The Walks of Life

Chapter Twenty-Three

Veronica took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She heard lots of noise coming from the inside of the building. It was usually pretty noisy. She heard heavy footsteps coming towards the door. It open slowly and she looked up into the shocked face of Lloyd Garmadon.

"Veronica," he said her name slowly and carefully. "Why are you here?"

"I came to see my son," Veronica kept her face blank, betraying no emotion.

"You gave him up, Veronica," Lloyd did his best to remain calm but he could feel the anger bubbling up. "You're not welcome here."

Veronica narrowed her eyes at him. Lloyd crossed his arms and stood his ground.

"Why don't you let Haden decided that?" Veronica hissed.

"You broke his heart," Lloyd shook his head. "I'm not letting you in."

"I'm Aiden's mother," Veronica gritted her teeth. "I have a right to see him."

Lloyd glared at her. He was beyond angry at this point. What right did she have to drop a baby off with Haden, claim never to want anything to do with it, break his son's heart, and then try to waltz right back in almost two years later.

"No." Lloyd slammed the door in her face.

"Who was that, sweetheart?" Aira asked from the kitchen.

"Nobody of consequence," Lloyd retorted.

The tone in Lloyd's voice triggered alarm bells in Aira's head. She knew her husband better than she knew herself and she knew that that wasn't just anybody. She dried her hands from washing the dishes and walked into the hall.

"Lloyd, I know you too well," Aira put her hands on her hips. "Who was that?"

"Aira, please!" Lloyd pleaded. "Don't let that that witch back into our lives!"

"Lloyd! Who on earth are you talking about?" Aira reached for her distraught husband. Men need comforting too. She wrapped her arms around him and he buried his hand in the crook of her neck.

"Veronica is out there. She already shattered Haden's heart," Lloyd lifted his head and sighed. "I don't want her in our lives. We forgive and forgive and forgive. I don't want to forgive her."

"I'm not going to make you," Aira looked concerned and upset. "What did she want?"

"She wants to see Aiden," Lloyd rubbed his face.

"I don't want her here anymore than you do, Lloyd," Aira shook her head. "But I think this is Haden's decision. Not ours."

"I know," Lloyd conceded. "I just want to protect him."

"I know," Aira kissed him lightly. "That's why you are such a wonderful father "

Lloyd smiled and kissed her lightly on the mouth. Then he turned to find Haden.

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"What do you mean Veronica is here?" Haden exclaimed.

"She says she wants to see Aiden," Lloyd shook his head. "I don't want her here but ultimately it's your decision."

"Is she still outside?" Haden asked.

"I don't think so," Lloyd shook his head. "I turned her away rather harshly, but she might be back."

"I need some time to think," Haden sighed.

"Here, I'll take Aiden," Lloyd offered. "Why don't you go somewhere to take your mind off of it?"