54
Sabrina’s POV
Nicholas took a deep breath, trying to contain his emotions. “Hazel, It’s unfair to blame Sabrina. She just wants to help and support Charlie.‘
Hazel didn’t budge, her face still filled with anger. “You don’t understand! Every time she’s around, I feel like I’m losing control of my life. Charlie is my child, and I won’t let him be influenced by outsiders!”
I felt hurt hearing those words. “Hazel, I’m not an outsider, I care about Charlie and want what’s best for him. I don’t want to take anything from you,” I said firmly.
Nicholas tried to mediate, “We all care about Charlie. Let’s talk about this calmly. We can find a way to work together for Charlie’s sake.”
But Hazel seemed entrapped in her emotions, unwilling to listen. “I don’t want to hear it! You don’t know how hard it is to be a mother!” Her voice broke, revealing the depth of her pain.
I felt heavy, trying to stay calm even as the situation worsened. “Hazel, we all have our own challenges. Let’s talk about this openly, without blaming each other.“,
I hoped to ease the tension, but I knew this process wouldn’t be easy.
I opened my mouth, trying to explain. “Hazel, I never tried to take Charlie away from you. I just-
“Don’t you dare mention his name in front of me!” Hazel cut in with a growl. “He’s my son! It’s none of your business!”
The pain in my chest deepened at Hazel’s words. Her voice was filled with anger, and I could feel the tension hanging in the air.
“I understand that Charlie is your son,” I replied calmly, trying to defuse the situation. “But I also care about him. I don’t want anything bad to happen to him.”
Nicholas stood beside me, trying to create space for us to talk. “Hazel, we all want what’s best for Charlie. We need to work together, not attack each other.”
Hazel glared at me as if searching for a gap to strike further “You don’t have the right to control my life or his. I’m the one taking care of him, and I don’t need your help!!
I held my breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “I don’t want to control, Hazel. I just want to be there for Charlie, He needs people around him who care.”
There was a brief silence, and I could see doubt on Hazel’s face. Perhaps deep down, she knew I didn’t mean any harm. However, her fear and protectiveness made it hard for her to see clearly.
I fell silent, the words I wanted to say catching in my throat. It felt as though my entire body was pelted with accusations I couldn’t refute, even though I knew I was innocent. Nicholas stood beside me, his face dark with suppressed emotions.
“Hazel, enough,” Nicholas finally said, his voice firm. “Charlie ran away from home because he missed Sabrina, and that’s not his fault. If you want to be angry, be angry at me. I’m the one who decided to take him.”
Hazel scoffed. “You always defend him, Nicholas. No matter how he destroys our family!”
Nicholas sighed deeply, and I could see how tired he was. “m sorry,” he said softly, looking at me. “I didn’t want to get you caught up in this conflict.”
“It’s okay,” I replied, although my heart still trembled from the tension. “I just want everything to be alright for Charlie.”
We stood in front of the apartment door, the atmosphere silent and tense. The sound of the door slamming still echoed in my ears, and I felt a heavy burden in my chest.
“We have to take care of Charlie,” Nicholas continued. “He shouldn’t see us fighting”
I nodded, agreeing. “He needs peace, and we need to find a way to resolve this well.”
Nicholas looked at me gently. “We’ll find a time to talk again. For now, let’s focus on Charlie and make sure he feels safe.”
Slowly, I reached for his hand, feeling the support he offered. Even though this conflict wasn’t over, I knew we would face everything together.
Nicholas turned to me, his eyes full of apology. “Sabrina, forgive her. Forgive me too. This shouldn’t have happened.”
I lowered my head, nodding slowly. “It’s okay,” I whispered, even though my heart felt shattered. I knew today was the price I had to pay for a brief happiness with Charlie.
Nicholas sighed, looking weighed down by everything that had happened. “We’ll find a way to get through this, 1 promise,” he said softly.
I wanted to believe his words, but the pain gnawing at my heart made me doubt. “I just want Charlie to be okay,” I replied, trying to hide my emotions.
Nicholas nodded, understanding the burden I carried. “We need to talk to Hazel again. Maybe she needs time to reflect, but we can’t let this tension continue.”
I agreed, though anxious feelings still clouded my mind. “Yes, I hope she can see that I just want to help, not interfere.”
Nicholas smiled faintly, trying to offer encouragement. “You’ve done more than enough. We all care about Charlie, and that’s what matters.”
We returned to the apartment in silence. There was no conversation between us during the ride home. My heart still felt heavy, and the sting on my cheek from Hazel’s slap kept reminding me of what had just happened. Once inside, I slowly took off my shoes, trying to calm myself.
Inside the apartment, the atmosphere felt quiet. I took a deep breath, trying to soothe my troubled thoughts. Every step felt heavy, and as I took off my shoes, I felt a weight that seemed unwilling to leave.
Nicholas followed my lead, looking just as restless. He placed his bag in the corner and looked at me. okay?” he asked gently, though I could see the worry in his eyes.
“Are you
I nodded, although my voice trembled. “I just need a moment.” Remembering Hazel’s slap and her words made me feel shattered. “All of this is so hard.”
