Forever My Love Ch. 06

Forever My Love Ch. 06

Comments, critiques and tips are welcome!

***

Elena quickly raised her face, looking dumbly at Ben who stared at her like he wanted to kill with his hand still raised.

"I can't believe it." Ben chuckled bitterly, furiously dropping his hands. "After all these years, Elena, you still think you can lay your hand on me and I'd take it lightly. You have no idea in how many ways I have changed."

Elena's eyes bulged, she stared at Ben like he'd grown another head, trying to process what had happened. He had slapped her right in front of people.

"You still think you're gonna abuse me after all these years?" He yelled, making her heart jump in fear. "Do not push me to my limits because you might just what kind of monster I can be. You..."

Ben paused when he heard sobs underneath, making his heart pound heavily. He dropped his eyes and saw Michael holding on tightly to him with tears going down his face. Seeing him like that, he felt his heart drop to the floor.

"Michael!" He quickly knelt in front of him, cupping his cheeks. "Oh my God, sweetie. Did I scare you? I am so sorry."

He rubbed his tears and kissed all over his face.

"Don't cry. I won't hurt you." He said in the most soothing voice. "Remember I promised that I would protect you and take you to your father, right?" The boy nodded, making him smile. "I won't let them take you."

"Wow!" Jim clapped. "Trying to get through to David through his son? How shameless can you be?"

Elena slowly rose, letting go of her cheek. She couldn't let that go.

"You're gonna pay for that slap Ben." She vowed, her fists clenched. "I am gonna make you pay for this slap and it will be sooner than you think."

Ben ignored her, totally focusing on Michael. "I'll take you to dad. Come on,"

He opened his arms and took the child in them, holding him tighter.

"You're not taking that child anywhere." Jim snapped, blocking the way. "That is my son and I will sue you for kidnapping." He warned. "Now give him to me so that I can get out of your face."

Ben frowned, shaking his head. "Growing up, I really thought you were gonna be different from your mother. But guess I was wrong. It is true what they say, an apple doesn't fall far from the tree. A child that you claim to love, you cannot be treating him like an object that you only use to get what you want."

"Don't say things that you do not know."

"Look at him..." He shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. "People would kill to have such a lovely child, but he's scared of you. You're only using him to get what you want."

"Shut up!" He seethed, his fists clenching. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Really?" He chuckled bitterly. "Either way, I am not giving Michael to you. I will only give him to his father."

"Ben, I swear..." He yelled, raising a finger.

"I'll be waiting to hear from your lawyer if you want."

With one final look at mother and son, Ben took his bag and left, leaving the two of them standing there like idiots. Jim was so mad that he saw red. There were people that had their phones taking pictures and videos of the scene.

"What the hell are you looking at?" Elena snapped, pointing angrily at them. "What's there for you to see?"

But the people only laughed which made her madder than she was.

***

Ben stood with a smile on his face and a phone in his hands, capturing the captivating moment. He was in the children's park with Michael who was running around with a beautiful butterfly kite in his hands, chuckling to himself. It was really beautiful for Ben to see and it got him emotional.

"Ben!"

Ben felt his heart thud when he heard the familiar voice, David calling him. He stood still for a second before he slowly turned to look into the eyes of the man that he had once loved so much. A gentle breeze blew on his face and it felt like it was coming from those eyes.

David on the other hand couldn't stop staring into those beautiful twinkling eyes, gazing lovingly at Ben.

"David!" Ben gasped. "I am so sorry for causing any trouble but I couldn't give your husband Michael. The child was scared and my conscience couldn't let him go."

"You don't have to apologize." He smiled, glancing at the boy that ran around. "Just look how happy he is. I haven't seen him so happy with anyone else aside from me and my sister, so thank you so much."

"I hope I didn't cause any trouble."

"Not at all. All I care about right now is my son." He sighed, crossing his arms. "You know, you have this incredible way of making everything seem brighter, more colorful and amazing. I know I have said this before but you really do. And I can tell through the eyes of my child."

Ben smiled. "You really have a way with your words."

"I mean every word." He said lovingly, extending his hand to hold Ben's. When their hands touched, both couldn't deny the spark that they felt. "You're not just beautiful on the outside; it's your kindness, your intelligence and your passion that truly captivates me. I admire how you care so much for my child despite you losing yours. You're gonna be an amazing father some day and I'll continue praying for that day to come soon."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, gazing into each other's eyes. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them. Ben felt his heart beat rhythmically, reminding him of the past when they were at the beach. It had been the happiest moment of his life, David holding his hands, staring into his eyes and telling him the most beautiful things.

David on the other hand had a very familiar feeling that he couldn't put his hands on. It was like de javu but he couldn't understand it. In that moment, he felt like he was meant to be in that moment and to enjoy it.

"Dad!"

Both of them were brought back to reality when they heard Michael's voice. They looked to where he was and saw him running towards them.

"Catch!"

Michael threw a ball at them.

"I got it!"

"I got it!"

They both said at the same time. Ben was moving faster and so was David. Due to unfortunate turn of events and a desperate attempt to catch the ball, they collided into each other and the two of them crashed to the floor in a tangle of limbs. Ben hit his back but thanks to the grass, he didn't feel much pain.

David was on top of Ben with one of Ben's legs in between his legs, rubbing his crotch. Their faces were close, their noses rubbing on each other.

David, his heart racing and his breaths harsh opened his eyes to look deeply into Ben's gorgeous eyes, his gaze unwavering. Suddenly, a headache hit him and he found himself in a strangely familiar room with someone beneath him. The face was blurred but in a split second everything had become very clear. It was Ben... but younger than he was looking currently.

He was smiling, his smile captivating but he looked very drunk.

"You're so beautiful!"

David's own voice echoed in his head but contrary to what he thought, he actually unconsciously said it and Ben heard it, sending a shiver down his spine. David's breaths came out harshly and he knew he was gonna make a mistake if he didn't take things in control.

In his memory, he tried to get up but the boy pulled him back until their lips met. When they connected, he shuddered, a sound tore from the back of his throat, half growl, half moan. Little shivers of pleasure and panic shot through him as his eyes widened.

In reality, David was getting closer, closing the gap in between them. Ben's eyes widened and fear slowly crept on him. He pressed his hands on David's chest, trying to push him away but the man was still getting closer.

"David!" He said abruptly, slightly hitting his chest.

David's eyes opened and he found himself in an awkward position with Ben. His eyes widened and he quickly rose, feeling so ashamed of himself. He couldn't even look at Ben.

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean... I..."

"It's okay." Ben said softly, slowly rising. "It's not your fault. Both of us didn't expect this to happen. I..." he could tell that something was bothering David more than what had happened. "Are you okay?"

He placed his hand on David's shoulder and the man almost jumped.

"I... I had a flashback just now." He said softly, slowly turning to face Ben. "I... I saw something that I believe has happened before."

Ben frowned, raising an eyebrow.

"What did you see?"

David sighed, combing his hair with his fingers. "You!" He said simply, his eyes glittering. "I saw you in my flashback Ben. It's like what happened here has happened before but.... Ouch!" He cried out as a headache hit him so hard he passed out. "Ow!"

"Are you okay?" Ben rushed to him and held his arm. "Please, take a seat."

He carefully took the man to a nearby bench and made him sit. He took Michael on his lap but his eyes never left David's. The man was suffering and he felt so bad for him.

"Is daddy okay?" Michael asked in his tiny voice.

"Of course, baby." Ben reassured. "Dad just needs to rest for a bit. He's gonna be just fine. Come here." He opened his arms wider and the boy hugged him tighter.

He kept on staring at David who was awfully quiet with his eyes on the ground. There was a lot that was going on in his head, so many questions that he didn't have any answers to. He stayed like that for several minutes.

"This usually happens to me whenever I have a flashback." He spoke softly. He slowly raised his head and stared into Ben's eyes. "There is this boy I have been seeing in my flashbacks although I have never been able to see his face. Today was the only time I did and..." He paused and shook his head. "...it was you, Ben."

Ben felt a shiver go down his spine at those words. A cold breeze brew on his face and he felt his heart rum hard against his rib cage. Everything became so quiet that one would have heard a pin drop. His hands shook but only he could feel them.

"Maybe you're thinking I am going crazy." He chuckled softly, sniveling. "But this started the first time I saw you at the restaurant. I have been having constant flashbacks ever since. They give me these really severe headaches."

David moved closer and stared at Ben with a serious expression.

"Ben, did we know each other more than five years ago?" He asked, slowly taking Ben's hands in his. "And if so, what kind of relationship did you and I have?"

Ben felt his heart begin to race at David's question. He froze, muscles locked in momentarily paralysis, surprise momentarily rendering him immobile.

"Ben please!" David pleaded. "Help me!"

"David, I..." his voice caught in his throat, words halted in mid-sentence. "...I... I haven't been in this country in a long time. We might have met at a party or so but..." He paused and shook his head. "...that was it. I never had any relationship with you or your family."

To say David was disappointed by that answer would be an understatement. He was more than disappointed because he was kinda hoping that he had been close to Ben in the past.

"Then what about..."

"Without realizing it, our minds can play tricks on us." Ben said softly. "We may not even realize it. You said you couldn't see who the boy was and you only saw his face right now. It is possible that you only saw what your mind wanted you to see. I am so sorry, David, but it's not me."

David didn't know where the pain he felt came from.

"Oh, but what..."

Before he could finish his sentence, his phone began ringing loudly ruining the moment. He got it out! It was from his sister.

"Hello!"

He listened for a second before he quickly rose, his eyes widening.

"I'll be there as soon as possible."

He quickly turned and got Michael from Ben's arms.

"I am so sorry, I need to go." He said abruptly. "My mother just passed out and I don't know why. Thank you so much for taking care of my son. I'll talk to you later."

Before Ben could reply, David was already rushing out of there. He remained standing there, watching as father and son went away until he couldn't see them anymore. Michael kept on waving at him and it filled him with this emptiness that he couldn't explain.

He sat on the bench and couldn't stop the tears that started flowing.

"I am so sorry, David, I know you're going through pain, but it's nothing compared to the pain that I feel each and every day." He said softly, trying to rub his tears off. "The pain that you caused me. You used me and didn't even wait for my death before you ran after my brother."

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

"People say that time may change everything, but your feelings and your memories will remain the same." He thought as he rubbed his tears. "Maybe you can leave your past behind but not your memories."

He sat there, lost in deep thought, reliving his painful memories about the loss of his daughter.

***

Elena arrived at her home, throwing the bag on the table furiously. She was still mad from the incidence earlier and she wanted her pound of flesh. But, she couldn't think of any painful way to get him back at without involving blood.

"Shit!" She cursed, pacing about the living room like something was after her.

"Welcome back!" She heard her husband chuckle. "I am surprised that you actually came early. Was thinking you were gonna make more headlines."

"What now?" She snapped, angrily staring at him. "Why can't you just talk to me nowadays without bringing me any trouble?"

"I give you trouble?" Jerome laughed, shaking his head. "Funny how you don't see how much trouble you bring to yourself. Do you want me to remind you?"

He went closer to her and showed her his tablet where a clip started playing of her slapping Ben so hard on the face then Ben retaliating and she finding herself on the floor. Seeing that video, her fists clenched and her breaths came out harshly.

"Who uploaded that video?" She yelled. "I need you to get it off social media right now."

"For what?" Jerome shrugged. "Everyone has obviously seen it but that's not the point of this. Why were harassing Ben?" He was no longer smiling. He had a stern look on his face. "Why did you slap him?"

"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you see him slapping me? What have you got to say about your bastard child embarrassing me in public like that."

Jerome shrugged. "I must say I am proud of him. I am so glad that he was able to give you that slap."

To say Elena was surprised would be an understatement. She stood there frozen, staring at her husband like he'd grown another head while her heart caught fire. Her face contorted into a mask of rage, her gaze burning with an intensity that could scorch the earth.

"For the first time since you've been abusing that boy, he was able to stand up for himself." He chuckled, angering her more. "I might be a coward for not doing much for him but I am so glad that he didn't turn out like me, Elena."

"How dare you say that to me!" Her voice hardened ruthlessly. "That brut had the nerve to lay his hand on me and you're here cheering for him? Don't forget that I am your wife and my wellbeing should be your priority."

"I am also Ben's father and that's why this time I am warning you." He raised his finger, pointing at her. "If you ever lay your hand on Ben again, I am gonna do something that both of us are gonna regret."

With those words, he stormed up the stairs leaving her standing like a statue. Elena had never felt as much pain as she felt at that time. Not even the slap she had received compared to the pain that she felt.

Her hands trembled with repressed fury, fingers curling into tight fists, nails digging into her palm.

"Ben, you've done it this time and you better be prepared for what's coming next."

She angrily took the phone from her bag and dialed a number. It wasn't long before a man answered.

"I need to meet you as soon as possible!" She said demandingly. "I have some work for you."

Cutting the call, she picked her bag and stormed out of the house to meet the mystery man.

What was she up to?

***

"Mom!"

David rushed inside the room as soon as he saw her in bed, with some pillows behind her, taking some drugs. She seemed okay except for the fact that her hair was a mess which got him worried. He rushed to her, sat at the edge of the bed and kissed her forehead.

"Mom, what happened?"

"Stress!" Isaac responded with a raised eyebrow. "She's been overworking herself the last couple of days and now her body is failing to go on with the stress."

"I am fine!" She sighed, putting up a smile. "Don't listen to Isaac. He just wants me to stay in bed for the next couple of days and I told him I cannot do that. I am a very busy woman and..."

"You're not getting out of that bed, aunt!" Isaac commanded, not masking the seriousness in his voice. "Who is the doctor among the two of us?"

"Listen to him!" David was still worried. "We don't want this to happen again. Amber and I will manage everything that needs to be managed at the company. And your job is to rest, for us and for your grandson."

When she heard Michael's name, she couldn't help but smile. She glanced at the entrance and saw him standing there with Amber. He looked concerned.

"Hey baby, don't worry, I am fine." She said with a reassuring smile.

She opened her arms lovingly. "Would you like to accompany me in bed? I will feel much better faster."

Michael didn't waste any time. He ran into the bed and got comfy in Claudia's arms. David couldn't help but smile. He knew the bond that Michael and her had was out of this world. She was a hard headed woman sometimes but with Michael, she was always soft.

"I missed you so much, my baby." She spoke softly, kissing his cheek. "You went away and forgot about granny."

"Sorry!" Michael held his ears. "I was with Ben... he is so nice. I like being with Ben."

Claudia smiled sheepishly, glancing at an obviously mad Jim.

"But you're with me right now. It will just be you and I. We're gonna watch all your favorite cartoons the whole day."

"Yeah!" Michael giggled, making everyone laugh except for Jim.

"Alright, can I go and freshen up?" David asked. "I will come and join you both later. I'll bring snacks."

He kissed both of them before he got out of the room. He had barely walked far from the room when a voice suddenly stopped him.

"I really hope you're happy with what happened?" Jim said in annoyance. "That guy not only insulted me and my mother, but he also refused to give me our son."

David sighed, slowly turning. "Can you please let this go, Jim? Michael is already back home safe."

"Let it go?" He chuckled bitterly, raising an eye brow. "How are you taking this lightly, huh? I just told you I went to get our son and that bitch refused to. Does that mean anything to you? Michael is my son and no one has a right to him more than me."

"No one is disputing that fact. There's already a lot going on and I cannot deal with this."

He started going to his room when suddenly he was blocked. Jim was staring at him with murderous eyes, breathing like he was in labor.

"David..."

"What?" David snapped, his voice and disapprovingly. "What else do you want me to say to you?"

Jim was shocked. He stood there, wide eyed, staring at a suddenly angry David.

"I have already apologized but you keep bringing up the same issue. Mom is in there not feeling well but you do not care at all." He added. "Michael is back home and he doesn't even wanna be with you. Do you know why? Because you have always scared that boy ever since he was young. No one is disputing the fact that you're his father but have you asked yourself why he'd prefer being with someone he doesn't know that well over his own father?"

He shook his head, feeling himself suddenly possessed by anger.