To See You Again Chapter 10
"As time has gone by, I've seen you in every way from angry to sick. And everything day by day. Cause you know you're perfect. I hold my breath just to hear you speak. I hope this dream never end. Cause you know, you're my bestest friend."
Michael Aaron turns One…
It has been a year and 3 months since Mick's death and today, Michael Aaron is turning one.
Emily could not believe how time flew by. It wasn't so long ago that her life changed and Mick was taken from her. There have been times she felt guilty that she had moved on with her life so quickly. She mourned Mick's death in her own way. She felt that life cheated him because he was not able to see their beautiful son born into this world.
She's sitting alone in her room. Michael Aaron had woken up earlier and Aaron came to her room to take him. As soon as Aaron picked him up, he squealed. It's a special day for Michael Aaron. He's walking now and touches everything he could reach. He's a happy baby especially when Jack and Declan are playing with him. His eyes light up when he sees the two older boys. Running and stumbling when he sees them. He will then put his hands up for Declan to pick him up.
He uttered his first word not too long ago. Aaron had taken the two boys out and she was at home alone with Michael Aaron. He said "Mama" and Emily could not stop crying the moment it happened. She was crying so hard that Michael Aaron thought he had done something wrong and he also cried.
"Oh no baby, you didn't do anything wrong. Mommy is just so happy. You said "mama". It's your first word and you said "mama". Do you know how much "mama" loves you." That's right, "mama loves you very much."
She was taken out of her reverie when she heard a soft knock.
"Em, it's Aaron. Can I come in?"
"Of course, you can come in?"
"Is everything okay? You've been in your room for almost an hour."
"I'm fine. I'm just thinking. Where's the baby?"
"The boys have him. They are playing. What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking that we have a full day ahead of us."
"Yes, we do. Tell me, what are you thinking about, really?"
"I was thinking about Mick. You know, today is Michael Aaron's birthday and how sad that he never got to see and meet his son. And how bad I feel that life had quickly moved on for me and Michael Aaron."
"Em, it's natural to feel guilty for moving on. I felt that way when Haley died. It sunk in that she was really was gone when Jack and I no longer would talk about her. I saw us moving on and just like you, I felt like I had to apologize for going forward with life. But I realized that life does move on. In order for Jack to be happy and enjoy life, I have to accept that it is just me and him and there's nothing I could do to change that. I can't bring back his mom for him."
"I know. But do you think I moved on too quickly?"
"I think that because you welcome the people that love and care about you to come and help out, it made the situation easier to accept and move on. Your life changed so much so quickly that dwelling on what could have been never entered your mind because you are happy. And knowing you for so long, in and out of the office, you were never that type of person to dwell on what might have been. Declan, Jack and Michael Aaron made all the difference."
"And you, Aaron. You have been my rock all throughout. I don't think I have ever really thank you."
"You don't need to thank me, Em. I would have done anything for you. And I have never seen Jack so happy, Em. So, I should be the one thanking you."
"How about we thank each other?"
"Fair enough. You gonna be okay?"
"I am more than okay. Go on, I'll be out in five minutes to join you guys for breakfast. You need to call Derek to help you set up for the games for today's party. I need to call Pen and JJ to help me decorate. Aaron, could you call the jumper? They should be here soon to set up the jumper in time for the kids to start coming. Also, you need to pick up the piñata. I need to pick the cake."
"Breathe Em. We got this. JJ and Pen will be here. I called them already. They will also pick up the cake on their way here."
"Thank you."
"Come on, the boys are hungry."
Aaron took her hand and squeezed it. And before leaving her room, he kissed the top of her head.
A simple but intimate gesture. They only thing they have allowed themselevs, so far.
"I'll be out, I promise."
As soon as Aaron left her room, she closed her eyes.
"Mick, please forgive me."
A feeling of peace came over her. She is happy. And she will no longer feel guilty about it.
She got dressed quickly and made her way downstairs.
When she walked into the kitchen she saw Aaron and Jack making pancakes, eggs and bacon. Declan was holding Michael Aaron.
"Good morning, boys! Hey birthday boy. How's my birthday boy?"
Michael Aaron put his arms up for Emily to take him.
"Declan, why don't you help Jack and Aaron with breakfast. I'll hold the birthday boy."
"Lan. Jack. Dada."
Three heads turned to Emily and Michael Aaron.
"Em, did he just say?"
"I think so. Say their names again baby?"
Emily points to Declan. "Who is that baby?"
"Lan."
"That's right. That's big brother, Declan."
"Mom, he called my name!" Declan exclaimed.
Declan had started to call Emily "mom" a few months ago when his adoption was complete. After his adoption was done, they had gone out to dinner to celebrate. When they got home and Emily was putting Michael Aaron to bed, Declan knocked on her door.
"I just wanted to tell you how happy, I am."
"I am happy too, Declan. This is what I have always wanted."
"Me too."
"Why don't you go to bed now, Dec. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Mom. And I love you."
"I love you, too Dec."
Emily points to Jack. Who's that one, baby?"
"Jack."
"That's right, baby. That's second big brother, Jack.
Jack jumped and said to his Dad, "Daddy, he knows my name."
:That he does, buddy. He is a very smart one, isn't?"
"Yes, daddy. He takes after me and Dec."
Both Emily and Aaron laughed.
"And who is the big creature?" Emily pointed to Aaron.
Emily tickled Michael Aaron and giggled.
Dada..Dada…"
Aaron looked at Emily.
"That's right baby, it's Dada."
Emily smiled at Aaron and nodded.
Aaron beamed with pride. He told himself it was time that he told Emily of his feelings. He and Emily needed to talk. They need to define what exactly it is that they have.
Looking at Emily, he can tell that she was thinking the same thing. Something has changed. The inevitable has happened. They have been trying to avoid it but they know that sooner or later, they will need to talk about it.
Emily smiled at Aaron and nodded.
Aaron understood what Emily just conveyed. They will talk later.