Page 64 of Bossy Grump's Secret

“I think that was pretty decent…and my little speech at the end wasn’t too harsh, was it?” I ask Lily as I crash onto the bed beside her.

“We seemed to trade personalities for a while, so…it was perfect,” she assures me.

Yup, seemed so to me, too. I don’t like the feeling, though. Having something to say and keeping it under the subjugation of another person is tedious work. There are so many ways I could have replied, but I just didn’t. I couldn’t.

Two days later, she showed up in our room again. This time, she asks Lily to excuse us; and when Lily does, she starts with an apology.

“Listen, I uh…as a mother, have erred in the uniform support of my son. I could defend myself and say I was only looking for his best interests, but that would be a blatant lie. I was looking out for the entire family, which eventually translated into mine. It was selfish of me to assume that you came into his life to dig gold, and I am sorry."

Wow. The apology came much sooner than I thought.

I just want to tell you I’ll be here to support you with the child, given that it is as much mine as yours…."

I want to argue with that, but I don’t need to. She’s the potential baby’s grandmother, after all. It’d be cruel to deny her that feeling, however cruel she has been to me.

“I perfectly understand, Mrs. Belfrost. Thanks for your support,” I muttered meekly. There's nothing else to say.

“So…” she starts and takes out her phone, feeling upbeat about my 'forgiveness'. “If I can just have your account number, maybe I could…."

“That won’t be necessary, ma’am.” I shake my head in disagreement.

"Oh? But why, honey?"

“I really don’t need a cash donation or anything. I was more than content with my life before you showed up, and it’d show ingratitude to want more of what I already have in surplus,” I respond.

“You call five thousand dollars ‘surplus’? Come on, child. Do this forth the sake of your baby,” she scoffs.

But I don't want to. I don't want to endanger my dignity and children for a couple thousand dollars extra.

“You know, Mrs. Belfrost, while I have been with your son, he taught me something. A quote of his sticks in my brain, which I'll never forget. He told me that tough times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times produce or create weak men, who eventually bring tough times back upon us."

Her face glows up when she finally understands.

“I’m not going to deliberately have my child go through tough times, as all kinds do, but if there’s an opportunity for an easy time that wouldn’t cost the child’s dignity nor mine…But the tough road, in all sincerity, isn't even that tough. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to pass.” I let it sink deep into her.

She leaves without another word.

Dylan

Being at home longer than three days is completely unhealthy from a work perspective, especially when your job is physical, and the love of your life is in the same workplace. I have been at home for closing in on a week since I got back from the hospital. My Dad put Additional measures in place so I don’t sneak out like the last time. The only channel of escape is either my mobile phone, texting Ava all day long - as much as she replies to me - with the remaining time spent on Facetime - with Ava.

I know pretty much everything Mom has put her through, so I understand perfectly when she walks through the door with devastation on her face.

“She refused the help again,” Mom sighs, sitting beside me on the couch, where I splurge myself.

"Well, that's shocking…." I grunt and continue what I'm doing, a non-committal attempt at a mobile game, pending Ava’s reply. Mom gives me a look that calls me to attention. I heave myself up and assume a more appropriate pose for our conversation.

“I didn’t mean any harm this time, Dylan. I swear it. I just wanted to apologize, that’s all. I didn’t mean to sound rude or condescending.” She tries to vindicate herself, and I sit there and watch. She looks at me, but I still say nothing, just peer deep into her soul through her eyes.

"Oh, don't look at me like that, Dylan. I'm your mother, responsible for keeping my children safe. Sure, I went a little over the line with this one, but an apology should fix that, shouldn’t it?” she asks. Again, I say nothing. I do only cock an eyebrow and continue my wordless, probing stare.

“Dylan, I understand I might have been too harsh…and too mistrusting…but can you blame me? The last thing I want is to see you come to any harm. That’s what a wonderful mother would do!” she cries. My following three words put her in a dilemma.

“Is she harm?”

“What about Ava? She…she…” The realization sets in. “She’s just…oh. I misjudged again, didn’t I?” She sits down and has a ghastly look on her face like she's extremely tired. She shoves her face deep into her hands and groan. "I'm cruel. She must think I'm an entitled woman interested in more than meets the eye…like I have my own motives."

How is she even making all these deductions?

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