Chapter 13
Carter-
It’s been about a week since Mom’s biological parents were here at the house. And I’m starting to get curious. If they didn’t die in a car accident, then why would they put Mom, Kailey, and Cody – actually, I should say Auntie Kailey and Uncle Cody – up for adoption? I’ve asked Mom numerous times, and even now I still do, but all she says is ‘it’s complicated, C.’ And Dad keeps telling me, ‘stress isn’t good on the baby. Mom’ll tell you when she’s ready.’ Am I wrong for being curious, though?
“Dad?” I call softly as I walk into Mom and Dad’s bedroom. I’m greeted by an empty room, but I see a slip of white paper on Mom’s bedside table.
I walk over, picking it up, unfolding it, and it reads, ‘Daisy and Aron: 786-905-2435.’ My eyebrows furrow, then it dawns on me. This must be Mom’s parents’ phone number. I put the paper back in its place, then walk out, heading to my room, but bumping into Annabelle on the way.
“Have you seen Mom or Dad?” I ask her, and she cranes her neck to look up at me. I’m a fair bit taller than her, almost Dad’s height; just about Mom’s. “No. But I think they’re downstairs in the music room.” I nod, walking down the stairs, now heading to the music room, but stop when I hear voices.
“But after all these years, Ross! How would you feel?” I hear Mom’s distressed voice.
“I know, I know,” I hear Dad sigh. “Can we just leave this for now? This stress isn’t good on the baby; nor is it for you.”
Then, silence. Were they talking about Mom’s parents? Don’t be an idiot, Carter! Of course they were. Would it be a good time to walk down? I start to walk down the basement stairs, then walk into the room, seeing Dad has his arms around Mom’s waist as she leans against him.
“Hi C,” Mom says softly as I sit on the couch in front of them.
“Hi Mom. Can I ask you something?” She nods. “I know I keep asking this, but I’m just curious. If your parents didn’t die in the car accident, then why would they put you up for adoption?”
“It’s complicated, C. I’m sorry.” Mom sighs, and I sigh quietly, hoping she doesn’t hear me. I stand, walking up the stairs to Mom and Dad’s room again, dialing Mom’s parents’ phone number on the paper.
“Hello?” I close the door once they answer on the third ring.
“Who is this?” I hear a woman’s voice on the other end. “This is Carter, Ashley’s son. I just need to ask some questions.”
“Oh, hi. What are those questions?” I take a deep breath, then let it out quietly. I don’t if I should’ve snuck into Mom and Dad’s room and done this.
“Well, if you didn’t die in the car accident, then why’d you put Ashley up for adoption?” I ask my burning question. “Um, well, we started to get addicted to drugs and couldn’t take care of her and her brother and sister, so we chose the best path of life for them.”
Oh, so that’s why Mom didn’t want to tell me.
“But then why is your phone number on a piece of paper?”
“We want to be a part of Ashley’s life again, but she’s not accepting us back in,”
“But can’t you see where she’s coming from?”
“Of course. After all these years, I’m sure I’d feel the same way. But doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance?”
“Sure. But realize this: you’ve missed her wedding, first child, first everything – and I’m not sure when you stopped doing the drugs – but you never came back early enough to replenish and experience those things with her.”
“I know, I know. But you see, we only stopped when she was seventeen. So she was already with your grandma and grandpa.”
“Have Grandma and Grandpa known about you this whole time? All these years?”
“Yes, but they never told anyone because it was for Ashley’s own good. We promise that.”
I can see how Mom feels now.
“Well, it was nice talking,” I say. “And thank you for the information. I never meant to invade privacy or anything; just curious.”
“It’s no problem,” Daisy tells me. “Hopefully we’ll talk soon.”
~~~
“You what?!” Mom shrieks, staring at me, eyes wide, but filled with anger. “You snooped through my bedside table and called them?! Carter Shor!”
Mom found this out just a few minutes ago; about three hours after I called. I look down. I know I’m in some deep trouble by just hearing Mom using my middle name.
“Mom, I-”
“No, save it,” Mom cuts me off. “You’re grounded. And no music room or computer.”
“What?! But Mom-”
“Carter, just listen to what your mom says,” Dad speaks from beside Mom. I sigh, nodding, walking up to my room, sitting on my bed, taking out my iPhone, pressing the home button, the screen lighting up with Ariel’s face, making smile slightly.
I unlock it, pressing the ‘messages’ icon, then texting Ariel,
‘Hey baby :* I’m grounded :( idk if I’m supposed to be texting u but whatevs’
‘Ariel: awh, that’s too bad I wanted to spend some time with u :( ;)’
‘WHAT nooooo I want to too I’ll see if Mom and Dad will let me I need to see u’
Then, I send one more as I hear my bedroom door opening,
‘Sorry babe I gotta go but ttyl love u xo’
Mom and Dad walk in, sitting on the edge of my bed.
“Um, hi,” I say semi-awkwardly. “C, I was a little harsh I think. It’s natural for you to be curious. And yes, you may have been a little out of line going and snooping, but I never did answer you. Did Daisy?” Mom asks, making me nod.
“Yeah,” I say softly. “She told me why. Is that why you wouldn’t tell me?”
She nods, looking away, as Dad rubs soothingly circles with his thumb on Mom’s upper arm, but looks back at me a moment later. “But I know you’re getting older, and finding out more about these things. But I just don’t want my baby boy to grow up.” She starts to tear up, but a light smile is still evident on her face.
I smile lightly. “Even if I am, I’ll always be your baby boy, Mom.”
Cheesy, I know.
“C’mere, C.” Mom holds her arms out, and I crawl from the head of my bed to the edge, letting my legs over it, my feet touching the ground, my arms wrapping around Mom, as does hers around me.
“I love you, Mom.” I whisper.
“What about me?!” Dad jokes from beside us, making me laugh, leaning out of the hug to look at him. “I don’t know if I love you as much as Mom. But I’ll make an exception.” He chuckles as he shakes his head, hugging both Mom and I.
“MOM! DAD! WHERE ARE YOU PEOPLE?! I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO FIND YOU!” Annabelle calls loudly throughout the house, making me chuckle as she walks into my bedroom, joining our hug. “I found you.”
Mom laughs. “You did, Belle,” she pauses. “But I sure do love you guys, though.”
---
A/N: Hi hi!
This is kinda a filler chapter. Sorry loves. I promise the next one will be more eventful, though!
Love you all,
~Ashley xx
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As Time Goes By - MHB Sequel - Ross Lynch/R5 Fanfic
FanfictionRoss and Ashley have been married for several years now, with their ups and downs. And now with Carter and Annabelle getting older, they're starting to notice it more. What will happen with their marriage? What will the kids do? Sequel to My Half Br...
