You, Me, and Her

Verse 15: Missundaztood

"You aren't like your sister, Hal. Not even like your younger brother."

Siana excused herself to do a phone call and it appeared that Eurion already left leaving their mother with them. It had always been like this when the discussion becomes too sad, his siblings would find a way to spare themselves of the melodrama. They knew Halwyn couldn't bear to leave Tracy moping all by herself, something that Hal had noticed to himself as well. Maybe this was the reason why he was always burnt out because he liked listening to people's problems.

"You're a nurturer," his mother continued as they walked to the side of the park, looking over the pond filled with swans. "You're also very understanding, but sometimes I feel like I don't know you at all."

Hal didn't expect to hear this and almost stopped in his tracks. "I was told the same by my friends, I understand."

"No, it isn't like that. I think you find it difficult to express yourself. I know your sister and Ion hated being too emotional, but you don't mind that. However, when the topic centers around you, you become predominantly distant."

"You're making it sound like I'm some sort of anomaly."

"I didn't mean it like that." When they suddenly stopped and his mom sat down on a nearby bench to rest her tired legs, Hal followed meekly. She turned her face to him, "Is there something you wish to tell me?"

He froze. Their parents weren't the perfect parents but they were both fairly likable. It was just that their ways of raising children could be likened to how tigers raised their cubs in the wild. They fed them until they were fully grown and could fend for themselves. Then, they moved on to have other children. Hal didn't think it was wrong, it made them strong and independent. However, the lack of connection made Hal wish at some point, that his parents could be more affectionate. It was what he had seen in Aidan's family.

"I'm quite fine, Mom," he replied and watched the children playing softball on the field across the pond. "The work is stressful but I'm doing fine."

Tracy drew a deep sigh and also watched the surroundings. "I thought that if we spent some time apart, we could probably look back in the past, reminisce how our romance started, and perhaps feel the love again. I was wrong."

Hal snorted and mumbled, "You've been wrong for a long time, Mom. But you've ignored it." When his mother suddenly became quiet, he regretted ever saying the words. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. Like I said, you're not like any of your siblings. You're understanding, and kind but you can also be cruel. If...you ever feel the need to tell me anything, I'm here for you. Your father too. I'm sure of it."

When she stood up, Hal did too. "You're leaving?"

"Yes, I've made the driver wait for far too long. Tell your sister I went ahead, and your rascal brother too. I'll probably call them later." She tiptoed and Hal crouched down to accommodate her height as she gave him a kiss on both cheeks. "See you around, son. Oh, and make sure you invite Aidan. I'll send you the details for my upcoming birthday celebration."

▮▮▯▯▯▯▯▯▯

A week had passed since Aidan's last date with Gwen, and though she had finally agreed to give him her number, she still wouldn't accept calls which was odd but he respected the rules she laid. Fortunately, the woman didn't ignore most of his text messages and was polite in letting him know if she was busy and couldn't respond right away. Until now, he still couldn't tell if Gwen was seriously considering being in a relationship with him, and he hoped that he wasn't giving her any mixed signals. He made it clear from the very beginning that friendship was not his intention.