The Heart Of Ace

Chapter 37

I was bored out of my mind.

Mom stole Jason from me. She was taking him to meetings so he could see all his idols in person. I was never interested in business and mom got a prodigy.

I was pacing through the gardens because I had nothing to do.

Nothing was making me happy these days. Not even the huge check of the big project.

"Hey."

When I turned around I saw no one except 'him' standing by the pillar. I mumbled a sorry and walked away. He must be really tired of seeing me all the time. It was not my intention but we just always found ourselves together.

Well, I could go to my room. A nap? Then I would get nightmares, which was no fun.

I would take Jason to the resort today evening. Then we might go to the club nearby and have some fun.

"I am sorry."

'He' followed me. I turned around. What was he doing?

"I am sorry." He repeated.

"For what?" He could stand by the pillar; I would not have gone to the gardens if I saw him there. I left; why was he here?

"You know for what. I am really sorry."

He was sorry. What else did I need in my life!!! Yaaay!

I rolled my eyes and shrugged my shoulders and went in search of Frankie. He could use my help.

But as the time passed I had a feeling he was following me.

I was sitting among all the helpers tying the party streamers to make huge ones. It was fun and kept my mind off someone. Then that someone also joined us trying to help and got himself a paper cut.

So, I left them there and went to kitchen to make cookies. Then he was there too trying to get himself burned.

I finally had enough when he followed me to the pool cleaning area and almost slipped and broke his back.

What was he doing? I sighed.

My room it was! I would watch a movie until Jason got here.

Strong familiar arms lifted me from ground and pushed me beneath the staircases.

"What are you doing?" I hissed.

"I am sorry, baby. Please." His breath was falling on my ears making me remember the things I was trying very hard to forget. I pushed on his shoulders.

"Let me go."

"I am sorry."

"I have no idea what you are talking about." I squirmed and dragged myself down to the floor but he was moving in sync with me.

"I am sorry for hurting you."

"You did not hurt me, just let me go."

A huge crash jerked him away from me. He stood in front of me in a protective stance but I slithered and ducked away before he could grab me again.

Please stop it Robbie, I am trying really hard already.

Time was moving so slow; what I thought was evening was not even close to lunch. I groaned. I was hated by time too.

Tears filled my eyes without permission. I wanted this pain to go away.

He was everywhere I went. It was dangerous especially with all these people helping us with the preparations.

But he was always so reckless.

Please Robbie let me at least keep the minuscule of self-respect left in me.

As if summoned by my thoughts, his hands took hold of my wrist and dragged me to him.

"Fucking listen to me!" He was angry.

"I do not want to hear anything."

"At least let me apologize to you properly."

"Apologize for what?" We both froze at my mom's voice.

I gulped down the panic. Well, this was on Robbie. I was not going to take responsibility for this.

"Ace? Robert?? What is going on? Why are you holding his hands?"

He reluctantly let go of my wrist. It throbbed a little.

"Hey Ma. Where is Jace?"

"Went with Frank. So, Robert?"

"I... I could not reach him on his birthday."

I did not think he would be truthful.

I expected anything else but my mom's laugh for his reply.

"Oh my god, that is what you are apologizing for? Oh, Robert. Don't be silly. It was just a birthday. And the birthday boy forgot all about us." She pinched my cheeks. "You were with your wife, Robert. Never apologize for spending time with your love. She is the most important thing in your life."

Pain.

God! Pain was like molten lava in my heart. It was burning me inside out.

"He did not come to me this year, Robert. Because big boy here was partying with his friends. Forgot his old Mama." She giggled but guilt ate away my conscience.

I deserved this pain. I lied to my mom. I broke our tradition.

All for what?

For the heaven that was not built for me. 'I will take you to heaven, baby.' Right!

I hugged her close. "Oh. What is wrong, honey?"

"Nothing Mama. I promise you, never in my life, I will spend my birthday with anyone, but you. I am sorry, Mommy. I will never repeat it." God, I would take pain after pain if this guilt went away. My own mom. I lied to her. For someone who had nothing to do with me.

"Aww, my sugarplum, mommy was joking. We went to our cabin, remember? And you are the best son there is, in this whole world. I am so proud and happy to be your mom. You spend your time with whoever you want because love, you will always have me and I will be here for you." She was amazing. Oh, God. I did not deserve her.

"See, Robert. You do not have anything to apologize for." Mom smiled.

"Yes, Robert. It was my silly birthday. You had other important things to handle. It is good to have priorities." I looked at him, his eyes were pained and he was truly apologetic. But, I did not care anymore.

Mom was talking to Robert about loving one's wife. I could not bear it any longer especially with his burning stare on me.

I kissed my mom's cheek with all the love I had for her. She giggled and kissed my forehead on her tiptoes. I tried to smile but my lips were wobbling dangerously. I bit them hard.

"I am going to take a nap, mommy." She nodded and dragged Robert away to give him more advices on how to be a good husband.

Get a grip, Ace.

Get a fucking grip!