Xandry

BLAINE

Ben started munching the protein chocolate bar after I’d done buckling him at the back seat, then I started the ignition of my car. I pulled out from the driveway of our two-story small country house— my parents’ gift on my twenty-second birthday last month.

I gave birth to Ben when I was only seventeen and his father was not in the picture anymore. Ignoring people calling me a bitch was difficult on my part, but I stood up for my own decision the moment I confirmed I was pregnant.

I was so overwhelmed with joy and for being a newly single mom-- it made me burst into tears. It was the best feeling in the world when I first cuddled my son after eighteen hours of labor.

“Why do we stay at Nana and Dada, Mommy?” Ben gabbled.

I looked at him through the rearview mirror. “What I said about talking when your mouth is full, Ben?”

“Mommy.”

“Yes, baby?”

“I’m already a big guy.”

“You’ll always be my baby, Ben.”

“Why are we staying with Nana and Dada?”

“Your Auntie B arrived last night. We’ll stay there for two days.”

“Am I allowed to eat Nana’s cookies and pies?”

“Of course, but not before each meal, okay?” My parents spoiled Ben so much since he was the first grandchild of the family. They gave him everything that I couldn’t afford. Even at a young age, my parents already exposed him to gizmos which I was against over their decisions. The only thing I agreed upon was the Smartwatch because of the GPS program installed. I just loved my son so much and he was the best thing that had ever happened to me. Ben was an intelligent kid and understood the reason why did I limit his screen time.

I turned right off the street toward the iron-wrought gate. The yellow lamps illuminated from my parent’s French-style house. The DIY jar lanterns hanging from the trees were already lit up. They danced along to the wind creating a stunning and bedazzling glow around them.

Mom and Dad were thrilled when Bianca informed their forthcoming visit. Of course, they had planned everything meticulously, and the first on their long lists was to order Dahlia, lilies, and tulips since Mom had only daffodils, Gerbera, black-eyed Susan, coral bells, and Marigold at her flower beds that Dad had to hire a landscaper for them.

I pulled the car to stop. Meeting Kyland’s family was giving me a knot in my stomach. Even my labor never made me antsy. Okay, it was a lie because the pain was indescribable.

What if they won’t like us? I released a deep breath.

“Are you ready, baby boy?” I hopped out of the car and opened the door for Ben, and that was when I heard footsteps approaching.

“Sis!”

I turned to Bianca’s voice on my back. “Bitch.”

“Mommy, that’s a bad word.”

“B, oh, my God! I missed you so much.” I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly.

I missed you, too.” She gained weight and her baby bump was very prominent. She looked at me from head to

Ben called my

seat belt and helped my son get off of the car.

“Oh, my! Baby bunny Ben is that you?” B knelt in front of my son who was already pouting because of the nickname B gave him. Bianca held

“Easy, B, he’s my little guy.”

at you, you grew up into a handsome young boy. I missed you so

She wasn’t able to come

but I missed this little guy as well.”

deep baritone voice called from B’s back. That must be Kyland. He stopped and

I felt Ben’s tiny hand gripping mine.

intimidating in person than in pictures. With piercings on his brow, nose, lower lip, and tattoos peeking from his shirt--no wonder Ben gripped

Welcome to our humble abode and to the family, Kyland.” I

at my baby beside me and

hug Mommy?” Ben scowled

Mommy here is like my

like guys,” Ben replied, making Kyland

I’m

that?” Ben pointed at Kyland’s nose.

“Ben, that’s rude. Sorry about that. Ben

He’s a smart kid. Nice to meet you, Ben, I’m Kyland.” He extended his fist.

tiny fist to Kyland then smiled, showing his toothy grin.

our bags like they weigh nothing.

and

“Scary?”

I rolled my eyes and giggled with her.

walking toward the door like he used to

are you, Blaine?” She snaked her arm around

a jerk, but I didn’t listen to her because I was totally blind and in love with him. It also broke her when she found out I was pregnant and my boyfriend ignored me and left

“I’m good, B. I’m happy

“Not dating?”

have a kid to feed and nobody wants to date a woman with a

“That’s not true, Blaine. You’re

“You just said that because I’m your sister,” I countered. I knew she used to cheer me

big sister, silly. You look younger

shape after your baby is born,

that you

The smell of mom’s cookies and pies wafted in the entire house. There were sets of eyes staring at me, making

“Guys, this is my little sister

sitting on the sofa in awe. Were these people

We

bliss,” I whispered the last three words.

fault,” said the man who looked like an underwear model. “Pyke here, milady.” He

to bust your head with a

“Nice to meet you, Blaine.

in person than in the video,” I replied.

“Video?” His brow

“Forget what she said, Pyke,” Bianca