Duskwood After Story

Love and Forgiveness, Part 2

Eventually, he spoke again. His gaze shifted between me and Jake.

"Aurora, I'm so glad to see you have found someone to love, trust and rely on. It is better than anything I had ever hoped for you. Jake, I don't really know you but I trust my daughter's decision and I trust you. Please continue taking care of her."

"Dad, does that mean...?"

"Yes, I'll help you two. What can I do?" - He smiled warmly at me.

I rushed over to give him a big hug. He laughed so hard his cough started up again.

"Hahaha, Aurora, Aurora, you're squeezing me too tight..."

"Oh sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to hurt you." - I let go of him and wiped away the tears on my face - "But sincerely, thank you so much, Dad. You don't know how much this means to us."

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Hanson. I'm forever in your debt." - Jake added.

"Alright alright, enough with the thanks. Now tell me what you need me to do."

We began explaining to him that we needed to contact Alan Bloomgate first to discuss the potential of a deal. My father would later play a significant role in convincing him to agree to that agreement.

"Alan Bloomgate... My old friend..." - He mumbled in thought.

"He was feeling guilty about your disappearance, Dad. He felt like he had failed you and put you under wrongful suspicion for Jennifer's death. For sure, he would be delighted to speak with you again."

"I see." - He nodded.

"Phil also misses you, Dad..."

"Phil? Phil Hawkins? That kid?"

"Yes, he went all over the place trying to look for you after you disappeared. He said he thought of you as his mentor and father figure."

"Ah, what a poor boy. But it's a mistake to think of me as a father figure. I'm not much of a father after all." - He sighed sadly.

"Don't say that, Dad." - I put my hand on top of his. In the end, no matter what he did, I still couldn't resent him or blame him for the past. I thought a part of me was just glad to discover that I still had family in this world. From my current situation, I understood Jake so much more.

He gave me a comforting smile while gently tapping his other hand on mine.

"Oh, also Gerhard and Maria said hi. They were the reason why we could find you after all." - I suddenly remembered.

"Oh, you went to them? I see. How are they?"

"Gerhard is in a wheelchair but he's a feisty one. Maria was very sweet. She made us feel very welcomed." - I laughed a little while recounting our encounter with them.

"Haha, that's old Gerhard for you. He's sure not letting anyone get their way easily." - Dad laughed as well.

I glanced at my watch. "Alright, I'm going to write a message to Alan now. Jake, can you please keep my father company?"

Jake's body shot up in the chair. "Oh, o-okay." - He stuttered.

"Dad, be nice to him, please." - I squinted my eyes. I had a hunch he might give Jake a hard time.

"Alright, alright." - He replied while keeping a stern gaze at Jake.

I chuckled looking at the situation and felt somewhat guilty towards Jake.

As I walked past him, his eyes followed me, pleading but I mouthed the words "You'll be fine" at him and continued walking.

I moved to sit on the chair on the opposite side of the room so I could focus on composing the message to Alan Bloomgate. Before I began, I took a peek at the peculiar scene taking place between my father and my boyfriend. Jake looked as if he was going through a job interview. He sat up stiff as a board. His hands, each balled into a fist, were resting on top of his thighs. He'd taken off his mask and the top of his hoodie. His expression was solemn, but I couldn't tell what emotions he was wearing from a distance. Meanwhile, my father was resting back on his bed, arms crossed. It appeared as though he was questioning Jake and Jake was only responding when prompted. It was a scene I had never expected to witness in my life.