ALEKS

My eyes ran over the kids’ curious but trusting faces as they sat on the couch, waiting for me to talk about whatever it was that I’d summoned them for, and somehow, I felt at peace. I was almost certain that everything would be fine. My kids understood me. They knew me. They’d know that whatever I had done was only because I loved them so much. They were the only sure things in my lives and they would never doubt me. Their love wasn’t fickle, not like any love that I had ever gotten. Theirs was loyal, and kind, and understanding and forgiving. Their love was the best thing I’d ever had in my entire life. So I took a deep breath, and spoke.“My loves, I’m sure you may have been wondering why we’re in this strange place. Why our lives have been uprooted. And why you are suddenly surrounded by all these people who you connect so much with and…. I have always told you guys that one day you would actually meet your father. I promised you guys that our separation with him wasn’t his choice and that I had done what seemed to be the best for you guys at that time. Maybe I was wrong and as a result you spent so much time away from a father who adores you but I always told you guys that he would come back to us.” I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a while after that. I was feeling so emotional it was throwing me a little off kilter. I opened my eyes though and continued.,“When you guys were taken from me by those bad men, it was the worst day of my life.” My eyes were a little bit glassy and Elena couldn’t help but run over to the couch I was sitting on and hug me tight. “I’m sorry we scared you so much mommy.” She said and I gave out a wet chuckle as I kissed her and pulled her into my lap. “It’s okay my love. Because even though that was the worst day of my life, something wonderful happened my love. Fate brought your daddy back to me- to us that day.”Elena perked up at that. “Daddy?” she asked excitedly, her big yes looking at me with so much wonder and longing. Adrian was silently listening but he did not visibly react. I knew him though, and I could see the bob of his throat as he swallowed.“Yes, honey. You’ve met him, It’s Leukas. And he brought us all here so that we could all meet his family. Your family too. He’s your father and he cannot wait to get to know you guys.” I finished, and for a while only the chirping of the birds and the waves of water could be heard. Elena looked shocked and happy, but Adrian wasn’t so free with his emotions. I recognized the light in his eyes though, hope. I couldn’t expect him to immediately accept Leukas as a permanent fixture in his life, Elena definitely would, but it would be harder for Adrian to settle though. But he would though, I just knew it. And because of the kiss and the glimpse of my old Luk that I had seen when he’d looked at me, I had hope for all of usWhen Leukas knocked a while later, he was greeted by a shy looking Elena who looked at him hopefully and giddily.“Uhm… Will you really be our daddy now?” she asked, coyly peeking at him from under her lashes. I swear Leukas’ voice broke when he answered. “Of course. I’d love to be your dad. It would be my honor.” He opened his arms and Elena practically leapt into his arms, hugging him tightly.“Does this mean I’m an actual princess?” she asked against neck. He chuckled and I couldn’t help but chuckle too.“Yes. Of course, Princess.” He responded so sweetly I almost chocked on a sob.“Does it mean you’ll tuck me and Adrie into bed sometimes?”“Yes” he responded.“Does it mean you’ll take us to school in the mornings?”“Yes.”“Will I get to introduce you to all my friends and teachers?”“Yes”“Will you take us out for shopping and for milkshakes and for school events?”“Yes.” “Will you love us forever and ever and ever?” “Yes sweetheart, I already do.” He responded in a shaky voice.“Will you protect us and our mother from all the bad people who want to hurt us? Will you protect my mommy?” she asked and my heart stopped. I could only ever dream about having that sort of devotion from Leukas. Our eyes met and his where impossibly bright when he responded.“Yes my love. All of it. I promise you and your brother that I will do anything for you.”“And mommy?”A brief pause. “And mommy.” Leukas finally tore his eyes from me and gave his Elena a forehead kiss before putting her back on her feet and facing Adrian, who was standing awkwardly, looking less sure than I’d ever seen him.Leukas went on one knee. “Adrian...” he cleared his throat and opened his arms towards Adrian.” Son. Will you let me be your father? Let me keep all these promises I made to your sister.” It was like the air had been sucked from the room as we all waited and watched Adrian. After what seemed like a while, Adrian ran into his father’s arms and I let out a shuddery breath as I watched Leukas hug him for a while before pulling Elena into his other arm and showering them both with kisses and vows and love. If I shed a little tear then and started kind of planning my wedding, no one had to know.

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