Five years later

Five years later,

Abigail’s POV

***

“Audrey, please be a good boy and stay close to me,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm and steady. “I’m worried that you’ll get lost in the airport if you wander off. You know how important it is for us to stay together.” He was only four years old, and I knew he could be quite stubborn, but he was also the most adorable child I had ever seen. Despite his occasional tantrums, he had my heart completely wrapped around his little finger.

“Mom, I’m not a baby anymore! I’m a big boy, and I can take care of myself. I should be the one protecting you, not the other way around,” Audrey protested, his little cheeks puffed up with indignation. He was definitely an intelligent child, with a strong will and a determined spirit. But he was still so young, and I couldn’t help but worry about him.

I giggled lightly, “Your aunt, Joyce, will be here soon, let us sit down and wait for her.”

Audrey’s eyes lit up when he heard his aunt’s name. I had told him so many wonderful things about her, and he was especially excited to see if she had brought him any toys.

“Abigail!” A woman shouted excitedly as she walked towards us, holding a wrapped gift in her hand, she looked to be in her twenties.

“Joyce” I uttered in between my smiles and waved my hand. It had been a long time since we last saw each other.

Seeing his aunt, Audrey ran towards her and hugged her tightly, he had seen pictures of her, and that was why he recognized her.

Joyce’s eyes welled up with tears and she hugged my little boy with love, almost as if he were her son.

“I am happy to see you my cutie pie, I got this for you. Open it and see!” Joyce said amidst tears, she handed the gift over to Audrey, who looked overjoyed.

“What’s this?” he asked, his eyes shining as he accepted the wrapped gift from her hands. He tore off the wrapping paper, and his eyes grew wide as he saw the toy car inside. “Wow! It’s amazing!” he exclaimed, his smile growing even wider.

“Thank you, aunty,” Audrey said to his aunty In a muddled manner, but she was able to understand what he said, she pat his head lightly before turning to look at me.

“He is really adorable” Joyce stated before pulling me in for a hug.

“Yes, he is. I missed you Joyce.” I blinked back the tear that welled up in my eyes and then we broke free from the hug.

We smiled as we saw how Audrey, my son, concentrated on the toy car, Joyce couldn’t help but say as she studied the boy’s features which included blue eyes and two dimples in contrast to my dark eyes. “he looks nothing like you”

Our facial features were different and a lot of people doubted me whenever I told them that he was my kid.

He might not look like me facially, but I knew that our hearts were alike. My little son would go to any lengths to protect me and I would do the same for him.

“We have the same hearts, don’t we Audrey?” I murmured, and we all bursted out laughing.

“Of course, Mom!” Audrey gave a dashing smile in response.

“Joyce, please take Audrey home. I need to search for my purse. Let’s meet at your place.” I bit my lip in regret.

“Be a good boy Audrey and do not disturb your aunty Joyce.” I turned to my son and kissed him on his forehead.

Audrey nodded his head in agreement before holding his aunty’s hands. He waved at me and blew kisses, which made my heart flutter.

They left in a car and slowly disappeared from my sight.

l had a reason for removing my little purse from my bag. I had planned to visit my sick father. If i took my son to see my father, then my stepmother and my stepsister, Lana, wouldn’t stop raining insults on my son. I didn’t want to be reminded of my past.

“Now, where did I keep my purse?”

***

I arrived at Lakefield mall, determined to find the perfect gift for my sick father. It had been five long years since I’d seen him, and I wanted to show him how much I still cared. I hoped a thoughtful present would help bridge the gap between us.

After paying the bills, I picked up the gift and held it close to my chest. I was once more headed to the house that i vowed to never step foot in.

I couldn’t help but think of how their reaction will be. I was sure that they wouldn’t welcome me into the family. If not for my father’s condition, then I would have never had it in mind to go back to the house. I trembled, remembering the day that they turned against me.

My thoughts kept racing through my mind and the only one that kept me sane were the memories of my little boy.

With him in my life, i no longer had to worry about anyone.

Just as I was about to leave the mall, I collided with a tall, broad-shouldered man, and my carefully chosen gifts went flying. I felt a surge of anger rising within me, my mood souring in an instant. I bent down to gather up the gifts.

“Excuse me, are you blind?” I shot at him.

The man clenched his fist and mocked. “I don’t remember going blind. Maybe it is you who is blind.”

But I was not having it, I dropped the gifts back on the floor and stood to yell at him.

“Apologize to me now!” I stated as the rage pushed through my veins.

“Would you give me a kiss if I do that?” He chuckled softly, and I rolled my eyes.

“You!” Shocked by his looks, he had the same features as my son. I was lost in my thoughts for a second.

He helped me pick the gifts from the floor, before placing them on my hand.

Our hands brushed, and I noticed his expression changed a little.

I avoided his gaze and turned to walk away but i was forced to stop when he held my hands.

“Why are you running away from me? I have the feeling that we have met before.” He asked her and i began to panic.

“Leave my hand or I will scream!” I threatened, but he didn’t let go.

“Your hand feels so familiar,” he said, his voice low and steady. “I’m trying to remember where I’ve seen you before.” He lifted my chin with his fingertips, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Have we met before?” he asked, his eyes piercing mine.

“You pervert, let go of my hands!” I spat and yanked his hands away with all the strength i could muster.

“It rose today, because of you.”

He looked down, and I followed his gaze, only for me to see his bulging pants.

Unexpectedly, he tilted his head a little and kissed my lips.

“You shameless pervert!” My cheeks were flushed pink. I slapped him hard on his cheeks and turned to leave.

“My name is Henry. Can you please tell me your name before you go?”

I spun around to face him, raising my middle finger in a gesture of defiance. He looked unfazed, but I didn’t care. I turned and walked away, my heart beating fast.

I hailed a taxi and gave the driver my father’s address. I sank into the seat and exhaled, relieved to be away from the man I had just met. I wanted to forget about him and focus on what was ahead of me-visiting my father after so many years apart.