Babel Novel
CHAPTER 12
Lucas’ POV
Giselle went out of the country, and I drove her to the airport last night. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss knowing that I would miss her. With nothing to do at our love nest, I returned home, only to be greeted by darkness.
As I walked into my room, I collided with a woman, and her vomit stained my shirt. Frustrated, I cursed loudly, but she was too intoxicated to comprehend what had happened. The temptation to do something terrible to this drunken woman loomed over me, but I resisted.
I took the responsibility of cleaning up the mess she had made, but I didn’t bother changing her clothes-why would I? Instead, I took a shower and went to bed. However, falling asleep wasn’t easy.
Thoughts of my son, Enrique, filled my mind. Neglecting his growth was my own doing, driven by my resentment toward his mother. Yet, spending just a few hours with him felt strangely liberating. He was smart and kind, and I couldn’t deny the similarities between us. Opening my heart to my child brought me happiness, but my feelings toward Zara remained unchanged.
These thoughts occupied my mind until I finally drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, I found Enrique in the kitchen, reaching for cereal on the top shelf. Curious about Zara’s absence, I asked him about her whereabouts.
He informed me that she was still snoring and didn’t want to wake up. It seemed she had indulged in too much drinking the night before. Determined to make breakfast for Enrique and myself, I toasted bread and fried eggs, and bacon. As we ate, he shared stories that brought me joy.
I realized that my child had grown smart and kind without my notice, overshadowed by my animosity. Slowly, regret started to seep in. Zara showed no intention of waking up, so I decided to be my son’s chauffeur for the day.
Looking at him, I felt a sudden sadness, realizing that our time together was limited. Soon, Zara and Enrique would be taken away by that arrogant fool, Nick, a son from a well-known family, wealthy and extravagant. The mere thought of him stealing them from me ignited an unfamiliar anger.
As I started the car and began driving, Enrique surprised me by speaking.
“Thank you, Mr. Blackwood, for being there, even if it’s just an agreement,” he said, revealing his knowledge of our situation.
He didn’t call me Daddy or Papa, a reminder of the time I lashed out at him when he attempted to do so. Guilt began to consume me. What had I done to deserve this child? He was a blessing I had rejected for so long.
I stopped the car and smiled, brushing his hair gently. The word “son” now held a sweeter meaning for me. The realization that they were about to vanish from my life weighed heavily on my chest.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“Call me Dad, Enrique, at least when we’re alone,” I requested.
Later in the afternoon, I picked up Enrique from school as per our agreement. I messaged Zara, informing her of my intention to spend quality time with our son. Even though it had only been two months, I wanted to create lasting memories.
I didn’t regret giving them this opportunity. Seeing my son waiting near the guardhouse, bored and playing with a rock, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. I squatted down to his level, and as he looked up, his surprised expression was epic.
“D-Daddy? You’re here…” he stammered, still unable to believe my presence.
I smiled and gently tapped his head. At that moment, my son beamed with happiness, and when he hugged me, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Finally, I was embracing my role as a father. It only took me two days to truly become his dad, and I was slowly accepting him as my son.
However, a tinge of sadness and unease washed over me, knowing that Zara and my son would leave me in just two months. Wasn’t this what I wanted? I wanted them out of my life, but as my son grew closer to me, I realized it would be difficult to let them go.
“D-Dad?” Enrique’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “Are you okay?” he asked, concerned.
I smiled at him reassuringly. “Of course, son. Let’s go inside. It seems your mom won’t be joining us.”
He pouted. “Yeah, this happens sometimes when Mom is busy with work. She usually sends me to Antoinette’s place or Nick’s.”
Hearing that man’s name filled me with bitterness. Had Nick been involved for a long time?
Pushing those thoughts aside, I held my son’s hand as we walked towards the car. His hand was small, but it fit perfectly in mine, and for the first time, I truly felt like a father in denial. After fastening his seatbelt in the passenger seat, I started the engine and drove off.
But instead of heading home, I decided to buy sweets like ice cream and marshmallows for a movie marathon with my son. We shared a love for the same things, such as video games.
Upon reaching home, I led Enrique upstairs and helped him change his clothes. I even applied some powder on his back before putting on a shirt. We had a delightful time playing video games when the door opened, revealing a stunning woman. .
Zara looked completely different, and I could hardly recognize her. She had taken care of herself, and her hair was neatly styled. I couldn’t help but see her in a different light, realizing that I had never allowed her to express herself or look the way she wanted before. Simultaneously, a surge of emotions ignited within me, driven by the realization that she was doing all of this for that damn Nick!