BEAUTY FROM ASHES

FORTY TWO

~Yesterday has forgotten us, today hasn't met us yet, but tomorrow is waiting for us and could be our greatest friend~
-Atticus

        AIDEN'S POV

We just got back from our trip, and I am currently lying on my bed and staring at the ceiling.

I'm debating whether or not I should contact my dad. Now don't get me wrong, I really want to see him and all. But there's a part of me that's doubting everything.

The 'what if' part of me, I hesitate but pull out his letter. I type in his phone number and press dial.

I allow it to ring. Five rings later, I hear his voice.

I freeze.

"Hello?" I snap out of my daydream, "Hi, dad it's me, Aiden."

He froze, the line remained silent.

"Son, it's so good to hear your voice. How are you?" I smile, "Good thank you, how are you?" He chuckles, "Good."

I stare at my shoes,"Dad, can I maybe come over sometime and see you?" He replies immediately, "Of course you can, how does tomorrow at 11am sound?" I smile, "Sounds perfect. "You've got my address otherwise I'll, well I can now message it to you." "Yeah, alright dad. Bye then." "Bye Aiden."

My hands were shaking, and there's a flood of adrenaline rushing through me.

I then had the sudden urge of confidence that I actually marched downstairs into the lounge, where my parents are currently sitting and chatting.

They pause when they see me, I sit down and my mom smiles. "Someone's happier than usual." I smile, but accidentally blurt out, "I'm seeing dad tomorrow."

My mom spat out her tea while my stepdad stood up. "Aiden. We've spoken about this." I sigh, "Come on, you don't know what it's like to have an absent father. Maybe he has changed-" My stepdad cut me off, "What if he hasn't..?" My mom stood up, "Both of you. Stop."

We avert our gaze towards her. "Aiden, are you sure that you want to see him?" I nod. She sighs, "Then you have my blessing to go. As for you Mr Grey, you need to calm down. I trust him, you should too."

He stared at her, and kissed her cheek. He then glanced at me, "Alright Aiden. Go for it." I smile and hug them.

-Next Day-

I'm on my way to his house. It's not that far a drive, before I know it I'm knocking on his door.

I gave myself no time to hesitate, I just went with the flow.

When he opened the door, that's when my heart sank. His once slick, black hair is now a mixture of black and grey. His face has more wrinkles than beofre, and he looks frail.

I stare at his eyes, I smiled when I saw it's oceanic blue colour. It's still vibrant like old times. Well, the good old times.

We hesitated but settled on an awkward hug. He welcomed me inside and he put the kettle on.

"So Aiden, what can you tell me?" I chuckled, "Uhm, I've got a girlfriend." He smirks, "Oh did you now?" I chuckle, "Yeah, I think you'd like her." He smiles. "What's her name?" "Milea Jordans." He nods.

I stare at my feet, "What can you tell me?" He hesitated for a bit but turned to me, "Well, I'm happily married. Her name is Christiana, who is currently at work." I nod.

He stares at me, he's trying to read me.

He clears his throat, "Aiden, how's uhm, how's your mom?" I stare up at him. He avoids my eye contact.

I sigh, "She's happy. She's also married again." He stares at me, pain evident in his features.

He sighs and prepares our coffee. We sit down and he smiles at me. "Your all grown up Aiden." I chuckle, "Thank you."

He runs his hand through his hair. "Aiden, I cannot express how grateful I am that you came here. I mean there hasn't been a day that has gone by that I don't hate myself for what I did to you and your mother. Once I was in jail, that's when I realised that I've made a huge mistake. Once I was released it took two years for me to pull myself and my life together. Then after those two years I met Christina, I met her through my friends. Five years later we got married. Basically, I am really sorry for all the wrong that I've done to you and your mother."

He had tears falling down his cheeks. I wasn't sure how to comfort him, but I did feel really happy that the tension is gone between us.

"Dad, thank you. This means a lot to me." I got up and I hugged him.

I'm not sure if him and my mom would ever fix their relationship. I just want them to be civil. Even if that doesn't happen, I know one thing.

My dad will always be part of me and my life.