The Everlasting Effect 💖

Chapter Nineteen: Arawn

Today is the day that I finally meet Rhys and Denara after the bomb of her being my daughter dropped on me. I spent weeks wrapping my mind around all the information. I knew that there was something being kept from me. I just never imagined that it was something this big, life alternating. The memory is still so fresh in my head and I can't shake it.

Three Months back.

After everything that happened at the hospital, I needed to cool off, and going home wasn't the answer. The resentment and betrayal are fresh in my mind. I probably looked like some laugh stock to everyone who knew, or better yet, a pity case. She mentioned breaking my heart again and the thought angers me.

I went to Chase's apartment that night and when I saw the astonished look on his face; it comforted me know I wasn't alone and being played. The room is silent, and he lets everything Ive told sink in. My brothers knew all this time, and finally it explains their involvement and insistence to be in Rhys' lives. I honestly would have thought that after everything that we would have each other's back and not let any secrets.

Maybe that was all a fever dream or just hope. They kept a secret of a stranger that promised them an ounce of a better life instead of telling blood. The thought is a bitter pill to swallow. Chase has been with me through thick and thin and hopefully he'll help be with me now.

A few days, I decide to go back home when I know everyone is and get answers. Immediately when I enter, I see some guilt-ridden face. Connor's face is neutral, and he lets nothing phase him. Lucas looks away and Cole fidgets with his phone in hand. Mason doesn't even blink an eye, and he probably was expecting me at some point.

"Lets get down to it, shall we?" Mason says.

"I know you are pissed and you have every right to be. We didn't tell you something that was crucial to your life. You had every right to know. Dad was the one that was persistent on seeing Rhys and Denara let him have that, used the whole frail and my time will be soon excuse on her." Mason says, carefully testing the waters to see what might trigger me. Cole, not understanding this, jumps in.

"Dad was insistent that Rhys was yours. Said she reminded him of a younger rambunctious you or something along those lines. I personally thought he was crazy because Rhys is a sweet kid. He found reasons to live on and clean himself up." Cole's answers are curt and to the point. No beating around the bush or story telling. He looks he doesn't care either way. His face is nonchalant.

"We found out Denara had a kid a few years back when I was dating this girl that used to help babysit Rhys. Denara and Danny were back to working full time and Jamie started her job before she became her assistant. It came as a shock, you know. I didn't expect that, but she and Danny had been married for a while, so it was plausible." Connor adds on. A faint smile on his face and his probably thinking about that girl.

"Basically, when Connor came home, he told everyone about it. It took us some time to absorb the information, but dad was the one rather adamant about meeting Rhys and eventually wear her down after a few meetings and she confessed. The end." Lucas says sweetly and hurriedly. He looks ready to ready to run and avoid the awkward tension. I give him a glare and he backs away slowly and sends me a sheepish look, rubbing the back of his head.

"Or not." He mutters.

I get the how and why it happened, but I don't understand the reason that never told me and so far no one is bringing it up. I thought that I would have flipped tables by now and punched Mason in the face, but nothing. I feel nothing, no anger, no sadness, just nothing. I feel numb and disappointed.

I never thought that they could hide such a big part of my life from me, regardless of being a screwup. Their my brothers. I said nothing to avoid stirring my anger. I would have thought my dad would try harder, especially since he was getting his act together. I look at Mason for my question, knowing his better equipped to answer.

"It doesn't answer the why you didn't tell me part?"

"Denara asked me to tell you and asked everyone else as well. She didn't want to ruin what you had going for you and at the time dad agreed because he saw you trying. You were dating someone and doing concerts at bars, you were enjoying your early days. It was clear to everyone and we couldn't take that away. You spent your life tending to us and we wanted you to enjoy."

The explanation didn't make any happier, but I understand. Denara and I were moving in two different parts and nothing can change the past. I'm going to be a part of my daughter's life!

Which is how we come to today. The place that choose for Denara and I to meet with Rhys is a kids' themed restaurant with games and singing animals and other kids running around. The lively and noisy helping to ease up the nerves and it will make Rhys feel more relaxed and less pressured. I make sure that or table isn't center lined where it will get people's attention. This is still a small city full of prying eyes, eager for their next piece of gossip.

Our table is in the far back and in a booth where few people can see and it's disguised. Better to be out in the open where people least expect it. My hands shaking in nervousness and no matter how many times, I try to stop. There's nothing I can do. My hands find anything to fidget with on its own accord, like playing with my house keys. There's a pit in my stomach and continuously twisting. I don't know what to expect and after out our last encounter.... There's a lot to be said.

Denara approaches the table once she spots me in further back. Her hand gently holding to Rhys. I nod my head at her in greeting, not really sure how to react. Rhys stands in front of Denara, eyes wondering around the room in excitement and know immediately that this was the right choice. It will Denara and I time to talk when she's occupied with other kids.

"Hey Mister Arawn." Rhys greets cheerfully.

"Kiddo, Hey. Your mom and I thought you deserve a treat for being a good girl and Uncle Mase suggested this place"

The coverup why her mother is meeting with her friend. Every time she calls me mister, the words shatter and break my heart, knowing that how distant she is. Rhys may be comfortable around and used, but I want more than that. She deliberately calls me mister after explicitly told her frequently when I saw her to call me Arawn.

She's just being cheeky and mischievous but at the same time, endearing like its an inside joke between us. Denara allows Rhys to enter first and proceeds after, giving me a tight lipped smile, laughing awkwardly at my words.

"Thats right, baby! You remember mommy's friend, right? He fixed Jesse and he wanted to get to know you better." Denara explains in a light hearted tone to Rhys.

Rhys furrows her brows questioningly, and she looks between her mother and I. I may be wrong, but with her face scanning and analyzing what we said and our features, part of me thinks she knows what's happening and then she breaks out into a smile. I don't know what's running through this kid's head and whatever it is; she doesn't let us know. She just giggles. I send Denara a questioning look but she looks aways.

Denara orders pizza for us to share and I can't help but think that this family feeling. She pinches Rhys' cheeks and chuckles in amusement at something she said. The feeling leaves a pang in my chest and I can't help but wonder if we can be like this for real instead of a one second illustrative moment. Rhys sits between us and I realize that from now n this is make or break relationship with my daughter.