The Accidental Fate.

Chapter 3: Facing the Past.

Rosie. 

My heart was pounding as I left the bar, my mind racing with a mix of shock and confusion. Running into Nathaniel had been the last thing I expected tonight. I hurried down the street, my thoughts spinning like a whirlwind. How could this happen? After all these years, why now?

I reached my car and fumbled with the keys, finally managing to unlock the door. Sliding into the driver's seat, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Nathaniel. I hadn't said his name out loud in years, and now it felt like it was echoing in my mind, refusing to be ignored.

As I drove home, the memories came flooding back. High school. That one night. The pregnancy. The decision not to tell him. I glanced at my phone, seeing his number freshly saved, and wondered what I was supposed to do now.

I pulled into the driveway of the mansion, the grand, welcoming sight doing little to calm my nerves. Stepping inside quietly, I didn't want to wake Michael or my parents. The house was silent except for the soft hum of the refrigerator. I leaned against the door, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

Michael was fast asleep in his room, his favorite hockey-themed bedspread pulled up to his chin. I tiptoed to his room and peeked in, a soft smile crossing my face. He looked so peaceful, so innocent. It was hard to believe that just hours ago, I had been face-to-face with his father.

I walked back to the living room and collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. "What am I supposed to do now?" I whispered to myself. Telling Nathaniel had never seemed like a good idea. He had his own life, his own career. How could I disrupt that with the news of a son he never knew existed?

My phone buzzed, jolting me from my thoughts. It was a text from Addison.

Addison: How's your night going?

I hesitated, then decided to call instead of texting back. Addison answered on the second ring.

"Hey, what's up?" Addison's voice was cheerful as always.

"You will not believe who I ran into tonight," I said, my voice trembling slightly.

"Who? Spill!" Addison demanded.

"Nathaniel," I said, barely able to get the words out.

"What? Nate? Like Michael's dad Nate?" Addison's shock was palpable even through the phone.

"Yeah. I didn't even know he was back in town, let alone that I'd bump into him," I said, feeling a tear slip down my cheek.

"Oh my god, Rosie. Are you okay? What did he say?" Addison asked, her concern evident.

"We just... talked. He doesn't know about Michael, obviously. It was so surreal. I didn't even know how to process it," I explained.

"Do you think you'll tell him?" Addison asked gently.

"I don't know. I've been avoiding this for so long. Michael loves hockey, but I never thought much of it. I didn't think we'd ever cross paths again," I admitted.

"Maybe it's a sign. I mean, you can't keep it a secret forever. Michael deserves to know his dad," Addison said softly.

"I know. It's just... complicated. He's got his own life, and it's so different from ours."

"But you're not alone in this. You've got me, and Michael's a strong kid. Whatever happens, we'll figure it out together," Addison reassured me.

"Thanks, Addie. I don't know what I'd do without you," I said, feeling a bit of the weight lift from my shoulders.

"Anytime, babe. Get some rest, okay? You've had a crazy night," Addison said.

"Will do. Night, Addie," I replied, ending the call.

I put my phone down and stared at the ceiling. My thoughts kept circling back to Nathaniel. What if he found out about Michael? What if he wanted to be part of his life? Could I handle that? Could Michael?

I remembered the first time I saw Michael hold a hockey stick. He was just two, barely able to balance it, but his eyes lit up with pure joy. It was in those moments I saw Nathaniel in him—the same passion, the same drive. Michael's love for hockey seemed almost innate, a bond passed down from father to son, even if unknowingly.

I had to admit, I had avoided watching Nathaniel's games, afraid it would bring back too many memories, too many what-ifs. But Michael adored hockey, and I couldn't deny him that. Every time he watched a game, he would cheer on his favorite player, not knowing that the man on the screen was his father.

I sighed deeply. The truth was, I had been hiding from this confrontation for years. But now that Nathaniel was back, maybe it was time to face it. I couldn't keep living in fear of the day they might meet. I needed to take control of the situation before it spiraled out of my hands.

I got up and walked to Michael's room again, watching him sleep. His small chest rose and fell steadily, his face serene. I brushed a stray curl from his forehead and kissed him gently. "I'll do what's best for you, buddy," I whispered.

The next morning, I woke up with a sense of determination. I couldn't change the past, but I could control how I handled the present. I got Michael ready for preschool, his excitement about the day's activities contagious.

"Mommy, can we watch the hockey game tonight?" Michael asked as I packed his lunch.

"Sure, sweetheart. We can watch it together," I said, ruffling his hair.

His eyes sparkled with joy. "Thanks, Mommy! I can't wait!"

After dropping Michael off, I headed to work, my mind still reeling from the previous night. I needed to talk to someone who could give me some perspective. I decided to call Addison again during my lunch break.

"Hey, Addie. Got a minute?" I asked when she picked up.

"Of course. How are you holding up?" she replied.

"Honestly, I'm freaking out. I keep thinking about what's going to happen if Nathaniel finds out about Michael," I confessed.

"You're a strong woman, Rosie. You've handled everything life's thrown at you so far. You'll get through this too," Addison said confidently.

"But what if he wants to be part of Michael's life? What if he doesn't? Either way, it's going to change everything," I said, voicing my deepest fears.

"Take it one step at a time. Maybe reach out to him, feel things out before you drop the bombshell," Addison suggested.

"I don't know if I'm ready for that," I admitted.

"No one's ever really ready for something like this. But you owe it to Michael and to yourself to try," she said.

I sighed, knowing she was right. "Okay. I'll think about it. Thanks, Addie. You're the best."

"Anytime, Rosie. Remember, you're not alone in this," she reminded me.

As I hung up, I felt a bit more at ease. Maybe reaching out to Nathaniel was the right thing to do. I just needed to find the courage to take that first step.

That evening, after putting Michael to bed, I sat down with my phone. I scrolled to Nathaniel's number, my finger hovering over the call button. My heart raced as I debated whether to call him. Finally, I took a deep breath and pressed the button, my hands trembling.

It rang twice before he picked up. "Hey, Rosie. Didn't expect to hear from you so soon," Nathaniel said, his voice warm and familiar.

"Yeah, hi, Nate. I just... wanted to talk," I said, my voice shaky.

"Sure, what's up?" he asked, sounding genuinely curious.

I took another deep breath. "Can we meet up? There's something important I need to tell you."

There was a pause on the other end. "Of course. How about tomorrow afternoon? Same place we met last night?" he suggested.

"That works. Thanks, Nate," I replied, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety.

"See you then, Rosie," he said before hanging up.

I put the phone down and exhaled slowly. This was it. Tomorrow, I would take the first step towards revealing the truth. Whatever happened next, I knew I had to face it head-on. For Michael, for Nathaniel, and for myself.