Epilogue

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EIGHT MONTHS LATER

Madeline POV:

Bryan was playing with the kids in the park. He smiled at Jenny and chased her.

Jenny is a sweet little thing and ball of energy. She is seven years old like Bryan and her brother Luke is ten years old. Jenny is a daughter of our neighbor. Her mother Audrey is a doctor and a very nice woman. We instantly become friends so was our kids. Even her husband Samuels turned out a very good friend of Brandon. Now, it has been a year and we practically consider each other as family.

Every evening, it's my duty to bring Bryan and her kids to this park in the neighborhood so they can play with other kids and meet their school friends. We have been doing this for a month so it is more like a daily chore for me but it makes my son happy and that's all that matters.

I was glad how Bryan was taking a change of place and school nicely. I was worried about Bryan when I decided to move back to Boston from New York. My son grew up in a family where there were always so many people to entertain him and play with him. He was always surrounded by my parents, aunts and uncles and other kids in the family. This is the reason why he is so confident and outspoken at this age. In my family, he was the center of attention and everyone loved him more as he was my kid, the daughter they lost. They showered him with all the love and care thinking that somehow they are taking care of me again which they missed when I wasn't there with them.

Brandon and I thought about this before making a decision and came to the conclusion that he is young and will adopt new life easily. In last ten months, we both did everything to keep him happy. He adjusted quite well in the school and made new friends. Brandon parents created a tradition to make us come every weekend to visit them and spend time with Bryan. Sometimes they would come here to meet us and spend a weekend with their grandson. I can see they love Bryan and he loves them. Elena and Eric turned into kids whenever they are with Bryan. Brandon and I fear for our heart because Elena and Eric have started to teach every mischievous little trick to our son.

I was pulled out of my train of thoughts when Luke came and pushed Bryan on the ground while looking angry. I got up from the bench I was sitting and made my way towards the kids to know what happened.

My son got up from the ground and glared at Luke. Jenny looked at her brother in annoyance. Luke said something to Bryan which made him glare and fist clench. I never saw my son this angry.

"Bryan, are you alright?" I asked him.

He nodded his head but said nothing.

"Why did you push him, Luke? Were you both fighting?" I asked Luke, eyeing him.

"No, we are not fighting. I was just teaching him how to play this new game we learned in school". He lied to me, smirking at Bryan.

I didn't what happened between them and why they are suddenly fighting so I looked at Jenny. Jenny was glaring at her brother her small hand was tightly grasped by Luke. She looked at me with guilt in her eyes.

"We don't want to play anymore. We want to go home". Luke said glaring at her sister who looks ready to protest.

I don't know what his issue was, but I nodded my head and took the hold of Bryan's hand. We walked back to our house.

I rang the doorbell and Audrey opened the door.

"Hi, you guys are back so soon?" She asked looking at Luke who stormed inside without even glancing at his mother.

Audrey looked shocked at her son's behavior and her mouth was dropped open. Jenny was staring at his mom with tears in her eyes.

"What happened?" She asked me.

"I don't know what happened between kids. They were playing then I saw Luke pushing Bryan on the ground. I walked to them and asked about it. Then Luke said he wants to go back to home". I told her everything.

She looked at Bryan and his dusty clothes then kneeled down.

"I'm sorry Bryan for the way Luke acted. He will not do that again". She said placing a kiss on Bryan's cheek.

As I said she is a nice and sweet woman.

Bryan stayed silent and it worried me.

"I'm sorry Madeline. I don't know why Luke did that". Audrey said looking ashamed.

"It's fine Audrey. Just talk to Luke about this. I know he is a good kid". I said giving a squeeze to her hand.

"Goodbye Jenny". I said caressing her cheek.

She smiled at me and glanced at Bryan who was staring at the ground. Her always joy-filled eyes welled up with tears and I frowned.

Bryan and I walked to our house and I unlocked the door with the spare key. We went inside and found Brandon sitting on the couch, watching a football match.

Brandon's eyes landed on Bryan's dirty clothes and he jumped up.

"What happened?" He asked.

Bryan's eyes welled up with tears and he ran towards Brandon then hugged him. I mute the TV. He glanced at me worried at our son's action.

"Why are you crying son?" Brandon asked while rubbing his back.

I sat beside Brandon on the couch.

"He and Luke had a fight". I told my husband.

"It's our son's first fight. We should celebrate". Brandon said excitedly and I slapped his arm.

My stupid husband gave me the cheeky smile and mouthed that he will take revenge for my assault.

"Fighting is wrong, Bryan. Luke is your friend and he will realize his mistake then apologize to you". I said to my son placing my hand on his small arm.

He pulled his face up showing us his red eyes from crying.

"Daddy, I want my own sister and brother. I don't want to play with Jenny and Luke. Luke is mean. He told me to go play with my own sister and brother". Bryan said looking at us with puppy dog eyes and my heart dropped.

Brandon laughed loudly and kissed Bryan on the head.

"You need to convince your mommy to give you brother or sister". Brandon said while smiling.

"Mommy," Bryan said looking at me.

Suddenly, my world was turned upside down.

I got up from the couch and said, "I am going to the kitchen to prepare something to eat while you both watch the match".

I hurriedly made my way towards the kitchen before I will break down in front of my son.

My body started to tremble when I thought about the innocent wish of my son. He wants his own brother and sister to play with.

I felt a hand on my shoulder making me jump.

"Oh Brandon, you scared me". I said, trying to calm my breathing.

He stared at me with assessing my face. I averted my eyes from his face and opened the cabinet.

"Madeline, I know there is something you are not telling me that is troubling you. You promised me that we will stop playing hide and seek". He said.

I didn't know how I managed to hide this from him so long. Taking a deep breath, I decided to just tell him what has been eating me alive for last month.

"I went to the doctor last month when you told me how you wished that you were there for Bryan when he was born. I thought maybe we could plan to have another baby". I said looking at his face.

His face broke into a wide smile.

"Oh, I like the idea of becoming a father again very much". He said with the mischievous smile.

The first time, I didn't smile at his words and he noticed it.

"Why are you suddenly pale? You're fine, love?" He asked worried, cupping my face with his hands.

"She did some tests to make sure I am fine to carry such responsibility considering my history of getting stabbed and almost losing a baby". I said.

"Tell me, love, you're fine," Brandon said.

"I'm fine, but there something that's not fine. She told me that I can get pregnant whenever I want but carrying a baby for nine months is not possible for me. If I get pregnant our baby won't survive in my womb. I'm damaged. I cannot give you more children Brandon, I'm sorry". I said and closed my eyes.

Brandon put his head on mine. I could feel his breath fanning on my cheek. Our nose was touching and his lips brushed against mine. The tears I was holding came running down like a waterfall.

I always knew how much Brandon love kids, but I am incapable to fulfill his desire of having more of our own kids.

The doctor told me if I can endure a fear of losing a baby anytime then I can risk getting pregnant. She told me that there is a greater risk to my life if I tried to bring another baby into this world.

"I'm not going to lie, I would love to have more kids of our own but not when it means putting you in any kind of danger". Brandon said.

I opened my eyes to look at him. My throat was clogged up with emotions.

"I can spend my life knowing that we cannot have more kids but I cannot spend my whole life without you and Bryan. You both are my life and the reason for my happiness". He said with the twitch of his lips.

My eyes went to his lips. I have kissed them so many times, but this time I just want him to keep talking.

"Madeline, I love you. I love our smart son and this beautiful life that I'm living with you". Brandon said.

This time I couldn't stop myself from capturing his lips with mine. I moved my lips trying to tell him that I love him and grateful to have him in my life. But his movements were full love, care, and passion. He was pouring every emotion into the kiss which melted my insecurities and cured the pain.

That not only made me breathless, but it left me gasping for more.

"Brandon, I love you". I said between the kiss.

He smiled and pulled away.

"I know you love me, but my heart still drums like a teenager when you come inside the bedroom. After making love to you, I still think if I was good and you feel happy". He said.

I shook my head at him with the smile on my face.

"You are the best husband and friend. I am so happy with you that it makes me wonder how can a girl like me could be this lucky to you". I said kissing him.

________________________________________________________________________________

Two Months Later:

Madeline POV:

I woke up with the smile on my face and looked beside me at Brandon. He was still deep in sleep, looking as handsome as I first laid my eyes on him. I placed my hand on his jaw and leaned closer then kissed his cheek. He stirred little but continues sleeping.

My eyes caught the red mark on his neck and blush crept up on my face. I should just stop doing this, today is Christmas and we will be having guests around here for dinner. I can't even force him to wear collar shirt like last time.

Shit! I forgot that I have thousands of things to do for tonight's dinner.

I got up from the bed and ran towards the bathroom and hurriedly showered, got changed into my sweatpants and shirt then looked at the time. It was ten in the morning. After drying my hair, I went to the kitchen and started making breakfast.

My head was bobbing on the Christmas song playing on my phone while I was pouring myself a coffee. I sat down and started eating breakfast.

On normal days, Brandon, Bryan and I eat breakfast together then he drops Bryan to school on his way to the office. I do daily routine work then around ten in the morning I leave for my own office. But last night, Brandon and Bryan helped me in decorating house and Christmas tree so I'm letting them sleep a bit longer. Also, I will do rest of the work without the distraction of my husband's silly antics which he plays on me with the help of our mischievous son.

I finished my breakfast and glanced outside from the window to find our porch covered in snow.

Now it seems like we need to get it cleaned before dinner.

I washed the plates and went to the living room where we left a mess of wrapping papers and ribbons after packing gifts, some boxes were still not wrapped so I decided to complete the work.

After half an hour, I was done wrapping all the gifts and cleaning the area.

The bell rang and I went to the door. I opened the door and found no one outside.

I frowned and looked left and right but there was no one in the sight. I shrugged my shoulders and turned to leave when my eyes landed on the basket. I kneeled down and looked at the basket; there was a white woolen blanket in it and a red ribbon tied on the curve of the basket.

I touched the blanket and felt some movement inside it. I removed the blanket and fell down on my butt.

My eyes couldn't believe what I was seeing. I looked around again to catch anyone around but found not the single person standing there.

With the shaking hand, I touched the baby's face to find it cold. Suddenly, a caring instinct as a mother strike my heart and I picked the basket and took it inside the house, closing a door with the leg.

I put the basket on the couch and the baby inside the basket opened his eyes.

His clear blue eyes seem familiar but I couldn't point out who they belonged. The baby looked at me with his large blue eyes then smiled at me like he knows me. I removed the blanket from the basket and pulled the baby out from the basket.

The cute little thing snuggled to me like he was craving for this warmth and smell. My heart broke for this baby and I felt sorry for his parents who left such a precious thing outside stranger's house.

My eyes caught a card inside the basket and I picked it.

Hello Madeline,

I thought you would like a special gift this Christmas. I'm giving you something that is too precious to me. I hope you will take care of him. Read the letter you will know everything.

Happy Christmas!

I didn't understand anything, the card made me more confused and anxious. I searched for the letter and found it. I was cradling a baby with one hand and other was busy in opening the letter.

Madeline, you and Brandon were my only real friends. Brandon became my friend when I did nothing but got him in trouble on the first day of school. He was sent home because I cried so much. I was a disaster for him from the beginning but he was too keen to become my friend and made me fall in love. When you become my friend I wanted to be like you. You might don't believe me know but I really wanted to be like you. Despite your situation with your aunt and Delia, you stayed so strong and it made me so jealous. I was jealous how powerfully you fought with your bad fate and won the fight, but I failed. I couldn't stop myself from falling deep in the grime. My world was different from you; I had everything, money, house and car, but there was still something missing inside me and instead of finding it I ruined the chances to ever deserve it. I did love Brandon but not more than you did. I loved my life and the things that I find more indulging. I never deserved him and I knew it. I knew I was ruining your life by taking him away from you and manipulating him but I was too selfish to let him go. I never deserved you as a friend and Brandon as a man of my life. And I'm sorry for this. I'm sorry for filling our past with hateful and vile memories. I hope someday you both will find it in your heart to forgive me.

I'm giving you my son Madeline. I'm not clinically fit to take care of him. My parents hate him, they call him a bastard child and would never let him live inside their house. They hate me for ruining our family name and my son is what they call my biggest mistake. I can live without my son but be knowing that he will be giving to some stranger will kill me slowly. People say motherhoods change you, it changed my heart a lot but my mind and actions are still same.

I know you can understand how it feels to live in a fear that you will hurt your own child and will soon become a cause of their doom.

I trust you both more than I trust myself or my parents. I have officially signed all the documents for adoption that will be delivered to you after Christmas. He is officially your Madeline but I can understand if you both don't want to keep him.

I trust you to find a better family for him. Please never tell him that you knew me and never tell him who he belongs to. Never let him dig in for information for me and his father. I don't want him to find out who his father is. He will be safe without knowing who his real father is.

For the sake of our childhood friendship and any good memories, you have with me accept my apology so I can live and die peacefully.

I wish you and Brandon will celebrate thousands of Christmas together.

Love from Zack's Mom

When I was done reading the letter I didn't know I was crying so hard; my body was shaking with silent sobs and the letter was in my hand. The baby was still staring me with his blue eyes and looking at me with the small frown. I smiled at him and he smiled back, the tears started to fall again.

"Madeline?" Brandon called me then I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I looked at Brandon but his eyes were stuck on a baby that was on my lap.

"Brandon". I called his name to pull him out from the shock.

Brandon removed his hand from my shoulder and sat beside me on the couch.

"Madeline, what is this? Why are you crying?" He asked me.

My throat was clogged up with emotions and crying. I handed him the letter and he read it silently while I caressed Zack's black hair and he snuggled to me closer.

Was it wrong to say I fell in love with this baby on the first sight? There was something that I felt even without knowing who he is.

I felt the need to protect him and take care of him. I feel like he needs me. There was some kind of instant attachment to him. If I keep him will Brandon allow me?

"We can't keep him, Madeline". Brandon said in anger.

I found tears shining in Brandon's eyes but his face was impassive.

"Brandon, can we think about it later". I said trying to hold the hope in my heart that he will let me take care of this child.

"No, Madeline. I know what you are thinking. Laura is just trying to manipulate us by dumping her responsibilities in our doorstep. I hate that woman and I don't believe this letter. She is playing with us again. I don't know what she wants from us this time". Brandon said glancing at the baby with hate and anger.

I knew why he wasn't ready to believe her. She fooled for six years and betrayed him. But this innocent baby has nothing against us.

I spread the blanket on the couch and wrapped Zack in it then placed cushions around him.

"Brandon, I know you hate Laura. I know you don't trust her and she betrayed you but this letter is from Zack's mother, not from the Laura we know. Mothers don't lie when it comes to their children, Brandon. This time I'm sure she is not playing any game or lying to us". I said.

Brandon shook his head and looked at the baby again.

"I can't Madeline. I can't live with the constant reminder of her. He has to leave this house". Brandon said and left the living room.

I sighed and decided to give him time.

"Hi, little boy, I'm Madeline. I'm not your mom but she trusted me to play the role so from now on you're my son". I said to the baby and he made little giggle sounds.

He looked around three months old, too little but chubby and cute.

"Mommy is taking you to meet your brother Bryan. He is going to love you". I said to Zack and picked him up in my arms and carried him to Bryan's room.

I know Brandon will come around; no one can resist this cute chubby cheeks.

Brandon doesn't hate Laura that much he

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