When Worlds Collide

96. I'm sorry

Throughout the night Valerie couldn't sleep, she was worried about Jeremiah and where could he be. She wished the fight last night never happened, if not her son would be here in his bed asleep and not somewhere out in the streets.

She got up the next morning and fixed breakfast because she needed something to get her mind off of what's happening. "Good morning mom." Isaiah said going in the fridge

"Good morning."

"Did you sleep okay?"

She nodded her head no and a single tear escaped her eyes. "It's gonna be alright, he'll be back." He said giving her a side hug and she hugged him back

"Thank you, I needed that." She said wiping her eyes

"Anytime." He smiled

"Well I made breakfast so you can fix yourself some, I made plenty for everyone." She said and left out of the kitchen

Isaiah grabbed himself a plate and started fixing his breakfast and took it to the table. He hated to see his mom in this kind of shape, he didn't like it when she cried and he can see the hurt all in her eyes and written on her face as she tries to hide it

After awhile of just sitting there eating his breakfast, he heard a pecking noise. He stopped what he was doing and looked around but didn't see or hear anything so he kept on eating. He heard it again and this time he looked out towards the window and saw Jeremiah standing outside

He got out of his seat and went over to the back door to let him in. "Hey man! I thought I wouldn't see you for awhile." Isaiah said

"Yeah, is mom and dad up?"

"Moms up but I don't know about dad. You hungry?" He asked noticing Jeremiah looking at the food

"Uh."

"Come on man, I know you hungry. Mom made plenty, I'll fix you a plate." He got another plate and started fixing Jeremiah some food and then he handed it to him as they both went to the table

"So what's up with you? Where did you go after you left last night." Isaiah asked

"I stayed with a friend. I thought about going to Unc's house but he lives too far out." He said stuffing his face

"Well I'm glad you're back, maybe now this house might be sane and back to normal." Isaiah said and they both started laughing

"Yeah that's true. So what happened when I left last night." Jeremiah asked but he noticed Isaiah wasn't answering, he looked up at him and he had a mortified look on his face.

He followed the direction of where he was looking and Ryan was standing there with a look of disdain. "Uh, good morning dad. I uh, he was hungry so I didn't want to leave him outside without having something to eat." Isaiah said afraid of his fathers reaction.

He glanced at Jeremiah and without saying a word he walked passed them both and went in the kitchen. Jeremiah knew he wasn't going to accept him back that easily with open arms.

He slowly got up from the table while Isaiah looked at him like he was crazy. He went in the kitchen where Ryan was pouring himself a cup of coffee, Jeremiah swallowed the lump in his throat and inched his way closer to him but kept a good distance between them

"Dad, I'm.."

"Oh! So now my name is dad. Yesterday I was just the guy who skeeted all over your mom." He said sardonically

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

"Yes you did, otherwise you wouldn't have said it."

"Dad I really am sorry for what I said. I'm glad that you are my dad because I can't think of one person who could replace you and I was acting like a spoiled brat. I was so used to you giving me everything I wanted and when you made me work, I became very ungrateful and selfish. I wish what happened would've never happened and I truly love you. So if you would, just find it in your heart to forgive me." Jeremiah said sincerely

Ryan leaned up against the counter as he listened to Jeremiah with an unreadable look on his face. "Everything I do has a purpose, you might not see it or even understand it but there's always a reason for everything. The reason why I push you as hard as I do is because I know that deep inside, you can do anything you put your mind to and it'll also help you to become a better man in life. I will always love you no matter what and I do accept your apology." He said as he held Jeremiah's cheek in his hand

Jeremiah smiled and hugged Ryan, "Thanks dad." He went to pull away but Ryan had a firm hand on his shoulder and slowly pulled him back towards him

"One more thing, if you ever put your hands on me again, I will not hesitate to kill you and I don't care how much your mom is begging and pleading. I bought you in this world, and I'll take you out. I made you and I can make another. Don't think that just because you're fourteen now that I won't kick your ass. You didn't raise me and you for damn sure ain't no man, not yet anyways, but don't ever do no shit like that ever again or your life will unfortunately be cut short."

Jeremiah looked at Ryan as he had a serious look on his face. "Yes sir."

Ryan patted Jeremiah on the shoulder, "Good, you can go eat now."

"Ryan, did you.. Oh sweetie you're back!" Valerie said as she went over to Jeremiah and gave him a hug

"I'm so glad you're home! Are you alright? Did you want something to eat?"

"Val, let the boy go." He said pulling her away from Jeremiah. "Go eat." He said and Jeremiah left out of the kitchen

"How long has he been back?" Val asked Ryan

"Not long." He said getting his cup from the counter

"How's everything with you two?"

"Everything's just fine. I talked to him and he understands." Valerie smiled and gave him a kiss

"I'm glad, I didn't know how long I could go another night of this. You want me fix you some breakfast?"

"I'd like that." He said and went into the dining room and sat at the table

"So when do you think would be a good time for you to teach me how to drive." Jeremiah asked

"Drive what?"

"A car, when are you gonna let me drive one of your cars?"

"You are not driving any of my cars." He said drinking his coffee

"When will you teach me?"

"Right now, I don't think you deserve it."

"Please dad, I'll be good. What can I do that'll make you say yes." Jeremiah whined

"Well, there is one thing."

"Whatever it is, I'll do it." Jeremiah said quickly

"Okay, if you want to earn my trust back and get back in my good graces this is what I got for you, Your mom and I are going out of town for the weekend and I need for someone to watch the house and you kids while we're gone."

"Perfect. I'll do it."

Valerie put the food down on the table in front of Ryan, "There you go."

"Val I found a babysitter for the weekend."

"Who?" She asked and Ryan pointed to Jeremiah

"You're looking at him."

"Jeremiah? Are you sure about that?" She asked Ryan

"Of course, he said he can handle it so I believe him."

She sighed, "Alright, that's you."

"I can do it ma, just give me a chance." Jeremiah said

"Ok, I'll give you a chance."