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

my name repeatedly.

and helped my

in front of my son who was already pouting

“Easy, B, he’s my little

on his cheeks, and Ben kept wiping them off. “Look at you, you grew up into a handsome young boy. I missed you so much, Baby bunny Ben.”

my eyes. She wasn’t able to come last month when Kyland was in the hospital for two

but I missed this little guy as well.”

must be Kyland. He stopped and smiled.

felt Ben’s tiny hand gripping mine.

scary. Tattooed guys never scared me, but Kyland was the exception. He looked intimidating in person than in pictures. With piercings on his brow, nose, lower lip, and tattoos peeking from his shirt--no wonder Ben gripped my hand as soon as he had a sight of Kyland. They looked cool on him though,

swallowed hard. “Hi. Welcome to our humble abode and to the family, Kyland.” I released Ben’s hand and gave

baby beside me and bent with amusement. “And who are

Mommy?” Ben scowled at him.

is like my

Mommy doesn’t like guys,” Ben replied,

“But I’m different.”

so? What’s that?” Ben pointed at Kyland’s

that. Ben is just

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

tentatively bumped his tiny fist to Kyland then smiled, showing his

Kyland left with our bags like they weigh nothing.

I affirmed and bumped my

“Scary?”

I rolled my eyes and giggled

Ben was already walking toward the door like

“Seriously, how are you, Blaine?” She snaked her arm around my waist.

since she was only a year older. We shared secrets, and she knew that I was dating 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

I’m

“Not dating?”

a kid to

Blaine. You’re

used to cheer me up but

that because I’m your big sister, silly. You

guess so, thank you. You will get back in shape after your baby is

get inside so that you can

in the entire house. There were sets of eyes staring

“Guys, this is my little sister

barely heard the voice of my sister as I glanced at the people sitting on the sofa in awe. Were these people real?

into a hug. We met twice since she

with a post-orgasmic bliss,”

“That’s my fault,” said the man who looked like an underwear model. “Pyke here, milady.” He took

you don’t want to bust your head

to meet you, Blaine. I’m Camila’s fiancé.”

nice in person than in

His brow knitted.

she said, Pyke,” Bianca