Chapter 279
+25 BONUS
“They’re not answering,” Deborah said worriedly, seeing that neither of her kids was picking up the phone.
“Wait, love. Instead of calling, activate the phone tracker. I always leave that app on for them… I mean, that’s why I pay for this family plan,” Jayden said, pulling out his phone to activate the GPS and get their children’s current location.
Thanks to that, they managed to see where their kids were: they had taken refuge in a park two blocks from the party hall.
They ran to the park as fast as they could.
“James! Elizabeth!” Deborah and James began shouting as they arrived, shining their phone flashlights. around.
“James, it’s Mom and Dad,” said Elizabeth, recognizing their voices.
“You mean your parents,” James said sadly, hugging his knees.
“James, they’re our parents.”
“No, they’re not! I’m the son of that man who doesn’t want me…”
“There they are!” They heard their father’s voice from their right, who was smiling as he climbed up the play structure where they were hiding. “Honey, over here.”
“Daddy” Elizabeth rushed to hug him and started crying
“You scared us to death! Don’t ever do that again!” Deborah scolded when she reached them, hugging James immediately.
“Why did you run off like that from the party?” Jayden asked.
“Well, we saw a man talking to Uncle, and they were arguing, and… and… James began to say but broke down in tears.
“Did that man do anything to you?” Jayden asked, frowning.
“No, Daddy but… sniff… while that man and Uncle were arguing, they said he was bad because he loved and took care of another boy instead of James,” Elizabeth explained, also crying. “Daddy, was that man our dad?”
Jayden just frowned, feeling the urge to punch both of his brothers for confusing the kids. They were supposed to tell James about this when he was a teenager or maybe never. “Kids, that’s not true. I’m your dad,” he said, trying to dry his little girl’s tears.
“Am I really your son?” James asked, looking into his eyes.
“Of course you are,” Deborah said. “James, listen to me carefully,” she began, moving her son a bit so he would look her in the eyes. “Forget what Uncle and that man said because that was an adult conversation.”
“But…”
“James, who is your dad?” Jayden asked, getting closer so all four of them were together
12
+25 BONUS
Chapter 270
“You.”
Then don’t cry anymore,” Deborah said, wiping his little face.
“But…”
“James, maybe they were talking about a different James,” Ellie suggested.
“Huh? But…”
“Your sister’s right. How do you know they were talking about you and not another James?” Jayden added.
“But…”
“They’re right, son,” Deborah said, smoothing his hair.
“Maybe…” James said, making a face..
“Yes, James, remember Mr. James from that restaurant that one time?” Elizabeth asked with a playful
smile.
“Hm… yeah, that was funny,” James said, wiping his tears.
“Yeah, because they brought you that huge, raw steak with that bitter juice,” Elizabeth said, laughing.
“That was funny, and as an apology, they gave you a big ice cream just for you,” Deborah recalled as she wiped off the tears from her son’s face.
“Yeah,” James said, smiling.
“And now you see why we tell you not to listen to other people’s conversations. You misunderstood, and while you were out alone on the street…” Jayden said, sounding a little angry.
“Sorry, Daddy.”
“And that’s why you’ll be punished,” Deborah declared, frowning slightly.
“Nooo.”
“Yes, because you left without an adult and permission. Something could have happened to you,” Deborah said firmly.
“Sorry, Mom, Dad,” James said.
“It’s okay, it’s over. Also, son, remember something very important,” Deborah said, a bit calmer now. “It doesn’t matter what you hear or what others say, because Mommy and Daddy love you very much.”
“Alright, Mommy,” James said, hugging her tightly.
“Group hug!” Jayden said with a smile, moving closer so they could all be together while the kids laughed.
James felt happy because it was true. They were his parents, and nothing would change that, not some adult conversation they overheard, because his parents loved him, and that was the most important thing.
The End