by Rua Hasan
“What’s going on?”
I shrugged, not knowing the answer to that yet.
“Blake, why are you here and what does this have to do with your father?” I asked.
“You just brought the words right out of my mouth, Girly,” Sam said earning a glare from his son.
“I’ll explain right away, can we talk in private?” he asked, gesturing the rest to go outside.
“Uh, it’s okay we’ll just get going,” Troy said as everyone left the room. The only remaining people were Tyler and Emma since obviously the latter wasn’t allowed to leave her bed. Blake flickered his eyes to Tyler as he stood next to me.
“I’m not leaving,” he said firmly.
Blake let out a sigh of defeat before shaking his head and muttering a ‘whatever’. He then turn to me and gestured to sit of the chair. I followed suit and watched as he sat beside me while a confused looking Sam followed right behind him.
“Can you explain why you dragged me here son?” he asked.
“I’m getting to that.” Blake breathed out and then took out the paper which was still in his hand and unfolded it. He stared at it for a couple of minutes before handing it over to Sam. I wasn’t able to see what he was looking at but it sure made me curious.
“You know this picture right?” Blake asked.
Sam looked at the picture and nodded.
“Of course. I’m the one who gave it to you,” Sam answered.
I lifted an eyebrow and looked at Tyler, who was staring at Blake in confusion. Tyler then walked over to Emma who was lying on her bed and sat down beside her. I looked away, wondering what all this was about.
“And you know who the woman in this picture is, right?” Blake asked.
Sam nodded.
“Of course. She’s your mother.”
This caught my attention. I remember Ethan telling me when I was having dinner at their house for the first time, that Sam’s girlfriend left him when she gave birth to his son, Blake. But I never knew who she really was.
Blake then took the photo from Sam.
“I still don’t get what’s going on here.” I pointed out.
“Same here,” Sam agreed.
“And here.” Tyler spoke from the other side of the room.
Blake rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to me.
“I’m going to explain.” He assured then looked back at his father.
“When I was a little kid, you always told me that I had no mother. But when I grew up you informed me that she just left us. Is that correct?” Blake asked.
Sam looked at the ground with a nod.
“I’m afraid so,” he whispered.
“You lost everything you knew about her. She just disappeared with no trace, leaving nothing behind but memories right?”
I watched as Sam nodded again. I still don’t know where this was going but I was anxious to find out.
“But she left one thing.” Blake breathed out and turned to look at me.
“And what was that?” I asked curiously. Blake took the paper from his father’s hands and passed it over to me.
“This photo.”
I turned the picture around to look at it and for just a split-second I think I felt my heart stop. My breath was stuck in my throat as my hands began to shake. My eyes widened as I stared at the picture in front of me. With shaky hands, I held it tighter as I raked my eyes over everything. I tried to steady my now beating heart but it seemed impossible. I examined the photo as I felt the confusion within me expand.
I stared at the image of my own mother hugging Sam with a pregnant belly.
“W-what is this?” My hand flew over my mouth in shock. The assumption I had earlier returned, flooding my mind. I was scared and afraid to admit that they were right and it looked as if maybe my thoughts were becoming reality.
“That’s my mother who left me and my dad many years ago.”
“What?” I whispered getting up and pacing around the room. I could see Tyler taking a step forward to approach me but Emma held his arm, pulling him back and giving him a stern look as if telling him that this was none of their business.
“T-this can’t be.” I shook my head. “How can this be your mother when she’s also my mother?”
I turned to look at Sam for some answers but he looked equally confused as I was.
“What?” He turned to look at Blake.
“Is there something you’re not telling me son?” he asked. Blake walked over to me, trying to calm me down.
“Crystal please be patient with me, so I could explain.”
I took a deep breath and looked back at the photo in my hand.
“M-my mother left you guys?” I asked looking up at Sam and Blake.
Sam did nothing but Blake nodded.
“Yes,” he whispered.
“B-but how? I mean how did you know that she was also my mom? A-and how did you find me? I’m so confused.” I raked my hands through my hair in frustration. Blake took the seat next to me and took ahold of my hand.
“Remember how I told you that we used to go to the same school in New York?” he asked.
I nodded, recalling the event.
Well I remember meeting you there. You might not remember me but I would see you around school from afar. We also had some mixed classes together. You were kind to others and very generous.” He began as he scratched his head. “But one day, after you moved back to California, I was scrolling through the Internet and stumbled upon your Facebook page,” he explained.
I stared and waited for him to explain further.
“And you saw the pictures of me and my mom?” I asked.
He nodded.
“When I did, I felt very confused and betrayed that she left us but when I realized that you were her daughter, I figured out that she started a new family.”
I swallowed nervously and turned to look at Sam to see his face showing several emotions other than annoyance for once. His face was pale as tears began to form in his eyes. His hands were clenched beside him as he began to breathe heavily.
“So what you’re saying is that Crystal’s mother is also my ex-girlfriend?” Sam whispered, confused.
“It all makes sense,” I whispered, looking at him.
“Yes, that’s what I’m trying to say dad. I think Crystal is my half sister since we both share the same mom,” Blake said confidently.
“I don’t think I’m your half sister Blake,” I said in a shaky voice. Blake’s face turned into confusion.
“What do you mean? I’ve spent years trying to look for the daughter who shared the same mother as me. When I finally come back home, you were right there. Don’t you think this is fate trying to pair us family together?” he asked.
“Of course I do. I just don’t think I’m your half sister.” I tried to explain before flicking my eyes up to Sam. I took a deep breath before speaking.
“I think I’m your sister, as in sister-sister,” I said.
Blake lifted an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“As in, we don’t just share the same mother.” I breathed out looking back at Sam. His face immediately turned from confusion to horror.
“Somebody hold me, I think I’m going to faint,” Sam said, as he placed his hand over his heart.
Blake got up immediately and stared at me with wide eyes.
“Wait hold it!” he said before looking at his father. I could almost see his lips twitch up as if he was happy about what he just discovered.
“Dad, did you ever meet my mother after she left?” he asked.
Sam rested his back on the wall and looked up to the ceiling as if he was trying to remember.
“Maybe,” he whispered.
“When and where?” I asked.
There was silence for a moment as Sam closed his eyes.
“I-I think I saw her at a bar . . . I don’t know. I remember drinking a lot and then a hotel room was involved,” he sighed running his hands ov
er his face.
I looked at him then at Blake.
“So you slept with her?” I asked.
“Please don’t talk about my sex life with my ex.” He breathed out.
“Dad just answer the question!” Blake yelled.
“Did you?” I asked.
Sam said nothing as he stared at the floor.
“Did you or did you not?” Blake asked.
Again we were met with nothing.
“Dad is Crystal your daughter or not?” Blake shouted.
“I don’t know okay!” Sam looked up. “I remember sleeping with her but after that we never met again. For all I know, maybe you aren’t my child,” Sam said, looking at me with a sad expression. I bit my lip as I mulled it over.
“But there’s a great possibility that I am. I’m not Paul’s or Ethan’s child. So who else can I be? This means that my mom cheated on Paul and if it wasn’t you then who else could it be?” I sighed, sitting back onto the chair. Tyler immediately rushed over to me and gave me a hug. He also kissed my cheek, trying to comfort me while rubbing circles all over my arm.
“Well, there’s only one way to find out then,” Blake said.
“How?” I asked.
Blake looked at Sam then at me.
“A DNA test, of course.”
Epilogue
Four years later
I turned around in my bed when I felt strong arms wrap themselves around me in my sleep. I snuggled against a warm chest as I was being pulled closer to it. I let out a satisfied sigh as I opened my eyes, watching the light shine into the room from the window. I looked up to see a sleeping Tyler who looked so innocent and peaceful. My hands moved on their own free will and cupped his cheek as I began to stroke it, running my thumb in circles, as I watched his eyes fluttered open.
I smiled at him, earning one back.
“Morning beautiful,” he murmured in his sleepy voice. I leaned over to peck his lips before pulling away immediately.
“Ew morning breath,” I muttered more to myself.
“Well, I feel loved.” Tyler rolled his eyes.
“Morning to you too, handsome.” I chuckled. Tyler stretched his arms up and suddenly turned us over so he was hovering over me. He began to trail kisses all over my face and down my neck. I’d giggle every once in a while as he whispered loving things into my ear.
“Yesterday was amazing.” I sighed, recalling the events that happened.
“Hmm,” he muttered, nuzzling his nose into the crook of my neck.
I lifted my hand up to my face and stared at the ring Tyler gave me.
“It’s beautiful,” I said in awe.
“You’re beautiful.” Tyler grinned before pecking my cheek. I blushed but couldn’t help but smile.
“I still can’t believe you proposed yesterday.” I grinned. After four years of dating, Tyler finally proposed. Then again, it’s not like I was waiting for it the whole time. I mean it would have been awesome if it happened earlier but we were just so caught up with our studies for college which was a major headache. We barely even had any time to ourselves. Our studies took up most of our time but that didn’t keep us from seeing each other. Besides we shared an apartment and been living here for the pass four years now.
“Believe it or not, baby. You’re my fiancé now.” Tyler lifted his head away from my neck, a grin plastered on his handsome face.
“I love you,” I said, before kissing his lips.
“I love you too, Gem.”
I pulled away and lifted an eyebrow.
“It’s been four years and you never get tired of that name.” I chuckled.
“Why would I?” he asked. “You’re my Gem. My treasure and my life.”
I took his face into the palm of my hands and stared at him in awe.
“How am I that lucky to have someone like you by my side?” I whispered.
Tyler shrugged.
“I could say the same thing.” Tyler leaned over to kiss me but I pulled away, when I suddenly remembered that I had something very important to tell him.
“Tyler,” I said nervously.
“Yeah?”
“There’s something I have to tell you.” I gulped.
“What is it?” he asked lifting an eyebrow.
“Dad invited you over for dinner.”
“Sh*t,” he cursed, running his hand over his face. I couldn’t help but chuckle at his behavior. It’s been four years and my real father still doesn’t approve of me of having a boyfriend. Call it silly if you want, but if you weren’t there for the first eighteen years of your daughter’s life then you tend to get a bit overprotective.
“And that’s not all.” I grinned.
“What is it? Please don’t tell me you told Sam that you’re pregnant.” His face went pale. “Sh*t sh*t sh*t. He’s going to kill me.” He banged his fist to his head then whipped his face to look at me.
“F*ck no! He’ll do much worse. He’s bound to cut off my balls.” Tyler cried.
I tilted my head back and laughed.
“That’s not all I told him.” I teased.
“Are you trying to kill me woman? Do you really want to attend my funeral and watch your father go behind bars?” Tyler shouted, horror written all over his face.
“Tyler calm down. I told him you proposed after finding out that there’s a baby on the way. You could say that he was satisfied that you’re taking responsibility.” I shrugged.
Tyler let out a breath of relief.
“So he doesn’t hate me?” he asked.
“I don’t know. We’ll have to see this afternoon.”
“But he’s not going to kill me right?” he asked, his eyes widened. I rolled my eyes and shook my head.
“No he’s not.”
“So I’m not going to die?” he asked, smiling in joy.
“Tyler, you still have to deal with Blake remember?” I pointed out. The smile on his face immediately dropped.
“F*ck,” he whispered.
“And Ethan.” I shrugged my shoulders.
Tyler let out a dramatic cry.
“I’m going to die! That’s it. I’ll never see my son or daughter!” He wailed.
“Let’s not forget Granny Grace.”
“Damn it! You just had to remind me of that crazy woman. The last time I saw her, she threatened to sell my balls on eBay.” Tyler shivered. I let out a loud laugh and patted his shoulder.
“It’s okay. I won’t let that happen.” I grinned.
Tyler sent me a glare.
“You better,” he mumbled. “I still wonder how the hell is that woman still alive . . . ”
I shrugged my shoulders before pinched his cheek roughly earning me a slap on the hand.
“When’s dinner supposed to be?” Tyler asked.
“Ethan wants us home early. Maybe at two thirty,” I said.
“And what time is it now?” he asked.
I shrugged before I grabbed my phone. I took it from the counter besides the bed and turned it on to look at the time.
“Sh*t.”
“What’s wrong?” Tyler asked.
I immediately got up and ran to the bathroom to wash up.
“It’s one fifty-five!” I shouted. “We have only thirty-five minutes to get ready.”
“So?” he mumbled while walking into the bathroom to see me strip my clothes off before hopping into the shower.
“Do you really want to be late? That’ll only make Dad and Blake want to throw you into the river even more.” I pointed out, as I closed the curtains.
“Sh*t, you’re right!” Tyler shouted, rushing out of the bathroom.
“When will I ever impress your family?” Tyler screamed from our room. The water was already running and I was scrubbing the shampoo off my hair before I spoke.
“When Grandma becomes sane.”
“You’re not helping, Gem!” He shouted, running into the bathroom naked.
“Hey, can’t you see I’m trying to shower alone here?”
<
br /> “I don’t want to be late.” Tyler jumped into the shower.
“Then use the other bathroom, idiot.”
“Yeah and miss a sight like this? No, thank you.” He grinned, taking the shampoo bottle into his hands. I gave him a stern look.
“Keep your eyes to yourself.” I pointed my finger at his chest. “They’re the ones who got me pregnant in the first place.” I mumbled, shaking my head. Tyler chuckled before pecking me on the lips.
“Hey, I can’t help it.” He shrugged innocently.
“Is that what you’re going to tell dad when he asks why you got his daughter pregnant?” I teased.
His face immediately dropped.
“Damn it Gem, you’re not making me feel any better.” He hid his face into his hands.
“Baby, I’m just joking with you.” I laughed before turning around to face the water.
“Maybe . . . ” I mumbled.
After what seems like forever, we finally hopped out of the shower and got dressed. To say that Tyler was scared for his life was an understatement. He was practically in fear of losing it. He didn’t even touch me throughout the whole time of showering which rarely happens. But other than that everything went smoothly. We both got ready under twenty minutes and headed outside to Tyler’s car. The drive wasn’t long. The apartment was only five minutes away from dad’s house.
It still amazes me how much things have changed these passed four years. I finally have a wonderful yet crazy family who cared and loved me a little bit too much. Everything was amazing. Now a baby was on its way and I’d soon have a loving husband, that is if no one kills him, of course; and even though, everything may seem wonderful, I still hold a place dear in my heart for my dead parents.
They might not be here but I know for sure that they’d be happy for me. And even though Ethan was never my real father, I still considered him my dad. After all, he did raise me and love throughout the years.
I remember the day the DNA test results came out many years ago. It still feels as if it was only yesterday. That day was so overwhelming. Not only did I learn that I had a dad, but I had a brother too, and two uncles and three amazing cousins. Oh and let’s not forget a grandmother, of course. They all treated me as if I was never gone in the first place, and I know hearing about my real father being overprotective might seem odd because let’s face it, when did he ever care?
