Lev the Start of Everything in Between

A CHANCE FOR FORGIVENESS

(At the Wedding of Patricia & Alex)

Lev sat quietly on a bench near the playground, wrapped in a stunning gown that shimmered softly under the afternoon lights. Her gaze softened as she watched Lance and Lorraine dart around in joyful circles, their laughter carrying through the air. After her performance, she had needed this moment to breathe, to savor the fresh air, and to watch her children in the simplicity of play. Nearby guests passed by, nodding respectfully, offering warm words of praise, but Lev was content, enjoying this quiet slice of peace.

Meanwhile

Dr Luke: Excuse me, have you seen my wife and the twins?" he asked politely.

The nurse smiled, instantly understanding the warmth in his tone. "Yes, Dr. Luke. They're at the playground outside. Your wife is watching over them."

He walked down the softly lit path that led to the playground area, the evening breeze carrying the faint sounds of laughter and music from the party behind him. As he approached, he could see Lev seated on a nearby bench, her gaze fixed lovingly on Lance and Lorraine as they played. The twins were running in circles, their laughter echoing through the air, their little arms stretched out as if they could fly.

As Dr. Luke approached the playground, a shadow of movement caught his eye. He slowed his steps, watching as a man approached Lev from the opposite direction and settled down beside her on the bench. A moment of surprise washed over him as he recognized the figure—it was Eros, Lev's ex.

Dr. Luke's heart tightened, instinctively protective of Lev. He knew Eros had caused her pain in the past, and his presence here, at the wedding celebration no less, felt unsettling. But rather than stride forward, he paused, his instincts telling him to observe. He moved behind a tree close enough to hear but hidden from their view, silently watching to see what Eros would do, what he had come here to say.

From a distance, Eros had spotted her, his heart pounding as he watched Lev's serene silhouette. Memories of the past weighed on him, and he felt a deep, genuine need to speak to her, though Dr. Luke's warning echoed in his mind. He hesitated, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to express what he'd held inside for so long. Taking a steadying breath, Eros walked toward her, determined but unsure of his reception.

He approached carefully, his voice gentle but firm. "Hi, Lev?"

Lev turned, momentarily surprised. She hadn't expected him, of all people, to approach. When she saw him, she felt a flicker of recognition, a swirl of past emotions, but she met his gaze steadily. "Hi, Eros," she replied, her voice calm and clear.

Eros lowered himself onto the bench beside her, maintaining a respectful distance. He seemed different now—still tall and rugged, his aura still carrying a trace of that "bad boy" intensity, but his eyes had softened. They held no trace of the fire that had once consumed him; instead, there was something like humility, maybe even remorse.

For a moment, silence stretched between Lev and Eros, broken only by the distant sound of Lance and Lorraine's laughter as they ran in circles near the playground. Suddenly, the twins caught sight of Eros and, to Lev's surprise, they began waving enthusiastically, their voices ringing out, "Hi, Uncle Eros! Hi, Uncle Eros!"

Eros, caught off guard, waved back with a warm smile. But when he glanced over, he noticed Lev's puzzled expression. She studied him closely, a slight frown knitting her brow. "Eros... how do my twins know you?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Eros shook his head quickly, raising his hands as if to dispel her assumption. "It's not me, Lev. I didn't even know you had twins—this is my first time meeting them it was Eric.