Submerge

4TH OF JULY

The Fourth of July had always been a big deal at the Hale household. Growing up, Nathan and the twins had spent countless holidays there, filled with barbecues, fireworks, and laughter. This year, things felt different, more poignant.

Jordan had called a few days ago, practically begging Nathan to bring Mason home for the holiday.

Nathan was nervous. Mason had been doing better, but the idea of returning home, especially with their mom there, was enough to put anyone on edge. Still, he knew how much it meant to his dad, and maybe, just maybe, it would be good for Mason too.

"Dad called. He wants us to come home for the Fourth. Says he misses us and wants to celebrate together." Nate said, while eating at the kitchen table with Mason.

Mason's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I mean, are you sure he wants me there?" Nathan smiled reassuringly. "Of course he does. You're family, Mason. He knows how much you mean to me, and he misses you too."

Mason felt a warmth spread through his chest. "Alright, Should I bring anything?" Nathan shook his head. "Just yourself. Dad's got everything else covered."

When they arrived, their dad was waiting on the porch, a broad smile on his face. "Nathan! Mason! It's so good to see you both." Nathan hugged his dad tightly. "Good to see you too, Dad. We've missed you."

Mason followed more slowly, a bit hesitant. Jordan pulled him into a hug as well, patting his back warmly. "Good to see you, Mason. We've missed you." Mason managed a genuine smile. "Good to see you too, Mr. Hale."

"None of that 'Mr. Hale' business, Mason. Call me Jordan." Mason smiled, feeling a sense of belonging. "Thanks, Jordan." As they walked inside, Mason braced himself for the encounter with his mom. She was in the kitchen, preparing food for the celebration. When she saw them, she gave a tight smile. "Nathan, Mason, glad you could make it."

"Hi, Mom," Nathan said, giving her a quick hug. Mason simply nodded. "Mom." She turned back to her preparations, her demeanor cold and distant. "I hope you boys brought your appetites. There's a lot of food to eat."

Nathan tried to lighten the mood. "You know us, Mom. We're always hungry." Jordan clapped his hands together. "Alright, let's get everything set up outside. The grill's ready, and I've got some fireworks for later."

As they worked together to set up tables and chairs in the backyard, the tension eased a bit. Jordan chatted happily about his plans for the evening, and Nathan kept up the conversation, trying to include Mason whenever he could.

When the food was ready, they all sat down at the picnic table. Mason noticed his mom's sharp glances in his direction but tried to ignore them, focusing instead on the positive energy from Nathan and Jordan.

"So, Mason," Jordan began, "how's everything going with school and stuff?"

His mother couldn't hold back a scoff. "Causing trouble, I'm sure "

Mason's grip on his fork tightened, but he kept his voice calm. Nathan frowned, about to say something, but Mason shook his head slightly. He didn't want to ruin the day for everyone else. "School's fine Jordan thanks for asking."

She rolled her eyes. Jordan cleared his throat and glanced at his wife trying to defuse the situation. "Claire Let's not do this today. I'm glad to hear that, Mason. It's a holiday. Let's just enjoy the time together." smiling at his two boys.

His mother glared at Mason one last time before turning her attention back to her food. Mason's appetite had disappeared, replaced by a familiar knot of anxiety. He pushed his plate away, staring down at the table.

As the sun began to set, Jordan brought out sparklers and small fireworks, eager to start the evening festivities. "Alright, boys, let's light these up!"

Nathan and Mason grabbed a few sparklers, and soon the backyard was filled with the crackle and pop of fireworks. Mason found himself smiling despite the earlier tension, the bright lights and laughter lifting his spirits.

Nathan nudged him, a sparkler in each hand. "See, it's not so bad. We've got fireworks, food, and family. That's what counts.", Mason nodded.

But happiness doesn't seem to like Mason that much, as he entered the kitchen he came face to face with his mom, she crossed her arms, her gaze cold. "You think you can just waltz back into this family after everything you've done? After you nearly destroyed us?"

Mason felt a lump form in his throat. "I'm your child too why are you being this cruel to me!"

Claire's eyes flashed with anger. "Cruel? You think this is cruelty? Mason, you have no idea the pain you've caused. The stress, the heartbreak, it's all because of you."

The words cut deep, and Mason felt his chest tighten. "I know, and I live with that every day. But I can't change the past."

She scoffed, turning away from him. "Then maybe you should stay out of our lives. We were better off without you." Mason took a step back, her words echoing in his mind. He felt a wave of nausea and had to grip the counter to steady himself. Just as he was about to respond, Nathan walked in, sensing the tension.

"Everything okay in here?" Nathan asked, his eyes darting between Mason and Claire.

Mason nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Claire's expression softened slightly as she looked at Nathan. "We're fine"

Nathan frowned but let it go. "Alright. Mason, why don't you come back outside? Dad's got the big fireworks ready."

Mason nodded again, He looked at his mom one last time, her face twisted with anger and resentment, before turning to leave the kitchen. As they walked back to the yard, Nathan gave him a concerned look. "You okay?" Mason forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."

They joined Jordan and the rest of the family in the backyard. Jordan was setting up a series of fireworks, his enthusiasm contagious. "Alright, this one's going to be spectacular!"

They sat down, and Mason took deep, shaky breaths, trying to calm himself. The fireworks continued to explode in the sky, but he barely noticed them. All he could hear were his mom's harsh words, echoing in his mind.

Jordan came over, oblivious to the tension. "Enjoying the fireworks, boys?" Nathan nodded, squeezing Mason's shoulder. "Yeah, Dad. They're great."

Jordan smiled, his focus shifting to the sky. "I'm glad you both came. It's good to have the family together." Mason forced a smile, trying to push down the pain. "Yeah, it's good to be here."

The evening wore on, and the grand finale of fireworks lit up the night sky. For a moment, the troubles and harsh words faded into the background, replaced by the awe and wonder of the display.

As the last of the fireworks fizzled out, Jordan clapped his hands together. "Alright, boys, let's head inside. I've got dessert waiting!"

They made their way back into the house, the warmth of the celebration lingering in the air. Mason could feel his mom's gaze on him

As they prepared to leave, Jordan pulled Mason aside. "I know things are tough, Mason. But you're always welcome here. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise." Mason nodded, feeling a lump in his throat again.