The Legacy You Leave
Chapter 35
The only thing you can't get back is time.
It goes by so fast.
Days Later
I saw my children as much as possible. We were in communication went i wasn't around for by phone call or video chat.
But i mainly had a presence over at the house to see Winston. Stella. And Oscar now that he was starting to be open more with giving me another chance.
I show up on a daily basis for all three of them as much as possible.
Leaving is hard. Its the worst part of all of this.
Oscar understands. And to a certain extent Winston does too.
But Stella gets upset every time i have to go.
I explain it to her as much as i can wanting to reassure her."
That I'll return but being the youngest. Her understanding of this adult situation just isnt there.
So i made it a point to ask her right before i made my exit one evening. Though her tears and raw emotion.
I asked why she got so upset. When i left.
And she told me it was because she didn't think i was coming back.
Hearing that from my youngest child. Shook me to my core.
I took her in my arms and locked in on her.
"I am always coming back. Being you're dad is everything to me." He proclaimed.
I scooped up Stella into my arms and hugged her tightly.
She was all dark hair. Hazel eyes. And sadness.
It was more then my heart could take.
Which is what lead me to talking to Brooke in private.
"I can't do this anymore Brooke. I understand you're feelings."
"But our kids need me here too. And I need them."
"This distance isn't helping anyone. I need to move back in here."
"I won't stay in our room. I'll give you you're space." Lucas proclaimed.
The expression on her face softened.
"I agree. You not being here has been really hard on them." Brooke replied.
...
In a matter of days slowly Lucas had moved back into the family home.
"You get the first shot" Oscar said. Handing his father.
"What i'm hearing is you're letting me win." Lucas said. As he drilled then shot the basketball straight into the hoop.
"I'm happy you're back but that won't happen." Oscar replied.
...
later on that morning
"How are you settling back in?" Brooke asked in the entryway.
Oscar had driven himself to school these days. Lucas had just gotten back from taking their youngest kids to school.
"Its like I never left. It hasn't been much of an adjustment."
"I'm grateful you are letting this happen."
"I've missed all of it. Breakfast and dinner together."
"The everyday routine." Lucas replied.
"You're welcome. Our kids have missed you." Brooke said.
"Have you missed me?" Lucas asked.
Brooke swallowed hard. "I would be lying if I said no."
"Yes I've missed you in so many ways." Brooke admitted.
"I've missed holding you. Waking up and falling asleep with you."
"You're kisses. Touching you. Telling me how much i love you."
"I hate how distant we've become. I want to be let back in so badly."
"But I know it isn't up to me." "I lost my way."
"I will never give up on us or stop trying."
"I promise you that." Lucas proclaimed.
The expression on Brooke's face softened.
As she gazed up at him.
...