Light in the darkness

17. The news

Alice watched as her son finished his dinner with a huge grin on his grimy face. His eyes sparkled happily as the sunlight touched his skin through the opened window, lightning the room with its golden light. Although she hadn't even touched her meal, her son being so incredibly happy made her forget just for a little while about the news that she needed to be brought up in their talk rather sooner than later.

Charles put down his fork and reached for the glass taking a long sip of freshly squeezed orange juice. His eyes were glued to his mother, who surely was lost in her thoughts.

Was she thinking about the mug he had accidentally smashed onto the floor a few days ago? Or about one of their best memories like playing in Pickens Park? Or about having a great time while watching movies during rainy days? It was hard to read her though.

"Mom, can we play before aunt Hermione's visit?" Charlie asked sweetly, snapping her out of her trance. His sapphire blue eyes filled with pure happiness and gratefulness for the time he had already spent with her that day.

Looking at her son right now, she saw all of the little details he inherited from his father. The way he scratched his nose while he was feeling confused, the facial lines and this charming smile, she could've died for, back when they had been deeply in love. Well, she could die for it now too, but she wouldn't admit it out loud. Not when things were that rough.

"Sweetheart, I want to talk with you." Charles raised his eyebrow curiously, but assuming from Alice's soft voice, there was nothing he should be worried about. Or at least he thought it wouldn't be that hard.

Alice raised her hand towards him and he gladly jumped off of the chair he was sitting at previously. He gladly took her palm and walked closer to her, letting her pick him up, and sat down on her knees, cuddling him closer to her chest.

"Remember when you asked me about your dad a few weeks ago?" She spoke up carefully, watching the little boy, she was holding in her arms.

Charlie furrowed a little hearing her words but nodded in confusion. Why was she bringing up this topic again? Last time she seemed to be pretty upset and it was the last thing Charles wanted for his mom, to be upset once again. But maybe there was a reason behind this talk?

"He came to see me and said that he would love to meet you whenever you feel ready." Alice let out a sigh and tried her best to stay calm for her son, even though she felt like her heart will jump out of her body in a matter of seconds.

"He wants to meet me?" Charles's voice croaked a little and he blinked his eyes a few times as he received a confirmatory nod from Alice.

It was truly happening. His dad was looking forward to seeing him. After nearly five years of not knowing who his father is, Charles had a chance to finally meet someone, who other kids called the most important man in their life.

"Are you okay with it, baby?" Alice whispered carefully, not wanting to put too much pressure on Charles.

She was well aware of how vulnerable the boy was. Undoubtedly, he needed some time to process such big news and make his decision if he wants to meet his dad or not yet. No matter what he will decide, Alice was going to be by his side, supporting him.

She wasn't afraid about Charles's and FP's meeting. She wanted her son to have a dad in his life. But Alice knew that it would be hard to suddenly "share" her son with someone else. To let him go for a weekend with his dad one day and be alone again. He had always been her whole world.

"Will you come with me?" Charlie asked shyly, raising his head slightly to look at his mom with his glossing eyes.

"Of course, darling. I will be by your side the whole time." She sent him an assuring smile and softly stroked his cheek with her thumb, giving him a slight bit of comfort.