REBORN

Chapter 8-Redemption

Nicholas Anderson's POV

After 4 years of prison sentence

I walk through the prison gate. The cold breeze sends chills down my spine, reminding me of being...

Free

I was free from the prison, those four white walls. That's all that was there. Nothing else was there to do but freaking stare at them. To look at the paint that had started to chip off as time passed, or gouged by other prisoners - anything to pass time without going fucking insane. Other than the boredom, it wasn't as bad as they show in movies. Or it was because I was a rich bastard's son, I don't know and I didn't care.

In one way, the prison gave me peace myself for what I did. I deserve it, that's what I told myself every single day to bear all the insults from other prisoners. I wanted to fucking punch the life out of the douchebags till they shut up but how would it make me any different from them if I did that? How would I know I changed?

Mother tried to contact me several times. We would meet during the visiting hours and she would wait and wait and wait with eagerness in her eyes for me to finally say something to her...but I couldn't. I wanted to tell her everything because she used to be my best friend who would always listen to all my worries but I let her down this time. I was too ashamed to face her. Did she know about dad's affair? What if it slips out of my mouth...she can't bear it. No! The guilt got the better of me. After a long time, she gave up. Thank you, mother. My father never tried to meet me. Not even once while I was in prison and I don't give a damn because my first instinct would be to punch him-which can end badly. I don't want to see that man ever again in my life. He is no one to me now.

But something else diverted me from all of this the whole time. Or someone. Her. Her beautiful face. I always thought of her. How must her life be? Did she move on? Did she forgive me? Is she happy? I had no answers but I only hoped and I still do. Her thoughts, I held on to them to keep me sane. She calmed me with just her image in my mind. And now...I feel free. After four years, I am finally getting out of the prison today. I am free! I want to shout to the world.

"Nick", my mother's voice came from behind, startling me. I turned and I was engulfed in a tight hug that almost made me fall. I stiffened with her affection. She pulled away and I took her in. Her beautiful eyes lost their glimmer that would always bring a smile to my lips with bags like she hadn't slept in ages. Her skin looked tired and worn out. I felt sad to see her like this.

"You have no idea how much I missed you, son. I know you don't want to see me but I have to tell you something."

"Mother, please, I just want to be left alone for now. I want to fix my things on my own. I just- I need time, please."

She started intensely in my eyes like she was trying to assess me until she gave up. " Fine, I know how stubborn you are and I am not going to win this argument but on one condition. First of all, this is some money for you to take care of yourself." She handed me a white envelope. "And this is Xavier, your personal bodyguard. I want him with you at all times. Not to forget, the media will leave no opportunity of making this news. He will protect you."

I didn't even notice his tall figure till now. He was dressed in a formal black suit with an intimidating stare to scare anyone

"Mr. Anderson", he greeted with a nod. I can take care of myself and the last thing I want is someone clinging on my back right now. And what were all the martial arts' classes for, anyway?

"Mother, I-" I was cut off before I could finish.

"Now, I know you can take care of yourself but I want no arguments about this. Is that clear?"