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.

baby bump was very prominent. She looked at me from head to toe. “Wow!

Ben called my name repeatedly.

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

that you?” B knelt in front of my son who was already pouting because of

“Easy, B, he’s my little guy.”

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

rolled my eyes. She wasn’t able to

“I know, I missed your birthday day, but I missed this little guy as well.”

from B’s back. That must be Kyland.

felt Ben’s tiny hand gripping mine.

He looked 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

the family, Kyland.” I released Ben’s hand and

“Thank you, Blaine!” He looked down at my baby beside me

did you hug Mommy?” Ben scowled at him.

is like

guys,” Ben replied, making Kyland laugh.

“But I’m different.”

“How so? What’s that?” Ben pointed

rude. Sorry about that. Ben is

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

tentatively bumped his tiny fist to Kyland then smiled, showing

our bags like they

seems nice, B, but he looked scary,” I affirmed and bumped my

“Scary?”

“Scary hot.” I rolled my eyes and

was already walking toward the door like he

Blaine?” She snaked her arm

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 ignored me and left out of town. The last time I saw him was when my parents’ lawyers let him sign that he had nothing to do with my child. Dad made sure that the documents he

good, B. I’m happy

“Not dating?”

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.”

Blaine. You’re a

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

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

in shape after

you

in the entire house. There were

this is my

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

Cam pulled me into a hug. We met twice since

you looked hot with a post-orgasmic bliss,” I

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

don’t want to bust your head with a

you, Blaine. I’m Camila’s fiancé.”

but you look nice in person than in the video,” I replied.

His brow knitted.

said,