The Student Teacher Affair

43: Nathaniel's birthday

Joshua's pov

I woke up that morning with a smile on my face, a rare, genuine smile that felt like a burst of sunlight breaking through the clouds. Today was Nathaniel’s fifth birthday. The thought filled me with a warm sense of pride and joy, knowing that I finally had the chance to be there for him. I’d missed his last few birthdays, something that haunted me more than I liked to admit. But today, I was determined to make up for it,to make this day unforgettable for both of us.

I got out of bed, stretching and letting the morning light fill my room. My gaze fell on the large gift-wrapped box I’d carefully placed on the floor the night before. I’d spent hours finding the perfect present, something that I knew Nathaniel would love. I was determined to be the father he deserved, to shower him with the love and attention he’d missed out on for so long.

After getting ready, I grabbed the gift and headed to Mercy’s apartment. The streets were quiet as I drove, the early morning stillness giving me a moment to reflect on how far things had come. I was nervous,there was no denying that but I was also excited. This was a chance to start fresh, to create new memories with my son.

When I arrived at Mercy’s place, I walked up the stairs, balancing the large gift in one hand, and knocked on the door. It opened almost immediately, and there stood Mercy, her face lighting up when she saw me.

“Good morning,” she greeted me warmly, her eyes flickering to the oversized present in my hands. “Wow, that’s quite the gift.”

“Only the best for my boy,” I replied, grinning. “Is he awake yet?”

“Not yet,” she said, stepping aside to let me in. “We were going to wake him up with the cake, remember?”

“Right,” I nodded, stepping inside and setting the gift down by the couch. The apartment was quiet, the calm before the storm of celebration. “I’m really glad I could be here for this, Mercy.”

She smiled at me, and for a moment, there was something unspoken between us a shared understanding, a moment of peace. “I’m glad you’re here too, Joshua. Nathaniel’s been looking forward to this day. He talks about it nonstop.”

We headed into the kitchen together, where the birthday cake sat on the counter, a bright and cheerful confection that seemed to sparkle with excitement. Mercy carefully placed a few candles on it, and I grabbed the lighter from the drawer.

“Ready?” I asked, looking at her.

She nodded, her smile widening. “Let’s do this.”

We walked down the hallway to Nathaniel’s room, the cake in my hands and Mercy by my side. The excitement was bubbling up inside me; I could barely contain it. We opened the door quietly, and there he was our little boy, still fast asleep, his face peaceful and innocent.

Mercy nudged me gently, and we both started to sing “Happy Birthday” in soft voices, the glow from the candles casting a warm light over the room. Nathaniel stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he registered the sound of our voices.

“Happy birthday, buddy,” I said, my voice catching slightly as he looked up at us with sleepy eyes.

“Daddy!” he exclaimed, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. He glanced at the cake and then back at me, his face breaking into a wide grin. “Is that for me?”

“It sure is,” I replied, holding the cake closer to him. “Go on, make a wish.”

Nathaniel closed his eyes tightly, his little brow furrowing in concentration, and then he blew out the candles with one big puff. We cheered, and he giggled, the sound filling the room with pure happiness.