Impenetrable Annulment | a.a

06.

Three bottles of wine in and I was struggling to sit upright.

"God, I missed this." I laughed.

His lips tugged at the corners, his eyes turning significantly lighter.

"You need a refill?" I asked, pointing to his empty glass.

"Adele." He said calmly, taking hold of my wrist, stopping me from breaking conversation.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"Simon, I ca-"

"I messed up. I messed up big time, and I know nothing I say could possibly change the past. But I'm trying to create a better future. I know I wasn't there for Angelo's first few years, but I'm here now. I'm sure it wasn't easy on you raising him alone, and I'm so, incredibly, sorry for neglecting you the way I did. I just assumed you'd be okay. My number one priority at that time was my daughter. I'm aware of how irresponsible I was then, but I want to be part of Angelo's life. And yours."

"And what if I don't allow it?" Not able to process the full speech, I referred to Angelo's case.

"Then I'll do what's needed." He shrugged, his posture stiffening.

My eyes instantly went wide.

"Don't even try it." I warned him.

"So what if I do? You're going to run off and hide him like you did before?" He scoffed, "You should know me Adele. I have eyes everywhere."

"If only he was the one I was looking for." He added.

"What are you talking about?" I sighed.

"You know I never knew about him when I showed up. I was just as shocked to see him as you were, me. Why else would I come here, sunshine?" His smirk was evident.

"We're both a little tipsy, Simon. I'm not even sure I'm comprehending everything you're saying right now." I laughed to myself.

"You said it yourself. A drunk tongue is an honest tongue." He shrugged, taking hold of my chin between his thumb and index finger.

I stayed silent, staring into his soft eyes. The warmth radiating off his body was so welcoming. I almost felt safe, at home.

Without realising, I had come inches away from him. His breath could be felt upon my skin, fanning my cheek.

Completely lost in the moment, my mouth had a mind of its own, "I love you."

And without hesitation my lips met his. My hands flew to the back of his neck, holding him to me.

His hands traveled over my body, caressing every curve, claiming me as his own.

The possessive force of his touch was a sensation I had missed greatly.

He gently moved his way up towards my face, cupping my cheeks in his hands, holding me close as our mouths melded.

The scent of cedarwood and rain he possessed had always appealed to me. It always portrayed a physical grounded place. Somewhere I could grow and achieve.

The pitter patter of feet could be heard upstairs, progressively getting closer.

"Simon," I mumbled, still against his lips, "Simon, Angelo's up." I said, pushing him away.

"Mummy?" I could hear a whisper.

"Angelo, baby. What's wrong?" I frowned, watching him walk over to me.

My arms immediately opened, ready to embrace him.

"You and daddy aren't fighting again, are you?" He pouted.

"No. Of course not. We were just talking." I smiled sadly, taking a quick glance at Simon.

"Daddy?" Angelo yawned.

"Yeah, mister?" Simon replied, taking my hand.

"Can I sleep with you and mummy tonight?" He asked, smiling up at me.

"Uhm," Simon began stuttering, "Angel, me and mummy don-"

"Of course you can, baby." I smiled softly, kissing his forehead, "you head up to Mummy's room while me and daddy clean up, okay?"

"Be fast." He grinned before speeding up the stairs.

I turned to face Simon who was wearing a confused look.

"This is something he's missed out on," I started, "Besides, I didn't think you'd be objecting." I shrugged.

***

Angelo separated Simon and I, physically, but that never prevented the desire.

His arm was draped over Angelo while his hand rested on my hip. His thumb was rubbing small circles on my exposed skin, where my shirt had risen.

"I love you too." He suddenly spoke.

I moved my head to see him, "What?"

"Downstairs, you said you loved me." Although it was dark I could still see his grin.

"Oh." My lips curled together, keeping any other thoughts from escaping.

Not another word was spoken by either of us. Before I could object, words that had been quietened, quickly escaped from my mind.

"I hated you." Were the first words released.

His head turned to me quickly, "I was young; pregnant, on the verge of a divorce. I thought I was at fault, that I had done something. You gave me no warning whatsoever to alarm me of the separation.

I know that family is everything to you. I know you wanted to help your daughter. But, there were other ways Simon. I never understood your logic in leaving me. Family is your life yet, you completely discarded me, your wife, and our son.

I despised you with every fibre of my being. I promised myself to stay guarded. Not only for my own sake, but for Angelo's. Yet, somehow, here you are.

I guess we really can't help who we fall in love with."

All these obsessive words, facts, finally being heard.

"I'm here. I'm here for you, and I'm here for Angelo. I'm not going anywhere, sunshine. It's you and me now. We're in this together." He whispered, squeezing my hip.

"You can't let me down again." I sighed.

"I promise." He said, firmly.