TEACH ME NOT 2 HATE LOVE

48

👧Tajea POV 👧

"What do you want with Nik?" I was curious. A bit suspicious of his visit, even. I mean, every time one of Nik's family members shows up, there is always some drama. "Because if you are here to cause him trouble—"

"Like I told him yesterday, I just want to make amends." Niklaus tried to persuade me. But I'm not easily convinced.

"Why? Are you dying or something?"

"Does someone have to be dying to make amends?" He looked at me oddly. Then he chortled.

Duh! "Isn't that how it normally goes?"

Niklaus laughed so hard that he cried. What's so funny about what I said? I don't get it. "You should be a comedian."

"So everyone told me." I rolled my eyes.

"You know. Nik would be a lucky man to have a girl like you," he said on a serious note.

"If that is some kind of pickup line, then it ain't working, pal." I set things straight before they got out of hand. "I'm no Toni."

"So he told you about that too." There was silence for a few minutes. He took a deep breath. "That shouldn't have happened. It was a moment of weakness. Nonetheless, I hurt my son in more than one way. And I can't take that back. However, I can try making it up to him until he forgives me. But if he doesn't, then I guess I'll just have to try even harder."

Sound believable.

"Well, if that's the real reason you are here, then everything will be fine." I tried consoling him a little. I don't know why I'm even doing that.

"You don't believe in second chances, do you?"

"Not if it's a scumbag requesting it? Are you a scumbag, Mr. Durcostan?" I asked.

"I've been called worse." He laughed as if I were giving him a joke. This man sure loves to laugh. He then took from his pocket an envelope, handing it to me. "I wanted to give this to Nik if we meet again. But I'll just let you do it on my behalf. It's the check he mailed to me this morning."

"That boy just loves giving out money, like fruit from a tree." That was supposed to be a private thought. Oh, well.

"He probably thought I came here for money."

"Are you?" I interrogated.

"No. I already have money. What I don't have is my son," he responded.

"Don't you have two other sons?"

"I have thirteen sons and six daughters, to be exact," he boasted. Probably thinking he did something worth being proud of. OK. Someone gives Casanova a medal.

"If that's the case, why is it so important to have a relationship with Nik after all the years of being a scum of a dad? You had all of his childhood to be his father. And as far as I heard, you messed that up."

"You're right," he said. "But I guess I felt guilty for all the wrongs I'd done to him. And I want to make that right."

"Well, Nik is a good man with a good heart," I said. "He just doesn't like when people play him. But if your intentions are pure, as you want me to believe, then things will work out the way they should."

"You two are really close, aren't you?" There he goes again, trying to find out if Nik and I are a thing. No, we're not.

"I wouldn't say that. But when you are around someone long enough, you learn a few things about them."

"Well, I think my son is lucky to have a worker like you who genuinely cares about him." He smiled warmly, making eye contact with me. Now I feel nervous and shy. More like awkward and weird out. "Oh, I have another favor to ask you, my dear. (Oh, no.) I'm having a get-together at the Orion Hotel tomorrow night, and I would like Nik to be there. You and little Nik too, of course."

"I don't know."

"Please, it would really mean a lot to me," he pleaded.

Again. Why me?

"I'm not making any promises. I'll tell Nik about it. And let him decide what to do."

"Thank you, my dear." He seemed filled with gratitude.

"OK, Niklaus, stop bothering the poor girl with your old stories and come say hi to your grandchild." Ms. Radnor said this while coming down the stairs with little Nik hand in hand.

"Hey little man." Niklaus went to greet little Nik at the end of the staircase.

"Hi," little Nik greeted back, but not too excited. He seemed a bit uneasy. Probably because he doesn't know this man is his grandfather. And that's just very bad.

"I'm your grandpa, Niklaus," Niklaus introduced himself.

"I'm Nikalion. Nice to meet you, grandpa." Little Nik spoke a bit shyly, but he was polite. Unlike me.

"Nice to meet you too, kid." Niklaus caressed his little sweet head fondly, showing off his best smile. "But I have to go now."

"OK. Can I go back to my room and finish up my homework now?" Little Nik turned to Ms. Radnor and asked.

"Yeah, you go right ahead, sport." Niklaus nodded, and Little Nik rushed up the stairs.

"Careful!" I shouted.

"You are doing a great job taking care of my grandson," Niklaus commented.

"Well, he's my child. Nothing but the best," I bragged.

He seemed a bit stunned by my reply for a while before he laughed. Man, what a chirpy guy. "Anyway, I'll get going now. And I wish to see you and little Nik in the future. Well, if Nik allows it."

"Alright. See you when the opportunity arises, my dear." Ms. Radnor kissed my cheeks and hugged me. "Take care of my boys."

"You know I will," I assured her.

And with that, Kenneth escorted the two out of the house. Glad that's over with.