Call of Duty

27

MA'X POV

It's CP's 5th birthday tomorrow and I'm on my way to the Philippines to hand him gifts from all of us. Ard and Reav would love to come but wasn't granted an RnR.

It'll be a surprise but his grandparents know my itinerary so I was fetched from the airport and hours after we arrived at a private beach resort.

It's a costume party but an exclusive one for friends and family. I came to recognized Jane's team and their CO while some I haven't met. They're having a parlor game, its CP's turn to hit the piñata before the host placed the blindfold in place, he focused his sight on the target then glanced his way – I smiled cause I know he's calculating his moves to hit his target, no doubt the genes that this boy has are from 2 of the best snipers I've known - he's already blind folded took careful long strides then swing the baseball bat and HIT.

As soon as CP removed his blindfold his eyes focused on me then smiled cheekily but his smile faltered then creased his brows then we heard a loud gasp followed by a broken glass, it was Jane. She's a few meters away from us. She averted her eyes from me then gazed at CP lips trembling and tears glistening in her cheeks. Everyone seemed frozen, maybe because they are all aware of the situation. No one dared to move or speak well apart from the celebrant.

"Uncle Max... who's he?" he asked cautiously as he walks towards me but as he comes closer to us Jane's team came closer as well. I waited for him to be just 2ft away from me "I haven't met him before but he seemed familiar." CP continued as he scratched his nape just like what his father does when he's anxious.

Grey knelt to the ground to be eye level with CP. CP gave him a quizzical look for he's started sobbing both hands in his thigh just staring at CP, longing, love, regrets, happiness in his eyes.

I just stood there watching my best friend and his son meet for the 1st time. When I didn't answer CP he spoke again that made me smile and shook my head "Sir, don't cry I think you haven't done anything horrible yet for my mom to kill you and my godfathers to bury you." This is really Grey and Jane's son and most specially our godson

"Grey?" Jane spoke from behind CP which made CP look at his mom who's clearly not looking at him "yes, mom?" that's when he saw his mom crying "what happened mom? Did this man hurt you? What did he do?" CP started babbling then glared at Grey "Sir, what did you do to my mom? Are you or are you not the reason she's crying?" now he's placed his hands in his waist "can anyone answer me please? As a birthday present?" he pleaded

"CP honey, this man standing in front of you is your father." Jane told CP but staring into Grey's eyes both were silently crying just tears welling up their eyes. and here I thought that this will be start of a happy chapter but I was mistaken with what CP said

"mom you told me not to lie and yet here you are lying to me." please remind me again that this boy is just 5 years old for he doesn't sound and think like one – if in case I forgot to tell you he's really advance and got a higher IQ than any kid of his age

"CP your mom's not lying." I came to Jane's rescue "uh not you too uncle." He's rolled his eyes and started pursing his lips tsk tsk