FATED TO LOVE {STORY OF US}

chapter 12

"Alex, your dad's back," Agnes said, a smile on her face. "You should go say hi."

"I'm not in the mood to talk to him," Alex said, pulling the duvet over his head.

"But Alex, he's your dad," Agnes said, her voice pleading. "Just go say hello."

But Alex ignored her, burrowing further under the duvet. Agnes sighed and walked away, shaking her head.

***********

"What about Alex?" Mike asked, a concerned expression on his face.

"He doesn't want to talk to you," Agnes said, shrugging her shoulders

"Is he sleeping?" Mike asked, his brow furrowed.

"No, he's just angry," Agnes said, her tone sympathetic. "I think you should leave him alone for now."

"But I can't just leave him like that," Mike said, his voice determined. "I have to talk to him."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Agnes asked, a note of worry in her voice.

"Trust me, I've got this," Mike said, a determined look on his face. He got up from his chair and headed towards Alex's room.

********

As he approached the door, he hesitated, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He took a deep breath and turned the knob, stepping into the room.

Mike saw Alex, hunched over a video game controller, engrossed in the game.

"Won't you at least say hello?" Mike asked, trying to get Alex's attention. But Alex continued to play, ignoring him completely.

"You don't miss me at all, huh?" Mike said, feigning hurt.
Alex shot him a look, but didn't even bother to reply. He was clearly determined to ignore Mike.

"Alex," Mike said, his voice calm and even.

"Can't you just leave me alone and go back to your so-called job?" Alex snapped, not even looking up from his game.

"I know you're angry," Mike said, his tone gentle. "But can we talk about this?"

"Yes, you're right, I am mad," Alex said, finally turning to face his dad. "You ignore your family for your job, and then you have the nerve to ask me why I'm mad at you?"

"I'm sorry," Mike said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I know I haven't been there for you the way I should have. I've been so focused on my job, I haven't been there for you."

"It's more than that, dad," Alex said, his eyes welling up with tears. "You haven't been there for me emotionally either. I feel like I don't even know you anymore."

"I know I haven't been the father you need me to be," Mike said, his voice breaking. "But I want to change that. I want to make things right."

"Huh? Just leave me alone and go back to your precious job," Alex said, his voice full of bitterness.

"No, I'm not leaving," Mike said, his voice firm. "I'm here to stay, and I'm going to be here for you and your mom from now on."

"I don't need you!" Alex said, his voice rising. "You left me once, and you can do it again. I don't need a dad who's only here when it's convenient for him."

"I'm going to make it up to you and your mom," Mike said, his voice full of conviction. "I promise."

Alex stared at his dad, his expression unreadable. "Are you really sure about that?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Of course I'm sure," Mike said, reaching out to place a hand on Alex's shoulder. "I miss you too, son."

At that, Alex's tough facade cracked, and he let out a sob, his tears flowing freely.