Chapter 102-Regrets

I rolled out of bed dreading this day. Marcus had been coming over every day for a week, but I made sure he waited until the kids were home from school. He’d spend a few hours with them before leaving to go back to Florence. He even spent time at Dunham’s house getting to know his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I tried to avoid being in the same room with him whenever possible. Having him in the house, seeing him almost daily was hard enough. Some days I would leave to spend the time either at CeCe’s house or at Carter’s. Today however I wouldn’t be able to avoid him. The kids knew of Florence but today they were meeting their new soon to be step-mother. They were curious about her and wanted to meet her and I couldn’t blame them, it was only natural. It was time since they could get married now without any concerns. My official divorce decree arrived in the mail yesterday. I handed Marcus his copy when he came over then left. I didn’t want to be around any one so I took Fred and Wilma on a walk to the dog park.

I headed to the bathroom so I could shower and get myself ready for the day. The triplets were already in the dining room eating breakfast with Finley. I looked at my youngest child and recalled the heartache I had when I found her crying in her room one night. She looked at Mulo as a father figure as much as the triplets had. She would never get to meet her father, the triplets had theirs back, and Mulo no longer being around all left her hurt and confused. I was angry with Mulo all over again seeing once more the effect his actions had on my family. It was hard for her not to have a father, but I reminded her how many people she had in her life that loved her. They didn’t make up for not having a dad, but she would always have someone there for her.

“Good morning kids.” I said as I walked past them towards the kitchen to fix myself a cup of coffee.

“Mornin’ mom.” They all responded.

While my coffee brewed, I did another check of the groceries to make sure I had gotten everything at the store yesterday. It was going to be a small family cookout so that the kids could welcome Florence to the family.

“Mom.”

“Yeah sweetie?” I responded turning to see Finley.

“Can I help make the cookies.”

“I can’t do them without you. They never turn out right.” I replied smiling as I pulled the eggs out of the fridge.

The triplets came in to put their dishes in the sink then left to go get dressed. Finley and I enjoyed a fun time making cookies. She was an easy going child, and it was nearly impossible to remain in a bad mood when she was around. We had just pulled out the second batch when the Edson walked in.

“Mom can I ask you a question?” He asked.

“Of course dear. You can ask me anything you know that.”

“Why’d you do it?”

I looked up at him and saw that this was going to be the talk they had been avoiding with me. I would catch bits of things as they talked to Marcus but none of them spoke to me about how they were feeling in all this. When I asked, I got the standard ‘I’m fine’ answer.

“Finley go upstairs and get dressed dear. I need to talk to your brothers and sister.”

Even though they weren’t downstairs, I knew they would be. They still communicated without the use of words, and if this talk was going to happen, it would happen with all of them.

“Aww Mom, we aren’t finished with the cookies. Why can’t I stay?”

“Because sweetie…”

Finley threw up her hand to stop me from talking. “Yeah, yeah, yeah I know I’m not old enough. I really hate that answer.” She grumbled as she sulked out of the kitchen.

“Let’s go sit shall we.” I said directing him towards the dining room. The others were entering just as I suspected they would. “So is this about Mulo?” They all nodded. “What do you want to know exactly?”

“Why not all of it.” Elton answered with a shrug.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 102-Regrets"

Chapter 101-Reunion

Elphie looked like she had been crying and the boys all looked upset.

“What’s wrong?” I asked my heart sinking fast since Finley was still unaccounted for. “What’s happened where’s Finley?” The feeling of dread was already settling over me just from the expressions on their faces.

“She’s fine mom.” Dax said. “She’s with Carter and Vicki.”

“What why and why are you here? Not that I’m not happy to see you but I thought you were in Bridgeport.”

“Was he here yesterday?” Elphie blurted out looking on the verge of tears again. “Is that why you were acting so weird?”

The accusation in her tone was mirrored on the five faces looking at me. Mulo. I thought as I closed my eyes preparing for the onslaught of angry questions. I knew instantly what or rather who was behind her question.

Why? Why did you tell them?

Because I wanted them to know it was my fault.

But it wasn’t your place to do that. I wanted to do it in my own way so they understood.

They understand.

What were you trying to accomplish by telling them instead of letting me. They hate me enough as it is.

I was taking your suggestion and trying to be a good man. Taking responsibility for what I have done.

 “Guys let’s go have a seat please. I’ll tell you everything.” I said letting out a slow exhale. Even when he attempted to be 'helpful' he made things harder for me.

“There’s nothing to tell. Where is he? Where’s our dad?” Dunham asked.

“Will you guys give me a chance to explain? Please.”

All five of them begrudgingly filed into the living room. I could feel the hostility rolling off them. I had no clue what to tell them and I wasn’t even sure they would listen to me any way.

“How long have you known?” Dax asked after taking a seat.

“For a little while now.”

“He’s been here hasn’t he?” Dunham inquired. "He was the strange man that Kylie talked about."

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner? Nevermind Mulo answered that. He doesn’t know us because of him.” Dax sounded hurt when he said that. I understood all too well the pain of that reality. “That doesn’t change the fact that he’s our dad. We are adults, you should have told us.”

“I’m sorry, I really am. I was trying to figure out the best way to tell you all and minimize the damage.”

“I guess some things never change with you huh Mom?” Dax said coolly."Only filling us in on things when you are forced to."

"That's not what, that's not how it is this time."

They all had the same look of anger and distrust. My relationship with the triplets was already rocky and this was only going to make it worse. I was only trying to protect them and still I had to face their anger. Mulo had done this, he was the reason they were robbed in the first place, yet I was the easier target. No matter how hard I tried I always seemed to be on the losing end. I couldn’t keep going through this, there was no way I could complete this crazy task. I headed into the hall to get my phone. I sent Marcus a text letting him know they were ready to see him. He responded almost instantly.

“He’ll be here shortly.” I said walking back into the living room. “I’m going to go fix dinner.”

“We’re not hungry.” Elton replied. It was the first time he’d spoken since they got home.

“Well I’m going to cook anyway.”

I heard the five of them talking, wondering what it was going to be like to see him. The triplets had only seen pictures but Dax and Dunham remembered him. They were telling the triplets about him when the doorbell rang. The talking stopped and I waited to see if one of them would answer but it seemed as if no one was moving. I wiped my hands on the towel, took a deep breath, then went to answer the door.

Marcus 

It seemed like forever before she answered the door. I could tell by the look on her face that the talk hadn’t gone well.

“Are you ok?” I asked softly. She just shook her head as she closed the door.  “Tell me what happened.”

“They’re waiting for you.” She said ignoring my request.

I was nervous as I followed her the short distance into the living room. Knowing I had children was one thing, but getting ready to actually meet them made it very real. The two older boys looked at Amari then at me. They looked like me, but I didn’t feel a ping of recognition. I was speechless and so were they. The triplets stood together. Each of the boys standing protectively on either side of their sister. I was now officially a father of five.

“Um that’s Dax.” Amari said being the first to break the silence. She pointed towards the one in the blue tshirt with dreads. “And that one is Dunham.” She continued pointed towards the young man with the shorter hair. “Elphie is easy since she’s the only girl. On her left is Elton and on her right is Edson.”

“Oh my God, Dad it’s really you.” The one she said was Dunham spoke first. He slowly walked towards me as if he were seeing a ghost before quickly wrapping his arms around me in a hug.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 101-Reunion"