The Unexpected

Chapter 9: Telling His Parents

"Have you told your family, yet?" I asked Derrick.

Derrick sat Bentley down, “Go find Nana, Nugget.” Bentley ran to the kitchen, knowing my mom would most likely be there. Derrick looked at me sheepishly.

“I take that as a no. I see how important we are to you.” I stood up, really upset and trying to not cry or kill him. After the most amazing two days with him, I now feel my heart breaking.

“Babe, wait!” He stood up and caught me by the arm. “Let me explain. I haven’t gotten the chance to, I have been with you and I want you to be there with me when I tell them. I’m scared they aren’t going to be happy with me. I need you to be there for me, to support me. I know what they will have to say won’t make neither of us happy.”

Facing him, I saw the vulnerable look in his eyes. “We have to do it today.”

He nodded. “Fine with me. I want Bentley to come but I feel there will be a ton of yelling and he doesn’t need to be around that. I want to tell my parents at the same time but it will be a challenge because they don't do things together. Let me give them a call.”

“Alright. Let me go let my mom know everything.” I stated.

“Well, gimme a kiss.” He stated with a cheesy smile. Rolling my eyes, I pecked him on the lips. I walked to the kitchen and found my mom and Bentley baking.

“Mom, could you keep an eye on Bentley for a few hours. Derrick has yet to tell his parents about him so we plan to do it today. There is a lot of drama between his parents so we thought it would be best to not bring Bentley right now.”

“Of course, I will. Are you guys leaving soon?” She questioned. “Bentley, don't lick that... You have to wait till I'm finished.”

I couldn't help my laugh at the innocent face Bentley pulled. “I think so. So let me give my baby some love!” I picked Bentley off the counter and gave him kisses. “Love ya booger.”

“I wove you too.” He replied.

I was sitting him down on the counter when Derrick walked in. “So, I got them to meet with us. We need to hurry so they don't find out they will be in the same room as each other.”

He gave Bentley a hug as we said our goodbyes. “So, where are we meeting them at?” I asked as we pulled out of the driveway.

“My mom’s house.” He answered, shortly. Noticing that he was quite nervous, I decided to play music until we got to his house.

As soon as we opened the door, there was arguing going on. “Derrick, why the hell is your father in my home? Are you moving back with him?”

“Mom, Dad, I really need to tell you something and I wanted to tell you together. Can we not argue?”

“Argue? Are you kidding me? You invited a murderer in my house?” His mom screamed.

“A murderer? He was my goddamn son as much as yours. At least, when shit hit the fan I didn't run out and cheat on my family!”

“STOP!” Derrick screamed. “Jason died from a pure accident. It was eight years ago! How can two people who claim to love each other so much hate each other now? You had two kids together and at some point in time, you are both going to have to get your shit together and move on. When I get married, I want both of you to be there to support me. When my son-

“SON!?” Both of his parents began to yell.

“Now that I have both of ya’lls attention, I can tell you the reason I brought you both together. Jenny, this is James and Jackie. Parents, this is my girlfriend and the mother of my child, Jenny.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Is this little girl pregnant?” His mom questioned with distaste.

“No. Two years ago, I went to a party thrown by the one and only Mike. Someone drugged Jenny and I ended up sleeping with her. It was a one night stand. We didn't see each other and remember each other when I transferred to her school. We went on a few dates and she told me she had a two year old son. She explained what happened and everything clicked. A few days later, we got a DNA test and I am her son’s father. To sum it all up, I have a two year old son named Bentley with Jenny. I want you both to be a part of our lives but I don't want him to deal with the arguing that I had to deal with.”

“Wow. I can't believe how stupid you are.” His father stated.

“And that is why I don't live with you.”

“Well, when can I meet my grandson?” His mom questioned.

“Soon.” I answered. “It's nice to meet you both. Even though the situation is crap.”

“Is this the only reason you brought me to this dump? To tell me you have a son with a girl you really don't know? I'm out of here.” His dad spoke.

“Leave but don't even think that for one second, you will be in mine or my sons life if you walk away now.” Derrick shouted. His dad slowed, but continued walking right out of his life. I didn't know what to do or what to say. My family life has always been good, great even.

“I'm sorry, baby.” His mother and I said at the same time. Talk about awkward.

“It's fine. I'm happy and I just wanted the two people who created me to be happy for me. I'll see you later, mom.” He turned around and walked out.

“Sorry, Ms...” I prolonged because I didn't know her name.

“Call me Jackie, sweet pea. Hopefully, soon I can meet my grand baby and your parents.”

“I'll talk to Derrick and we will set something up. Thanks for allowing me in your house.” I replied.

“Anytime.” I soon followed Derrick, hoping he didn't leave me. He didn't. He was standing against the driver side of his door, looking very upset.

“Babe...”

“Get in the car, Jennifer. I don't want to talk right now.” He replied.

I knew it wasn't the right time, but I had a lot of questions. “I will if you promise that you will talk to me about everything soon.”

“I promise, Jenny. Now, get in the damn car.” He sort of yelled. We drove around for a while, completely silent. Finally, he pulled into a nearby lake. We got out and I followed him into the woods. We made it to a clearing that looked over the lake. He sat down on the grass with his head down. I followed and sat next to him, placing my hand in his. “I'm sorry for yelling at you.”

“Don't do it again, but I forgive you.” I replied, kissing his shoulder.

He took a deep breath and began talking. “When I was ten years old, my family and I went out to eat. My brother, Jason was eight years old. My dad was driving and my mom was in the passenger side. My dad looked at my mom for a split second while passing a green light and a drunk driver slammed into the driver’s side. The other car barely missed my dad, but my brother got the full impact. He died at the scene. We didn't even see it coming. My mom had minor bruising, my dad had a broken arm, and I had a concussion. Meanwhile, my brother’s brains were sprayed all over me and the car. After the accident, I had a shrink see me every day. My parents argued and fought constantly. My mom blamed my dad and my dad blamed himself. My dad soon started drinking and my mom soon started cheating on him. Everything came to light a year later, when my mom gave birth to a child who looked nothing like my dad. My mom finally admitted that she had been cheating and my little sister wasn't his. He left her and she got married to my little sister’s father. A few years later, my sister’s dad died from cancer.”

I now had tears in my eyes as I watched Derrick's every move. He stared into the lake as he shared the story. I saw tears fall from his eyes to his lap. I didn't dare speak or move as he told me the story. Slowly, I placed my head into his lap and stared up at him. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”

There was nothing I could do or say to make anything better for him and I'm sure he has heard a million I'm sorry's. So there was no use. But I know it was hard to share it and re live it so that is why I thanked him. I kissed his soft lips and could taste the salty tears.