Best Mistake | Nicholas Chavez

Thirty five | the future

Amara sat cross-legged on the bed, the faint glow of her phone screen illuminating her face as she FaceTimed her mom. Her mom appeared on the screen, looking a little worn but still smiling, her eyes soft and understanding.

"Amara, I need to talk to you about something," her mom began, her voice cautious. "Your father's been texting me again. Begging for another chance to reconnect with you."

Amara felt a knot tighten in her chest, but she said nothing, waiting for her mom to continue.

Her mom sighed. "I want you to know that it's your decision. You don't have to feel pressured into anything. I just wanted to let you know, in case you want to think about it."

Amara's mind raced back to all the times her father had let her down—empty promises, broken plans, and the way he'd come back into her life when things seemed convenient for him. She had been naive once, falling for his manipulations when he tried to use her success for his own benefit, when she first started on victorious, but the sting of betrayal still lingered.

Her eyes met her mom's, who gave her a sad, knowing look. "I don't want to hurt you, sweetheart. But I also don't want to stand in the way if you decide you want to give him another chance. Just... think about it."

Amara swallowed hard, her heart torn between wanting a family and protecting herself from more disappointment. "I'll think about it, Mama."

Her mom smiled softly. "I love you, Amara. Whatever you choose, I'll be here."

Amara nodded, her mind filled with conflicting thoughts about the father who had never really been there when she needed him most.

As Amara set her phone down, her mind still spinning from the conversation with her mom, Nicholas walked into the room. He noticed the distant look in her eyes and immediately sensed something was off.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his voice soft, his concern evident.

Amara sighed, her fingers tracing the edge of the blanket. "Riccardo's been texting mom again. Begging for a chance to reconnect."

Nicholas sat beside her, his face filled with understanding. "Okay," he started gently, "I remember that you said how he used to show up whenever things went well for you... only to disappear when it got tough."

Amara nodded, her throat tight. "It's hard to decide whether I should even give him a chance. I don't know if I'm just waiting for him to disappoint me again."

Nicholas reached out, resting a hand on hers. "You've been hurt before, and I get it. But it's your choice. If you want to see if he's changed, I'll support you, but if you feel like it's just another way for him to take advantage, I'll support that too."

She met his eyes, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I don't want to be disappointed again, Nick. But... I kind of wish he could be different."

Nicholas squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Whatever you decide, I'm here. Just don't let him control your peace."

Amara smiled faintly, grateful for his presence. "Thanks, Nick. I really needed to hear that."

Amara stood at the door, her hand hovering over the handle, her mind racing with uncertainty. Nicholas stood beside her, watching her with understanding.