A Dream I Used To LOVE

Chapter 23

Chris had been very distressed lately. He didn't know how to confront his siblings or Mrs. Scott. After much deliberation, he decided to smooth things out with Mrs. Scott first. As promised she was back for Christmas. This time she made a real effort in trying to understand and support her children. Chris wanted me to smooth this out with her as well but I decided to give her space for my own safety and sanity.

She had warmed up to Chris because she realized that he was a major part of her children's lives and she couldn't just ill-treat him if she wanted to win over them.

Chris had never had a mother figure for most of his life. He always craved for that. Seeing Mrs. Scott's transformation, he wanted to give it another chance. I could see that he was happier and calmer and I was truly happy for him. He deserved that and more. Growing up without parents is hard for anybody, he practically never had a childhood. He was so selfless and caring towards the people he loved, sometimes I wished that I could take all his pain away but I couldn't, I just couldn't. The least I could do was to give him some time with Mrs. Scott and his siblings. 

She stayed over for more than a week this time. I knew I had to be more careful around her. She hadn't warmed up to me at all but around Chris, she treated me differently, better. I knew that my father's dream was at stake. He had done everything for me, he had always supported me, leaving the superficial stuff aside, he always loved me unconditionally. I loved him the most and I never wanted my decisions to backfire on him. He was honest and hardworking and he should get credit for that.

The Scott children and I had become very fond of each other, and they did mention that time and again to Mrs. Scott. Mrs. Scott didn't like my presence around her kids. She always looked at me with contempt in her eyes when I was around them. Somehow I got a feeling she wanted me out of Chris's life as well and so I kept my distance.

Chris POV

I had to make amends with Mrs. Scott, after all even she was hurt and betrayed.
Once I started talking to her I realized she was genuinely a good listener. She wanted to know more about me and how life had been in the past few years. She asked a lot of questions about Tyler, Keith, and Kathy which made me realize that she missed them. If my making amends with her would help my siblings then I would try my best.

She liked Audrey a lot I suppose, she was the topic for most of our discussions. I didn't expect her to warm up to Audrey that quick. 

"Chris, tell me more about you and Audrey. She's a darling isn't she"
"Yes, Mrs. Scott" It felt good finally telling an adult about my first serious relationship. To be very honest when I started talking to Audrey I thought she would be no more than a fling but she had changed me these past months and I couldn't imagine my life without her at this point. My childhood was filled with listening to Tyler and Keith and in the process, I stopped talking about my emotions and anxieties. Kathy was going through an emotional turmoil herself, and I couldn't burden her further but ever since Audrey came into my life I felt loved. I felt like I mattered and if she would support me through it all. 

All these years I had learned one thing, that there was no forever but this time I really wished for one. I never wanted this to end.
"Oh please call me Mariana or Mama if you are comfortable with that"
"Yes, Mariana I am" because of her support and persistence I was able to gather the strength to talk to Mariana. I knew she wasn't completely comfortable around Mariana but not once did she let that come in her way. She encouraged me regardless of her problems with her.

"Tell me more about her Chris, you can talk to me"

I had finally started trusting Mariana in my sheer excitement I told her almost everything there was to tell about Audrey "Well I adore her, I've never felt the urge to keep talking to someone or to see them again and again"

"Love does that to people Chris"

"Love? No Mariana that's not love" 

"Oh, Chris you are too naive. When I started seeing..."

I had zoned out. Was I in love? Audrey meant so much to me. These past few months all I could think about was her, her problems troubled me and I wanted to see her every day. I wanted to be around her all the time. Nobody ever bothered listening to me, she understood me, I loved her. I loved her. The mere thought excited me, I had never felt this way before. When she said 'Love' I did realize I had loved her all along. Throughout these 6 months, Audrey was the only constant in my life.

"Thank you Mariana" I got up and left. I wanted to talk to her immediately. I didn't want to wait for another day.

I called her up immediately "Hi Addie"

She sounded very sleepy "Did I disturb you?"

"No Chris. Mia flew in yesterday. We were up all night talking. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. So did you talk to Kathy yet?"

"No" and I knew I couldn't keep hiding the truth from Kathy any longer "Can we talk?"

"You can come over for Christmas Eve dinner we'll talk then if it's fine with you. Even Rose is coming. I can come and meet you if it's urgent. It's just that Mia is also here and I don't want her to feel as if I'm neglecting her."

"I will definitely be there" as much as I wanted to tell her I also knew that I needed to give her some time. I knew that she was very close to Mia and that the dinner meant a lot to her.