Redemption(46)

When I got closer, Jeremy looked up through the gaps in the fence. I thought he would scream for Tyler. Instead, he got off the car and came running to the fence to look at me. I kept my distance, but knelt down and smiled at him.

“Hi,” Jeremy said with a cute America accent.

“Hey, yourself. How are you doing today, little buddy?”

Jeremy crinkled up his little nose. “I’m not little anymore. I’m nearly four.”

My eyes widened. “Really? That’s big. When will you be four?”

“On September fourth.”

It was hard to try and keep my cool once he revealed this. I did the quick math in my head and it wasn’t hard to figure out the time she conceived. Fuck, I had been such a dick.

I stared at this boy in wonderment. How could something so beautiful be born from such an ugly situation? How could I have ever done this to her?

“You’re the man from the black, shiny car.”

I nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“I like cars.”

I started laughing. “Me, too. Very much.”

Jeremy frowned. “Are you a friend of Mommy’s? You have the same voice as hers.”

I frowned, then realized he must mean my accent. “Yes. You’re mummy and I have known each other ever since we were little. In fact, your mum was only a couple of years older than you when we met.”

Jeremy got closer and stared at me. His eyes were rather hypnotic. He was simply stunning. “What’s your name?”

“Jeremy, what are you doing?” Tyler stepped out of the side door and saw me standing there. She stopped dead in her tracks and placed her hand on her chest. She looked stunning with her long, blonde hair, sparkly green eyes, and floral summer dress. She looked every bit the beautiful young mother I always thought she would be.

For a while, nothing was said. We stared, Tyler with her mouth open, whilst Jeremy looked between us both. Tyler eventually swallowed and looked at Jeremy for a moment before meeting my eyes again.

“What are you doing here?” She didn’t seem angry, and she didn’t seem upset. At least that was something.

“Mommy, your friend has a nice shiny car like mine.” Jeremy beamed and I couldn’t help the little chuckle that escaped me.

“That’s great, honey. Listen, can you do mummy a favor and put your toys away in the living room? I’m going to make something to eat soon.”

Jeremy sighed. “But I want to talk to your friend.”

Tyler’s eyes widened. “Jeremy, please. I need to speak with…my friend for a moment.”

Jeremy huffed, pursed his lips, and stormed into the house.

Tyler moved closer to the fence. “Why did you come back?”

“I had to. I don’t belong anywhere except where you are.”

Tyler closed her eyes for a moment. She looked like she was in pain, and I hated that I did that to her. “I thought I made myself clear.”

I stood rigid. “And so did I.” We fell silent for a moment, just staring at one another. I knew there were things she wanted to say, but the words seemed to be stuck in her mouth. “Can I come in?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

I sighed. “Tyler, are you shitting me? Have you completely ignored the obvious fact that you had a child and didn’t tell me? I think I have a right to come in for an explanation.” I sighed again and ran my fingers through my hair. “Don’t shut me out. I know I did wrong, but this,” I gestured with my hands towards the house, “is something I need to know. I want you to at least give me that much.”

Tyler covered her eyes with her hand, then looked back at me. “Okay,” she sighed. “Come around the front and I’ll let you in.”

Tyler disappeared and I quickly ran around to the front door. She opened it, an eager Jeremy standing next to her.

“Do you want to see my action men?”

I laughed again. He was certainly a bubbly boy. I loved that. “Sure thing, Grown-up. Lead the way.”

Jeremy giggled. “Grown-up?”

I nodded. “You’re a big boy now, aren’t you, Jeremy? A grown-up?”

Jeremy shook his head. It was the funniest thing I ever saw. “You’re silly,” he stated, taking my hand and leading me into the living room. Once there, Jeremy sat down and I sat with him.

Tyler sighed. “Would you like a beer? I have some in the fridge.”

I looked up at her and smiled. “A beer would be good.”

Tyler nodded and disappeared down the hall. In those few seconds, I was able to properly take in her living conditions. The place was clean, bright, and spacious. At least she was living as she should be. It also didn’t take a genius to figure out that Jeremy had everything he wanted. He was damn lucky to have a mother like Tyler.