57
Nicholas’s POV
I started the car engine, checking the rearview mirror to ensure Charlie was comfortably seated in the back with his seatbelt fastened.
“Dad,” Charlie’s voice broke the silence. I glanced at the miror, noticing his innocent face filled with curiosity.
“Where’s Mom Sabrina? Why isn’t she coming with us?”
Taking a deep breath, I tried to formulate an answer that would comfort Charlie without adding to his worries. Guilt washed over me, but I was determined to keep my son in a cheerful mood.
1 paused for a moment, trying to choose my words carefully I knew how much Charlie missed Sabrina, but I didn’t want to complicate things further with Hazel.
She sat next to me, and Hazel’s expression darkened as soon as Sabrina’s name was mentioned. I took a deep breath, attempting to string together simple words that would adequately explain to Charlie.
Anxiety began to weigh on my heart, but I knew this was important.
I saw Charlie looking at me with hopeful eyes, and I felt compelled to provide an explanation that might make him feel better. In an instant, I resolved to keep communication open for Charlie’s sake and to prevent arry further
tension.
“Mom Sabrina is resting, sweetheart,” I replied, glancing at Charlie in the mirror. “She was tired after playing with you yesterday, so I told her to rest at home to get better.”
Charlie nodded, although his expression showed a hint of confusion. “But I miss Mom Sabrina,” he said softly, his voice full of hope.
My heart ached at that. “I know, darling. Mom Sabrina misses you too. We can find a time for you to see her again,” I said, trying to soothe his feelings.
In the backseat, I could see Hazel’s face tense up, but I focused on Charlie. It was important for him to feel loved and cared for, so I was determined to keep the atmosphere positive despite the challenges ahead.
Charlie nodded slightly, though his face showed disappointment. “Then after school, I want to see Mom Sabrina again. I want to tell her about my friends at school.”
A small smile appeared on my face at his enthusiasm. “Dad will see, okay? If Mom Sabrina rests enough, maybe
she can.”
I felt a bit of tension between Hazel and me, but my focus remained on Charlie. Seeing his excitement gave me the drive to fight for his happiness.
“Make sure to tell her lots of interesting things, okay? Mom Sabrina will love to hear all about it,” I added, hoping to provide a little comfort for Charlie. He deserved happy moments, even though the situation was still complicated.
However, before the conversation could continue, Hazel’s voice cut sharply through the air. “Charlie, you have to remember that Mom Sabrina isn’t your real mom,” she said tersely. “The mom who is always here for you is me.”
Her words felt like a knife cutting through the air, and I could feel the tension rising in the car. Charlie looked confused, caught between listening to his mother and his hope to see Sabrina.
I gripped the steering wheel tighter, holding back the anger that began to boil inside me. Charlie glanced at Hazel in confusion before lowering his head, causing my heart to ache even more.
57
+25 BONUS
“But Mom Sabrina is nice to me too,” Charlie replied softly his voice nearly drowned out. His affection for Sabrina felt genuine, making me want to protect him even more.
“Enough, Hazel,” I said firmly, cutting her off before she could speak again. “We’re not discussing that right now.”
The atmosphere in the car felt tense. I tried to keep my focus on Charlie, who appeared increasingly anxious.” What matters is how you feel, Charlie. We all want you to feel good,” I continued, trying to ease the situation.
Hazel fell silent, but I could sense the tension between us. Deep down, I was determined to protect Charlie’s feelings.
Hazel crossed her arms, silent yet clearly still harboring anger. I glanced back at Charlie through the mirror. His small face looked downcast, causing guilt to swell in my chest.
The r
rest of the drive to school was spent in silence. Upon arriving at the school gate, Thelped Charlie unbuckle his seatbelt and took his hand as we got out of the car.
will you pick me up later?” Charlie asked, his voice filled with the innocence only a child could possess.
I nodded, leaning down slightly to meet his gaze, “Of course. I’ll definitely pick you up. You study hard, okay?” Charlie smiled faintly before running through the school gate. Watching him go, I felt a bit calmer, though my heart was still filled with worry. I stood there for a moment watching his small back disappear among his friends. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the playground. The air was crisp and cool, a welcome change from the oppressive heat of the day. But the chill didn’t reach my bones. The cold was inside me, a constant reminder of the choices I had to make, the path I had to tread.
I needed to keep my promise to Charlie. It was a tightrope walk, a balancing act that could easily go wrong. But I had to try. For Charlie and for myself.
When I returned to the car, Hazel was already glaring at me with a sharp expression. She appeared more resolute Her words were direct and heavy with pressure.
I felt the tension in the air rise. “You need to stop involving Sabrina in Charlie’s life,” she said, her voice laced with a warning tone.
I held my breath, trying to remain calm even as anger began to swell within me. The urge to protect Charlie grew stronger, but I knew that arguing further would only worsen the situation.
