A Second Chance

Ten days

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Danny, sit down."

"Jess, you're scaring me. What is it?"

"Your sister told me that your father is the reason for all of this. It's not your mother's fault."

"Why isn't it her fault? She could have come at any time."

"No she couldn't!"

"Really? Why?" Danny asks with an attitude.

"Because everytime she even attempted to call you, your father hit her."

"... What?" Danny says in a whisper.

"He abused her, Danny. Your mom tried for years but couldn't take the abuse anymore...
Please call her, Danny."

Danny nods his head and starts to tear up.
Jessica hugs him and he says, "He hit her? Because she wanted to see me?"

"Yeah."

"Dammit.
And I hung up on her. I'm such a horrible son!"

Jessica pulls away and looks him deep in the eyes while holding his arms.

"Danny, no you're not! You didn't know! You can still fix it, babe. Call her."

"Okay... Thank you so much. You're so amazing." He
gives her a quick kiss and she smiles.

"I love you. Now call her and make things right."

"Okay. I love you too."

***

"Hello?"

For a moment Danny stayed silent. He felt like bursting into tears, but he held back.

"Mom?"

"Daniel?" His mother's voice shook.

"Mom. I'm so sorry."

"No Daniel, don't say you're sorry. Please don't ever apologize to me! I love you baby boy and I am so sorry for everything. Please know that I love you and Zachary very very much. I wanted to contact you, but.. It doesn't matter, all that matters is for me to tell you how sorry I am!"

"Mom, I know what happened. It's not your fault so don't apologize. I forgive you and I love you."

"I love you too, baby!"

"Mom.." Danny's voice cracks.

"Oh baby don't cry!"

"I have to see you, mom."

"I'm going to be moving in with Angelica for a while. It's something I felt was necessary for the time being."

"Where are you now?"

"I'm at home."

"I don't want you there with him."

"He's not gonna do anything. He's in his office.
Baby, how are you? Are you doing well?"

"Yes ma'am."

"I heard you're getting married. She's beautiful, darling."