Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 46

Aurora

"I'm nervous" He spoke in a low tone, afraid his own voice would reveal his nerves. I smiled up at him as I did the tying of his tie. Harry was going to introduce himself to Layla as his father today. He was a nervous reck even though I tried countless time to reassure him that he had nothing to worry or be nervous about. Layla's dreamt of this day for a while herself and I had a good feeling about this. She wouldn't hesitate to welcome him with open arms.

"She will love you Harry, I promise."

"What if she doesn't?"

"She already does. Just calm down. She can read you like a book and if she sees that you're nervous and worried, she will get nervous and worried." I pulled the last string of the tie, making sure it was on securely. I placed my hands on his shoulders and gave him a warm smile. "Breath."

He took a deep breath in and exhaled out, his nerves already calming down a few notches. "I'm ready."

We left the bedroom to the kitchen. Odyssey had prepared a dinner for the three of us that way the conversation would be easier to ease into with a full stomach. Layla sat on one side of the table with her plate all ready. I walked over, taking a seat next to her. Harry hesitated a bit, but followed suit afterwards, sitting across of the both of us.

"I've prepared vegetable fried rice and shrimp. Chicken for the baby." I thanked Odyssey for the meal and asked her to join us, but she refused.

"Have a goodnight and enjoy your dinner. I'll be upstairs if you need me." I watched as she disappeared through the door. Odyssey was dissatisfied with the decision I made. She listed all the things that could go wrong, but in the end she was supportive nonetheless.

"Layla, how was school today?"

"Mhh, it was good. We are learning how to add two digit numbers and I made a new friend."

"That's nice sweetheart. What is your friends name?"

"His name is Jackson and he is very cute." Harry began coughing hysterically from where he was sitting and water splashed out from his mouth.

I quickly grabbed tissue paper and handed it to him, "Are you okay?"

He gazed at Layla before averting his attention back to me, "I am fine yes, sorry I think the water went down wrong." I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing.

•

"Layla, let's go over to the couch so we can talk okay? There is something I want to tell you."

"Okay."

I led her to the couch and sat her down next to me. Harry sat on the opposite side. I looked over at him, discreetly motioning for him to begin but he nervously shook his head no. I purses my lips, giving him a slight nod before turning my attention back to Layla.

I took her hand in mine, "Do you remember how you said you wanted to meet daddy?"

"Yes, but I don't think I want to anymore." Her words had caught me by surprise. Harry stiffened in his spot and looked at me with furrowed brows and worry.

"Why not baby?" I proceeded to question her.

"I don't know. I don't think daddy wants to meet me so that is okay. Maybe he is very busy working. I don't want to meet him mommy. I'm sorry."

I looked over at Harry. His head hung low and his gaze was stuck to the floor. I can tell he was hurting, he was excited for this moment to say the least. I don't know what made Layla change her mind suddenly. She has never felt this way before. "It's okay Layla. You don't have to if that's what you chose."

"I don't want to."

"Okay."

"And I don't want Harry to leave. He's my friend. What if daddy doesn't like Harry and makes him go away? If he leaves I won't see him anymore. Or Harper, she is my friend too."

Harry's head snapped up at the mention of his name. His eyes once again glistening with hope. "Baby, Harry is-"

He cut my sentence short as I went to tell her the truth. He scooted closer to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder "I'm not going anywhere Alaska. I promise you, neither is Harper."

"Thanks for being my friend."

"You're welcome munchkin."

"Can I go upstairs to play with Aiden and Saturn now?"

"Sure." She jumped off the couch, quickly scurrying off upstairs. I turned my attention to Harry, "Why did you do that for?"

"What do you mean?"

"I was going to tell her that you are her father Harry, it's clear she loves you and wants you around, knowing this it will be easier on her and it'll ease her of the pain she feels thinking that her father doesn't want to see her."

"You heard her Aurora. She's not ready to meet me as her father. I think it'll be best for the both of us if we just keep things the way they are for now. Maybe in the near future I can reintroduce myself to her, but for now let's not get into it. I don't want to disappoint her."

"When is the near future? When she's old enough to realize that you've been lying to her? That we've been lying to her about everything. It'll hurt her even more when she finds out the truth and I don't know about you but I don't like seeing my daughter hurt."

"I don't want to see her hurt either Aurora! That's why it's best to keep it from her for now."

"That isn't what's best for her Harry. I'm sorry if you feel it's easier to have her thinking you're just a friend, but I'm going to tell her. Tonight."

"Aurora please."

I stood from the couch, turning away from him, "It's getting late. You should go."

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