Secret Mistake 3

7.

RYAN POV

[side profile of Ryan]

I've seen my mom and dad at their worst. Seeing more than my siblings. Usually I could predict how long this separation would last. But I don't know what my dad did this time. But at the same time I have younger ones to protect. Kai has been with me as well he's seen this before too. It's just lasting longer this time.

Salem was about how old Kai was when my mom left the first time. I can't imagine how confusing this can be. And Harlow well... she's too young. I didn't like how mom kept her a secret. Our dad is a good dad. He cares about us. So I don't get why she did that. There were many times I wanted to tell him but I didn't want to get in trouble. He had a right to know!.

I'm going to be eleven this year. Growing up into my teens. The decision to move in with dad was based on Kai and I are getting older. And because we want our parents back together. I'm tired of moving or living in separate houses. Why can't we be the kids with the two parent home?. Our parents are much happier together than apart.

Sometimes I look at my dad and he looks sad. He tries to put on a happy face for us but we know he's not. He's not the same man from before. It's like he's always thinking about something. I want my younger sisters to live in a home where there's love.

One time I was supposed to sleeping but I was thirsty. Walking to the kitchen I saw dad in his den just staring at a picture of mom. I stood there just watching him. He did this most nights.

Being the leader of the pack... and seeing this before many times. I have to try to get them back together. Kai agreed on this too. He's just as tired of living in separate homes. The shifting from parent to parent. And the crazy thing is no one asks us about how we feel.

We are suppose to just nod and do. Salem and Harlow deserve much more. My mom she's acting tough but I've heard her crying at night. She's still hurt from what happened. But she's another one who puts on a brave face to us. Ever since that so called vacation we took she was crying then too. I guess whatever my dad did must be really bad. But they always say you can forgive. That's what my mom needs to do. Forgive dad.

I've been here from day one. The arguments and fights I've seen it. When we moved while my mom was pregnant with Kai. Then we moved back... and then we moved out for good. Then we moved back and Salem came along. I thought that was it we were going to be a family again. That didn't last long.

Before I knew it we were leaving... again. When we left this time I was very disappointed. Didn't understand why my parents couldn't work it out like how other parents do. Why couldn't we be the lucky ones and have parents who can live together?.

My parents belong together. They fit each other whether they know it or not. They are all I know. I don't want my mom or dad dating again. You see what happened with Madison?. They always find their way back to each other.

At the end of the day I'm doing this for Salem and Harlow. I don't want them to see what I've seen growing up.  Don't want them growing up confused thinking it's them when it's not. My dad is a great dad... but he's lacking something.

And mom well she's too stubborn sometimes!. Kai and I got plan A down. Surprisingly my mom wasn't overly dramatic about that. Kai and I were shocked she let us go. Dad was happy we chose to live with him. He needs us there.

But in all I just want my mom and dad happy again.

Is that so much to ask for?.