A Light in the Dark

Chapter 33

Chapter 33 (Gustave's POV)

Waking up every morning with Elaina in my arms was both a blessing and a curse.

It was really nice having someone to talk to in that big empty house. It was truly amazing that after all of the years we had been friends and then a couple, we could still find plenty to discuss. The unfortunate thing about that was that I enjoyed talking with her a bit too much.

Some mornings, I wouldn't even get out of bed because she had my attention the moment my eyes opened. Of course, this meant my work was suffering because of it. Papa noticed my distraction. He never scolded me for it, but I could see how taxing it was for him to get up so early and run the entire park. His age was definitely showing.

One morning when I had finally allowed myself to leave my dearest Elaina, I made my way to my father's office.

He looked up at me then returned to his work.

"Papa," I said timidly, "why don't you take the day off."

He grunted. "And let this place go to nothing? I don't think so."

"It won't go to nothing," I protested. "I'll be here. I was just wanting to give you the day off."

He shrugged and continued writing on his many documents. "I have nothing better to do."

"What about the kids? Don't you want to spend time with them?"

He shrugged once more. "They are having lessons now with a nanny. They must have a proper education. I go see them in the evenings."

I rolled my eyes and fixed my jaw. "Look, I know this is your park, and it's important to you that you have responsible people managing it. I promise you I'll stop neglecting my work so much. It's just been a little difficult adjusting to having Elaina around all of the time alright? I needed some time with her, but now I'm ready to get back to work."

"Well, I'm not ready to leave it."

I slammed my hands on his desk over the papers that he was trying to write on. "You have to be, Papa. You're stressing yourself, and it's beginning to show."

"I'm fine!"

"No! No, you're not. I can tell. What's all of this about anyway? Why are you suddenly so interested in all of this business? Heavens, you didn't work this much when I was a boy. What's gotten into you?"

He sighed and set his pen and glasses down on his desk. "I suppose I'm just a little jealous. That's all."

"What are you talking about? Have you suddenly gone mad?"

He shook his head. "No. Don't get me wrong, Gustave. I've led a decent life, and I love you very much. I just want to see you happy, but I can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if..."

"If you had Mother and me like I have Elaina and the child," I finished.

He closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes, but forget I ever said it. It's selfish of me to think that."

"No, Papa, it's not," I said as I sat across from him. "It's okay to wonder. Sometimes I wonder that too, but just think. We might not be where we are today if it had been that way. Papa, you can't just dwell on what wasn't meant to be. You'll stress yourself to death."

He nodded and sadly smiled. "I love you, Gustave," he said quietly. "I really do."

I smiled back. "I love you too, Papa. Now, why don't you go home and play your organ, and I'll take the work load today."

He stood and sighed. "I suppose there's no getting my way this time, so I guess I will do as you say."

I laughed and took his place at his desk.

"What did you do with that money I gave you for the wedding?" he asked as he buttoned his coat.

I raised an eyebrow. "Why? Do you need money, Papa?"

He laughed. "No, my boy, I'm simply curious."

"Elaina designed the room for the baby and bought everything with it," I said smiling.

He nodded. "I'd like to see it sometime if you wouldn't mind."

"Sure, Papa. I'll show you soon. Now go home and get some rest."

He sighed. "Alright, alright, but we must go to dinner tonight, and bring your pretty little wife with you."

I nodded. "It's a date."