A Past Year Changed

4

Childhood Memories

[Present Day]
February.
Randy Warner.

It was nice to see that eyes again after so many years we've been apart.

"Ra..Randy?" Chris expression definitely not what I expected, even though I don't expect other expression from him today when I see him again.

He steps forward and directly gives me some hug he never gave me before. It feels awkward, strong, and everything through me. But, I don't mind it. I missed him a lot.

I've been releasing myself from our hug, and I know Chris is not expecting me to do that. I can see it through his eyes.

"Charlotte, this is my brother, Chris Warner." I finally introduce him to my wife.

"Nice to meet you, Chris." She greets him nicely. Smile forming on her face, so Chris is. "Nice to meet you too." He replied.

"I think it's better for us to go inside, right? Ma and pa wants to see you."

I smiled, "Okay. Please lead the way."

Chris is stepping back inside, follow by Charlotte and Eliza behind him while I enter as the last person and close the door.

You have to be ready, I said to myself. I mostly forgot about everything in this house of my childhood memories.

"Mom, dad, you have to see someone by yourself." Chris said.

I'm standing there with my uniform and both of them look me in the eye. I know what I see in front of me, my parents, was giving me old scars which is re-opened.

The day I was kicked out from here because my mom can't take it anymore about what I did at school; fighting only for protect Chris from bully. She never get it right, The Principal always called her back days with warning letter for me.

My pa, on the other hand, didn't know what was happened though he never had a time to talk with me or Chris. I was lying as best as I could when I got bruised eyes after fought with the bully to him and he never got curious about it that deep so it went easy.

"Hello..., mom, dad.." I greet them. I can see my mom has tears which will pour at any time soon, and she didn't hate me anymore.

Dad is studying me from head to toe, seeing me wear that camo with proud in front of him.

He leaves his seat and walk approaching me. Our eyes never leave each other. Finally all he does is wrapping his hand on me.

"My son," My dad said.

"I'm sorry, Dad." I hug him back for the first time on my life and it feels good to have father figure after this long time.

"No, I am the one who should say sorry." Dad said. "I'm sorry for everything, I done nothing to take you back here."

I release his hugs and it's my mom who hug me now.

"I'm so sorry, Randy.." She said. "I don't mean to throw you out from here that day. It just..I'm upset and stupid enough to done such a thing to you."

"Mom, it's fine," I said. "I accepted all things happened and I forgive you."

"All I want is come back for you, for Chris." I said. "I love all of you. Always."