Smoking Mirrors

Chapter 5 the crash

Natalie got out of bed, feeling a sense of purpose after her conversation with Sophia. She began her morning hygiene routine, washing her face and brushing her teeth. She then changed into her scrubs, ready for a day of surgery. As she headed downstairs for breakfast, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She had a busy day ahead, but she was ready to focus on her work and put the drama with her family aside.

In the kitchen, Alex was already making breakfast. "Hey, good morning," he said, smiling as he handed her a cup of coffee. Natalie took a sip, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her husband. "Thanks, Alex. Just what I needed."

They sat at the kitchen table, having a quiet breakfast together. The tension from the previous night's argument still lingered, but they both knew they needed to talk things through. Natalie broke the silence, her voice neutral. "Alex, I apologize for my outburst last night. I know our arrangement is beneficial for both our families, and I shouldn't have let my frustrations get the better of me."

Alex nodded, his expression equally detached. "I understand, Natalie. I also regret my reaction. Let's just agree to maintain a civil relationship, as we originally intended."

Natalie nodded, her gaze steady. "Agreed. No need to complicate things further."

With that, they continued their breakfast, the tension dissipating into a sense of mutual understanding and a commitment to maintaining a harmonious coexistence.

Meanwhile, in Michael's grandmother's hospital room, Jack's excitement filled the air as he chattered about a squirrel he'd seen. Michael and his grandmother smiled at each other, enjoying the warm moment.

"Grandma, guess what? I saw a squirrel in the park yesterday! It was so fluffy!" Jack exclaimed, his voice full of wonder.

Michael's grandmother chuckled, her voice warm and soothing. "That sounds amazing, sweetie. I'm so glad you got to see it."

As they continued their conversation, the sound of laughter and chatter filled the room, creating a sense of warmth and joy. But then, Jack's expression suddenly changed, and he exclaimed, "Grandma, I need to go pee!" and hopped off the bed, racing towards the bathroom.

As Jack rushed out of the room, his little feet pattering against the floor, Michael's grandmother smiled at Michael. "He's such a sweet boy, Michael. You're doing a great job raising him."

Michael smiled back, feeling a sense of pride and love for his son. "Thanks, Grandma. I try my best."

Just then, Jack came running out of the bathroom and into the hospital corridor, his eyes shining with excitement. He raced down the hall, his small legs moving quickly as he tried to get back to his grandmother's room. But as he turned a corner, he collided with a woman who was exiting a door marked "Director's Office". The woman's files went flying, and she stumbled backwards, her eyes widening in surprise.

Michael, who had followed Jack out of the room, quickened his pace, his eyes fixed on the pair. "Jack," he called out, his voice firm but controlled. Jack looked up, his eyes shining with excitement. "Daddy!"

Michael's gaze flicked to the woman, his expression stern. Natalie. What was she doing with his son?

"Jack, come here," Michael said, his voice firm. Jack hesitated, still looking at Natalie, but then ran to his father's side. Michael's eyes never left Natalie's face. "What's going on here?" he asked, his tone firm but controlled.

Natalie smiled, her eyes apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Michael. I was just leaving a meeting with the director and didn't see Jack coming. I hope he's okay."

Michael's expression softened slightly at her concern, but he still looked wary. "He's fine. But maybe you should be more careful in the future."

Natalie nodded, her eyes still apologetic. "Absolutely. I'll make sure to be more aware of my surroundings."

Michael nodded, his gaze still fixed on her. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was hiding something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Michael's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. Who was this woman, really? And what was she hiding?

"Listen, Natalie," he said, his voice low and even. "I don't know what game you're playing, but I want you to stay away from my son. I don't trust you."

Natalie's eyes widened, a flash of surprise and hurt crossing her face. "Michael, I-" she began, but Michael interrupted her.

"No, Natalie. I mean it," he said,

Michael watched her go, his eyes never leaving her retreating figure. Jack, sensing his father's tension, looked up at him curiously. "Daddy?" he asked, his voice soft.

Michael's gaze snapped back to his son, his expression softening. "It's okay, buddy," he said, forcing a smile. "Let's go back to Grandma's room."

As they walked away, Michael couldn't shake the feeling that their confrontation with Natalie was far from over. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he sensed that she was hiding something, and he was determined to uncover the truth.

As they returned to his grandmother's room, Michael's mind raced with questions. What was Natalie's real motive for being at the hospital? And what did she want with his son?

He knew he had to keep a close eye on her, for Jack's sake. He couldn't let his guard down, not even for a moment.

Michael couldn't help but think about the stark contrast between Natalie's behavior yesterday and today. Yesterday, she was feisty and argumentative, but today, she was calm and composed. He couldn't reconcile the two different versions of her.

But what he didn't know was that Natalie's calm demeanor was a mask, a carefully constructed facade to hide her true emotions. Six years ago, she had lost her son just moments after giving birth to him. The pain of that loss still lingered, a constant ache in her heart.

Despite her tough exterior, Natalie had a soft spot for children. She had been drawn to Jack's energetic and curious nature, and her maternal instincts had kicked in. She had been kind to him, genuinely interested in his well-being, but Michael didn't know that.

As they settled back into the room, Michael's grandmother looked up at him with a knowing glint in her eye. "Michael, dear, what's going on?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Michael hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about his grandmother's warm and understanding gaze put him at ease. "It's just Natalie, Grandma," he said, his voice low. "I don't trust her."

His grandmother's expression turned thoughtful. "Ah, Natalie," she said, her voice soft. "She's a complex one, that's for sure."

Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

But his grandmother just smiled and patted his hand. "All in good time, dear," she said. "All in good time."