EMBERS OF YESTERDAY
(Power of mending hearts)
CHAPTER 2/3
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KATE
The inviting aroma of baked doughnuts enveloped me as I was ushered into the sitting room.
“Feel at home,” Collins offered a warm smile, but my eyes rolled at the idea of him winning me over.
I was here because of James, and speaking of James, he led me towards the kitchen area.
Nothing had changed since I left. It had been five years, yet every nook and corner of this house was etched in my memory.
“Wait here. I’ll go get Mom,” James grinned, revealing the big gap between his teeth.
I resisted the urge to pinch his cute cheeks as he dashed into the kitchen, leaving me with unanswered questions.
“Which Mom was he referring to?” I badly needed answers.
I glance at Collins, he looked away the moment our eyes met.
I brushed off the thought of Collins pulling my legs. After all, he never promised to get back with me. His commitment was solely to fulfill my request; to meet my son. As I pondered, it occurred to me that making amends with Collins might be worth a try.
We might never rekindle our relationship, but I couldn’t let malice and grudges affect my son.
“Collins,” I called out to him. But before I could say anything else, a lady walked out of the kitchen, a tray of doughnuts in her hands.
She wasn’t just any woman; she was the sole proprietor of every wrong thing that happened between Collins and I.
“Why is she here?” I gulped, swallowing the lump forming in my throat.
COLLINS
Trying to convince Kate to come home with me wasn’t as easy as I thought when I tailed her to the restaurant.
With James, I’ve had the upper hand, but right now, it’d take more than James to explain to her that my mother is ready to make things right. My parents, actually.
Eager to mend past mistakes, they suggested inviting Kate over. It was the perfect opportunity, and with James, things would be a lot easier.
Despite sensing Kate’s resentment in every action, something in me believes that I can get her to forgive me, again.
I’ve hurt her a lot in the past, and I’m ready to make up for every single one of my mistakes.
My body tenses up as I watch James run into the kitchen to call my mother. Kate must have misunderstood who ‘mum’ is, and I feel the weight of her gaze on me. Yet, I’m not ready to explain.
I’ve always wanted some quiet time with her, but not in this situation. I fixate on the quick, precise ticking of the wall clock, my heart’s beat echoing loudly in my ears.
The silence becomes traumatizing, and I know I should say something.
“Collins,” I hear my name before I reach a conclusion.
My mom walks in, momentarily easing the tension, but the anticipation of what comes next feels even more traumatizing.
“Why is she here?” Kate asks, sliding out of the chair. I watch as my mom freezes.
Kate stares at my mom with malice, and my terrified mom casts me a gaze that I interpret as horrified.
My mom now harbors extreme fear due to past mistreatment by Cynthia, the woman my parents imposed on me. My dad became vegetative after witnessing his wife being treated like a punching bag; the shock too much for his fragile heart.
“I can explain. Please, listen,” I plead, taking slow, cautious strides towards Kate.
I needed no soothsayer to let me know that the question is directed at me. Cynthia may not be violent, but I won’t take any risk.
I pray for things not to turn sour, yet I have to make things straight and clear every misunderstanding.
“Can we sit and talk things over? My mom would like to apologize,” I release a shaky breath as Kate pulls out a chair and sits.
My mom places the doughnuts on the table before taking a seat opposite Kate.
I let my mom apologize first, chipping in when the atmosphere becomes less tense. I tender my heartfelt apology for the umpteenth time, and things improve when Kate decides to forgive us.
We had a light discussion over a glass of fruit juice and doughnuts.
My mom can’t stop shedding tears of joy, and I don’t have any problem with that. I’m invested in finding a place in Kate’s life.
“Kate, can we talk?” I’m taken aback by my boldness.
To be continued…
