The Stepbrother

Chapter 27

  Manhattan. A city that once meant everything to me, now seemed lifeless.

  I lied on my bed, staring up at ceiling as the boxes of my clothes and other things surrounded me. My mother told me to let Vienna organized everything, but I refused. I had finally gotten used to doing things on my own. 

  After I left Adam wordless in the kitchen less than 8 hours ago, the movers and my mom's personal assistant, Tori, came in and began grabbing everything that belonged to my mother. Tori came to ask me if I wanted them to pack my stuff while they were at it.

  With a defeated sigh, I agreed, letting her know that I was just going to get in my car and head to New York on my own. Just like that, with no goodbyes or anything, I left my life back in New Jersey and headed to New York. I knew Adam was watching from his window. But he didn't come to say anything to me. Not even a good bye.

  Maybe it was better that way. I knew I was just going to cry, and I had done enough of that. 

  I curled up under the covers of my bed and let out a silent cry. All I could think of was Adam. Adam who made me laugh, who made me smile. Who made me feel that nothing else in the world mattered except those moments in his arms.

  An image of his smiling face came into mind and I squeezed my eyes tight, wanting to break it into tiny little pieces until it no longer existed. 

  I heard a soft knock in my door and I didn't bother to say anything. My mother has already come in.

  "Hello sweetheart, how are you doing?"

I felt her sit on the edge of my bed, but I still remained under the covers. And even there, I could hear her nose was stuffy from crying.

"Okay."

  There was a slight pause. "So why didn't you let Vienna unpack for you?"

  This small talk was beginning to suffocate me. I just wanted to be alone and she didn't seem to want to leave me. "Because I didn't want to, mom."  I snapped.

  "There is no reason for you to disrespect me like that, Serena." She snapped. "I'm the one getting divorced here, not you."

  My jaw dropped and I immediately sat up, not believing she actually had the audacity to say that. "And whose fault is that?!"

  My mother sighed and began to stand up, when I stopped her, "Don't walk away from me, mom!" I jumped out of bed and stood face to face with her, "You need to move on, mom."

  A confused look came over her face, "What are you talking about?"

  I sighed, "I saw the photo album you keep hidden in your closet. Of you and dad."

  She looked away, not wanting to meet my eyes, "Why were you going through my things, Serena, you had no right to."

I rolled my eyes, "That's not the point, mother." Shaking my head, "The point is, that I know better than anyone that dad would've wanted you to go on with your life. Yes, I know he was your first great love. But that doesn't mean you can't have another great love. And I know you had finally found that with Peter."

  I remained hopeful, looking at her, while she just sighed and looked at the floor, "Oh Serena... " her voice was getting choked up, as she sat on the edge of my bed. "I wish it was that easy. I really do."

  I sat down closer to her, wrapping my arms around her and laying my head on her shoulder, "What is it, mom? What is it that doesn't allow you to be happy with Peter?"

  She stayed silent for a few minutes. Finally when she spoke, I felt her tear land on my cheek, "I feel that once I begin to be happy with another man, the memory of your father will soon become so distant, that I'll no longer remember his voice, his face, the tender way he held me in his arms." She sniffled, "Basically, what I'm trying to say.... is that I feel like I'm trying to replace him. And I'm betraying him like that."

  I felt her body slightly shake and when I looked up, her face was wet with tears. And as I wiped them, I couldn't help but slightly smile because I had accomplished what no expensive shrink or "discovering myself" vacations could ever do: I managed a breakthrough with my mother.

  "Mom," I began, brushing her hair back, "No one could ever replace dad. He was your first love, the man you started a family with. A man who helped you become the beautiful, successful woman you are today. But if it's one thing I remember about dad, was that he was selfless. I know more than anyone, that he would've wanted you to be happy and move on after he was gone." I paused, "If it had been you, wouldn't you have wanted for dad to move on and find happiness?"

  She didn't answer right away, but when she did, she sniffled and nodded, "Yes, Serena. I genuinely would've wanted your father to move on with his life and be happy."

  I smiled, "See? Just because we move on, doesn't mean dad won't remain in our hearts. He will always be my father. But we can be happy again, mom. And I know, with all my heart, that Peter made you happy."

She smiled and nodded as tears ran down her face, "Yes, Serena, I know. But I already screwed this whole thing up. I doubt Peter would want me back."

  "He will, mom. I know he will." At least he'll want us back.

  She stood up, and wiping her tears, she began to adjust her skirt and blouse and in her business voice said, "Well, what are we waiting for? let's go."

  I smiled and chased after her, heading down to her car. I'm happy that I could at least help save one relationship. Because I no longer could do anything about mine.