When my feet didn’t move fast enough, Doug, Mom’s boyfriend, would demand my compliance. “Did you hear your mother, you little shit?” he yelled, causing me to race around the corner. I stumbled, and when I did I dropped the beer causing it to spill. “Look at what you did!” he pointed at the floor.
“He’s worthless,” Mom rolled her eyes in disgust at me. “Cameron has turned him into a pussy. He’s not good for anything,” she flopped back against the couch.
“I’ll help him man up,” Doug stood from the couch and advanced on me. Before I could get out of his reach, he fingers wrapped around my arm. He sneered as he leaned so close to my face I could smell his rancid breath. Yellow teeth greeted me along with pinpoint eyes. I didn’t understand that all the things that protected me from them were what was also making them this way. The needles and spoons on the counter weren’t my refuge at the moment, they were the enemy. I was normally thankful for them. They made Mommy and Doug sleepy and I could watch TV. Today they didn’t use the needles so they were angry.
“You’ll listen to your mother and me, you little shit!” he tossed me on the bed face down. Before I could scramble away from him, he put his knee into my back, holding me there. I tried to go somewhere else in my head like the last time, but this time I couldn’t. There was no time to prepare for what came next. The sting of his belt met the soft skin of my lower back multiple times. I pinched my eyes shut as I tried to hold my cries in. The last time it happened, I cried for my daddy. Doug didn’t like that. It only made him hit me harder. This time I wouldn’t let him hear me. This time I’d be a big boy like Daddy always says I am.
My fingers released Mel’s hand as I took a few steps forward. “You’re not welcome here, Sara,” Dad gritted out. “Leave! Now!”
My mother’s body swayed again as she stumbled toward me, a brown paper bag swinging in her right hand. She lifted it to her lips and took a giant gulp before glaring at me. “Came to see my son graduate,” she pointed at me.
“Do you want me to call the cops?” Avery hissed from my dad’s side.
“No,” he brushed her off.
“No love for your mother?” my mom staggered closer and smiled at me. Her teeth were yellowed like I remembered, her body frail, and her hair looked as if it hadn’t been brushed in days.
“Aaron,” Mel’s voice was faint beside me. She wrapped her arm around my waist, but I went stiff, causing her to pull back. I tried to not go back there, but every time I talked about my mother, I remembered what she did to me. I had bruises for weeks at a time after visiting her. I spent years in therapy.
“You’re not my mother,” my voice was monotone as I shook my head at her. “She is,” I pointed at Avery.
“I’m your mother!” she pointed at her chest. “I gave birth to you. I did. Not her!” she moved closer, causing me to step back.
“You were supposed to love me!” I bellowed. The anger I’d tamped down for years was rising faster than I could control. “You were supposed to protect me! To want me! DNA doesn’t make a mother!” I pushed through the people standing around me until I was right in front of her. “All I was was a person to get your beers for you, someone for Doug to hit. I never want to see you again,” I stepped around her and rushed down the steps as I raced to my parents’ house. I needed to get away from it all, and there was only one way I knew how to clear my head.
Melinda
I stood there and watched in horror as one of the best days in Aaron’s life turned into a nightmare. I didn’t know the history between his mom and the rest of the family, but I could tell by their reactions and what he’d told me in the past, that it was not a happy one. The strong confident man that I’d spent the last two years getting to know was reduced to a scared little boy with just a few words. His mother, Sara, threw a few well-placed barbs and pointed comments his way, and Aaron went running. I couldn’t blame him, but watching him shut down was painful.
“You ok?” Emma sat down beside me.
“I don’t know. I feel like I should do something, but I don’t know what,” I glanced around and saw Cam and Nick escorting Sara away by force.
“She’s been crazy since they met her,” Em pointed at Sara. “I don’t remember much, but I’ve heard Mom talk about her,” she shrugged. “I’ll look out for Brooklyn if you wanna go after Aaron.”
“I don’t even know where to start,” I looked around helplessly.
“Good thing you’re my best friend. I’d start with the beach,” she smiled as she stood up. “It’s about time a woman other than my aunt chased after him.”
When I got over the dunes, I searched for him. It was hard to see in the waning light, and soon darkness would envelop the beach. Most of the party goers had left, and other than a few gulls, the beach was empty. The waves crashed violently against the sand mimicking the thoughts tumbling around in my head. My heart hurt for the scared little boy that ran from his party, and I hoped that Aaron could see that he was better that she made him out to be. He was strong, and the fact that he overcame his tumultuous childhood was proof. I understood, now more than ever, what he meant about Brooklyn being him. Jason has never wanted anything to do with his son, but Aaron made a connection with him immediately just like Avery had done with him all those years ago.
Just as I was ready to give up, I saw him. His bright red wetsuit was a stark contrast to the black ocean. He was straddling his board out beyond the breakers, and I watched in awe as he paddled along, and pressed up just in time to catch a wave. He rode it until he fell off before turning around, and going back out.
I tucked my dress under myself as I sat in the soft sand just watching him. He needed this, and I didn’t want to interrupt whatever healing was taking place. He sliced through the water with precision, catching wave after wave. The sun sank below the horizon, and still he stayed.
Just as I was getting ready to go in and grab a jacket, he stopped. Instead of turning to paddle back out, he placed his board under his arm and began walking up the beach. It was dark now, and I really couldn’t make out his expression until he was right in front of me.
“What are you doing out here?” he tossed his board to the sand and sat down beside me. His chest was rising in soft pants as he attempted to catch his breath. Ocean water dripped from his hair, and he sighed as he bent his knees and rested his arms on top of them.
“I came for you,” I offered a tentative smile. I wasn’t sure what his state of mind was at the moment, and I wanted to offer support.
“Why?” he muttered. “I’m not good for anything.”
“That’s not true,” I placed my hand on his arm and he flinched at my touch. “This isn’t the Aaron I know. The Aaron I know is confident, and doesn’t let some loser of a parent tell him anything. He’s strong, and independent, and I love him.” I waited as he just sat there looking so defeated. “Don’t let that woman make you feel less worthy. She doesn’t define you, you do!” I shoved him lightly to get his attention.
“That woman is my mom,” he gritted out.
“That woman gave birth to you. That doesn’t make her your mom. Avery is your mom. She loves you, and raised you to be great. You’re a good guy, Aaron. I think so, and so do a lot of other people,” I nudged him, praying he’d lift his head and look at me.
I shivered as we sat there in the dark on the beach. Silence surrounded us, but for Aaron it seemed to be his savior. I watched as his past finally started to fall away, and the prospect of a future together grew. “You’re right,” he finally broke the silence between us. “Where’s Brooklyn?” It was as if he finally realized that I was alone.
“Emma’s watching him. She went back to your parents’ place when I came down here,” I scanned his face trying to figure out what he was thinking.
“Come with me,” he stood, grabbed his board, and then held out his hand to me.
I went without question in awe of his determination. He led me back to his parents’ house where he put away his board and s
lipped on a pair of flipflops. He pushed the top half of his wet suit down, and tugged on a t-shirt before venturing out onto the beach once again.
We walked in the opposite direction we’d been down the beach. I’d never gone this way. It was undeveloped, and dark. The sound of the waves crashing was all that was heard as he led me through the darkness. “Trust me, ok?” he glanced over at me.
I nodded as I leaned into his side. “When I was little I was walking down here one night. I used to do dumb stuff like wander off when my dad told me not to. I found this place by accident. No one other than my parents know about it in our family,” he pointed to a tree that was growing right near the water. The waves crashed underneath it as it clung to the sand. “If you get in just the right spot, the view is beautiful,” he waited for the water to recede before tugging me underneath the branches. When the water rushed back in, he quickly lifted me into his arms so I’d stay dry. “Sit right here,” he patted a branch that was bent like a seat. “Look,” he pointed out at the water, and I was awe. It was beautiful. The moon reflected like glass on the water. Fireflies were flashing along the shore. It was like a scene from a storybook. “I wanna bring Brooklyn here sometime. I wanna share my happy place with him,” he squeezed my knee, “and you.”
“Aaron,” I stuttered. I didn’t know how to put into words what I felt. I was confused, worried, and a whole lot of other emotions that I couldn’t quite explain.
“No,” he squeezed again. “I know it’s crazy right now. I know you have to finish school. I know I don’t have a real job, or a place for the three of us, but I know I love you. We’ll figure the rest out as we go. Just trust me,” he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me against him.
“I do,” I sighed as I leaned into his chest. It was the truth. I really did. I trusted him with my heart, and now I was going to trust him with my son’s.
Epilogue
1 year later…
Aaron
“You about ready, babe?” I called from where I was packing up some toys for Brooklyn. We were getting ready to go to my parents’ house for the weekend. Emma was getting married tomorrow, and the rehearsal was tonight.
“Almost,” Mel called from somewhere down the hall. I heard footsteps and then she appeared in the doorway, “Black or red?” she held out two dresses in front of her.
“How about nothing,” I grinned as I stared at her standing there in a robe. She’d just gotten out of the shower and had been stalling on the packing all day.
“I’m serious, Aaron,” she sighed.
“You’ll look great in whatever you wear. It’s just family tonight,” I sighed. When she didn’t budge, I pointed to the red one, “that one.”
“Thanks,” she smiled before skipping back down the hall.
“Your mommy is nuts,” I looked over at where Brook was playing on the floor.
“Nuts, nuts, nuts,” he sang as he crashed two dinosaur toys together.
“Mel!” I shouted again.
“I’m coming,” she shouted back before bursting into the room with the black dress on a hanger. I don’t know why she always asked my opinion, she almost always picked whatever I didn’t.
We’d been living together now for about three months. After graduation, I moved closer to Eastman. I started helping with Brooklyn when I wasn’t at work, and when Mel graduated, she and Brook moved in. So far things have been great, and if they keep going this way I can see this as a permanent thing. I’m hoping that one day soon we’ll be the ones getting ready to have a rehearsal dinner.
“So you picked the black one, huh?” I smirked.
“Yep,” she grinned at me. “Ready?”
“Ready. Let’s go before he loses his good mood,” I nodded at Brooklyn.
“It’s a long drive. He’ll sleep for most of it,” she shrugged as she grabbed our bags and began carrying them out the door.
“You ready, buddy?” I asked as Brooklyn stood up.
He raced over and threw himself into my arms. “Up, Daddy,” he giggled. I paused for a moment as I let it wash over me. He’d just started calling me daddy a few days ago. I didn’t correct him, and Mel didn’t either. I think she was worried how I would react to it, but I assured her that it was fine. I loved the little guy, and I was the only dad he knew. His real dad didn’t have anything to do with him. Every time he called me daddy I thought about Avery and how she let me call her mom. It was natural for me, and growing up it made me feel special to have a mom that chose me. I chose to be a part of Brooklyn’s life, and I hoped when he was older he’d look back and know that I always wanted him.
“Let’s get out here before Mommy finds another reason to slow us down,” I laughed as I swung him in the air. He clapped before wrapping his arms around my neck.
“I heard that,” Mel grumbled playfully from the doorway.
“You love us,” I chuckled.
“That I do,” she sighed as she rolled her eyes.
“Let’s go. I promised a certain little boy a sandcastle tonight,” I headed for the car as Mel locked up the apartment.
“Beesh! Beesh!” Brooklyn clapped as we buckled him in and headed to our home away from home.
Ryan
“Mom said I could have your room once you move out,” I stood in the doorway of my sister, Emma’s room. She’d been back home for a month now, though you’d never know it. She’s getting married tomorrow, and she’s spent practically every day at Brock’s. I think they’ve been breaking in his new place. “I’ve got big plans,” I grinned when she finally looked up and acknowledged me.
“Oh, really?” she narrowed her eyes. “What? A few posters with some bimbos, or a home gym? Dad’s not going to let you turn it into a ‘love nest’— you know that, right?”
“Love nest? Really Em? What kinda guy do you think I am?” I teased. I knew what she meant. She’s caught me plenty of times with a girl. I thought I’d never lose my virginity with the way she had a habit of walking in on me.
“You’re more creative than that, huh,” she laughed.
“I’m more careful than that,” I chuckled.
“So, who’s the flavor of the week?” she smirked.
“What do you take me for?” I scoffed. “I’m not a manwhore,” I slapped my chest, feigning innocence.
“Right?” she rolled her eyes. “I know that every time I came home from school there was a new one. I will say, at least they had brains.”
“Speaking of brains,” I chuckled. “Have you met that girl Cade’s been following around?”
“She’s never going to give him the time of day. She’s too old for him right now anyway,” she laughed.
“He’ll learn,” I shrugged. Cayden always was a rockhead when it came to women. I think over the years he’s worked hard to keep up with his big bro. Aaron was the ultimate player until he met Melinda. She tamed him just like my sister tamed Brock. “Someone in this family has to keep its reputation alive. Dad is proud of my exploits.”
“Oh he is, huh?” my dad startled me when he slapped me on the shoulder. “We’re all set for tonight,” he tipped his head toward Em. “I can’t believe my baby is getting married,” he sighed and got this faraway look in his eyes.
“What about me? I’m your baby too,” I held my arms out.
“I’m not worried about you. You’ll never marry. You can’t man up and go after your girl,” Dad shrugged before walking away.
“He’s right, you know,” Emma smiled at me.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I sighed.
“Keep telling yourself that. She’s coming tonight so you better be nice,” she wagged her finger at me.
“She’s in Cali right now. Didn’t you here? She’s a big time surfer. Even Billabong wants her,” I grumbled before turning and leaving her there. I didn’t need Em telling me anything more about Jess. The fact that she was coming tonight was enough for me to deal with. Do you think I’m going to let it bother me, though? Nope. Time to find a d
ate for the night. I plan to have a hot little number by my side for when Jessica Ryland shows up tonight. She may be a superstar in the surfing world, but she’s nothing to me.
The End
Coming Soon
Finding the Green Room- Jess and Ryan
Trusting You Playlist
Middle of a Memory- Cole Swindell
I Know Somebody- LOCASH
The Way I Was- Music from Jem and the Holograms
Walk Through Fire- Zayde
Don’t Let Me Go- Bandit Heart
Road Less Traveled- Lauren Alaina
Think A Little Less- Michael Ray
Yours If You Want It- Rascal Flatts
Please Don’t Go- Joel Adams
What Ifs- Kane Brown
Woke Up In Nashville- Seth Ennis
Burn- Jessie Chris
At My Best- Machine Gun Kelly
Now or Never- Halsey
Take It Out On Me- Florida Georgia Line
Yours- Russel Dickerson
Light Me Up- Ingrid Michaelson
Can You Hold Me- Britt Nicole
Already Broken- Harlin James
In the Blood- John Mayer
Get to You- Michael Ray
Other Works by H. D’Agostino
The Second Chances Series
Unbreak Me
The Boy Next Door
The One That Got Away
Inside Out- A Second Chances Novella
Fallen From Grace
The Family Next Door
The Shattered Series
Destined
Shattered
Restored
Renewed
Fated
The Broken Series
Irreparably Broken
Saving Us
Trusting You (The Sutter Family Book 2) Page 15