𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙀 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙉 𝙀𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙂𝙃

Chapter 15

No matter what I try to do, they will never get along, as I can see in their eyes. Even if they do resolve their conflict, I won't be expecting it. Neither do I want to be the answer to all of their problems, except perhaps to satisfy their egos.

I couldn't stop asking myself these questions. And so I  had to put an end to the long overdue conflict between our families and consider creating a solution. I am too old to be oblivious to the lack of vitality when I first met Papa, and us without any passion. Moreover, Olivia's father was honest when he said that perhaps I was only seeking a father's safeguard, and because of this, I tend to think of anyone who wants to become a parental figure for me as my mother's other half, which, in reality, I have not had since my early adolescent years.

I talked to Mama and "Papa" together to suggest them to the sole solution I could think of. Even if they won't be optimistic or encouraged about this for their reasons, this is the only way I can see to end their dread with each other.

"I will take a DNA test.."

Everyone was stunned by what I told them and based on their reactions, they do not agree with what I wanted to happen. "You're going to do a DNA test? Why? Is it just because of our problem at the shop? That's over, isn't it? So, that's how we're going to be now, son?" Papa mumbled as he looked away from Mama's gaze. While she didn't respond other than what she often does, to be reserved, she said, "If that's what you want, Mike, I'm just here to protect you." Mama seemed to be hurling implied insults at Papa, and he couldn't help but scowl in fury at her. She shielded me from my biological father for a long time. Whilst I sought the undesirable, I was the only one who kept on harming my expectations.

I scheduled my DNA test with Papa for the month of my birth, and I make it a priority to be rushed to get the results for the day of my exact birthday. Grandma prepared a lot for the occasion, which was special for me, in my twenty-fifth year on earth, just now the two most significant people in my life were joined. As a child, I struggled when it comes to balancing my life, and I couldn't make up my mind about things because I honestly had no idea who I was and where to start. I just learned to appreciate what Mom and the people around me taught me until I was questioned, "Who exactly am I?" I have been a father to my siblings and had been resilient and understanding of my mother's situation, and I don't know if I have lost sight of what I truly desire. What kind of life am I looking forward to having? Until the answer is visible, just in front of me. But whether or not I am sure of who I am, it will all begin and end with a new question. "What role do I play?"

The people who mattered most to me showed up, Tito Paulo and his family are included. As well as Papa, my half-brothers, and Tita Chelsea who continues to ignore me, until she and my mother finally meet again. "How have you been, Chelsea? I'm grateful you came as well—welcome to our humble home!"

Despite their modest cheek-to-check kisses, the confrontation between the former best friends heated the atmosphere, undoubtedly. "I'm good. My husband is the only reason I'm here, you know, he's wanted this for a long time, and I am hoping that everything won't be in troubling terms." Following their exchange of thoughts as they meet each other again, they then went their separate ways right in their respective seats.

The party I planned for the occasion was well received by everyone. While Olivia and I were silently watching them all in case what we were waiting for would show up. Well, I already have the DNA result envelope in my pocket, "the delivery would take place at night," I simply told them, to avoid overwhelming everyone and use the blissful occasion to gather people who I know will end up fighting to make the point. Just when the exact time came, I took the envelope from my pocket and asked everyone to come into the living room.

I started opening it carefully. I wasn't willing to let go to feel the euphoria I needed. I breathed deeply and kept my eyes fixed on the printed words on the piece of paper in my hands. A paper that would confirm all of my suspicions, deceptions, mysteries, and uncertainties. "The probability of paternal relation is.." I had to quickly check each of their faces. Nervous and curious to learn the truth, I could see it. Then I thought I was the one reading it, of course, will I not be the first to be let down? Most likely, as usual.

Regardless, I can already sense that they won't be pleased with the result. But still, I read it out loud, and I keep going for their sake, declaring "zero percent" of it. At first, I honestly never thought otherwise, and my father as well was able to make sense of his wife's disappointment as she hit Mama in the face. "How dare you tell us that Mike is Migs' son? You are a total farce!" It was not known to me when both women fight each other, but then my father becomes angry with her as well, and it only grew worse, which Nikko and Fred managed to stop from him hitting my mother. Papa, after all, wanted so badly to harm Mama. He drew nearer to her neck with his hand. I rushed after him to grab his irate hands, which I never believed a man could do, let alone to a woman like Mama. "Mike is not my son, is he And why did it take you so long to fabricate it, Rose?—if it had only implicated me having left you for Chelsea, I now fully comprehend that I made the right decision to part ways with you." Papa continues to talk to Mama agonizingly, and I noticed my mother's face had restored the emotions I used to see on it when we were still in London. "You forced me to acknowledge my guilt for what I didn't do! And because of your foolishness, even my job will be taken away from me. I'm going to sue you for that!"

One by one, they drifted away out from the house. But Fred stayed for a moment and gave me a genuine goodbye: "Mike, I still regard you as a brother —it might not be in flesh and blood, but we're brothers on the basketball team. I'm sorry, bro!" He shouldn't have to apologize, considering that I'm the one who began this whole thing, and if I hadn't stayed stubborn, and kept a secret from Mama, life would still be joyous and peaceful for everyone even now.

It seems that following the events, everyone simply resumed their former behaviors. This same former state, as I barely had spoken to Mama yet again, and as such my siblings both disregarded me. Meanwhile, about what Papa did to my mother, it just seems fair to assume that I stop referring to him as my father, since, in addition to not being my biological father, he had proven himself that he is unworthy of respect, by lieu of his children, and or everybody else.

My mother lied to them for a very long time, which has made Mr. Barcelon quite angry. Along these, they once more humiliated my mother in front of her neighbors, especially those who Mama believed to be her friends. We tried to comfort her, but because what happened was painful for all of us, I have a feeling that she may leave us once more for this reason. I, therefore, decided that for our mental health, we must either come home to London, and that being said, it seems that my ex-father has not yet found some peace, and only made matters worse so that Mama would be even more adamant in the case he had just filed.

One of my lawyers showed up one day, who had just handed me the results of the criminal case affecting the shop, I didn't think twice about using it against him when it was confirmed.