Memories

Nice to meet you

Horatio was nervous about how his son would react to the news he had met a woman he hoped to have a serious relationship with. The two had bonded well for only knowing each other for a year but the relationship was still new. Horatio had told Kyle about changing a flat tire for a young on the way home from work. He was late that evening. Kyle had noticed a change in his father's demeanor when he spoke about the woman. There was something about this woman that intrigued his father even if his father didn't know what it was himself, the boy thought. Horatio initially didn't tell his son about the string of dates he had been on with this woman since he saw her for the second time by chance. Horatio had gone on these dates while Kyle was doing his GED classes in night school.

When Kyle's response was to ask more about her, not say he didn't like his father dating, Horatio was relieved. He assured his son he wouldn't be spending any less time with him but he really wanted the two to meet.

"Her name is Aimee. She's an ASL interpreter," he told Kyle.

"You're hesitating," Kyle replied. "What might I not like about her?"

"Um…she's a bit younger than me."

"Is she my age or somethin'?"

"God, no!" Horatio shook his head. "What do you think I am?"

"So… how young is 'younger'?"

"Twenty-six."

"That's it? You made it sound like she was a kid! But that's a sweet catch for your age, dad," Kyle teased.

Kyle heard that Aimee knew about him from the second time she met his father. When they had started to date the first thing Aimee told his father was if Horatio ever put her before his son, their relationship would cease immediately. To Kyle that said a lot about the type of person this Aimee was. Regardless of how or when Kyle had met his dad, he thought his father deserved to have someone in his life. Horatio thought Aimee and his son would get along. But how fast they hit it off the first night was beyond anything he hoped for.

We have more in common than you think

Over a month later Kyle was having a difficult day after more rejecting texts and calls from Julia. His therapist wasn't available to talk. Aimee was over at the house. Horatio was on his way home. She knew his life story so Aimee wasn't angry when he shook off her attempts to console him, telling her "leave me alone! You don't know how I feel!"

"I wasn't in the system. But I know how you feel, Kyle," she told him gently. "More than you think." Aimee then told him all about her own childhood before she and her brother went to live with the aunt and uncle who would eventually adopt them. She had to go through a lot to find her true family the way Kyle had to find his father.

"Okay," Kyle said, processing things slowly. "You do know. I'm sorry I yelled at you, Aimee. It's not you. You're not gonna break up with dad, are you?"

"What? No!" Aimee replied. "Relationships aren't perfect, Kyle. I wouldn't leave your dad 'cause you and I had a tough moment."

"Good. Because my dad really likes you. He laughs so much with you. I like it when you're here, too."

This moment was the first time the two embraced. It lasted minutes.

All this took place before Horatio arrived home. He had no idea the two shared this defining moment until after dinner. In hindsight, Horatio was glad he hadn't been home. He would've intervened, that would have prevented the deep exchange his son and girlfriend had.

I realize this story is long but I am enjoying writing it. I'm gonna keep it up till I run out of ideas. Thank you to my readers!