As the evening approached, Jason and his son, Jonah, found themselves engrossed in their playtime in the living room. Surrounded by an array of toys, they created their own little world of joy and laughter.
Jason's hands carefully picked up a vibrant red fire truck, and with a playful "vroom vroom," he sent it zooming across the floor. Jonah's eyes lit up with delight, his tiny hands clapping in excitement. The room filled with their shared laughter and happiness.
"Roar! This is Dino the Dinosaur!" he said, grabbing the dinosaur toy, making it bounce playfully. Jonah's eyes widened, and he tried to mimic the roar, his little voice coming out in a high-pitched squeal that made Jason laugh.
"What a cute little roar this little Dino has!" Jason praised as he showered his son with praise and affection, planting gentle kisses on his rosy cheeks. These precious moments of connection through play filled Jason's heart with immense joy. He then picked up a colourful stacking ring. "Okay, let's see if you can stack these!"
The duo's attention then shifted to a colourful stacking ring. With Jonah's tiny hands reaching out eagerly, they embarked on the challenge of stacking the rings together. Each time a ring toppled over, their laughter filled the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
However, their moments together were interrupted when the doorbell resounded the house. Jason paused mid-laugh, glancing toward the door. Jonah, sensing the change in atmosphere, looked up with wide eyes, his little brow furrowed in curiosity.
"Who could that be?" Jason wondered aloud, setting the stacking rings and other small toys aside for the baby's safety. He ruffled Jonah's hair before standing up. "Stay right here, buddy. I'll be right back."
Jonah made a grumble as he tried to crawl after his father who had stepped foot outside the playpen. Jonah could only pout and wail aloud.
Jason smiled at his son's protest, his heart warming at the little one's determination. "I'll be quick, I promise!" he reassured, giving Jonah one last gentle pat on the head before making his way to the front door.
He opened the door with a huge smile plastered on his face upon seeing his visitor.
"Hi, blueberry! Sorry I'm late!" exclaimed his mom as she made a sorry gesture.
He quickly unlocked the door for his mother before pulling her in for an embrace, "It's fine, mom. Glad you could make it. Sorry for the last-minute notice though."
"It's fine, hon," the mother pecked her son's cheek before pulling away and stepping inside with a wide smile.
Her eyes immediately fell onto Jonah, who was peeking over the edge of the playpen, his expression transforming from grumpy to pure delight.
"Oh, my sweet Jonah, you've gotten so big!" The little boy's giggles filled the room as his grandmother approached, bending down to scoop him up into a tight hug.
She showered him with affectionate kisses. Jonah squealed happily, his earlier frustration forgotten in the loving arms of his grandmother. Jason watched them with a smile, his heart full.
As they settled into the living room, Jason's mom looked at him with a tender smile. "You know, seeing you with Jonah reminds me of when you were his age," she said, her eyes misty with nostalgia. "It feels like just yesterday."
Jason chuckled, shifting slightly in his seat. "Yeah, time flies. It's hard to believe how quickly he's growing."
They shared a moment of quiet reflection, the warmth of family enveloping them. Though, Jason's mother broke the silence with a topic that made Jason fidget in his seat.
"Your father called… Are you truly ready to meet him and your other family members?" asked his mother, worriedly, and Jason remained silent.
Memories of his father, both fond and painful, surfaced in his mind. He hadn't spoken to him since he was a child, and the thought of reconnecting stirred a surge of emotions. Nevertheless, there was a part of him that wanted to deny his father.
Jason let out a long sigh, leaning backwards onto the sofa, contemplating. "I don't know, Mom. It's been so long. I'm not sure how to feel about it."
"A part of me doesn't want to meet him and the others tonight… But, there's another part of me that wanted to go and fixed this—fixed us, for Jonah's sake. I don't want him to grow up without knowing his grandfather at least," said Jason as he ruffled his son's short hair.
Jonah mumbled incoherent words as he tried to grab ahold of his father's hand. Whereas, his mother placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Your father is a complicated man, I can't deny that, but he means well. Whatever happens, whatever you decide, just know that I'm always here for you. It might be a chance to find some closure or even start anew."
Jason nodded, appreciating her support. "I know, mom," he replied, grabbing a hold of her hand that was placed on his shoulder. He pulled the hand closer to his lips and kissed it tenderly.
"Thanks for being here, mom. Love you," expressed Jason sincerely and his mother pulled his head closer to her, side-hugging him.
"Love you too. You should get dressed. I'll look after baby Jonah." With that said, Jason gave one last peck on Jonah's cheek before he got up and headed up the stairs. He got into his bedroom to get himself freshen up and changed.
As the evening unfolded, the conversation lingered in Jason's thoughts, a reminder of the complexities of family and the possibilities that lay ahead. After freshening up and changing into a clean shirt and jeans, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror. His mind was overflowing with emotions, but he knew he had to face this moment.
Taking a deep breath, Jason stepped out of his bedroom and headed back downstairs. He found his mom in the living room, playing with Jonah, who was now fully engaged with his grandmother, giggling at her playful antics.
"I'm heading out now," Jason announced, trying to keep his voice steady.
His mom looked up, giving him a reassuring smile. "Take care, hon. Whatever happens, be strong." She got up with Jonah in her arms and hugged her only son while pecking his cheek.
Jason nodded, feeling a sense of resolve. He leaned forward to give Jonah a quick kiss on the forehead. "Be good for Grandma, okay?" he whispered, earning a happy babble from his son.
With one last look at his family as they waved at him, Jason grabbed his car keys and belongings from the kitchen counter and headed towards the front door. The cool evening air greeted him as he stepped outside, a stark contrast to the warmth he was momentarily leaving behind.
As he walked to his car, the reality of what he was about to do weighed heavily on him. He opened the car door and slid into the driver's seat, pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts. The familiar scent of the car mixed with remnants of Jonah's baby powder brought a small comforting smile to his face.
Starting the engine, he adjusted the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of the house he called home, before driving away, the road ahead both literal and metaphorical.
With every mile, Jason felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. This encounter could change everything, but it was a journey he needed to take—for himself and for Jonah. As he navigated through the streets, he reminded himself of his intentions and the hope of healing old wounds.
The road stretched out before him, and with each passing moment, Jason knew he was moving closer to a pivotal moment in his life.
Arriving at his destination, Jason stared at the imposing mansion before him. The tall, wrought-iron gates loomed like a threshold to a different world, at the same time, familiar.
He took out his phone to confirm the address: 459 Crescent Hill. A heavy twist formed in his stomach as memories surged. This was the home he had once known.
"Can you come over tonight, please? We'll talk over dinner." His father's plea echoed in his mind. A picture of Jonah in his arms, smiling with the pacifier in his mouth, being framed neatly by the stand. Jason caressed the picture as if he was caressing Jonah in real time and shut his eyes, whispering in his heart. 'For Jonah.'
He shifted the car into gear. The tires rolled forward, crunching on the gravel as he approached the gates. As he drew closer, they slowly swung open, creaking as if welcoming him into the estate. The mansion stood regal against the dusky sky, its windows reflecting the last rays of sunlight.
Jason parked his car and sat for a moment, staring at the grand structure. He could see well-manicured gardens framing the building, shadows dancing among the hedges Everything seemed the same, yet he felt no warmth of home.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the cool air. Each step toward the front door echoed in the stillness. A moment of doubt crept in as he glanced back at his car, but his resolve hardened with thoughts of his mother and Jonah. This was a pivotal moment, one he could not afford to avoid.
He raised his hand up and was about to knock on the door when it swung open unexpectedly, jolting Jason out of his thoughts.
"Young Master Jayden!" cried out an old butler in surprise and Jason recognised him instantly—he had been there when his parents were absent, a constant presence in his childhood.
"Grandfather," Jason greeted him quietly. The old butler ushered him inside, locking the door behind them.
"It's been so long, Master Jayden! You've grown up bigger and taller!" The butler, recognised by Jason as 'Grandfather', exclaimed.
Jason smiled sheepishly, "I'm not a child anymore, Grandfather. Of course, I'll grow bigger and taller."
The butler's eyes glimmered with sadness. "I… I'm not your Grandfather anymore, Young Master… You left, and I broke my promise—"
"It's not your fault. My parents' divorce was inevitable. You'll always be my Grandfather," Jason interrupted, glancing around. "And since I left, I'm not 'Young Master Jayden' or any titles that go along with 'Jayden'. My name's Jason. Jason Graham."
The butler nodded, understanding. "Very well, Mr. Graham—"
"—Jason," Jason stubbornly insisted, and the butler sighed with a smile.
"You haven't changed, Jason." Without a word, they closed in for a hug, a moment transcending the boundaries of their former roles.
Servants are not allowed to be in close contact with the masters and mistresses they were serving. However, Jason was different. He made it clear that he bore no ties to the Rivers and he was just here as a visitor. He was just a grandson hugging his grandfather. There was nothing wrong with that.
Unfortunately, their reunion was interrupted by a familiar voice that Jason wished was a dream.
"Jay…? Is that you…?" Jason carefully let go of his grandfather before turning around slowly, his heart racing in anger.
"Kyle McKenny, what are you doing here?" Jason spats coldly, glaring at the man who had abandoned him without a second thought.