Over The Rainbow (COMPLETED)

Thirdy's Apology - 1

Hey there! It's been a while. 😊

November 2024:

"Mamaaaa..." Thirdy pouted and stomped his feet. "It's all your fault."

"Richard Faulkerson The Third." RJ said in a low warning tone and glared at the young boy through the rear view mirror as he sat in the driver's seat.

Maine, who was in the passenger seat, touched his arm and smiled when he turned to face her. "Easy lang, Pa. Ako na kakausap." She whispered and turned to their eldest son who sat in the backseat with Charm. Sebastian, who was still too young to join the games, was left with their grandparents. "I'm sorry, Honey." Maine sighed.

She knew Thirdy was upset after they finished last in the family relay race they played at Thirdy's school's Foundation Day because she couldn't get past the obstacle where she has to go through a small maze made of cardboard and bottled cockroaches.

"Takot kasi talaga si Mama. I really can't go through it." Maine said.

"Bakit the other Moms can do it and you can't?" Thirdy fumed.

"Kuya..." Charm whispered beside him in a quiet reprimand.

She could not answer her son's question. She has been too scared of those evil winged creatures for so long, she couldn't remember why. Plus there was a painful lump in her throat from what she heard her son say that she feared she might cry if she ever said anything.

Maine just sighed and shook her head then took Thirdy's hand in between hers. "I'm sorry." She whispered. She disappointed her son and she disappointed herself for failing him as a mother. She should have been braver for him.

"I don't get it." Thirdy said as he slipped his hand away from his mother's grasp and brooded. "Why do you have to be so scared, Mama? It's just a stupid cockroach."

The child gasped when he felt his father's hand tighten around his wrist. He looked up at a displeased RJ with round apologetic eyes.

"Don't EVER talk to your Mama that way." RJ snarled, his eyes fuming with anger. "You better watch your mouth, young man or else..." He trailed off with a warning in his piercing stare. "Say that word again. Say it!" RJ dared and Thirdy sunk in his seat, cowering in fear.

Charmaine quietly watched them in shock and fear.

"Love, please... It's okay." Maine said softly, stroking his shoulder gently as she tried to soothe her husband. "I'm okay. Let it go."

"No." RJ snapped before looking at M who touched his cheek. Her simple gesture made him talk to her with a calmer tone. "Sumusobra na eh. He's being disrespectful. He should learn to never do that to his mother." He turned a sharp gaze at Thirdy again.

"He will, Pa. Nabigla lang yung bata. He's just upset. Kausapin natin. Wag ganito. Look at Charm." Maine said, her voice cracking. "Please..."

RJ knew she was heartbroken at what Thirdy said but was trying her best to keep the situation together. He sighed and let Thirdy's hand go. Much as he wanted to correct his son, RJ knew was only going to make his wife feel worse if he continued to scold Thirdy while he was angry in front of Charmaine. He decided it was best to talk to their son when their emotions were not as high.

He took a deep breath and faced the road. He held Maine's hand and sighed. "Okay but we'll talk about this later."

She nodded with a smile while blinking back her tears. He kissed her hand as he looked into her eyes.

He exhaled another deep sigh before placing his hands on the wheel and starting the engine.

They had a very quiet drive home.

To be continued tomorrow...

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Unbeta'ed and not proofread. Thank you for reading.