Chapter Five: Reunited
ATTHA MANSION 1500H
Cagalli stared at her cousin as they sat across each other in the inner gardens. Jesse Arden yawns at them and looked towards the blooming flowers. Cagalli shook her head at the present problem. Taking her cup of coffee she sighed. "What's your plan now? He knows Shawn's not my son."
"I don't know…" Xeth stared at her cup of coffee.
"He doesn't know about it, Xeth… Everything will be okay." Jesse offered a smile. "Besides, there's Jared to keep him away from you."
"That's what I'm worried about…" Cagalli placed her cup down and looked seriously at the girls. "Yzak Joule is still in love with you. That one's obvious. We all know he married for convenience – following his mother's steps to political power."
"And that's the reason why he's not worthy of Xeth at all." Jesse spat. "He's too ambitious!"
Cagalli snorted. "Hear the ever supporting friend! Hail, Jesse!" She laughed. "It seems that Shawn in oblivious to this too…poor thing. I mean, he's my son now but I still consider you his mother, Xeth. How are you feeling?"
Xeth smirked. "I'm fine. It's not like I've thought about him in the 4 years that we've separated…"
"Hah! Yeah right!" Jesse laughed out nearly choking her coffee.
"I have forgotten about him until yesterday, you know…" Xeth retorted. "Besides, with Shawn near me, I don't need anything else…"
"True, true…" Jesse nodded in agreement. "He's such a charmer…" She giggled. "Can't wait to have one of mine…"
"Don't go following Xeth…" Cagalli joked.
"Yeah… But you're pretty lucky huh…" Xeth smiled. "Your first time didn't get you pregnant… While mine… Sheesh! Bad luck follows me everywhere!" She laughed at herself. "God! It's good to talk with you guys again…"
"Same here." Jesse answered. "So? Come on…tell us what you're planning. You can't just avoid Mr. Silver for the rest of your life…"
"What do I have to plan? It's simple." Xeth answered as she took a sip. "Life goes on. I have a son; he's married to some celebrity… There's nothing to plan there…"
Cagalli leaned in closer. "You're not going to tell him?"
"HELL NO!" Xeth shouted.
Jesse laughed aloud. "Revenge is sweet! Come to think of it… He has a son with you…he didn't even know it. And it's no secret that his wife can't bear any children…"
"Jesse!" Cagalli warned. "Don't be so harsh…"
"Hey…it's a fact. You know what I heard?" Jesse leaned in closer too. "Elisa really devised it so that she can't bear any child – the media said she's afraid of growing fat…" She whispered. "Poor commander…" Jesse snorted in laughter.
Xeth suddenly feels a bit sorry for Yzak. It must be hard on him… She thought. Yzak used to tell her how he would love to try out being a good father. He used to tell her that he'd like to be a good father since he never got to experience his father's love – the late Commander Joule died at a young age. Is it fair to separate Shawn? She asked herself.
ORB AIRFIELD
The 56th Division is giving him a hard time…and he is giving them a hell of a time being punished. He is wearing ordinary white Zaft Training T-shirt and fatigue pants for the hard training. He took his cap and headed for the car waiting for him at the gate. It's been a week since he last saw Xeth and yet he can't take her off his mind. Never could… He thought as he got out of the gate. He saw Athrun getting out of the car. "Hey!" He greeted.
"Told you they'd give you a hard time…" Athrun smirked. "The family's having a picnic by the beach. Come on."
Yzak thought about the invitation carefully. It's a chance to see Xeth again. And her son… The thought infuriates him. But this picnic could give him information about the 4 years of absence. And I could identify the bastard who did it to her too… He hissed inside of him. "Sure, Athrun." He entered the car with Athrun. "You sure they won't mind?"
"Nah…" Athrun said, starting the car. "Cagalli knows…"
As they drove towards the beach, Yzak started asking questions. "Athrun…"
"Yep?"
"Would you mind if I ask you who Shawn really is?" Yzak asked.
Athrun took his time before answering. "Cagalli and I adopted him." He paused. "You know he's Xeth's. I don't have to tell you that."
Yzak stayed silent then.
"You want to ask who the father is?" Athrun brought up the topic.
Yzak immediately turned to face him.
"We don't know. Xeth, after serving in the moon colony for two years brought him back to earth." Athrun explained. "We tried asking who the father is but Xeth said she doesn't know. She said something about being drunk and having to chat with a soldier. She asked us to adopt Shawn. Cagalli and I are not yet planning on having a baby but…well, who can resist Shawn?" Athrun chuckled. "Even Yzak Joule can't resist him…"
"Careless…" Yzak said in a whisper. He also made a mental note to check all the soldiers that were designated in the lunar base colony when he has time.
"What?" Athrun looked at him.
"She's careless…" Yzak answered. "She shouldn't have entered a bar without escorts…"
Athrun shrugged. "Well… Things happen… We can't really turn back time…" He parked the car near the beach. From afar, he could see the white tents put up for the picnic. "There they are…" He took a couple of wine bottles in the trunk and locked the car. "Help me with these, will you?" He handed Yzak three bottles as he carried four. "Come on."
Yzak followed Athrun. As he trudged along the beach, his heart pounded hard once again. He could see her from afar playing with little Shawn. He doesn't know why it hurts him to see them so happy. Maybe I'm just jealous…that her life didn't turn out that bad even when Shawn's father left her… And yet mine is a mess even if everything I did is right… He looked at Athrun's back instead. He can't help think what could have happened if he ran after her that day. Maybe I would've been happily married to her even if I was shunned by mother… Maybe I'm now playing with Shawn… Maybe Shawn doesn't have to call Athrun, papa…
"Papa! Papa!"
Yzak immediately stopped and looked at the boy. But Shawn was referring to Athrun who is beside him. Oh… He smiled sadly as he placed the wine bottles on the table. He watched Athrun carry the boy in his arms, zooming him around.
"Hey…"
He looked up and saw Xeth smiling at him. "Hey…" He answered…a bit unsure if she's talking to him.
"It's been a long time, huh?" Xeth smiled ruefully.
Yzak smiled. "Yeah… How are you?"
"Fine." Xeth answered as she tried to open on bottle.
Yzak took the bottle. Their hands touched but he didn't mind. "Let me." He opened the cork.
The touch made her look away. "How are you, Yzak?" She asked the question in a low tone.
Yzak knew then that she is referring to his married life. "Fine…" He answered. Xeth only uses his first name when she's comfortable with talking. This is a good sign that she's open to anything… He told himself. "A bit bumpy…but fine." He took two glasses of wine and poured. "And Shawn?"
Xeth shrugged. "Well…he's my angel… Though I can't really raise him without a father figure… So, I decided to let Cagalli and Athrun adopt him." She took the other glass that Yzak offered.
"He looks so much like you…" Yzak commented. "I didn't have any doubt when I first saw him. He's yours." He smiled remembering the first time he met Shawn. He looks so much like you… And I know that…
Xeth's heart is hurting little by little. And yours, Yzak… He's yours too… She brought her lips into a thin line. She knew he couldn't tell him. "Oh well…" She sighs and looked at the horizon in front of them. "Rest assured he'd grow up to be a heartbreaker…" She chuckled at the thought.
"No doubt about it." Yzak said as he raised his glass.
The way Yzak said it made her feel flushed. Is he telling me something? She raised her own glass in reply.
Jesse interrupted the two as she took a sandwich from the table. "Hey there, commander!" She greeted. "How's life in space so far?"
Yzak smiled. "Pretty good…"
"Why not, huh? You're mother's the chairman, you've been promoted to high commander, and you have a wife for a celebrity…" Jesse said as she began munching on the sandwich. "If you ask me, it's 'the' life." She saw Xeth gave her a glare. Nu-uh that's not going to stop me from asking him about his life, Xeth… She sighed heavily and asked, "How's your wife, commander?"
Yzak became a bit conscious in talking about his wife in front of Xeth. He looks at Cagalli and Athrun as he answers. "She's fine."
"When can we expect a little commander, commander?" Jesse asked happily. She's rather enjoying the interrogation. "I mean, you've been married for 4 years. Isn't it time to start a little clan?"
Yzak gritted his teeth at the question. She was and always will be stingy… He stared at the young woman smiling innocently at him. "We're trying…"
Jesse laughed out loud and patted the commander at the back. "Well, try harder commander! Major Cobalt here beat you to it!" She continued laughing as she left the two.
Xeth stayed silent as she felt the blood rushed to her face. That idiot! How could she say that? Can't she see Yzak's hurting? She looked up and found Yzak looking at her.
"When did it happen? Athrun told me…" He asked, now averting his eyes to the sand under his feet.
Xeth breathed in and started to explain. "It was when I left for the moon colony. I know Athrun told you… After that night, I got pregnant. I went back after giving birth to Shawn and left him with Cagalli and Athrun since I have to finish my contract with the moon colonies." She paused. "When I got back, I found Shawn calling Cagalli and Athrun his mama and papa. So, I decided to let them be."
"It must hurt…" Yzak said sadly.
Xeth shook her head slowly. "Not really… Besides, Cagalli and Athrun are family. And Shawn always looks at me as his second mother… its better he grows up with a father figure…"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Yzak asked, the question hurting him a lot more than he could imagine.
Xeth smiled ruefully. "I can't disrupt your perfect life, Yzak. Besides, what we had didn't work out." She saw him tighten his grip on the glass he's holding. "Knowing you, you would have come to my rescue. How would it look then? Rumors will fly everywhere… I wouldn't have liked it anyways…" She took a sip. "Everything is in the past… I didn't' regret having Shawn. He's perfect." She turned her head to look at Shawn laughing and running after Jesse. "And I don't blame you at all…"
Yzak nodded. She has accepted everything…then. He looks at the woman beside her. It seems that I'm the only one left in a world we created once… I should not drag her down. He sighed and changed his frame of mind. "He's one active kid, I should say…"
"Yeah…" Xeth answered happily, seeing that Yzak is now relaxed. "Don't you that he's planning on being a GUNDAM pilot in the future?"
"Hmm… Just like someone I know…" Yzak gave her a knowing smile. "You were over-active then, major…" He said jokingly. "Is it possible that you've dominated his genes?"
"And why not?!" Xeth laughed as she began walking towards the group. Yzak followed behind her. "Besides, he's mine. So, it's just right that he should have all the best parts!"
Yzak grinned. She's truly happy… He thought. I shouldn't be here… He sighed as he stopped and watched the group a few feet away. He left the PLANT because he's having a hard time with his wife. They have made love for three years. And almost every goddamn night… He took another sip from his glass of wine. He questioned his wife if she's taking in pills or some medication. It's impossible that they can't make a child. They tried, that's what he thought. But unfortunately, his wife's only in it for the sex. He investigated what's happening in their house and found out that Elisa was hiding birth control pills and other medications to prevent her from conceiving. His vain wife reasoned out when he got angry… 'I don't want to look hideous, you bastard! Try getting yourself pregnant!' That's what Elisa shouted at him. He slapped her, of course. He was so angry…he could have killed her. So, he decided to take on the invitation of the Orb Army.
"Uncle Yzak!"
Shawn's voice woke him. He saw the boy waving at him and pointing at something above him. He looked up only to find a Frisbee heading straight towards his head. It was took late for him to dodge. He fell on his back.
Shawn was immediately beside him. "Uncle Yzak? Uncle Yzak?"
Yzak slowly opened his eyes to see Shawn's worried face – eyes watering.
Shawn cried out loud. "I killed Uncle Yzak! Mommy!" He stood up and run towards Cagalli who immediately held the boy.
Yzak slowly sat up. "Ow…" He slowly touched his bruised forehead.
"Are you okay?"
He looks up to see Xeth's worried face. "I'm fine… Just a bit disoriented…" He chuckled at himself. "Nothing serious… You should tell Shawn… He thinks I'm dead…"
Xeth placed a cold towel over Yzak's forehead. "You should have paid attention…" She said seriously. "It could have hit your eyes…"
The worry in her voice made him stop chuckling. He lets her take care of the bruise. "I didn't know you still care, Xeth…" He said softly.
Xeth smiled. "I still do. Perhaps because we shared something special a long time ago…" She simply answered.
Shawn, now not crying slowly walked towards the Zaft commander. "Uncle Yzak?"
Yzak looked at the boy who is hiding behind Xeth's legs. "Yes, Shawn?"
"I'm sorry…" Shawn apologized, turning red.
"It's nothing, Shawn… You didn't mean it." Yzak answered as he took Shawn and carried him in his arms. "Besides, it was a terrific throw."
"Really?!" Shawn now looks excited. "Want to play with me, Uncle Yzak? I promise I won't hit your head again…" He beamed at the chuckling man.
Yzak placed the boy on his shoulder and carried him towards Athrun who is still by the beach with the Frisbee.
Xeth's eyes watered at the sight.
ATTHA MANSION, INNER GARDENS 1600H
Xeth opened the door and found Jared outside. "Jared!" She hugged him.
"Xeth! It's nice to be back!" Jared squeezed her tightly then looks at her. "Where's Shawn?"
Xeth took his hand and led him to the garden. When they arrived, she saw Athrun, Yzak and Shawn playing tag. She called out. "Shawn! Look who's here!"
Shawn immediately shouted in excitement. "UNCLE JARED!" He zoomed towards the dark haired man who is opening his arms for him. "UNCLE JARED!"
Yzak turned to Athrun. "Who's he?"
"Jared Laurence, a very close friend of Xeth's family." Athrun replied. "He's been with us since Shawn's little."
Yzak observed them. Xeth is laughing and ticking Shawn who's in Jared's arms. It hurts him to say but they look like a happy family. When he saw Xeth hugging the man named Jared from behind, he concluded Jared's more than just a friend to her. Drop it, Yzak… A voice inside his head said. He followed Athrun towards the others since Cagalli prepared snacks for them. It's been a month and a half since his arrival. Everyday was a blast since little Shawn kept on visiting his training with the 56th division and made it fun for him. But now…
Xeth took Shawn in her arms and introduced Yzak. "Jared, this is Commander Yzak Joule of the Zaft forces. Yzak, this is Lt. Jared Laurence of the OI Unit." She saw them shake hands. She turned to Yzak. "Jared's been in the family since I don't know when…" She smiled.
I bet… Yzak thought as he forced a smile. "I see…"
"I missed you a lot, Uncle Jared… I missed riding with you in your mobile suit cockpit and soaring high up in the sky…" Shawn said as he began eating his sandwich.
Yzak immediately felt like it's wrong. "You take him with you inside a mobile suit?" He asked.
"Yes…commander." Jared answered hesitantly.
Jesse observed from afar. Let the war begin! She laughed inside. She's waiting for Andrew to take her since they're planning to visit the cake shop near the mansion for the coming wedding. They already set a date, a month from now. "Hey Cagalli?" She called as the woman passed by.
Cagalli looked back. "Yes?"
"Don't you think you should take out leashes for those two?" Jesse pointed with her eyebrows. "They're at each other's throat… I suggest you stop them now before sandwiches fly and glasses crack…"
Cagalli made her way towards the two men who are arguing about Shawn.
"Bringing him with you is endangering him." Yzak said coolly. "What will happen if an enemy mobile suit shows up?"
Jared couldn't believe what he's hearing. "Wait a minute… We're not in a war, commander." He answered in a strained voice. He doesn't really want to go against a commander, especially a Zaft commander.
"Accidents happen, lieutenant…" Yzak answered as he drank his juice.
Cagalli immediately laughed a boisterous laugh. "Ahahahahaha! It was just for fun, Yzak… Nothing serious at all. Besides, Xeth also takes him up with her…"
Yzak glared at Xeth. He can't believe a mother would endanger her own child. No you do not… He gave her that look. When he didn't get an answer from Xeth he sighed. "I better rest. I'll see you guys tomorrow…"
Shawn immediately hugged Yzak's right leg. "Uncle Yzak…don't go yet… Don't leave me…"
Yzak's anger immediately melted as he looked at the boy hugging his leg. He took him in his arms. "And why is that?"
Shawn pursed his lower lip out. "Coz you always leave… Why don't you stay here so that I could see you everyday? It's no fun without you around… Come on…" He whispered to the commander's ear.
Yzak laughed at the answer. "Really?"
Shawn nodded vigorously. "Really!"
Yzak thought about it for a moment. If I stay here… It won't be boring with Shawn around…and I could talk to Athrun too… And… He glanced at Xeth who is talking to Cagalli. He looked sadly at the little boy in his arms. "I'm sorry, Shawn. I can't. Uncle has a lot to do…" He explained.
Shawn's eyes began to water.
Not the puppy eyes… Yzak rolled his eyes. Kids… He walked towards the door. "Tell you what… I'll visit you everyday to jog around the compound. You like that?"
Shawn began to smile.
Xeth watched the two. She took hold of Jesse's hand. "Oh my God, Jesse… Yzak likes him…so much…" She sighed worriedly.
"Yep…he does." Jesse answered blandly. "He must feel a little connection, sweety. After all, Shawn's his…" Jesse immediately closed her mouth.
"Shawn's who's?" Jared sat beside Xeth.
Xeth laughed nervously. "Oh! Nothing…we were just watching Commander Joule handling a kid and all…"
Jared nodded. "Yeah… He's pretty protective with kids, huh? I was really surprised at his anger about the mobile suit incident earlier… He really does like kids, doesn't he?"
Xeth stared at Yzak and Shawn. He really does…love him… She thought. He must have wished for a son. Why else would he get himself married? She remembered Yzak's words when they were still together. 'I'd like to have a son so that I could teach him and he could teach me to be a good father…and then after that, a daughter. Two is enough…but if you like, we could make more…' She laughed back then. It was weird hearing her commander talk about such domesticated a subject like having children.
Yzak placed Shawn down. "I got to go, kid…" Yzak smiled.
"Tomorrow then, uncle?" Shawn's eyes twinkled in anticipation.
Yzak nodded and watched Shawn scampered towards the others. He turned and entered the car waiting for him. He never would have guessed he'd be enjoying watching over a kid. For some reason, he found himself not exerting any effort at all. He used to think that he's not made to handle kids. But with Shawn, he feels like it's easy. Maybe because he's hers… Xeth's face appeared in his mind. And then, Jared Laurence's face entered his mind. He clenched his fist in anger. Who the heck is he?! They seem to be close… He said to himself. I have a family now. I shouldn't be thinking of this… A ring in his phone interrupted his thoughts. "Yes? It's me. What? I'm working here… Oh go f*& someone else, Elisa! Get over yourself!" He closed his phone in anger. A family, huh…
To be Continued...
