Broken Strings novel Chapter 20

WRIGHT AGONCILLO

"Reid." Melissa left beside me and went to Reid. She leaned over and held our son on the shoulder. "Baby, Mommy will explain."

"He's my father?" He sobbed.

Melissa did nothing but nod. She wiped the tear from Reid's cheek. I leaned over them and bowed in front of Reid as well. I knew I was hurting Melissa.

My son looked at me as I took his hand and moved it to my cheek. "I'm sorry, Reid. I miss you a lot. But, I'm here now for you and your Mommy. You want a complete family, right?"

Reid glanced at Melissa's reaction. His eyes will be wide open.

"Mommy, do you still remember my promise to you?" He wiped away the tears that fled from her mother's eyes. "I hate the people who made you cry and hurt you. I'll protect you, Mommy."

"Reid..." Does that mean he won't accept me?

"Let's go home, Mommy." The smile did not reach his eyes. Melissa stood up. I felt panic when they turned away from me.

I stood up and blocked their way.

"W-Wait. Reid." I kneel in front of him. "Please, son. I-I'm sorry I wasn't there while you grow up But, I-I'm here now. I’m your real father."

He stared at me blankly. Blank. Emotionless. None.

"R-Remember, 'No Wright, No Reid'?" I begged. If I had to give up my pride just so they could forgive me, I would. I don't need it. "Son..."

I swallowed to clear my throat. Melissa told Reid to go to the living room first because we were just going to talk. I saw it hesitantly but went after it as well.

Melissa took a deep breath before facing me.

"Just... Just give him—us space, Wright."

My shoulder dropped. "But .. Mel .."

"I'll... I'll talk to him." Shee whispered. "He's still confused. He hasn't accepted the truth yet."

Why is Reid mad at me? Does he know what happened to us? What I did to his mother?

"Does he know the reason why—" I asked nervously.

She shook her head. "No. I don't want to hurt him. Don't worry I'll explain the situation to him."

"Mommy!" Reid said impatiently. He really wanted to leave.

"I'll take both of you home."

"Don't. We’ll just take a taxi." Reid answered.

"Taxis are rare here, son. I'll drive you." I insisted. My heart beats faster when I say the word ‘son’.

Melissa grabbed Reid's hair and ruffled. "It's alright, Reid. Give your father a chance. Will you?"

It was enough for me that my son agreed to let me drive them. I know they need time to absorb what's happening, but I can't afford to be away from them, e.

Melissa and Reid were riding in the passenger seat. Reid was hugging Melissa and staring blankly outside. If before it was energetic talking to me, now he has even beaten the ice in giving me cold shoulders.

I cleared my throat. "Are... Are you bored, son? What kind of music do you like?"

He did not respond. He couldn't even look at me.

"Do you also like rock music?" I laughed softly even though I looked stupid that I was only talking to myself. "Ah. I remembered. You play the piano so you prefer mellow music, right?"

I was hurt because I was just like air to him.

"Reid, he's asking you. Talk to him." I heard Melissa whisper. Reid was unmoved.

"Do you plan to participate in such contests again?" I've opened another topic.

He nodded. With just a simple nod, I felt like I was encouraged.

"Really? That's good. I was just as old as you when I participated in recitals. At first, I didn't win. I even cried because the winner didn't deserve the trophy. But I never lose hope, I inspired my defeat. I'll join again until I win. " I began to tell him a story about my childhood. "What's your inspiration?"

"My mom." It’s a simple answer.

I sighed. Melissa kissed Reid's lush hair.

"You really love your mom, Son. That's good." I'm so envious.

"She's all I have." But I'm also here.

A few moments of silence prevailed inside the car.

"Help me." I mouthed when Melissa glanced at me.

"Reid, talk to him. Talk to your D-Daddy." Daddy. It feels like I won in a f-ucking lottery.

"I have nothing to say."