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.

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

my name repeatedly.

his seat belt and helped my son get off

already pouting because

my little guy.”

away, kissing him 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.”

B.” I rolled my eyes. She wasn’t able to come last

your birthday day, but

called from B’s back. That must be Kyland.

Ben’s tiny hand gripping

and tattoos peeking from his shirt--no wonder Ben gripped my hand as soon as he had a

to our humble abode and to the family,

you, Blaine!” He looked down at my baby beside me and bent with amusement. “And who are

Mommy?” Ben

here is like my

like guys,” Ben replied, making Kyland

I’m

What’s that?” Ben pointed at Kyland’s nose.

“Ben, that’s rude. Sorry about that. Ben is just curious about many

meet you, Ben, I’m Kyland.”

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

with our bags like

seems nice, B, but he looked scary,” I affirmed and bumped my arm into her causing her

“Scary?”

“Scary hot.” I rolled my eyes and giggled with her.

the door like he

snaked

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

B. I’m happy actually.”

“Not dating?”

work. I have a kid to feed and

true, Blaine. You’re a hot

I knew she used to cheer me up but I doubted myself since I’ve

“I’m not only saying that because I’m your big sister,

after your baby is born, B.” I rubbed her baby

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

and pies wafted in the entire house. There were

my

people sitting on the sofa in awe. Were these people real?

Oh my, you look beautiful.” Cam pulled me into a hug. We met twice since she and Bianca were best friends for

with a post-orgasmic bliss,” I whispered the last

looked like an underwear model. “Pyke here, milady.” He took my hand and

man, if you don’t want to bust your head

you, Blaine.

know, but you look nice in person than in

His brow knitted.

“Forget what she said,