Forever My Love Ch. 02

Forever My Love Ch. 02

Comments, critiques and tips are welcome!

***

Jim was coming out from the backyard, looking around and seemingly worried. He was irritated to the core and God knows he was a few seconds away from snapping. He had just said goodbye to the last people that had come over. He took his phone and began calling but the phone rang and just cut.

"Hey there!" He heard Claudia's voice.

She was smiling at him.

"What's up?" She patted his shoulder. "You look worried."

He let out a sigh. "I am worried. I haven't seen my husband since the introduction. He's been missing and I've been trying to call him but unsuccessful." He was so stressed. "How could he do this on our anniversary?" He had tears in his eyes. "He knew how important this was to me. I explained it to him and he promised."

"Shhh..." Claudia smiled, rubbing his back. "...don't worry too much. I am pretty sure there's an explanation to all of this and..." She paused and laughed when she looked towards the entrance door. "...look, he's fine. He's coming right back."

Hearing that, Jim's eyes quickly moved towards the door and he saw David coming inside with the biggest smile he'd ever seen on his face. He had Michael on his shoulder and the both of them seemed so happy. He saw the smile on the young boy's face and he didn't need to be a genius to know that he was the reason that David had left the party.

Clenching his fist, he rushed towards them.

"Where were you?" He said angrily. "You left me on our anniversary all alone. Do you know how embarrassing it was when people kept asking me where you went?"

"Oh!" David chuckled nervously, carefully putting his son down. "I am so sorry for that. Michael wanted some ice cream and chocolates." He continued, pinching his laughing son's cheeks. "I had to go with him. Besides, I told you that I didn't like parties anymore so I took it as an escape route. I am so sorry, Jim."

A look of great bitterness swept across Jim's face when he looked at the little boy. God, if only he could do something to him, he could show him exactly how mad he was.

"I told you and I begged you to bear with me." His voice was rising. "You were supposed to be by my side but you chose his side? Why am I not surprised?" He chuckled bitterly. "It is always Michael, Michael that. Don't my feelings matter to you?"

"They do, it's just that..."

"Just that what?" He snapped, breathing like a warrior on the war ground. "Just that what, David? Michael is a child and he needs to know that he cannot always get what he wants. He needs to understand that just because something is in his reach doesn't mean he can always have it. This was supposed to be the best night of my life, but as usual, he managed to ruin it."

The little boy was obviously scared from the way he held on to David's trouser.

"Sorry..." He said in a panicky voice.

"Sorry?" Jim snapped, shaking his head. "Come here right now." He demanded.

"Jim..."

"No, David, I am having a talk with my son and I don't want you to interfere." He said, still staring at the obviously scared boy. "Michael, come here right now." But the boy wasn't letting go of his father's trousers. "Now!" He yelled, making the boy to get startled.

He slowly let go of David's trouser and started moving towards Jim. But before he could even take two steps, Jim gripped his arm painfully and pulled him close. The boy let out a painful cry.

"What have I told you, huh?" He hit his bum with his hand, wishing he could do more. "I told you no ruin this moment but you did."

"I am sorry." He cried.

"Jim, that's enough!" David spoke, feeling anger slowly developing.

"Why do you always do this?" He yelled, starting to drag the boy to his room. "I'll lock you up in your room so that you won't do this again."

"Jim?" Claudia intervened. "What do you think you're doing? He's only a child."

"A child that should know that when he does something wrong, there's gonna be a punishment."

"Please," Michael cried, trying to resist. "Dad, please, help!" He tried to reach David who stood there trying to figure out what to do. "Dad!" He screamed.

"Jim, let him go." He said as he began running after him. "You'll hurt him."

"I don't care. He..."

"I said that's enough!" His voice was so loud, so thunderous, that Jim stopped in his track and turned slowly. Staring at him, he couldn't recognize him. Sure, David had been upset with him before but the way he was looking at that time was different.

David's muscles grew tense. He furiously walked to Jim and got his son in his arms, staring into his eyes. He hated Jim at that moment and hearing his son's sobs definitely made him madder.

"If you have some score to settle then do it with me instead of getting it on our son." He snapped, raising a finger at him. "I was the one that decided to take him. I was the one that was driving and I was the one that wanted to leave."

Jim felt tears build in his eyes. He felt so much pain.

"I can take you doing whatever you want to me but I'll not let you torture this boy." He warned, breathing harshly. "You can call it discipline but I call it torture and I'll not let you do this to my son. I am sorry for ruining your beautiful surprise party." He started going away but stopped. "And have a goodnight. Don't expect me to come to our room. I'll spend the night with Michael!"

With those words, David stormed out of there, leaving Jim broken.

Jim's mouth opened but words couldn't find their way out. The pain he felt was so intense that he felt like hitting something.

"Calm down, Jim." Claudia reassured, cupping his cheeks. "He's just angry and he'll come around. You know how much he loves his son and doesn't wanna see him get hurt."

"He's my son too." Jim snapped, furiously rubbing a tear that made its way down his cheek. "But why does he act like he's the only one that cares for him. I care for him too and..."

"I don't think you do." A voice came, a very familiar voice.

Jim felt like someone was rubbing salt in his wounds. In no time, Amber came into view and she seemed so happy seeing Jim all sad. She was in her night gown and had been watching the whole scene.

"Seriously, you even have the nerve to ask that question?" She chirped, shaking her head. "Of course, David is the only one that cares for that boy. While he sees a son, you only see competition, competition for David's affection. And honestly, I don't know what kind of sick man competes with a child who is his son for the husband's affection."

"I am not in the mood for this." Jim snarled, his fists clenching. "You don't know what you're saying so I suggest you shut your mouth before..."

"Before what?" Amber crossed her arms, her face becoming stern. "You're gonna lock me up in my room too?" She chuckled in mock. "Why am I not surprised you're acting like this? After all, having a mother like Elena is enough for someone to know not to expect anything good from you."

"Amber?" Claudia gasped, her eyes widening. "Why are you being disrespectful? There has been enough drama for the night so just stop!"

"Why am I not surprised you're supporting him?" She shrugged. "It's expected of you. You just stood there and watched him abusing a little boy. Have you no conscience at all, mom?"

Claudia rolled her eyes.

"Why am I even asking this?" She shook her head. "A woman that has been able to live with what happened five years ago, what more can I expect from you. And I am glad that David pays so much attention to Michael than to you. It's simply pay back for what you did to Ben years ago. After all, karma is a bitch. And he'll continue doing that until he no longer sees you as nothing but a friend."

With a victorious laugh, Amber left.

"Don't pay attention to her, okay." Claudia reassured. "David will come around and I need you to be more careful with the way you handle Michael while David is around. You know how much he loves him. Hurting him will only make you seem like a villain."

Jim nodded without saying a word.

"Now cheer up and get some rest."

Jim went upstairs although God knows he was so mad that he saw red.

***

A woman came running happily and tapped on the man's shoulder whose back was to her.

"Excuse me, Mr. Henandez."

Ben turned and wore the brightest smile. The woman was just so beautiful and she made his heart feel warm.

"Yes!"

"Please, come with." She said excitedly. "The kids wanted to thank you for your help and your donations in a very special way."

Ben nodded and followed the woman. He was at a foundation that helped women and children. He had brought some donations and had almost spent the whole day with them, cleaning, painting and cooking. There was nothing that gave him more peace than seeing kids happy.

When he reached there, he found children who he presumed the oldest was 13 standing there waiting for him. Seeing them, he felt so happy but before he could say anything, a guitar started playing. And the kids started moving in sync.

'Down and out, all alone

Sitting here, sad and Ooh

The sun is now going down. It's kinda cold, seeking refuge.'

They were singing Celine Dion's song, 'Thank you.' Their voices were so beautiful, and they sang in such harmony. Ben chuckled as he stared at them happily, raising his thumbs. He couldn't help but feel so lucky.

'Thank you.... Thank you...

Because you didn't have to.'

As he was busy listening to the kids, he felt someone hold his hand tightly. When he looked, he found a beautiful young girl who was barely five years old staring up at him. She was a very beautiful girl. With a chuckle, he leaned and cupped her cheeks, smiling at her.

"Hey there, sweetie!"

The girl smiled and nodded without responding. But suddenly... he got flashbacks of the first time he had held his daughter. She had been cold and lifeless, dead. He didn't even get to hear her cries or see her smile like that.

Slowly, the sadness enveloped him in its smothering embrace. Slowly, the pain began settling inside him and his smile began fading. All the voices were muffled as the cloud of sadness descended over him and his eyesight was hazy.

'Leah!' A voice filled with pain screamed in his head.

Slowly, Ben removed his hands from the little girl and stood up, focusing on the kids that were singing. He tried so hard to fight his tears and smile but he wasn't fooling anyone. What he felt was stronger and he wasn't gonna mask it.

He was so lost that he didn't even realize that the kids had already finished their song. He came to reality when he heard everyone clapping. He wore a smile and clapped with everyone else.

"That was very good guys." He commented. "That was amazing. All of you have such nice voices and I will forever cherish this moment. Thank you very much."

With those words, he quickly turned and rushed out of there. He went to a room and felt lonely as he slowly walked in, trying to gather himself while silent tears ran down his cheek from sorrow.

'I love you, papa.'

He heard a voice ring in his head from the series of dreams he'd had about his daughter.

"Leah!" He sobbed quietly as he leaned on a nearby table, feeling his strength leave him. His mind was once again stuck in a never-ending loop of hopelessness.

"Leah!"

He did his best to block out the pang of grief that appeared to be pulsing through his veins, but it was always there, like a whisper in his ear. He knew he had lost touch with his former self and lived in a continual terror that he would never be able to find his way back.

Seconds passed, minutes even... but it felt like hours. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he felt startled. He quickly rubbed his tears and found a woman staring at him with concern on her face.

"Are you okay?" She asked softly. "I hope it's not something that we did here that made you sad."

"No!" He sighed, shaking his head. "I am so sorry... the little girl just reminded me of someone, my daughter. I..." He paused and took in a harsh breath. "...I lost her over five years ago. It's something that I have been unable to get over."

"I am sorry." She apologized. "I had no idea that you lost your child. But what I know she'd be very happy knowing that you're helping other kids that need your help. God gives and he takes. You're a good man and I know you'll make a very good father one day."

Ben nodded. "Thank you so much." He sighed, trying to pull up a smile. "Is there still more work that needs to be done?"

"Yes! But I think you should stay here and rest."

"No! Just give me a minute. I will join you." He replied. "I cannot just remain here and drown in my pain. I need to keep myself busy. That's the only way for me to be happy."

"Alright, sir." She squeezed his shoulder.

She left him alone. Ben stood there for a long time just thinking. When the memories of his daughter hit him, it was very hard for him to go back to his usual mood. He needed to keep busy. After freshening up, he went out to help with whatever was to be done.

***

David was reviewing a document on their latest designs when he heard the door to his office open and footsteps begin to approach his desk. He didn't need to be a genius to know that it was Jim that had come. He had gotten up early, took his son to school without even seeing or greeting Jim.

"Hey baby, how are you doing?" He heard a joyful voice greet him. "I missed you. You didn't even wake me up this morning or text me. When I woke up, you were already gone."

David raised his face and took a glance at his husband. He was dressed seductively in a black shirt that was half-way buttoned with his chest exposed, showing off his golden necklace. The shirt was tucked in a blue skinny jean that was tight on him. His hair was just curled and loose and he had little makeup.

"I was busy and I didn't wanna disturb you." He said as if he didn't care. "I needed to get here early. Besides, I wanted to personally drop Michael off at school."

Jim smiled and then walked seductively around the table to where his husband was seated. He placed his hands on his shoulder and massaged them, trying to get to the man.

"Jim, I am trying to work." David sighed in frustration. "Do you mind?"

Jim slowly turned the chair so that David was facing him.

"You know that isn't true, David." He shook his head. "You're avoiding me and I know why. I shouldn't have acted the way I did with our son. I was just so upset with the way things went. Yesterday was meant to be a special night for us and he ruined everything for us. I know he's a child but sometimes he needs to know that he cannot get everything he wants."

"Michael is just a little boy and having kids means that we need to sacrifice some of our time to spoil them, to be with them." David said, a little harshly. "You were more concerned about impressing the guests more than you cared about your son. If I hadn't interfered, you'd have locked that boy up."

"I am sorry." He said, wrapping his arms around David. "But I was just angry and I shouldn't have done what I did. Besides, you punished me so much yesterday by not coming to bed. Isn't that enough punishment? You know how much I hate being away from you, baby."

David just looked at the man.

"Please!" He held his ears, smiling seductively at the man.

David combed his hair with his fingers before he gave a sigh of relief.

"I am not the one you need to make it up to. It's our son."

"I know." He literally jumped like a child. "That's why I came here so that we can go and pick him up for school together. Then we can have lunch together. That way, I get to spend time with the two people that I mostly care about."

David sighed. "I don't know, I have a lot of things that I have to do."

"David, I am trying my best here. You're the one that said our son comes first."

"Okay!" David raised his hands like he was surrendering. "Alright, we'll go and pick him up. Where are we going for lunch?"

Jim smiled. "I'll let Michael choose that. We'll go to any place that he wants."

Hearing his answer, David couldn't help but smile. He got up from his chair and picked up his jacket.

"Ready?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No!" Jim shook his head. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He gestured to his lips. "I haven't had a taste of them since yesterday. My lips also need to feel good."

"Oh!" He chuckled nervously before he leaned and gave him a peck on the lips. He was about to withdraw when the man held the back of his head and gave him a full-blown kiss. It didn't last long but he made sure that his tongue was deep inside him.

"Now we're ready to go."

Jim coiled his arm with his husband's and the both of them were on their way out, having a conversation and laughing... well, Jim was laughing.

***

David and his family arrived at the five-star restaurant and they seemed happy.

"Hey, Michael!" Jim smiled, cupping his cheeks. "Do you like this place? You can order anything and dad will get it for you, okay?"

The boy stared at David before he stared at Jim again. Jim could tell he was scared of him. He was in his father's arms and didn't seem to want to get out of there.

"Come here, baby." He opened his arms.

The boy was hesitant, he looked at David and held on tighter.

"Come on," Jim smiled brightly. "I won't hurt you. I am no longer mad at you and I am sorry, okay. I shouldn't have yelled at you yesterday. Daddy makes mistakes sometimes too. Forgive me." He put his arms together.

"Come on, Michael." David gestured. "Dad is asking for forgiveness. Forgive him and he'll be happy. You don't want daddy to be sad, right?"

Michael shook his head.

"That's my good boy." Jim shrieked, kissing Michael's cheek. He couldn't help but laugh when Michael jumped into his arms. "I love you so much, my love."

With those words, they went to an empty table and sat, with Michael on Jim's lap. The boy was now smiling, although deep inside, he wasn't as free with Jim as he was with David. It didn't take so long before a waiter came smiling at their table.

Michael was the star that day. He chose what he wanted to eat, of course, with the ice cream as dessert. Their food was served and they had a good time. The food was delicious and Michael ate a lot of it. After what felt like hours, they were finally done.

"Hey, you still need that ice cream?" David asked, pinching his son's cheek. And when the boy nodded, he burst into laughter. "Alright, why don't you hold on while daddy gets it for you?"

He got up from the chair and went to the counter to personally get his son ice cream. He ordered a large cup with two flavors he knew his son loved, Vanilla and Ice cream. As he waited, he got out his phone and began checking his emails to see if there was anything scheduled for him that day. He was busy scrolling when...

"Here is your coffee, sir." A woman spoke. "I hope you enjoy it and it gets you throughout the day."

"Thank you so much! And you have an amazing day."

A cold, tight knot formed in his gut as that voice went through him like an earth quake, disarranging his insides. His hands suddenly began shaking on their own as the familiar voice sent him into a world he didn't know existed.

'That voice!' He thought as his eyes robotically moved upwards to see who that voice belonged to. 'I have heard that voice before... where?... When?... Where?' A lot of questions began rippling through him and he couldn't even answer them.

Suddenly, his eyes landed on someone a distance from where he stood. He was receiving a cup of coffee, 'Iced Caramel Macchiato' and it seemed so awfully familiar too. He tried to look at the face but the man had his back towards him so he could not see his face.

His hair was tied in a ponytail, almost reaching his butt. He wore a blue designer t-shirt that fit on him so perfectly and a black skinny jean that showed off his beautiful body. David didn't see the man but he could already tell he was someone really gorgeous.