Jiya #2
“Caleb?” I repeated, turning fully to face my son. “When did you speak to him? When did this happen?”
“Last night when you were in the shower,” he said. “He called on the hotel phone.”
I cursed under my breath.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Lucas?” The words came out loud.
I had been waiting for that call. Watching my phone like it held the answer to my future. And all along, he had already reached out.
My body stiffened.
“I was going to tell you when you came out,” Lucas said quietly, lowering his gaze to the floor. “But you were talking to Aunty Elle after your shower, and then I forgot.”
His small voice pierced straight through my irritation.
This wasn’t his fault. How could he possibly understand how much that call meant to me?
I walked over to him and knelt.
“I’m sorry I raised my voice,” I said gently, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “I wish you had told me, sweetheart, but I know you didn’t forget on purpose.”
“I’m sorry, Mama,” he said, his voice still soft. “I remembered the whole time when you were on the phone, and then Finding Nemo came on, and I forgot.”
“It’s all right,” I said, pulling him into a hug. “Do you know when he’s—”
Another knock sounded at the door.
Of course, he’s here now.
I closed my eyes briefly and muttered under my breath.
Sometimes it felt as if fate took pleasure in placing obstacles between us, as though it enjoyed watching us miss each other by seconds, by chances, by words left unsaid. For once—just once—I wished fate would butt its darn head out and let us figure things out without interference.
Harper reached the door first and opened it.
I stood up slowly, Lucas still beside me, my pulse quickening.
My eyes locked onto Caleb as soon as he stepped inside.
His presence filled the room with a charged intensity that made my skin prickle.
I didn’t miss the way his gaze landed on Harper first, dark and assessing, his expression hard enough to make anyone else step back. If looks could kill, daggers would be flying out of Caleb’s eyes.
“Oh! I didn’t know you were going to be here,” Caleb said, extending his hand toward Harper.
“Same here,” Harper replied, shaking his hand. “Lucas just told us now that you were going to be popping by to take them out. I was thinking of taking them to the beach and then to the park for a picnic, but you beat me to it.” He smiled.
“I guess I did,” Caleb said.
His jaw ticked, and his lips pressed into a thin line.
“I guess I should have called first before dropping by,” he added as he stepped further into the room. His eyes moved past me. “Are the children ready?”
“Umm… yeah,” I replied, tension pulling tight through my ribs. “They just finished their breakfast.”
Harper walked over to the dining table and lifted Emma gently from her chair.
Emma immediately reached for Mia and tucked the doll beneath her arm before letting Harper help her with her shoes.
“Great… Hi, Geeta!” Caleb called out, looking toward the kitchen.
“Hi! How are you, Bhaiya?” she replied.
“Good. You joining me with the children?”
Geeta glanced at me for confirmation.
I nodded slowly.
“Yes, Bhaiya. All right,” she said.
A hollow feeling spread through my chest as plans formed around me without my involvement, like I was a guest in my own life.
I wanted to go with them, to stand beside him the way I once had. But that place no longer belonged to me.
The palpable tension in the room could be cut with a chainsaw, and I watched Geeta move quickly, preparing a small bag with snacks, water bottles, and extra clothes for the children.
“We’ll be back after lunch,” Caleb informed me curtly.
My heart pounded as I gathered the courage to speak.
“Would you have time to talk then?” I asked, holding my breath.
“No,” he snapped back immediately. “I have to meet Tatiana for last-minute confirmations.”
Her name landed between us like a wall.
“How about tomorrow?” I tried again.
“I don’t know,” he said, glancing at the children walking toward him. “I’m quite busy.”
My mouth turned dry and sore.
“What about Friday?” I asked, searching his face. “I need to speak with you.”
His eyes snapped back to mine.
“You should have thought about that before asking Harper to come over,” he said under his breath, leaning slightly closer.
The accusation stung.
Before I could respond, Harper’s voice cut through the tension.
“Oh! I forgot,” he said loudly.
I turned toward him.
“Tatiana invited you and me for dinner with Caleb and her on Friday. I was going to mention that to you today.”
Great! I shut my eyes, face-palming myself in my head. Any other surprises waiting for me today?
A few seconds later, I bent and kissed the children.
“Have fun,” I whispered, waving to them.
I stood in the doorway, watching them walk away together—Caleb leading the way, the children bouncing beside him, Geeta following close behind.
My chest ached as the distance between us grew with every step.
I blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.
Then I felt Harper’s hand rest gently on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry,” he said quietly. “It’ll all work out.”
I drew in a slow breath and closed the door.
I hope it does. I hope I’m not too late.