautiful face and he trailed his fingers on his jawline. She's sleeping peacefully. For him, she's more of an angel sent by heaven above. He should not conceal any secrets from her, especially about Nova.

The situation caught him off guard that's why he prefered to say something different and 'off' from what he's supposed to confess.

He continued to wonder upon the beauty of his wife. The one that saved him from the misery he experienced in life when he's on the verge of giving up. He has decided right now to tell her everything that happened this morning as soon as she wakes up. He needed to tell her not because it's his obligation but simply because it is the right thing to do.