The Devil's Web | Sequel

Home

"Welcome home, dad" The feeling of happiness swelled in my chest, dad...It sounds pefect, more than perfect.

I have been dreaming of this moment for years, I was so nervous and scared of their reactions, especially Evanders, I felt like he would remember my leaving, sure he was a toddler when I left, but he was always advanced for his age in my eyes, I knew he sensed it.

 "It is good to see you again."I stared at him in surprise, he remembers me.

I tried to hide the happiness on my face but felt my cheeks aching from grinning.

Adelaine looked at me then Evander, she was just as shocked at me, only difference was that she didn't look happy at all.

"Baby, you remember him."He gets off the staircase nodding.

"Yes, I remember everything, I remember the time he held me in my  arms, I always thought about it when you told us he isn't coming back, I can also recognize him from the pictures. ypu hung on the wall"He pointed at the picture on the coffee table. It was a picture of me and my Adelaine sitting on the beach, looking at each other with some much love in our eyes. I cherished that memory more than anything.

Adelaine squatted and took his hands in hers."Are you okay, how do you feel about it"She asked, her voice filled with worry.

He swallowed and looked at me again. God, he looks so much like me, there's not an ounce of Anastasia on him.

"I am glad he's here."My smile widened and I reached my arms out."May I? I wanted to hug you and Princess for the longest."

He bit his lip nervously, I immediately pulled my arms away and shook my head."That's okay, you don't have to do anything right now, baby steps."

I looked at Princess and offered her a gentle smile, she smiled back and jumped from the last step, her big eyes staring at me."Are you my dad."

"I am, you probably don't remember me, ladybug."She giggled and ran in front of me.

"Hug me!"She demanded and tugged on the sleeve of my pants. I didn't hesitate. I picked her up in my arms and her little hands wrapped around my neck.

I felt whole as her tiny heart pressed on my chest, she was definitely free spirited like her mother, I could sense it in her hug.

I pulled away and caressed her cheek with my thumb. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you from up close, you look so beautiful, just like your mother."

She grinned and looked at Adelaine."Did you hear mama, I am just as beautiful as you."

Adelaine smiled as she played with her hands nervously, she glanced at me and her lips formed into a straight line, I took it as my cue to cut the reunion short even though I wanted to admire mz kids for a little longer. It took great power for me to uncling Princess and put her back on the ground, just like with Adelaine, I felt emptiness when I pulled back, same emptiness I've been living with for years.

"I will explain everything to you two later, after school. It's a long story so I'd appreciate if you were patient with mama on it."They both nodded sternly.

"Of course, mama."Princess beamed.

"No rush mama, take your time with it, we will need some minutes to process it as well. I mean, just the other day he was only on a picture...now he is right here with us."Evander added and I looked at him in amusement.

It caught me by surprise, I knew she'd raise them well, but i didn't think they would turn out to be so mature and understanding, most kids their age weep and nag until they got an answer, but not my kids.