Could You Forget We Ever Met?

You're it

Chapter 2: You’re It

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“What?” Thankfully the father didn’t seem to have heard me say that but the kid had a pair of knowing eyes, yet he didn’t say anything.

“I was asking for your name… since you helped me so much.” I managed to save face once more.

“It’s Kris, and your name?” He tilted his head to the side while asking. Why did he look good suddenly?

“Iris… I really have to go soon-” I introduced myself and tried to leave but my phone suddenly rang and I turned to look at it. Kris gave me a nod to answer. On the other end of the call was none other than Emily…

“Hey! I’m so glad you picked up, so Dimitri told me you never received your invitation to my wedding. I’m so sorry that happened! I was so sure I sent it… but no worries I just send it by email and I am calling to confirm you’ll be there, right? I really need you there, and maybe even be my bridesmaid if you’re okay with that?” Emily was an overly enthusiastic woman. She managed to spill her guts in a single breath’s time. And before I could conjure up a response she had already decided my fate with her overly sweet attitude… What a mess…

“Um.. I… don’t know if I will be able to since-” As I tried to speak that kid suddenly started jumping up to sit next to me.

“Mommy, you’re on the phone?” Charlie suddenly started calling me his mother, just what was that brat planning?!

“Hey… what?! I had no idea you had a kid! That’s amazing… but when? With who?” Emily questioned and she oculd still hear how Charlie blabbered nonsense so close to my receiver I wondered how Emily still had her hearing intact from all the yelling.

“I’n so sorry about this… he’s usually much calmer than this…” Kris apologized to me quietly as he grabbed Charlie who still actively continued to yell.

“A wedding? That’s so cool mommy, are you going to wear a pretty dress?” Charlie continued to spout nonsense. I wondered if it was possible for a child to conjure up a scheme like this for no purpose.

“I understand it all now…” Emily suddenly went quiet.

“You do?!” I panicked. I hadn’t answered a single one of her many questions and suddenly she has all the answers?!

“You didn’t want to come because you’re worried about your kid… Don’t worry you can bring him along and your husband. I will make space for you. And if being a bridesmaid is too much then maybe just be a guest… I’d love to have you there. Please.” Emily’s kindness was unrivaled. And although I hated the idea of being there, I’d have to be a monster to do bad onto someone that hasn’t done anyhting to deserve it.

“Right… I’ll be there, thanks for being so understanding…” I finally replied. Ended the call soon after with a bunch of overexcited thank you’s coming from the other end of the receiver.

“Ha… this is a dissaster…” I sighed heavily and face planted onto the hard wood diner table.

“Charlie, why did you do that?” Kris scolded his son. “It was very rude of you to-” but before he could say anything meaningfull the waterworks began.

Charlie began bawling his eyes out and speaking barely coherently. “She.. ug… just… looked like mommy! And waa!~! I… just… I’m sowy… hick…” The more strict Kris seemed to want to be the more this child somehow found a way out of it.

Maybe he’s just a natural actor. “How old is Charlie anyways?” I questioned.

“He’s nine…” Kris said as he leaned back into his chair and caressed the boy’s face, trying to wipe away his tears. “I guess you resembled his mother a bit right there and he freaked out a little… I’m really… sorry about all that.”

“It’s fine but now I have to explain to my friend why I won’t attend her wedding although I promised.” I said through gritted teeth. I know I shouldn’t fault them but still.

“Why not?” Kris asked looking concerned.

“She thinks I have a kid and a husband, and that, that’s the reason I wasn’t going to attend in the first place, there’s no way I can face her and tell her it was all a misunderstanding.”

“I mean we could always come with you if that’s what you want…” Kris said with confidence. “It would be a sort of apology for what happened, it is all our fault anyways…”

“I… that’s nice but being there… it’s going to be difficult…” I rubbed my already swollen eyes once more. Then began drinking my not cold hot chocolate.

As I did so, Charlie slowly walked up to me and mouted the words “Because you’re a cry baby?” silently so his father wouldn’t hear.

I hate to admit it but this kid saw right through me…

“How about we go there, and leave early? We can come up with some excuse, alright?” Kris suggested as he leaned in and held my hand. This man was being affectionate although I didn’t understand why.

“Are you aways like this with everyone that you see crying on a bench in the park? Going so far for a stranger…” I couldn’t explain it to myself and it seemed like Kris didn’t know either.

“It’s just you kind of remind me… nevermind.” He stopped before he could say anything else. I guess it’s none of my business to know.

“Yay, we will help mommy!” Suddenly Charlie spoke up again.

Whatever, if he wants to call me his mom I won’t correct him, it’s almost sweet in a way… if it wasn’t for that little demon’s evil stare. I’m sure he’s plotting something, I just can’t figure out what…