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.

very prominent. She looked at me from head to toe. “Wow! Where did those fats go?

Ben called my name repeatedly.

“Wait, B.” I unlatched his seat belt and helped my son get off of the

“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

B, he’s my little guy.”

him on his cheeks, and Ben kept wiping them off. “Look at you,

rolled my eyes. She wasn’t able to come

missed your birthday day, but I missed this little guy

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

Ben’s tiny hand gripping mine.

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, and I couldn’t blame

our humble abode and to the family, Kyland.” I released Ben’s hand and gave Kyland a hug.

beside me and bent with amusement. “And who are

hug Mommy?” Ben

“Because Mommy here is like my sister.”

Mommy doesn’t like guys,” Ben replied, making Kyland laugh.

I’m

Ben pointed at Kyland’s nose.

rude. Sorry about that. Ben is just curious about

smart kid. Nice to meet you, Ben,

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

our bags like they

scary,” I affirmed and bumped my

“Scary?”

“Scary hot.” I rolled my eyes and

was already walking toward the door like he used to

how are you, Blaine?” She snaked

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

I’m

dating?”

I shook my head. “Heck no! I need to focus on work. I have a kid to feed and nobody wants to date a woman with a kid.”

true, Blaine. You’re a hot

I countered. I knew she used to cheer me up but I

not only saying that because I’m your big

guess so, thank you. You will get back in shape after your baby is born, B.” I rubbed her baby bump.

that you

the entire house. There were sets

is my little sister

I glanced at the people sitting on the sofa

a hug. We met twice since she and Bianca were best friends for

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

“That’s my fault,” said the man who looked like an underwear model. “Pyke here, milady.” He took my hand and kissed it, making Cam chuckle.

if you don’t want to bust your head with a shotgun,” Kyland

to meet you, Blaine. I’m

you look nice in person than in the video,” I

His brow

she said, Pyke,” Bianca interjected.