14
STEVEN
My heart hurts as I watch Becca tear up. Even more so with what Damian asked Santa for Christmas. Her reaction to his wanting to meet his father is concerning. Maybe something bad did really happen.
Letting go of her hand, I pull her into a tight hug as Damian runs up to us with the picture taken by the elf.
“You okay, Mommy?” he asks, handing me the photo. She faces away from him and quickly wipes her tears.
“I sure am,” she replies, forcing a smile. “Let’s go see some more of the Wonderland.”
I know she’s trying to be brave for his sake, but a person can only do this for so long before they break. Staying close to her, we venture further into the chaos of kids running wild and parents trying to keep up with them.
Damian points excitedly at one of the stands. “Ooh, cotton candy snowballs. Can I get some?”
She laughs and tells him to knock himself out. As he runs under the tent, one of the vendors helps him bag his own colors as I stand back with Becca.
“I don’t mean to pry,” I say as she keeps a close eye on Damian, “but why did you react that way when you heard what Damian said to Santa?”
She sighs, and her eyes drop slightly. “His father’s parents didn’t approve of me. There were some threats made, and I didn’t want to raise Damian in that environment. Doing it alone seemed better at the time.”
Damian runs up to us, holding a bag of blue and white cotton candy, and she stops speaking. As he pulls us toward the face painting stand, I replay what she told me in my head. How could people be so cruel?
A child is a blessing. If I were to have a kid, I’d be ecstatic. I’d never speak to my parents again if I ever found out they did such a terrible thing to me, resulting in me not being able to be a father.
It’s a shame how terrible people can be…
“I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time,” she reveals as he sits down to get his face painted. “Thanks again for showing up. He really likes you and talks about you nonstop at home.”
This warms me to hear. I think the world of Damian and to know he feels the same way is indescribable.
“It’s my pleasure. He’s a spectacular kid, Becca. You did a great job doing it on your own.”
She smiles as she puts her arm through mine and rests her head on my shoulder. “That means more than you’ll ever know.”
I place a quick kiss on her forehead, just in time for Damian to return to us with his face painted like a snowman. The sight causes me to chuckle.
“Looks great, little dude,” I comment. “But I think we should take a break and get some lunch. How’s that sound?”
Damian nods vigorously, and he takes my hand. Smirking, I look over at Becca, who is smiling back at me. We find a vacant picnic table, and they sit while I grab a small pizza to share.
“Pizza! I love pizza.” Damian takes no time digging into the slice that Becca sets on his paper plate. We join him, and as I take my first bite, the warm cheese expands. As it breaks, it splatters red sauce all over my face, and they both laugh at me.
With a smile, I begin wiping it off. “Yes, very funny. So is this.” I dip my finger into the sauce and flick some at Becca. It lands on her forehead, and Damian cracks up again, his face turning red from laughter.
“Okay, okay.” Becca takes the napkin I offer and cleans her skin. “I need to call my grandmother quickly. Can you watch him for a second?”
Nodding, she steps away to a quiet area. “So,” I start, setting the crust of my pizza down on my plate. “Did you have fun meeting Santa?”
“Mm-hmm,” he responds only with a noise as he shoves another bite in his mouth. With a laugh, I pass him one of the bottles of water I bought along with lunch.
“I’m glad. And I really hope he’s able to get you everything you asked for.”
I know that the comment on his father is a stretch, but maybe, if she’ll let me in, I can help them both work out whatever mess the father’s parents put her through.
Does this guy even know he has a kid walking around? If not, I feel bad for him. Knowing Damian the small time I have, I already love him.
I can’t imagine how this must feel for any of them.
