pacify her 2 - n.m - completed

twenty three

ester +

Getting off the airplane, I grab my small duffle bag and head out to get a taxi.

I see an empty taxi and get in as I tell him the address to Nate's.

I settle down in my seat nervous at the same time, to see Nate's reaction.

+++

"Thank you." I give the man his money and close the door putting my bag over my shoulder.

I look down at my phone and re-read the address to make sure I was right.

I look around the neighborhood, and see regular houses and not mansions.

Could he be living here? I hope I'm not at the wrong house.

7719.

"7719." I say looking at the house number before walking up to reach the porch.

I take a deep breath, raising my fist to knock on the white door.

I step back a bit and wait for an answer, looking around.

Nobody answers and I try again the second time.

This better be right in what I'm doing.

As my back is faced from the door, the door opens widely.

Instead of looking up, my eyes go down in seeing Carlitos without a shirt and shorts with white socks.

Typical just like his dad.

"Mommy!" I can't believe he still remembers me and has never left me out of his life.

He jumps up to me and gives me a tight hug and I do the same.

"Carlitos, what did I tell you about not opening the door without my permission? There could be a strange-" Nate stops at the end of the stairs when he sees me.

We look at each other for a moment as he's surprised by me appearing in his house.

"E-Ester? Is it really you?" He walks close to me standing at the doorframe as I'm outside, having Carlitos in my arms.

"Yes, Nate." I say.

"What are you doing here? I mean-I-I'm glad that you're here but-"

"I just came to talk to you, Nate. About us." He gives me a nod letting me in as I hold onto Carlitos and let him down once I reach the living room.

"Uh, Carlitos, why won't you go back upstairs and play the game while I talk to your mom, okay?" Carlitos nods and hugs me before running up to wherever he was at.

I sit down across from him as a silence is in the air makes us uncomfortable.

"So, how have you been?" He asks, grabbing a box cube and plays with it, avoiding to look at me.

"I just got out yesterday. The boys did me a welcome back party and I was fine. Had lots of fun."

"Right. John told me when and I was going to come but-"

"Why didn't you come?" I ask him wanting to know the real reason why, although I know why, but just want to make sure.

"I had doubts. I thought that you maybe would kick me out in front of everybody and I thought that you hate me in all these months I have been living here. That's why I didn't even contact you back at the center." He hangs his head down as I see his face frown.

"Nate, I may have been rude to you and all, but that didn't meant that I hated you. I have never hated you. I was just heartbroken that you left."