Page 61 of Every Breath

“Yes, we just need a moment. If you don’t mind keeping Ben occupied in the kitchen for a few more minutes, I would really appreciate it.” Mason smiled at her reassuringly.

“Sure.” She threw a questioning look at his mother, who nodded in agreement.

Once Rita was gone again, Mason handed her a tissue from the coffee table.

Helen wiped her eyes. “You know, I really only have myself to blame for what you became. I guess I have to live with it, but I don’t have to like it.” She turned away again.

“Why do you blame yourself?”

“Your father and I gave you everything you wanted; you never had to work for anything. We always turned a blind eye when you got into trouble, paid for your girlfriends’ abortions, and bribed teachers to pass you. You never learned to be a responsible adult because we let you get away with everything. We enabled you to become the monster you are.”

Mason didn’t know what to say. Maybe the Collins’s were partially responsible for their son’s behavior, but ultimately it was up the individual to shape their own destiny.

He suddenly realized that Helen Collins wasn’t as angry at him as she was with herself. “Mom, please don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault or Dad’s, it’s mine. You’re right. Putting you in this place doesn’t change anything, but I would like to start over with you. I want to be the son you’ve always wanted, someone you can be proud of.”

“You say that now, but how can I open my heart to you again when you’ve let me down so many times before?” she asked with pain-filled eyes.

“You’ll just have to learn to trust me again. I know it’s asking a lot and I know I’ve treated you terribly, but I’ve changed. I want you to be in my life, and I want you to be in Ben’s life…and any other children I may have.”

“Is the woman you’ve mentioned before responsible for this change in you?”

“I do love her very much,” he replied softly.

Helen gave him a long speculative look. He didn’t know what she was thinking, but once her examination was complete, she seemed satisfied at what she had found. “Your eyes are different. The mean spirit is gone.”

He wasn’t sure whether to thank her or not.

“Who is this woman?”

“Her name is Brandi. She’s a widow with a set of twins, a boy and a girl. Our sons are best friends and she’s beautiful inside and out.”

“I hear the love in your voice when you speak of her. She’s a very special woman indeed, if she’s changed you.”

“Let’s just say that she saw the person within.”

“Hmm, I would like to meet her.”

“You’ll like her.”

“I’m sure I will if she has managed to give my son back to me. I…it will be difficult to get over the past, but you’re my son, and…and I want to give us another try. Please don’t disappoint me again.” There were tears in her eyes. Mason scooted next to her and gave her the hug that had been a long time coming. As he held his mother in his arms, he hoped that things would work out with him and Brandi as well.

Brandi didn’t know if she was making the right decision or not, but she couldn’t go another day without talking to Mason. She had to know the truth. Her daughter’s words still played through her head. It doesn’t seem fair that you didn’t ask him to explain. I would be sad if I was him.

She was taking a chance that he would be home. Brandi’s children were at her sister’s, celebrating her niece’s tenth birthday and although she was supposed to be helping Lisa with the party, she had to get away just for a little while to see him. She just couldn’t wait any longer.

Brandi pulled into his driveway and let out a sigh of relief when she spotted Mason’s car. A jolt of nervousness shot through her, and she nearly turned her car back around, but she stopped herself.

No, I’ve come this far. I might as well see it through.

She got out of her car and walked up to his door, shaking with anxiety. A small Hispanic woman opened the door. She was pretty with big blue eyes and long black hair. She wore a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt, looking quite at home.

Brandi’s heart dropped. Had she been replaced already? She could feel the heat rise to her face and the rage resurface. What a fool she had been to come here! It was no wonder Mason had not tried to contact her, because she obviously didn’t mean as much to him as he claimed. Everything had been a pack of lies.

“Can I help you?” The woman’s English was only slightly accented.

“No. That’s okay. I think I made a mistake coming here.” Brandi turned to leave.

“Who is it, Luisa?” Brandi heard Mason’s voice and she hurriedly walked to her car. She couldn’t face him now while she was on the verge of tears. She already felt humiliated enough without him seeing her like this.

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