Mr.Brightside

Chapter 14

Jack

The conversation with Clara about starting a family stayed with me. I couldn't stop thinking about it, even as I threw myself into work, trying to keep up with the never-ending stream of projects and deadlines. It was strange-I'd never really pictured myself as a dad before. I'd always assumed it would happen someday, but I'd never given much thought to what that would actually look like.

But now, with Clara bringing it up, the idea started to take shape in my mind. I found myself imagining what it would be like to have a kid, to teach them things, to watch them grow up. I wasn't sure if I was ready, but I knew I wanted to be. The thought of creating a life with Clara, of building a family together, was something I couldn't ignore.

An Unexpected Encounter

A few days later, I was at work, trying to focus on a particularly challenging project, when my phone buzzed with a text from my mom. It was a simple message: "Can we talk?"

I frowned, a little surprised. My mom and I didn't talk as often as we used to, mostly because of how busy I'd been with work and everything else. I quickly replied, letting her know I'd call her during my lunch break, and tried to get back to work. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was up.

When I finally called her during lunch, she answered almost immediately, her voice sounding both relieved and a little strained.

"Jack, it's good to hear from you," she said. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all," I replied, leaning back in my chair. "What's going on, Mom? Is everything okay?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost picture her sitting there, trying to find the right words.

"Everything's fine, sweetheart," she said finally. "But I wanted to talk to you about something important. It's about your father."

I felt a slight pang in my chest at the mention of my dad. We hadn't been particularly close in recent years, mostly because of his disapproval of some of the decisions I'd made-like quitting a stable job to start my own business, or choosing to live in the city instead of moving back home. But I still cared about him, even if our relationship was complicated.

"What about Dad?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"He's been having some health issues," my mom said, her voice growing softer. "He didn't want to worry you, but I thought you should know. The doctors say it's nothing too serious for now, but he needs to make some changes-diet, exercise, that sort of thing."

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"He didn't want to burden you," she replied gently. "But I think he could use your support, Jack. It would mean a lot to him if you reached out."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Of course. I'll call him tonight."

"Thank you, sweetheart," my mom said, her voice full of gratitude. "And Jack... it might be a good time to mend fences. Life is too short to hold on to old grudges."

She didn't have to say more for me to understand what she meant. I knew she was right, but the thought of trying to repair my relationship with my dad after everything that had happened was daunting.

"I'll try, Mom," I said finally, my voice quiet. "I'll do my best."

"That's all I can ask for," she said softly. "I love you, Jack."

"I love you too, Mom," I replied, and after a few more words, we ended the call.

A Difficult Conversation

That evening, after dinner with Clara, I sat on the couch, phone in hand, staring at my dad's number. I knew I had to call him, but I wasn't sure what to say. The distance between us felt like a wall that had been built brick by brick over the years, and I wasn't sure how to start dismantling it.

Clara, sensing my unease, sat down beside me, her hand resting gently on my knee. "You okay?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," I said, forcing a smile. "Just... thinking about how to talk to my dad. My mom told me he's been having some health issues."

Clara's eyes widened with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want to talk about it?"

I sighed, leaning back against the couch. "It's just... complicated. We haven't really been on the best of terms for a while now. He's always been disappointed in some of the choices I've made, and I guess I just... let that get between us."

Clara nodded, her expression understanding. "I get that. But maybe this is a chance to start fresh, to put all that behind you."

"I hope so," I said, looking down at the phone in my hand. "I just don't know how to start."

Clara gave my knee a reassuring squeeze. "Just be honest with him, Jack. Tell him how you feel. It might not be easy, but it's worth it."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. I just need to do it."

With Clara's encouragement, I finally dialed my dad's number and waited as the phone rang. When he answered, his voice sounded gruff, but not unfriendly.

"Jack? Didn't expect to hear from you," he said, and I could tell he was surprised.

"Hey, Dad," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Mom told me about what's been going on with your health. I wanted to check in, see how you're doing."

There was a brief pause on the other end, and when my dad spoke again, his voice was softer, almost hesitant.

"I'm fine, Jack. Just getting older, I guess. The doctors say I need to make some changes, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"I'm glad to hear that," I said, feeling a small sense of relief. "But I want you to know that I'm here for you, Dad. Whatever you need, I want to help."

My dad didn't say anything for a moment, and I could hear the faint sound of his breathing on the other end of the line. When he finally spoke, his voice was thick with emotion.

"Thanks, son. That means a lot."

We talked for a while longer, and though it was awkward at first, we eventually found a rhythm. It wasn't like the old days, when our conversations were stilted and full of unspoken tension. This time, there was a sense of mutual understanding, a willingness to let go of the past and focus on what really mattered.

When we finally said goodbye, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, as if I had taken the first step in repairing the damage that had been done. It wasn't going to be easy, but I was committed to making it work, just like I was committed to my relationship with Clara.

Reflections and Resolve

That night, as I lay in bed beside Clara, I thought about how much had changed in such a short time. Just a few weeks ago, we were still in the honeymoon phase, blissfully unaware of the challenges that awaited us. But now, we were facing them head-on, together.

I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. There were still so many unknowns, so many challenges to overcome. But I also knew that we had the strength to handle whatever came our way.

As I drifted off to sleep, I made a silent promise to myself: to be the best husband I could be, to be the son my dad needed, and, one day, to be the father that Clara and I could be proud of. It wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to put in the work.

Because at the end of the day, that's what love was about-facing the challenges together, no matter how tough they might be. And with Clara by my side, I knew that anything was possible.

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