The Fall Bride (TSBS-3) ON HOLD

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Our failings are not always something to fix... But they are something we must accept."
― Bert McCoy

Janet Julien

When Mark abruptly left us alone in our bedroom, I became restless with worry for Ivan.

Ivan's mother was terrifying. His whole family history was messed up. No wonder, Ivan didn't share anything about them.

I had no idea what was her name, but she left too much of an impression. From her stylish hair to crisp clothing, she reeked of high-end society. Bit snobbish, but total hysteria. How twisted were their lives for them to be so tormented now?

It was past six in the evening, and I was waiting for Ivan or Mark to be back. Somebody at least should tell me something. This had been going on for far too long.

My phone buzzed, and I answered the call on instinct.

"You need to find him."

"What?" I walked farther away from Caden. "What are you talking about, Mark? Where is he?"

"He must be down at the beach. That's where he goes when he needs to be alone."

"What is going on even?"

"Things are not easy as it seems. It's so messed up, Janet. Just have him to talk you. He's always been bottling things up. And it isn't doing anyone any good. Just find him and be with him."

It had been weeks since Ivan and I had been trying to get along for our son's sake, but Ivan had been so closed off from the beginning that I didn't see a reason to try with him.

But perhaps, I should be the one to lend a hand when he couldn't reach me.

I looked over my shoulder at Caden, meticulously wrapping up what he drew today. "Caden's alone."

"Can he be left unattended for a few minutes? I'll be there soon."

"Caden's a responsible boy, but I don't like this, Mark. I don't want him alone for long. Get here soon."

Fortunately, Caden wouldn't move around without me by his side. Although I was hesitant, I believed Ivan's property was safe enough.

"Thanks, Janet. I'm already on my way." Mark assured me, but I could hear the strain in his voice. It must be bad. Ivan's mother must have left quite a mark on him after her tornadic visit. "Oh, take beers with you."

I sighed, moving onto the fridge. So, that was why there were packs of beers on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. Should be renamed consoling pack.

After hanging up and making sure Caden wouldn't move an inch until Mark gets here, I ventured out to find Ivan. Surprisingly, he was easy to find.

The whole wide sky was in a hue of purple and red as the sun started setting, and the lone figure sitting before the glistening ocean accurately fit in to create a melancholic ambiance.

If Caden were, he would've captured the scene in his brain to paint his father, and my fingers were twitching to write about him. Give him peace and quiet in papers which he badly wanted in real life, but peace and quiet will only settle his mind for a while until another storm destroys him.

My feet were sinking in the sand as I prepared to share the weight on his shoulders. Ivan's previous words echoed in my mind. He wanted us to work, and he wanted to be family, but he was very bad at it and it showed.

But I couldn't blame him when he grew up watching the disastrous and treacherous family wreck.

Ivan must have felt the intruder because he turned his head. "What took you so lo—-what are you doing here?" His eyes were red as if he was battling a blaze on his own, but he stiffened at my presence, warily looking up at me.