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.

She looked at me from head to toe. “Wow! Where did those

my name

belt and helped my son get off of the

in front of my son who was already pouting because of the nickname B gave him. Bianca held his arms and pulled him into a

he’s my

off. “Look at you, you grew up into a handsome young boy. I missed you so much, Baby

eyes. She wasn’t able to come last month when Kyland was

day, but I missed this little

“Baby,” A deep baritone voice called from B’s back. That must be Kyland. He stopped and smiled.

tiny hand gripping mine.

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, and I couldn’t

Welcome to our humble abode and to the family, Kyland.” I released Ben’s

looked down at my baby beside me and bent with amusement. “And

“Why did you hug Mommy?” Ben scowled at

“Because Mommy here is like my

guys,” Ben replied, making

“But I’m different.”

What’s that?” Ben pointed

rude. Sorry about that. Ben

He’s a smart kid. Nice to meet you, Ben,

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

bags like they weigh nothing.

“He seems nice, B, but he looked scary,” I affirmed and bumped my arm into her causing her to giggle.

“Scary?”

I rolled my eyes

toward the door like he used

are you, Blaine?” She snaked her

also broke her when she found out I was pregnant and my boyfriend ignored me and left out of town. The last time I saw him was when my

I’m happy actually.”

“Not dating?”

no! I need to focus on work. I have a kid to feed and nobody wants to date a woman with a

You’re a

I knew she used to cheer me up but I doubted myself since I’ve never been in a relationship after my

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

you. You will get back in shape after your baby is born, B.”

inside so that you can meet Kyland’s family.”

the entire house. There were sets of eyes staring at me, making me feel self-conscious.

my

voice of my sister as I glanced at the people sitting on the sofa in

into a hug. We met twice since she and

hot with a post-orgasmic bliss,” I whispered the last three words.

fault,” said the man who looked like an underwear model. “Pyke here, milady.” He took my hand and kissed

you don’t want to bust your head with a

to meet you, Blaine. I’m Camila’s

you look nice in person

“Video?” His brow knitted.

“Forget what she said, Pyke,”