Fortitude || Book 2 of 'Reawakening Series'

Chapter 23 - We Need To Talk About Kevin

One Year Later

The sound of children's laughter and playing fills the air, followed closely by the chatter of the parents. I'm in the kitchen, finishing preparing the birthday cake. It's in the shape of a bunny, Mary's favourite animal. I smile down at the cake happily, really proud of myself for making it. I glance over at the clock and see that the party has been in swing for an hour and a half.

Gritting my teeth angrily, I pull out my phone and begin to dial the familiar number. I make my way outside onto the small deck and hold the phone to my ear.

"Hi, you've reached Sam. I can't come to the phone right now, but if you could leave message I'll get back to you when I can." His voice rings out.

I hear the beep and grit my teeth, "Where are you? You promised you would be here and you're not. This is Mary's first birthday and it's hard enough as it is without..."

I trail off as my heart aches, but I push it away and compose myself, "You better have a pretty damn good explanation for not being here."

I hang up the phone and tuck it away back in my pocket. I stare out over the small suburban backyard, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. I brace myself against the railing, my eyes landing on my engagement and wedding rings. It's been so hard this past year, with things only just getting easier in the last couple of months.

"Addison... Everything okay?" I hear Matt ask, stepping out onto the back porch.

I wipe at my eyes and sniffle, "I'm fine, I'll be in in a second."

"You don't look fine." He says, coming to my side and leaning against the railing.

I roll my eyes and shake my head, "It's just a hard day is all."

He nods his head in understanding, "I get it. I mean, it's been around a year right?"

"Yeah." I breath sorrowfully, "I just really miss him."

"I know you do. I feel the same way about Christa and it's been three years. The pain doesn't go away, it's just easier to manage." He reaches forward and places a hand on top of mine, "Look, I don't want to pressure you into doing anything you don't want to. I just really like you Addison, and Abby loves you and Mary. However long you need, I'll still be here."

The side of my mouth twitches up as a blush rises to my cheeks. I turn my head and look towards him, "You're such a sweet guy Matt, and I'm so grateful for all the support you've given Mary and I over these past eight months."

He reaches forward and pulls me into his side, "It's been a pleasure."

I hug him for a moment, drawing on him for strength before letting out a deep breath and pulling back. Meeting his eyes, I smile, "Let's go bring out the cake."

"I think that's a wonderful idea." He smiles back.

I make my way back into the kitchen, putting the candle in place as Matt grabs my phone off the counter, putting on the video as well as grabbing the knife. I light the candle and pick up the cake, making my way towards the living room.

"Happy birthday to you." I begin to sing, walking out into the room.

All eyes turn to me, both parents and children as they hear me sing and join in, "Happy birthday to you."

I look over towards where my little girl sits, her one tooth grin wide as can be as she sits on the lap of a friend of mine from Mother's Group. I continue to walk over with a huge smile on my face as I sing, "Happy birthday dear Mary."