“Unfortunately yes. People are reckless and stupid. They don’t think about the repercussions of their actions.” He said.
“You’re right, they don’t. They do whatever they want, and never take any responsibility for their actions.” Hayley nodded.
“Exactly.” Lucas nodded.
“So when you do get time off, do you always come here to Fat Harry’s?” She asked.
“Only sometimes. Nick and I go to Knology…” He frowned.
“You play baseball?” Hayley smiled.
“Not very well. We just go hit a few balls. Male bonding type of thing.” Lucas laughed.
“I used to love baseball.” Hayley smiled.
“You used to?” Lucas frowned. “What happened?”
“Owain happened. There wasn’t time to go to baseball games.” Hayley admitted with a sigh. “And when I went back to work, there was never any time. We haven’t been on vacation, because every time we plan a trip, something just comes up.”
“It must be hard doing this all by yourself.” Lucas leaned a little closer to her.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love him to death, he’s everything to me, but sometimes it is really hard. It would be much easier if I had some help, but usually Owain has that ability to make them run for the hills. Melody and Grace are about the only two other people that he trusts…” Hayley blurted out and Lucas raised his eyebrows at her. She shrugged apologetically and shook her head. “Sorry, I was just…”
“Being honest.” Lucas smiled at her.
“I don’t want to burden you with my problems.” She shook her head.
“Don’t worry, Hayley.” Lucas said softly and covered her hands with his. “If you need anything, I’m here. Even if it’s just to talk.”
Hayley looked at his hands over hers, then looked at him. “Thank you.”
Lucas smiled slightly and abruptly let go of her hands. “Hey little man.”
Hayley sucked in a deep breath and looked over her shoulder at Owain.
“Am I interrupting another grown-up moment?” Owain asked.
“No, of course not.” She shook her head.
“Okay.” Owain shrugged and sat back down again. “Where’s your family, Lucas?”
“My parents are in Jacksonville, that’s where I grew up.” Lucas looked at Owain.
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Owain asked and Hayley looked at Lucas.
“I did have a brother, but he died a few years ago.” Lucas said and looked at Hayley.
“I’m so sorry.” Hayley said and he gave her a nod.
“So it’s just you?” Owain asked.
“Yes, it’s just me.” Lucas smiled at him.
“I know how that feels.” Owain rolled his eyes.
“It’s not just you, little man, you have your mom.” Lucas frowned at Owain.
“I suppose, but it’s not the same.” Owain sighed. Hayley and Lucas exchanged glances and suddenly Owain’s head snapped upward.
“Owain…” Hayley breathed when she noticed the sly smile on her son’s face.
“I have an idea.” Owain smiled.
“Owain, don’t even think about it.” Hayley warned.
“What?” Lucas asked.
“It’s nothing.” Hayley shook her head and looked at Lucas.
Lucas raised his finger and pressed it against his mouth, and looked at Owain. “Tell me, little man.”
“I know how I can’t be all by myself.” Owain announced proudly.
“And how is that?” Lucas asked.
“Owain…” Hayley sighed.
“You can help Mom to have a baby.” Owain said. “Therefore, helping me.”
Lucas opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He looked over at Hayley, who was shaking her head in disapproval, her cheeks flushed. Lucas looked back at Owain and he let out a very amused laugh.
“You are one of the smartest kids I have ever met.” Lucas laughed.
“Don’t try to change the subject.” Owain narrowed his eyes. “Will you help me, or not?”
“Don’t I get any say in this?” Hayley frowned.
“Not really, Mom.” Owain shook his head.
“I’ll think about it, buddy.” Lucas smiled and looked at Hayley.
“You’ll think about it.” Owain repeated.
“Is that okay?” Lucas looked at Owain.
“I guess so. At least you didn’t say no.” Owain shrugged.
“I’m so sorry.” Hayley whispered and looked at Lucas.
Lucas shook his head and chuckled softly. “Your kid is awesome!”
“Am I really one of the smartest kids you’ve ever met?” Owain asked after a slight pause.
“Yes, absolutely.” Lucas nodded at him.
“It’s probably because Mom is a teacher.” Owain said.
“Then she must be a really good teacher.” Lucas looked at Hayley.
“She is. She teaches me a lot of things.” Owain nodded. “She taught me not to talk with my mouth open, and to eat all my vegetables, and to always put the toilet seat down when I am done.”
“That’s impressive.” Lucas smiled at him. “Most guys can’t even get two of those right.”
Hayley let out a soft laugh and Lucas looked at her.
“Mom, I need to go to the bathroom.” Owain said.
“Do you want me to take him?” Lucas offered.
“No, I can do it myself. I’m five, not three.” Owain rolled his eyes and stood up.
“Hurry back.” Hayley grinned and they watched Owain walk towards the restrooms.
“He likes you.” Hayley looked at Lucas.
“What’s not to like?” Lucas grinned and Hayley burst out laughing.
“Wow, you aren’t modest at all.” She laughed and Lucas grinned proudly.
“But seriously, how can you tell?” Lucas asked.
“Because if he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t be talking to you.” Hayley said. “That’s the way he is.”
“That’s good to know. I like him too.” Lucas smiled at her.
“He’ll be happy to hear that.” Hayley smiled.
“But you’re right, you know. About us looking alike.” Lucas frowned. “It’s weird. When he came up to me in the store, it was as if I knew him.”
“Why do you say that?” Hayley asked.
“He reminds me of my brother actually.” Lucas frowned. “And I have no idea why.”
“That doesn’t make sense at all.” Hayley chuckled.
“How old were you when you had him?” Lucas asked.
“Twenty one.” Hayley answered after a slight pause.
“That would make you twenty six now, right.” He asked.
“Correct.” Hayley nodded.
“I wouldn’t have thought you were a mother of a five year old.” Lucas said. “You look really good.”
“Thank you. Good genes probably.” Hayley smiled slightly and noticed Owain approaching the table. “Did you manage?”
“Yes, Mom. I’m not a baby.” Owain rolled his eyes and sat down.
As they were driving home, Hayley glanced back at Owain, sleeping on the back seat. She smiled at herself, sat back in the seat and glanced over at Lucas and noticed a small smile on his lips.
“What?” He asked, his voice soft and low.
“I had a really good time.” She whispered.
“So did I.” He nodded.
“I want to apologize for Owain, about the baby thing. It was completely inappropriate…” Hayley frowned.
“Don’t worry about it. He’s a smart kid, he knows what he wants and how to get it.” Lucas smiled at her.
“That’s what worries me.” Hayley sighed.
“Why?” Lucas asked.
“I don’t want him to use that to his advantage, in the wrong way.” Hayley said.
“As long as he has you, he won’t. You’re doing an amazing job with him.” Lucas said.
“Thank you.” Hayley smiled at him. “And thank you for
tonight. Not any guy would give up a night to put up with all of this.”
“It was my pleasure.” Lucas smiled.
He drove up the driveway of her house and switched off the car. He looked over at her and gave her a slight smile. “We should do this again sometime.”
“Yes, we should.” Hayley nodded.
“How about Wednesday?” Lucas asked.
“Wednesday is good.” She whispered.
Lucas and Hayley glanced at each other for another few seconds. Hayley frowned slightly when she heard Owain move around on the backseat and both she and Lucas looked over at him.
“Are we home yet?” He asked, sleepily.
“Yes, baby. We are.” Hayley nodded.
“Then why are we still in the car?” Owain asked, rubbing his eyes.
“I was just asking your mom if you two are free on Wednesday.” Lucas said to him.
“What’s happening on Wednesday?” Owain asked.
“Do you like baseball, Owain?” Lucas asked.
“Baseball?” Hayley asked.
“There’s a game on Wednesday afternoon, if you want to go.” Lucas looked at her.
“Sounds like fun.” Hayley nodded. “Who’s playing?”
“The Blue Jays, against the Sand Gnats.” Lucas said with a smile.
“Okay, I’ll go.” Owain nodded.
“Fantastic!” Lucas turned back to Hayley. “Do you want me to pick you up at school?”
“No, we’ll meet you there. If that’s okay.” Hayley said.
“Yeah, absolutely!” Lucas nodded with a smile.
Hayley opened her door and climbed out. Lucas climbed out of the car as well and ran over to Owain’s door. He opened it for her and she helped Owain out.
“Mom, can I have the keys?” He asked.
“Sure baby.” She handed him the house keys.
“Bye Luke. I had fun!” Owain ran up to him and gave him a hug.
“You’re welcome, buddy. I’ll see you on Wednesday, okay.” Lucas messed up his hair and watched as Owain ran up the steps and unlocked the front door.
“He definitely likes you.” Hayley turned back to Lucas.
“I like him too, he’s a great kid. You’re doing a great job with him.” Lucas smiled at her.
“Thank you.” She nodded and looked at him.
“I’ll see you guys on Wednesday.” Lucas said after a slight pause.
“Yes, absolutely.” Hayley nodded. “Thanks again for a great dinner.”
“You’re welcome.” Lucas smiled at her.
Hayley walked down the path leading to the house and stopped in front of the steps. She looked at him over her shoulder and smiled. “Bye Lucas.”
“Bye Hayley.” Lucas gave her a nod and climbed back into his car.
Hayley watched as he backed out of the driveway and drove down the road. She entered the house and closed the door behind her.
“Owain?” Hayley called out to him as she put her handbag down on the counter.
“Yes, Mom?” He called out from his room.
“Can you come here for a second?” She asked.
Owain came out of his room and looked at her.
“Did you have fun?” She walked over to him.
“Fat Harry’s is always fun.” He shrugged.
“Did you have fun with Lucas?” She rephrased her question.
“Not as much fun as you had with him, Mom.” Owain said. “You like him.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Owain.” Hayley crossed her arms. “I don’t even know him that well.”
“You do, I can see it.” He said. “And he likes you too.”
“That’s crazy, Owain.” Hayley shook her head. “He’s….I’m…”
"Maybe there’s a reason why he was in the store the other night, Mom." Owain said, turned and walked down the passage to his room.
Hayley stood with her hand on her hip, and frowned to herself. She knew that there was a reason why Lucas came into their lives and she knew that everything happens for a reason. She believed in fate and destiny, but the thing she could not believe, or did not expect in the least, was the profound words that just came from her five year old son.
Lucas dropped his keys on the kitchen counter with a slight grin on his face and walked into the lounge.
“You’re home early.” Nick looked, sitting on the couch opposite the television.
“Well, hello to you too.” Lucas chuckled.
“How did it go?” Nick asked.
“It went really well. She’s amazing.” Lucas grinned.
“Did you kiss her?” Nick asked.
“With her kid there. No way.” Lucas frowned.
“Ha-ha, you’re such a gentleman.” Nick laughed. “When are you seeing them again?”
“Wednesday. I’m taking them to the game.” Lucas said.
“She likes baseball?” Nick asked.
“She used to, but when Owain was born, she had to take care of him, so she hasn’t been to a game since he was born.” Lucas explained.
“You’ve got to admire her though. Raising a kid all by herself.” Nick said.
“Yeah, I don’t know how she does it, Nick.” Lucas frowned. “And she’s five years younger than me and I can't imagine how it would feel to raise a kid by myself.”
“She looks good for a twenty six year old mom.” Nick nodded.
“Yes, she does. That kid of hers is so smart! I can’t believe he’s only five! He speaks so well.” Lucas exclaimed.
“His mom is a teacher, that’s the way it is.” Nick frowned. “But good for you for making a friend.”
“Thanks, man.” Lucas walked to the bedroom.
Chapter 6 – Reawakened Fears
Hayley’s scream shook through the house and she sat upright in her bed. She ran her fingers through her damp hair and heard the sound of Owain’s little feet coming from his room. He came around the corner and his eyes were wide with concern.
“Mommy! Mommy!” Owain said next to her and she looked over at him. “Are you okay?”
Hayley leaned forward and rested her arms on her knees. “Yes, baby. I’m okay.”
“Did you have a bad dream?” He climbed onto the bed and hugged her.
“I did have a bad dream, baby.” She nodded and held onto him.
“It’s okay, Mommy. I’m here.” He whispered and Hayley felt her eyes well up with tears. “I’ll protect you.”
“Thank you, Owain. I feel much safer now.” Hayley kissed the top of his head and let out a sigh. “You’re the best thing in my life, baby.”
“You too, Mom.” Owain said.
“Do you mind sleeping here with me tonight?” Hayley asked and Owain pulled way.
“I don’t mind, Mom. You always let me sleep with you when I have a bad dream.” He smiled at her.
“Thanks, baby.” She smiled at him.
He lay down next to her, she put her arms around him and he reached over to switch the light off. There was a moment of silence, until Owain whispered in her ear.
“I love you, Mom.” His soft voice was velvety and she closed her eyes for a moment.
“I love you too, my Owain.” Hayley felt a tear run down her cheek and she held him tighter.
She stared out the window while holding her sleeping son in her arms and another tear ran down her cheek. She blinked and wiped the tear from her cheek. She pressed her face against Owain’s head and kissed the top of his head.
“That was so cool!” Owain exclaimed as he looked down at Lucas, holding a baseball mitt. Owain was sitting on Lucas’ shoulders and both of them were wearing Blue Jays caps.
“We have to come again!” Owain said.
“Absolutely! I knew you were going to love it!” Lucas laughed and adjusted his cap. He lifted Owain off his shoulders with ease and placed him on the ground in front of him.
“Mom, can I get some ice cream?” He asked.
“Sure baby.” Hayley nodded and handed him some money.
“Thanks Mom.�
�� He smiled at her and walked over to the ice cream truck.
“Why are you so quiet?” Lucas looked at her with a slight frown. “I thought you’d have a great time, not being to a game in years.”
“I did have a great time, thank you.” Hayley smiled at him.
“Are you okay?” Lucas touched her shoulder and she looked up at him.
“I’m fine.” She looked at him. “I promise.”
“You’re sure?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.” She nodded with a smile.
“Okay.” He nodded and looked over at Owain, approaching with an ice cream cone. “Hey buddy, are you all tired out yet?”
“No.” Owain shook his head. “Where do you want to go?”
“I have the perfect place.” Lucas smiled at Owain and turned to Hayley. “You up for it?”
“Sure.” Hayley nodded and followed Lucas to the car.
Half an hour later, Hayley and Lucas were sitting on a wooden park bench, watching Owain and two of his friends from school, who was also there, playing at the park. It was a beautiful spring day in Dunedin; the sun was shining and there wasn’t a slight bit of a breeze.
“Tell me something, Hayley.” Lucas said and she looked over at him.
“Okay.” She said.
“Why is it that we live in the same street for almost two years and we have never bumped into each other until last week?” Lucas asked.
Hayley burst out laughing and looked at Lucas. “I have no idea.”
“Well, technically you bumped into me.” Lucas grinned at her, his hazel eyes sparkling.
“I said I was sorry. What more do you want?” She chuckled and looked at him.
“Right now, I’m good.” He smiled at her.
Hayley looked over at him and smiled slightly. Their eyes locked and Lucas leaned closer to her. She felt her heart rate accelerate and she could feel his breath on her face.
Suddenly there was a bloodcurdling scream and Hayley and Lucas’s heads snapped up in the direction of the playground. Owain was standing in front of the swings, and on the opposite side, a little boy laid on the grass, screaming.
“Oh my god.” Hayley breathed and she and Lucas jumped up from the bench.
They ran over to Owain and the boy. The boy stood up and she saw that he had an abrasion on his knee and elbows.
“Jimmy, are you okay?” A voice said beside her.
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