California Secrets (Billy Hargrove)

- 𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎 -

- Katherine Witherfield -

I walk into my house and quickly give James a big hug as I usually do. I try to book it to my room, but I knew I failed the second I heard my mother call my name. I stop in my tracks and turn on my heels to see Ma standing there with her hands on her hips.

"Yes?" I ask with caution.

"Katherine, would you like to explain this morning to me?"

I let out a big sigh before giving into her. "Which part exactly?"

"The part where Billy was in our kitchen, Katherine," she says obviously. "Why is he in Hawkins? I know it's not for James," she asks, including a little stab to my bad choices.

"He said that Neil and Susan wanted to move somewhere new," I inform her. "And you don't need to bug me about James. I know not telling him was a horrible decision."

"No shit it was a horrible decision," she says to me. She looks over at James, who is playing with his building blocks on the floor.

"James, baby, please go get ready. Do you want to go to the store with Mommy?" He nods to me and I usher for him to go change. He runs into his room, and I turn back to Ma.

"You told me you told him," she raises her voice at me, something she doesn't do often.

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Sorry isn't going to cut it, Katherine. That is his son. His son!"

I feel my eyes start to burn and the tears start to spill. "I know," I whisper as a tear rolls down my cheek.

"Did you sleep with him?"

I suck my bottom lip into my mouth, biting it so the pain of it can distract me from the pain in my heart. I'm sure my face is red from being soaked with tears, and it feels hard to breathe. I slowly nod to her, and she closes her eyes, taking a deep breath.

"God, Katherine," she says, looking down at the floor. Her dark brown hair falls over her face, covering the disappointment that I know is displayed all over it. "What are you doing?"

"I don't know," I sob. Ma looks back up at me before walking over. She takes me in her arms, and I sob in her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Ma," I cry to her, likely soaking her shirt with tears and snot.

"I don't think I'm the one you should be apologizing to, baby," she whispers in my ear. "I love you, and I don't want you to get hurt." I nod into her shoulder, and she continues on. "I also don't want you hurting him. He's a sweet boy, and he deserves better. You need to tell him, Katherine."

"I will," I promise. "Just let me do it, okay?" She pulls me way so she is looking in my eyes. "I want to tell him my way."

"Okay," she agrees. "But it needs to be soon." I nod and bring her back in for another hug and I squeeze her tight. "You're lucky I love you and put up with all your shit."

I laugh at her remark. "I love you too, Ma."

I feel something wrap around my legs, and I look down to see James hugging them, his little arms struggling to reach all the way around. I laugh and reach down to pick him up and squeeze him. "Are you ready?"

"Yes!" He says excitedly and I grab my keys before heading out to get in the car.

🌊🌊🌊

"Howdy, beautiful," I hear from behind me, causing me to jump at the sudden sound. I turn around and I see Billy smiling behind me in the cereal isle.

"Hi," I return as I laugh.

"Hi Billy!" James says to him, and Billy smiles a big grin at him.

"Hey little man," he says to James before giving him his high-five as he usually does. It is an insanely cute interaction, and it melts my heart.

"Fancy seeing you here," I say to Billy.

"Yeah, my dad wanted me to run some errands," he says, putting a hand in his back pocket. "Now I have some company," he smiles.

"Can I get a toy?" James asks, interrupting Billy.

"We're just here for food, baby," I answer him.

"I'll get him one," Billy speaks up.

"No, that's not necessary," I awkwardly laugh out.

"Pleaaaase," James begs.

"Pleaaaase," Billy copies, putting his hands together in a begging motion. The combination of the two boys begging is too much for my heart to handle, and I sigh.

"Fine," I say, succumbing to my son's wishes.

"Yay!" he cheers, and Billy smiles at his excitement.

James got to pick out a toy, which ended up being a small superhero action figure. He absolutely loves it, and I feel overwhelmed with all of the emotions I feel because of it.

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ugh men that are good with children 🦋🦋🦋

THANK YOU FOR READING!! WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK????

-Liz <3