Breaking From the Past

Chapter 12: Andreas' Decision

"Father, instead of making small talk, how about we cut to the chase. Explain why you wanted to meet me." Conrad's voice was shaky as he spewed the words from his quivering mouth.

"Oh no reason in particular. Can't a father want to visit his son after so long apart?" Andreas continues to smile as agony is threaded on Conrad's face.

"A father like you does not deserve the presence of his son. Please tell me why you wanted to see me?" He questions again, hoping his father will tell him.

Andreas walks over to Conrad, pulling on his shirt collar, making him short of breath. "You really think I need to explain myself to a child like you?" Andreas laughs, letting the shirt collar go.

"Andreas please stop!" I beg him as he walks away. "What do you want?" I finally say, not wanting the silence to drag on forever.

"It's actually a very important matter." Andreas left a smug look sweep across his features. "I realize I have not been the best father..."

"No kidding..." Connie mumbled

"Hush and let me continue, I have been trying to change and I believe I have. I even met someone, we are getting married in a couple months actually." His usual hard expression was softened and almost looked happy. "I have been sitting on a decision for a while about you, I want to make sure you're happy, but I know with me in your life, no matter if I change or not, you will never want me in your life again. So I decided that I would give up my paternal rights." Conrad and I look at Andreas with shock, his eyes moving toward me, making me close my mouth. "Zorina, I...Would you and your family take care of my gentle son? Would you take him in and raise him like I was unable to?" His eyes were pleading and sincere.

"Andreas, he is not a boy anymore, he is grown, you just were never around long enough to notice. When you were around, you stayed long enough to beat the crap out of him and left." I sigh. "My family would love to have Connie in our family, but are you sure about giving up your rights? I mean, even if you were a bad father all his life, that doesn't mean you can't change your attitude towards him. You could become the father he never knew he had." I moved closer to Andreas. "If you have changed as much as you say you have, why not show Conrad his changed father?" I smiled at him, hoping it would maybe change his mind.

His expression was one of melancholy, his eyes became full of sadness and confusion. "I wish I could, but I don't think any matter of change would let that sweet, sweet boy forgive the horrible things I've done to him. In all honesty, giving up my rights as his father, is the most fatherly thing I have done for him in his entire 17 years he's been alive. Zori, I appreciate what you are trying to say, but really, any amount of forgiveness that boy has should be given to you not me. You show that boy what love really is, show him what it means to have a real father. I swear to you," Andreas pointed to my heart and smiled. "I will never come back, but only if you guys get married, even then I will stay at the back of the church and make myself scarce afterward." I could see his eyes starting to fill with tears, they were ready to fall, but he blinked them away before they broke loose. I wrapped my arms around the tall man's slender body, embracing him before he had time to think.

"You were a good father when you wanted to be and I hope you become an even better one in the future. I know you can do it." I smiled, knowing the goodness he had left in his heart would go to a future child.

He couldn't hold back his tears this time, wetness streaming in straight lines down both his cheeks. "Tell him I said I'm sorry and that I will come back when he wants me." He sobbed and smiled as I released the embrace, holding his shoulders and giving him a smile back.

"Don't worry I will." I moved away from the sobbing 39 year old man and waved him goodbye. I turn to Connie, nodding my head towards his dad trying to tell him to say his goodbye as well.

He rolled his eyes, "Bye dad, Maybe one day we can see each other again." He placed a fake smile on his face, I could always tell when he was sincere or not.

I look to the man in front of me who is now an emotional mess. "When you get everything taken care of, bring it to me okay? I still live in the same house, so I'm sure you will be able to find me." I smile and wave goodbye once again, the man finally making his way out of the small alleyway and down a stretch of street where he finally disappeared.

Connie looked at me angry and confused, not knowing why his father was crying like a baby and why I was comforting the man who caused him so much pain. "Why- why did you-" I cut him off, a slight giggle coming from my mouth.

I turn away from Connie on my heels and look up to the darkening sky. "He isn't as bad a guy as he was. In time he will be there for us, when we need him most, but he will make sure to stay out of your way unless you say otherwise." I turn and smile at him.

"What do you mean?" He asked, confused.

I laughed, moving toward my beloved friend. "Don't worry, in time you will know exactly what I mean." I grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of the alley and started pulling him, his body lagging behind like I'm the dog leading the owner.

This moment is good, it's like one of those moments you wish would never stop, but you know it will. I decided to drag him to the only place in New York I knew of. A big crowd already gathered as they stare up at the beautifully lit Christmas tree. The strings of light were strung upon every branch, each bulb shining a different color.

Connie stared in amazement as he stumbled up next to me. "The Christmas Tree..."

I nod happily. "Tonight is Christmas. So..." I pulled out a small blue box with a white ribbon tied around the box in a bow. "Merry Christmas." I giggled and skipped forward, trying to get a closer view of the tree.

I looked back to see if Connie opened the gift, which he did. In the box was a small piece of paper with a note on it simply saying 'I love you, merry Christmas Connie!' I blushed when I remembered what the note said and turned back to the tree in front of me.

I was so enthralled with the amazing tree, I didn't even notice Conrad had moved up behind me. He tapped my shoulder gently, making my body jump and turn around to see who it was. I smiled when I saw him, a look of surprise replaced my happy expression.

The taller boy leaned down to me and kissed me, it was a loving kiss, passionate, yet soft. It felt like it was something he has been wanting...no needing to do for a long time.

After a couple seconds he pulled back, breathlessly, he spoke. "I love you too, Rina!" He took me into his arms and gave me hug, everyone around us had turned and started yelling 'aww'. I didn't notice this until Conrad cleared his throat and pulled away. "I think we should go." I laughed, a little embarrassed about the situation.

I nod, Conrad and I walked to a hotel, hand in hand, spending the last of the money Harper had given us, but right now I don't really care, I'm just really happy.

☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆
Wow I am so sorry about no updating in like forever. I had writers block ;) anyway, this chapter is a little longer than normal because I kind of wanted to make up for not being around in a while haha.

I hope you guys enjoyed, oh yeah I am only going to be going to chapter 15 or so for this. I will give you a definite answer in the next chapter so yeah enjoy and don forget to vote and comment thank you.

-Stars