Loss and Gain

Chapter 4: News

Bianca.....Bianca.....Hunter's mum......Bianca... I guess knowing the truth and hearing the truth is a different matter.

That means Hunter is my son. That means I have a son. A son who survived the ordeal somehow.

But how? Bianca died before giving birth. I need to know but to get the truth, I know I also need to be truthful to Mirabell. Was I ready to confront her with my true identity? Would she understand? Was I ready to accept that Hunter really is my son?

As I look over at Mirabell watching her so lovingly, I realised that yes, Mirabell will understand. I may not know her well but I don't think she'll push me out of Hunter's life even if I tell her the truth. If she lets me, I will be in Hunter's life as a father figure but I will not forcefully take him away from her. She is a constant figure in my son's life and she's the only person he trusts. I'm not going to barge into their life and mess that relationship up even if the thought of never being in Hunter's life kills me now that I know who he really is.

"Mirabell, I need to tell you something, now that you've shared your story with me" I started off cautiously. She looked up from gazing at Hunter, and gave me her full attention with a nod to continue.

"Bianca.... She is.... I mean she was......my wife. I'm Hunter's father" the words struggled to leave my mouth in coherent sentence but I can see Mirabell's eyes widen in shock. Then there was silence, no doubt she was considering her response.

"I'm happy for Hunter..... And you. You guys can finally be a happy family. A real family. Hunter deserves it. Just please, if I'm not asking too much, give me until Hunter wake up so that I can say a proper good bye. Then I'll be out of your way" she said defeated. She was trying so hard to be strong but I saw few tears falling.

"Mirabell, I didn't tell you so that I can take him away" I told her honestly. "I want you in Hunter's life. You're his mum no matter what" I said with finality. Sure, I wish more than anything for Bianca to come back or for this situation to never have happened in the first place. But there's nothing I can do to change the situation. What good will come out of hurting Hunter further by taking away his mum? Even worse, Bianca will probably haunt me from her grave in anger if I did such a thing.

"Really?" she asked with renowned energy.

"Yes, Hunter needs you. And I know nothing about parenting" I joked to brighten the atmosphere.

Hunter stirred to indicate us he was about to wake up.

"Is it ok if you introduce us? I mean if you think it's too sudden, we can wait" I asked Mirabell nervously.

"Sure. I guess it's better if I tell him. He might be little scared if you suddenly tell him that you're his dad!" she giggled. The way she was so natural around me made me just a little less nervous.

"Don't be so nervous. Hunter will love you no matter what" she added to reassure me.

Hunter opened his eyes and looked up to Mirabell with adorable goofy expression filled with happiness.

"Good morning mummy. Are you ok now?" he asked all of a sudden alert.

"It's afternoon baby. And I'm ok now that you're here with me" she reassured him with a kiss on the forehead. Hunter snuggled even closer if possible to Mirabell.

"Baby, I need you to listen to me carefully on what I'm about to tell you ok?" Mirabell helped Hunter sit up next to her on the bed.

"Ok mummy" he replied seriously.

"Remember when you asked me about your real mummy and I told you that she's in heaven watching over you always?" she started. He nodded.

"And you asked where your daddy is?" again he nodded.

"Well Hunter, I told you that I'll tell you when you were older because I didn't really have the answer myself. But I do now. Hunter, this man...." She said pointing at me "Is your daddy" she finished.

Hunter blinked. Looked at Mirabell. Then blinked again then looked at me. He continued the same process for about 5 times, occasionally looking at me with sceptics and looking at Mirabell as if she'd grown extra head. I was getting more and more nervous and Mirabell looked like she was about to have panic attack from worrying. Then suddenly......

"DADDY!" Hunter screamed out and jumped out of the bed, launching himself toward me. Mirabell nearly fell out of the bed in pure shock and surprise and I had just enough time to brace myself of the oncoming impact of Hunter.

"Are you really my daddy? Are you going to stay with us?" Hunter threw the questions.

"Yes, I really am your dad and if you'll have me, I'll like to get to know you" I replied. Now that I know Hunter had accepted me, I need to re-consider their living arrangement.

Originally I had planned to put them in witness protection but I think instead I'll ask Mirabell to move in with me so that I can protect them myself.

There was a knock on the door interrupting our little family reunion.

"How are you feeling Mirabell?" asked Dr Coles, a man in his 50s with grey hair and black rimmed glasses who is in charge of looking after her.

"I'm good thank you" Mirabell replied back politely.

"That's good to hear. I have a news. Something that shouldn't have been missed earlier" Dr Coles informed gravely.

"What is it? Dr Coles?" Mirabell asked worriedly. To be honest, I was worried too. He looked up at me as to tell me to leave the room but before I can, she stopped me.

"Whatever you found, you can say in front of Agent Harper. I'm sure he'll find out eventually anyway" Mirabell told Dr Coles.

"Very well. Well, Mirabell, for the obvious reasons, I know in minimum detail of what you have been through. In any other situation, I might be happy to give you this news, however after the ordeal, I'm not sure how you'll take this information. I just want you to know there's different paths and methods you can take. There's options if you choose" Dr Coles started. Mirabell nodded patiently to allow Dr Coles to continue.

"Mirabell, I'm sorry to tell you this. But you're......... pregnant".