You know when people are hurt, it's easy to make them angry. Their words may be hurtful too.
Get ready for this chapter.
It was another typical weekday morning for the Avatar. Either it was teaching the acolytes, headed to council, our business meetings. Heck, even his wife would make him go buy groceries.
Today's task was teaching the acolytes about proper meditation and the nomadic lifestyle, much to Aang's delight. He's not in the mood to step foot off this island, for he would rather stay and teach his pupils about his culture.
Right before he stepped out of the house, he saw his eldest son sitting on the couch in the living room. The look on Bumi's face says it all. Any father can tell if something's bothering his son.
Letting out a brief sigh, Aang took a seat next to his teenage son. "What's up kiddo? And don't tell me it's nothing."
Bumi sure was not in the mood to talk, but he knew his father wouldn't go away. "It is something alright."
Aang grew cautious when noticing his spiteful tone. Clearly something had made him angry. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Zhang cut me out of his life."
Aang was flabbergasted. His son and Ronin Zhang had been the best of friends. "Did you guys get in a bad fight?"
"You can say that."
"Oh come on," Aang attempted to assure his son, "Friends always have fights now and then. You can't exactly prevent drama you know. Give it some time. He'll come around."
"I don't think so dad," Bumi stated sternly.
"And what makes you so sure?"
"Because it's all Uncle Sokka's fault."
Suddenly, Aang was alerted. "What do you mean?"
"Zhang's mother is a cheater, and Uncle Sokka was the scum who helped her follow that path," Bumi spoke through his teeth.
Aang didn't know what to say. He never wanted his son, or any of the young ones in the family, to know about this.
"Did you know about this dad?"
Aang gave his son a nervous glance, "Look, Bumi-"
"You knew about this didn't you?" Bumi questioned hatefully.
Aang bothered that he might as well tell the truth. "Yes, I did."
"So why didn't you tell me?!"
"I didn't want to cause any tensions," Aang stated simply, not bothering to raise his voice as high as his son's, "Telling you would only cause more problems. I know how hearing about this will make you feel."
"Sounds like you're also trying to save uncle's butt this whole time."
"No I wasn't Bumi," Aang spoke firmly, "Never would I defend people who would do such things. I was disappointed in Sokka. Very disappointed. But you know what? He realized his mistake and moved on from it. I'm sorry you found out about this now, but at this point, we should all forget about it."
"What are you talking about dad?!" Bumi's voice grew loud once again, "Zhang's house is a mess! His parents are constantly fighting! How'd you think Lei and I found out about this? Zhang told us. He had proof of a letter Uncle Sokka wrote to his mother."
Aang's eyes widened. He had no idea what went on in Zhang's household, nor did he expect a teenager to find out some secrets like this. Moreover, now that he heard Lei knew as well, things are sure getting ugly. "Bumi, I'm really sorry you guys heard about this, but please, don't make things worse than it already is."
"Don't worry," Bumi said as he stood up from the couch, "We're all mature. I'll just stop talking to uncle, and Lei left for Kyoshi Island a few hours ago."
Aang's jaw slightly dropped, "What? He left just like that?"
"Do you blame him?" Bumi said simply. "And I'm headed to do some training now. Need something to keep me distracted."
Once Bumi walked out the room, Aang remained sitting on the couch. His eldest son clearly was not his usual, energetic self. If Bumi is reacting this way, then what about Lei?
All he knew was that things are going to get bad really quick.
On a typical morning, Sokka and Suki would have a wonderful time waking up with each other. Lots of talks, lots of pleasure, and of course, lots of love. However, today's morning was the first time it wasn't like that.
Something about Sokka was off. This was odd for Suki because Sokka is usually quite energetic in the morning. Today, it seems that something's bothering him. She can clearly tell because Sokka hasn't been acknowledging her ever since they woke up.
As they sat quietly at the dining table eating breakfast, Suki felt that it was time to start talking.
"You know, if something's bothering you, you can just tell me."
Sokka seemed annoyed with her offer. "Nothing's bothering me Suki."
"Come on Sokka."
"Really," Sokka replied as he closes his eyes, "There's nothing to tell."
Suki can tell that he sounded annoyed, but there's something about him that she just couldn't shake off. She can see through him, and right now, he looks hurt. Though it may be hard to tell, only Suki can ever notice he's in pain just by looking at him and hearing his voice.
"Sokka, plea-"
"Suki," Sokka lifted his hand to stop her, "Not right now. Not today."
It hurt her to see him denying her aid. All she wanted to do was help him. She hated seeing him sad, and she hated feeling like she couldn't do anything about it. Too bad for her, Sokka stopped her. As of now, she couldn't do anything about it.
Suddenly, the phone rang.
"I'll get it," Suki addressed, knowing that Sokka wasn't in the mood.
Once she picked up the phone, she tried her best to sound casual. "Hello?"
...
...
"...what?"
Sokka turned to see his girlfriend, who's eyes were widened.
"Why?" Suki asked through the phone, tears forming in her eyes.
This alerted Sokka. What's going on?
Finally, after a few more minutes, Suki was done with the conversation. "Thanks for letting me know Katara," she choked out right before hanging up.
Suki looked at Sokka with saddened eyes.
"What's up? What did Katara tell you?" Sokka asked, worrying about what's going on.
"Lei left to Kyoshi Island."
The words hit him. His son immediately left? That's it? Just like that? Things went extremely bad the day before, and how will things get better if Lei continues to act like this?
Moreover, he can tell Suki is not taking this well either. As a matter of fact, she was oblivious to anything that went on prior to their son's departure. Now, she knows something happened yesterday with her ex-husband and her son.
"So first my boyfriend brushes me off, and now my son leaves me," Suki announced, "Why is it that two of my loving boys are treating me like this?"
Sokka didn't want any more tensions. He and Suki were doing so well with their relationship, and this type of drama was something he wanted to avoid. Lei, what have you gotten us into?
"Sokka!" Suki rose her voice, "What happened yesterday?"
Sokka closed his eyes and massaged his temples, while Suki was anxiously waiting for an answer.
Finally, he decided to speak, "Lei and I got into a fight yesterday at the dojo. He and Bumi found out about me and Hu Li."
Suki paused, while feelings of nervousness and worry filled her. This was something she, as well as the rest of the adults, feared would happen. They didn't want the kids to hear about this, but now her son knows.
"We fought during practice," Sokka continued, "He insulted me harshly. It got to the point where I accidently cut him, and he punched me straight across my jaw."
Suki covered her mouth. Never has she heard about her son and her boyfriend being this vial to each other, and this was something she hated to hear.
"After the dojo, I went to talk to him at Aang's island. I wanted to settle things and forget about the fight, but he didn't give me a chance. He cut me out from his life. I can still feel the pain in my jaw, but it's definitely not as bad as the pain in my heart. That's all I can tell you."
This is what Suki feared would happen. For the longest time, she wanted her son to meet his father. She wanted them to get along. She wanted everyone to be happy. It seemed that way for the past few months. Not only was her ex-husband and her son happy, but all of her friends were too. It seemed like one big, extended family.
Up until now.
For what seemed like hours of eerie silence, both the couple remained there. Suki gazed out the window, eyes filled with tears, while Sokka remained sitting at the dining table and not eating one simple thing.
The silence continued, until Sokka spoke up, "You shouldn't have come here in the first place Suki."
Suki turned to her boyfriend, shocked by his statement. "What do you mean?"
"It was a mistake for you to come here. As much as I love you and Lei, I guess it just wasn't meant to be."
Suki couldn't believe it. "So you want me and Lei out of your life? You're rejecting your own son out of your life?!" Her voice rose, anger and sadness evident in her tone.
"I couldn't be his father in the first place!" Sokka shouted in retaliation, "We have you to blame for that!"
Suki froze. She was hurt by the sudden accusation, but she couldn't respond because Sokka stated the truth.
"I've always wanted to be a father," Sokka continued, "But you never gave me the chance. You raised our son without telling me. He went on to grow up without me, and he even looked up to someone else as a father. Meanwhile, I missed out on the whole experience of getting to raise my own little boy."
Suki felt the tears coming out her eyes as Sokka continued blaming her for this whole situation.
"Now it's too late Suki. Lei's all grown, and it's easy for him to kick someone like me out of his life, even when I'm the biological father. It's easy for him to kick me out of his life because I never raised him. I never got the chance to love him. And it's all your fault."
He spoke that last sentence with such malice. That was so unlike Sokka. Suki couldn't take it. She did the first thing she could do, and that was walking out of the apartment as the tears continuously fell out of her cheeks.
As for Sokka, he hated to hurt her like that.
Sadly, it was the truth.
It's been over two months. Over two months since the last time he stepped foot on Kyoshi Island.
Home sweet home.
The sun sets as evening is approaching. The sky is orange while the clouds are pink. Boy how he missed this sight. As much as he loved the bustling scene of Republic City, it's great to be back home at a place where life doesn't move too fast. Sure, there's no skyscrapers giving a unique skyline, but the beach, the hills, and the tall trees give Kyoshi Island the most scenic view Lei has ever seen. Coming back from Republic City made Lei appreciate his home even more.
Yet, coming home wasn't so bittersweet. It's hard to feel better when his relationship with his father has been broken. It's quite ironic. Right before he left Kyoshi Island, everyone told him how things are going to end up well. Now that he's back home, things aren't exactly well.
So far, the only thing Lei could appreciate was Kyoshi Island's breathtaking view and no air pollution. Thank goodness the small ship from Republic City made it before the sun went down. He was already lucky enough to snatch an early morning ticket.
As for now, all Lei wanted was to walk to the hill near his home and watch the sunset. He's not in the mood to talk to anyone, nor did he want to go back home and do nothing. Might as well readjust to the setting of Kyoshi Island.
For the next ten minutes, with his backpack on his back, he walked from the port to the village. Crossing his fingers, he hoped no one familiar with spot him. His friends should be home at this time. His mother's friends should be done with work as well.
"Lei?"
It was like his ears perked like a dog when he heard that familiar voice. Oh how he missed that voice, but sadly, he was not in the mood to talk with her.
Lei turned his head, and there she was, "Hey Jia."
"That's it?" Jia asked, though it is quite obvious she is happy to see him, "We haven't seen each other for over two months, the last time we talked on the phone was a week ago, and now that you're here, all I get is that simple greeting?"
Lei smiled, she is so cute. He gave her a hug, to which she happily responded too. It felt so good to be in each other's arms.
"I'm so glad to see you again Lei! I miss you so much!"
"I missed you too Jia," he replied, not wanting to let go of her, "I'm glad I'm here now."
Once they parted from their hug, Jia noticed Lei wasn't in the greatest mood. She knows he truly meant it when Lei said he's glad to be here, but there's something bothering him. She can tell.
"It does look like you're glad to be here, but I don't have to be a spirit to know that there's some sort of negative energy within you. Something bothering you Lei?"
"I don't want to talk about it," he answered as he shifted his eyes away from her gaze.
Jia was saddened. "What's wrong? Did you have a fun trip?"
Lei took a deep breath, "Well for the most part, yes. As of now, I just want to relax and get away for some time."
"Oh, okay," Jia spoke uncomfortably, worrying for him, "Where's Suki?"
"Still at the city."
"Oh." Jia wanted to know what went on, but she didn't want to press any further.
"I'm actually on my way to our casual spot on the hill to watch the sunset. Care to join?" Lei figured it won't be so bad to not be alone for the moment. This is Jia, of course.
"Sure." Jia would always be there for her best friend.
For the next five minutes, they were able to make a short walk to the hill. A short, fast, quiet walk. As they sat on the soft grass, they watched the sky. They've done this a lot of times, but this is the first time in awhile when they're together again.
As for Lei, he missed seeing this beautiful sight. Orange skies, pink clouds, and overall, a healthy atmosphere. No skyscrapers blocking the view, no mobiles driving from place to place, no people talking, no air pollution, and no air balloons in the sky. It's just him, Jia, and mother nature. The silence has never been so full of bliss.
"Are you sure there's nothing you want to vent about Lei?"
And that silence is interrupted.
Lei gave a sigh before he continued to speak, "Keep this between me and you okay?"
Once Jia nodded, Lei continued, "Things went sour pretty quick with my dad."
Jia felt sad for him, "How so?"
"He happened to be dating a married woman awhile ago. That woman was the mother of Bumi's best friend. And because of that relationship, his parents are constantly fighting and Bumi lost a good friend, as did I."
This sudden revelation shocked her. She would never expect the famous Sokka to do such a thing.
"I couldn't look at my dad the same way anymore. That was the type of man I never wanted as my father. I couldn't take it, so I left."
"You just left?" Jia asked curiously, "You didn't even bother letting anyone know you left?"
"Only Bumi knows. I don't care how anyone else reacts."
"Not even you're mother?"
"She has Sokka, and unfortunately for me, she's in love with a man like that. There's nothing I can do."
Jia was surprised with Lei's sudden attitude, and it also disappointed her. She understood why Lei was angry over the fact that his father did something adulterous, but she had to get to the bottom of the facts first before she can pass judgments.
"So about your dad dating this married woman, what did he say about it?"
"What do you mean?" Lei asked curiously.
"Have you confronted him about this?"
"Yeah," he answered as he showed her the faint cut on his arm.
"Omigosh what happened?!" Jia asked fearfully.
"Relax Jia, I was getting to his head purposely while we were having a dual. I rubbed it in his face obscurely, until he couldn't control his emotions. It's alright though, I was able to punch him right in the jaw afterwards."
Jia's eyes widened and her mouth opened as she heard what Lei said to her. He described the scene nonchalantly, as if he didn't care what went on. "What happened after? Is that when you decided to come back to Kyoshi Island?"
"No," he answered, "He came to talk to me once more that night."
"And what did he say?" Jia asked curiously, trying to ignore the cut on his arm.
"He tried to talk to me, trying to make things better. He tried apologizing, telling me how much he regretted his actions and that they'll haunt him for the rest of his life. He also kept going on about loving my mom and wanting her in his life, as well as wanting me in his life too. He made it clear that he wanted to forget his past actions, even if they'll be something he'll regret for the rest of his life. Yet for me, I just couldn't forgive him."
Jia frowned. "But he realized his mistakes, didn't he? He told you he regretted his actions, and he told you he wants to continue his life with you and your mom."
"But you should've seen the way he defended himself Jia!" Lei retaliated, "He kept going on about how he did these things cause he was still upset after separating from my mother! And he said that he dated this woman because he looked like my mother, and he fell for that temptation. Honestly, a man like this can try defending himself all he wants, but it doesn't change the damage he's done. Look at Bumi's friend! My friend! His family is a mess! How could he ever defend himself?"
Jia winced at his outburst. "I'm sorry for what happened to your friend Lei, but I don't think you gave your father a chance."
Lei gave her an angry look, "What are you talking about Jia? You really think I'm going to give him a chance? He's a home wrecker! A man whore! You already know I hate people like these! I hate men like these, so why would I ever have one as a father?!"
"Did you even try to put yourself in his shoes Lei?! Did you do that?!" Jia retaliated, "I know what he did was wrong, really wrong, but he seems like a man who learns from his mistakes. I know from what you just told me. He wants to start his life over with you and your mother, but instead, you just left them! I wonder how he feels right now."
"Are you seriously going to defend him Jia?!" Lei's voice grew even louder.
"You never gave him a chance!" Jia shouted back. "He made a mistake, but he owned up to it. People make mistakes Lei! You're father makes mistakes. You make mistakes, I make mistakes! If you want a father in your life, you can't expect him to be perfect!"
Lei turned his head, avoiding Jia's glare. He himself was getting angry with her for defending his father. "Maybe I don't need a father. I'm just fine without one."
Jia was disappointed with his statement. "I wonder if Sokka is just fine without having a son, now that he knows he has one. I wonder what it feels to have your own child reject you."
"ENOUGH JIA!" Lei shouted. "You were wrong in the first place okay? I never should've attempted to meet him in the first place! It was you telling me that things will be okay. Well guess what? Things are not okay! I gave him a chance to be my father, until I found his true colors!"
"Lei," Jia spoke, not trying to press his buttons too much, "You gave him a chance to be your father, but you never gave him a chance to be forgiven. Fathers makes mistakes too Lei, as do mothers and children."
"Don't even start with me Jia. I don't want to hear any of that crap."
Jia was offended with that statement, "Are you kidding me?!"
"It's hard to forgive someone when they're already dirty. I can't believe I let you and my mom talk me in to meeting my father. You guys were wrong."
Out of all the times Lei and Jia were in arguments, this has to be one of the most intense.
"We're just trying to help Lei! I'm trying to help!"
"Well you were wrong! My father wasn't the man I hoped he would be. He's just like any other conceited or egotistic man you would read from the Republic City newspapers. You were wrong Jia! I wished I never listened to you in the first place! You tried to help me, but listening to you only ended up with me in emotional pain!"
Jia was hurt. "Lei..."
"You should head home Jia."
Surprised with the sudden demand, Jia got up and left.
Once she walked away, Lei could hear a faint cry. He tried to brush it off, for he was in enough pain already. He didn't want to think about his father, nor did he want anyone else to ask him about his visit to Republic City. He just wanted to watch the sunset.
Unfortunately, it was already night time.