Page 116 of I Don't Need Your Love
I stare from one parent to the other. “What?”
Mom dabs her eyes with a tissue. “I noticed how happier you were when you were on your own, and with others. You thrived when we weren’t in your life. When you got accepted to that school, I told myself that it was the perfect chance for us to remove ourselves from your life. We have so much baggage that we don’t want to drag you down with. I wanted you to start a new life. A new life without us in it because I know we made you miserable. I’m sorry for ignoring your calls and texts, but I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“But I don’t want to cut you out of my life,” I tell them. “I want to have a relationship with you. You’re my parents.”
Mom hangs her head. “What kind of parents have we been? We made your life so unhappy. Aren’t you happier without us?”
“No. I’m lonely without you. Yes, my childhood wasn’t the greatest, but that doesn’t mean I’m done with you guys. We can start over. We can fix what’s broken between us.”
Mom and Dad exchange a glance. “The truth is, we want the same thing,” Dad says. “That’s why we’ve been gettingprofessional help. We have a long way to go, but we’re headed in the right direction.”
Mom gives me a sad smile. “It killed me to receive your texts and not answer back, but I felt like your father and I needed to get help before we could even think of having a relationship with you. But we saw your performances that were posted on the school website. You’re an amazing dancer.”
Hearing a compliment from my mom for the first time makes my heart lift. “Thanks. It means a lot.”
“You coming here feels like fate,” Mom says. “While we were getting help to one day reconnect with you, you wanted the same thing.”
“We want to be part of your life,” Dad says. “But we weren’t sure if you wanted to be part of ours. Nothing we do will make up for the pain we caused you.”
I shake my head. “We can leave that in the past and start over. I’m really sorry I chose the Simmons over you. I didn’t realize I hurt you.”
Mom scoots closer to take my hand. “No, Ryder. I don’t want you to blame yourself. We were the parents and we made the mistake. Like I said, you did nothing wrong. We have a long way to go in terms of therapy, but we’d like to be part of your life if you’ll have us.”
Dad nods.
I look from one parent to the other, noting the genuine expressions on their faces. I already see a change in them. I could never see myself having such a heartfelt and emotional conversation with them years ago. The help they’ve been getting has definitely had positive effects and I’m so happy and relieved.
“Yes, I want you guys to be part of my life.”
Dad’s chest heaves in relief while a fresh batch of tears enters Mom’s eyes. “Thank you, Ryder. Is it all right if I hug you?” she asks.
“Of course.”
She stretches her arms toward me and I bend forward, letting her hug me tightly. Dad stands and closes his arms around both of us.
Then we sit and talk. I tell them about school and dance and football. I show them videos of the competitions and they compliment me on how talented I am. I also inform them about my amazing girlfriend.
“Carly Simmons from next door?” Mom asks. “She’s such a sweet girl. I’ve never really spoken to her much, but I know she’s kind and she’ll be a wonderful girlfriend to you.”
“We’d love to meet her one day,” Dad says.
“She’s sitting outside her house and I’m sure she’d love to meet you, too. I’ll text her if now is a good time.”
I send her a text, letting her know things went very well. She’s more than happy for me and would love to meet my parents as well.
She rings the bell and I let her in. She hugs me, squeezing herself to me. “I’m so happy things worked out.”
“Me, too. I think this is the beginning of the rest of my life.” I look into her eyes. “A life that I’d love for you to be part of more than anything.”
She smiles, kissing me softly. “I’m not going anywhere.”
I take her hand, leading her into the living room, where she greets my parents. Mom hugs her while Dad treats her like she’s royalty. Well, sheismy queen.
We sit around the couch and talk. Carly is very comfortable with them and they look at ease with her as well.
We stay for a bit, but it’s getting late and we have a long drive to school. Before we leave, my parents hug me again, promising to come to the next competition, and to Parents’ Day in a few weeks. They also promise to keep in touch. We’ll probably call and video chat a few times a week.
It’s hard for me to leave because we’re starting to rebuild a relationship, but we have the rest of our lives to get to know each other.
