Chapter 15

Mike's POV: After the meeting

I watch as my other son leaves. I want to wrap him up in my arms and drag him home to his mother and the rest of the family. I want ... no HE NEEDS TO MEET HIS DAUGHTER AND NEPHEW. A tear falls down my cheek as I watch him leave, but I know that he still loves Ellie, Kiko, Verna, Nate, Ricky and I. I hold this piece of paper and look at it. Its his address and the words 'Come see your grandsons Daddy Mike'. I go to the men's room and cry for twenty minutes. I wonder why he didn't want to help me surprise his other mother. I finish crying for a bit and make my way back to my office. Since I sold the company to Carl it has gotten kinda bad. We lost a few long term employees but the morale is awful. I look at my secretary as I tell her I'm not feeling well and am going home early. She sees that something is wrong, but just nods her head and tells me to feel better. I laugh in my head, yeah I'd feel better if my son was home. I get to my car and drive home. I walk inside the house that Heath called home for the last couple years of high school. Ellie hearing me coming in comes to greet me. She sees my face and gets worried.

"Mike baby what's wrong? You look like you did when we found out Heath left."As she finishes saying that I break down again

My wife rushes to comfort me. She helps me to the couch and rubs my back trying to get me to calm down. Once I compose myself I look into her eyes.

"Baby I have some good news..." I say as I reach into my pocket and remove the piece of paper

She looks at it and then to me with questioning eyes as I explain.

"I had a merger today and the other company sent a young go getter ... IT WAS HEATH HONEY ... IT WAS OUR SON!" As I tell her she breaks down crying

I wait for her to calm down.

"He is a business man just like Greg was and way smarter than the two of us put together, his eyes are dark blue like the ocean, but they kinda sparkle every so often like when he was a kid and they'd glow. That is his address and he said he wanted you, Verna, Kiko, Nate, Ricky and I to come see the boys. When he told me I swear that I was looking at a grown up Heath because I swear his eyes glowed with hope. He said anytime we wanted to come out we have an open invitation. I couldn't tell him about Karen or Little Heath. I wanted to so badly, but it isn't my place.'" I explain as my wife looks at me

"He will honey and I know her eyes will help his shine again as she helps me never forget his eyes." We kiss and talk into the night

I text Nate and Ricky and tell them to call into work tomorrow as I am doing the same. They send back a message to the extent of 'Ok boss what's up?' I smile as I tell them meeting at the kids apartment tomorrow at 5. I then text my son and tell them the parents are coming over tomorrow at five. My son responds, 'ok dad everything ok? I text him back saying 'I'll tell you tomorrow'. The next day seemed to fly as I make plans to take some time off, and what I planned to do when I saw my son again and his new family. It is four o'clock as we head to the kid's apartment. We meet the other parents in the parking lot and swap our love. I tell them I have some big news. My sisters and brothers try to get it out of me and I tell them no everyone will hear it at the same time.We go up and knock on the door. We hear little feet running to the door and Karen opens it up,

"Grammies and Grampies are here mommy!" Karen says as I pick up my granddaughter and hug her so tightly

We walk in and I see my son start to walk to me. I put Karen down and walk to him and hug him so tightly I swear I heard his ribs crack as he starts tapping my back.

"Ok dad I'm sorry for whatever I did to piss you off." He says as I let him go to go to my daughters and hug them just as hard getting the same response.

We get drinks and sit in the living room as I start.

"Well everyone you know that I had a meeting yesterday right?" all nod as Ellie starts to cry knowing what I'm about to tell everyone as I continue " The person the other company sent was ... HEATH. It was OUR HEATH."As I notice everyone start to cry before I continue,"Kiko, Verna, Nate, Ricky we have an open invitation to go visit our boy and his family."

Kiko and Verna crying in each others arms trying to keep themselves upright. I see my brothers trying to keep themselves strong before my son speaks.

"What about us dad? Did you tell Heath about Little Heath or Karen?" I shake my head no before I speak

"I'm sorry son he was quick and to the point. He never mentioned you and didn't want him to stop talking to us." I see my son 's anger rise

"Do you know where he is?" He asks as I shake my head yes as he continues,"GIVE ME THE ADDRESS." and I start to shake my head no but he continues," I AM GOING TO GO SEE HIM AND TELL HIM ABOUT HIS NEPHEW AND DAUGHTER."

It's about this time Tiffany stops him.

"No Chris you are not going to VA... '"I look at Tiffany and wonder if she has given up before she surprises us all,"Because WE ARE GOING TO VIRGINA TO SEE HIM!"

I watch as Karen gets up and runs towards her room and the bathroom thinking she has to potty. We talk for a couple of minutes before she returns with a little bag and tells us,

"MOMMY I'M GOING TO SEE MY DADDY TOO!" She says with all the authority a five year old can command

Ellie, Kiko and Verna start laughing as Tiffany tells her she can't to which Karen kicks her mother in the shin going.

"Evil Mommy!" Tiffany cries as Selena tells her that wasn't nice as Nate, Ricky, and I smile at our granddaughter getting disciplined as Tiffany rubs her shin

Heathie gets up and heads to the bathroom and I sense what is going to happen. Five minutes later my prediction is right as he returns with his own bag,

"Daddy, Mommy and Auntie Tiff I'm going to see Uncle Heath too."Nate, Ricky and I laugh knowing our grandkids loved our son with such a passion most people would not understand especially since they had never met. I tell everyone lets go out to dinner and then help the kids pack for the trip to see Heath.

Karen POV: At dinner

Grampie Mike took us all out to dinner. Mommy and Aunt Selena smiled so brightly it was funny. Uncle Chris talked all about seeing daddy again, and how he couldn't wait to hug his brother again. Heathie and I smiled and giggled at them. Grammies Verna and Ellie just talked about how they'd be right up behind us in a couple days. I asked a question that shocked all the adults, 'Mommy do you think daddy will hug and love on me when he meets me?' Everyone stops talking and my mother looks at me, 'Ok course he will baby girl. Why do you ask that?' I don't know what comes over me as I cry, 'Because he has never come to see me, or calls. Heathie has Uncle Chris and Auntie Selena so he has a mommy and daddy with him but I just have you mommy. I want to meet daddy so much, and have him tell me that he loves me like you do all the time. I always hear how much he loves his family, but I've never met him and I wonder if he loves me. After finishing I cry to hard I start to shake. My mommy rushes to me and hugs me

"Baby girl your mommy hurt your daddy so much. If I knew where he was I would have told him about you. I KNOW that he would be here for you. Just know this I love you with all my heart and know that when your daddy meets you IT WILL BE THE SAME." I smile as my Grammies all kiss my cheeks and tell me similiar comments

We finish dinner and head home. Heathie and I look at our parents making sure we have everything in our little suitcases and then start on theirs. Auntie Selena and Mommy stops every so often to pick me or Heathie up and love on us. Uncle Chris will look over at us with a smile saying he loves us with all his heart. We smile telling them that we love them too. I ask questions that I know mommy has answered so many times but I never get tired of hearing.

"Mommy what is daddy's favorite color? Does he like swimming too?what's his favorite flavor of Ice cream?Does he like puppies or kitties better?" I laugh as all the parents answering without skipping a beat

"Blue, yes he loves to swim, Chocolate Chip, puppies." I smile because daddy and I are so similiar

Grammie Ellie always said I was my daddy's bright blue eyed baby girl along with Grammie Kiko, Verna, and her's.I can't wait to see him and meet my little brothers. I know I will love Dakota as my little brother just as I love Heathie as my little brother. Heathie and I yawn getting the attention of our parents.

"Time for bed kids." States Auntie Selena and mommy in unison

Heathie and I put our arms up as we get picked up and put in bed. We get our goodnite kisses and hugs. Mommy is the last one out of the room and turns off the light before she tells us.

"I know that when he sees you two he will love you just as much as we all do." My mommy says as Heathie is more tired than I am and falls alseep real quickly

I think about meeting daddy and hoping he will love me like Aunt Selena and Mommy keep telling me, I wonder if Dakota and Lil Greg can speak and if they will like me too, I keep hoping that our Grammies and Grampies get there quickly so the whole family can be together. As I faded into slumber I speak out loud hoping my thoughts and emotions can reach my family that I have never met, 'I love you Dakota, Gregie and Daddy. I hope that you love me as much as I love you. I can't wait to see you and play together. I hope that you are proud of me daddy.' As I think this last thought sleep takes over my body as I am awaken early the next morning and we head to meet my daddy. all I can think is, PLEASE LOVE ME TOO DADDY!

Michelle's POV: Sunday Afternoon

I'm cleaning my room because something is just bugging me, but I can't figure out what the hell it is. I swiffer my books when a stack of letters and a couple photos fall onto the floor. I bend down as my skirt comes up and over my tight ass. I look and see it's the picture of the 5 of us at the lake house and the other is when I got my first boyfriend and he kissed my cheek and Heath took offense and gave me my first kiss on the lips going. 'She's my Shellie not yours.' I smiled remembering those days. No he's a little spoiled brat I think to myself as I shake the thoughts from my head. I look over the letters and remember when I first received them. "Shellie I miss you, Bubby and mom. I try to stay strong and my firends help, but I miss you all so much. I'm trying my best to make you proud of me'... 'Happy birthday Shellie as I wish I could be there to share it with you.'... 'Classes are going alright Michelle as they have me in a couple advanced classes. I hope that this year you and Travis might spend a couple days with me during the summer.' I look at them and realize that Heath was my special little guy and wonder how badly I screwed up his life. After meeting Keisha I introduced Trey and Travis. We all hit it off and they started showing us how mom loved Heath more. After that Travis and I grew up and started writing less and less to Heath. When he'd come home we stayed out. After a year or so we got Tyrone and mom hooked up and then had that shabby wedding, but Travis and I didn't care because mom looked so happy. I smile to myself thinking where the little baby is now and if he ever manned up after catching the little sluts and the brat named Chris. I look at one other picture and I cry because it is Heath at halloween. He looks to be six or seven. I remember that halloween because Travis tricked him into watching some horror movie. That night he woke me up, 'Shellie are you up?' He nudges me as I blink, 'What's up heathie?' He looks at me terrified before he asks his question, 'I had a bad dream ... can I sleep with you?' He smiles at me so sweetly and I see his sapphire eyes and they melt my heart as always. I pull back the sheets, 'Come on baby climb into bed with Momma Shellie.' Heath climbs in and snuggles with me as if he really was my baby. He rests his head on my budding breasts as I hum a song that puts him to sleep, 'Don't worry baby brother your Shellie will always be here for you and never let anyone hurt you.'

I laugh at myself as my mind returns to the present, 'Come on girl get your act together. Tyrone, Trey, Travis and you are sending him letters from your mom saying she hates him and letters from "him" to her saying he hates her and wants to go to college outta town.' I look back at my closet and sigh ... I took all of mom's photos that included Heath and hid them so she would stop bringing the little baby up. My mind wonders back to spring break two years ago when we ran into the three little brats and Heath was missing. I know Travis and I wanted him outta the picture, but no one knew where he was. I start to wonder if he is alright and what he might be doing? I wonder if I'm an aunt and how many times over. Then I wonder why he never tried to contact mom ... I mean he WAS the favorite after all. I just look out my window as I talk to no one inparticular, 'Heath are you happy?'

It's Monday morning as I get out of my car to head to my office for the last time. On my way I am stopped by a old familar voice that catches me off guard.

"Heath stop we want to talk man." The voice says as I turn to see a face from my past

"What are you doing here? I thought I told you to never find me? And how the hell did you find me? " I exclaim seeing my day start out shitty and realizing how they had found out where I was

"Heath that is in the past man just hear us out." He says as I see Tiffany standing by him looking at me with those beautiful eye that she would show me in high school

"Why should I? Did you come to gloat that my business was bought, or gloat that you three are happy, or Tiffany to say she so happy with a older man?" I ask see their eyes go wide as my venom comes out fast and to the point

"No we didn't come here to gloat we came to talk to you." Tiffany tells me with pleading eyes hoping that I won't repeat what happened in high school and leave without a trace

As I look at the both of them seeing them as a plague. I shake my head before speaking again.

"Just leave as I have a lot to do, and don't need you two around me." I say turning leaving them standing there in shock, They try to follow me as I reach our security guard and associate entrance " Ralph please escort these two off of the company grounds."

Ralph nods before stepping up to do his job.

Chris POV:

Tiffany and I drive back to the hotel room and walk in. Selena looks at me hopefully to which I shake my head. I call my dad and tell him that Heath won't talk to Tiffany or myself. That he entered the building and we can't get in. He tells me to give him a hour or so and we will have access. As we drive back Tiffany cries hoping my dad can work a miracle, and we can see Heath. We pull up in front of the building and wait. About 10 minutes later a Mr. Calhoun comes to the door and escorts us to the guest check in. We get scanned in and photographed before getting handed oou guest badges. A new secretary that he calls Della is escorting us to Heath's office. I think to myself ' Please Heath listen to me for a couple of minutes bro, because your daughter and nephew need you man'. About 1 o'clock we stand in front of Heath's office as Della opens it...

Making the way to my office was no picnic as my fellow employees tell me they will never forget me, and if I ever need anything to let them know. I give them a small smile thanking them from the heart. I had let Kaye go telling her it be best as what I learned the new owner was a asshole. She told me she needed to deal with some old family matters anyway as she gave me a hug before she left yesterday. One of the temp secrataries was filling in for Kaye today so I knew I would get what paper work I had left done. As I walked in my office I shut the door placing my back against it looking out the window at the view I would miss. I walked over to my desk placing my brief case down before taking my seat. I looked at the memos I already had on my desk seeing they were changes that Mr. Karlington was doing. Hour lunches turned into 30 minute lunches. Profit sharing was made to half for full time and zero for part time workers. I kept thinking that lying old prick needed to be fucked up the ass for treating hard working people like this. After a few hours I took a break leaning back in my chair looking out the window. I let out a sigh watching the clouds roll by from the morning shower. It was around 1 p.m. when my office door opened as I looked up to see again two people I didn't want to see.

"Sorry Mr. Thompson they insisted on seeing you." Della says as I wave her off

"What do you two want? I told you to leave me alone." I stated asking them as they stood there in my office

"Heath we want to apologize for everything we didn't mean to hurt you." Tiffany says as I stand up making my way around my desk to stand on the other side

"Ok you apologized so get out." I say as they look at me shocked

"Heath we are not leaving until we say our peace." Chris tells me as I look deep in his eyes

"Oh what peace is that? You fucking Tiffany behind my back? Or you taking what was vowed to me?" I ask as his eyes look at me with hurt

"Oh and you didn't take Selena? It's not like you have room to talk." Tiffany says getting my attention

I look straight into Tiffany's eyes feeling my anger boil.

"Oh your going to blame that on me when you willingly spread your legs for him?" I ask as she looks at Chris then back at me

"I was lonely ok since you were always studying." She tells me as I start feeling my heart race

"LONELY ... you say lonely well if you were lonely you should of got a dog. Oh wait I forget you did because the little bitch is standing right there." I say with venom as both look at me with shock

"Heath that was uncalled for. I am no little bitch as you put it. Look we're sorry we." Chris says only he doesn't get to finish as I step up looking at him eye to eye

"YOUR SORRY? YOUR DAMN RIGHT ... ALL THREE OF YOU BITCHES ARE SORRY! YOUR ALL SORRY PIECES OF SHIT THAT COMES OUT A DOGS ASS!" I say feeling my heart start pounding in my chest

He looks deeply in my eyes with hurt as he looks at Tiffany for some sign of help. I turn to see her eyes show the same hurt as Chris's show. It's at that moment my office door opens as Max and Danny step in. Both are security for the company.

"Mr. Thompson everything alright in here?" Max asks as I shake my head no

"Max, Danny please escort these two out of here and the building. Take pictures of them to show your replacements at shift change. If they step one foot in the building call the police and have them arrested for trespassing." I explain as Tiffany and Chris's eyes go wide

"Heath you ... you wouldn't?" Tiffany asks with some fear

"Watch me you bitch." I say as I watch Max takes Chris by his right arm as Danny takes Tiffany's

"Heath this isn't over man. We came all the way here to talk some sense into you." Chris tells me as I look at him angerly

"Chris if you or your little bitch there steps anywhere around me I will have you arrested, and don't think I won't I know the sheriff." I state as they are both taken away out of my office

I go to shut my door to only see Tiffany looking back at me with those beautiful sad eyes. I just slam the door wishing they never stepped a foot back in my life. I make my way back to my chair leaning back when the door opens. I turn my head to see it's Della with a cup of coffee. She walks over with some concern as she places the cup on my desk in front of me. She waits as I turn to take a sip before nodding to her that is was good. I notice Della doesn't move as I look to see deep concern in her eyes.

"What is it Della?" I ask as she lets out a sigh before she speaks

"Mr. Thompson are you alright? Mr. Calhoun told me about your condition and all." She tells me as I see sincerity in her eyes

"Yes I am fine. It's just my past coming to kick me in the ass that's all." I say getting a nod from her before dismissing her to her work

I stay in my chair as she leaves shutting my office door behind her. I sip on my coffee while turning to look at the window. I start to calm down from what just happened only moments ago. I start to think of all the people of my past why was it those two, and where was Selena although it wouldn't of mattered as I would of told her off also. I lean my head back enjoying my cup of coffee as I ponder on what will happen next in my life. I turn back around to my desk placing the cup down only to look at the picture on my desk of my family. The boys smiling at me as they are held by their mothers. I feel a smile come across my face as I let a sigh out before getting back to the last bit of work I have to do for my last day at my desk.

It's around 5:30 p.m. that I stop and get the mail on my way in from work. Damn it was a shitty day as I had to DEAL with that stupid slut that was my first girlfriend and that backstabbing asshole that I had called my brother for years.I drive up to the house and look through the mail and see some junk mail, the power bill and a letter ... its from Michelle. What the hell ... did everyone that I didn't want to deal with talk to one another to piss me off today. I sigh and get out and close the door. I open the front door and yell I'm home to let Jazzy, Lil Greg and Batman know that I was home. Batman greets me and tries to knock me over. He was almost twice the size of other pitbulls. He would put his front paws on my shoulders and look me in the eyes and lick me if I didn't stop him. He looks me in the eye and notices something is off and gets down. I hear LG scream daddy as he runs to me and I pick him up. He gives me my evening hug and I ask him if he was a good boy. He nods as Jazzy walks around the corner and shakes her head. I look back to him and ask him why mommy said no. He puts his head down as Jazzy explains.

"Batty decided to dig up my little garden and Lil Greg decided to help his brother. I had to give them two baths they were so dirty." Jasmine tells me as I chuckle, 'Good thing Bats loves baths.'

It was strange that Batman loved baths. He got into the habit of weekly baths and loved when the boys took one with him. I walk over to my Latina Queen and kiss her.

"Mmmmm Baby if you keep that up I might not finish dinner." She tells me with a smile as I chuckle as I put Lil Greg down to go play

Lil Greg goes running into the living room and Batman follows his little brother to watch over him. Jazzy and I speak for a little bit about what my plans were now that I was unemployeed. About 5 mins later we hear a kapow and run to see that Lil Greg and Batman had played with the vacuum cleaner bag and made it explode. Jazzy sighs, 'Boys bathroom now!' Lil Greg tries to run past his mother as she catches him and pops his little butt for trying to runaway from her. Batman tries just to get caught by his collar, 'Batman bathroom now or no treats'yells my wonderful lover. Batman tucks his tail between his legs and walks to the bathroom as Lil Greg looks back crying for me to save him from his mother. I chuckle wondering if I did the same thing to my father. As I hear the water run I get the letter out and read it...

Dear Heath,

This letter is to inform you that Travis and my mother has passed on. She had a stroke and her health went down hill. After her stroke her mind reverted to years ago when you would have been in high school.She kept asking about you and MY DEAR BROTHER AND I HAD TO LIE TO HER ... and tell her that you were in school and it was an important test time.Her last days were thinking of the one who BROKE her heart the worst. I HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY THAT TRAVIS AND I ARE ORPHANS! Well I wish you the best and don't bother responding as we had her cremated.

Sincerely,

Michelle Ann Thompson

I look at what I just read. My mother was dead and I didn't know about it. I drop the letter feeling an emptiness reading about my mother's death. I feel the tears start to fall as I yell at Jazz that I was going out back to sit on the beach for a bit. She just yells that she'll come get me when dinner is done and to have fun. I hear Lil Greg screaming he's clean and he wants out. I smile as I walk outside and down to the beach.

As I sit in the sand where I usually do I look upon the ocean as the waves clash with the rocks and sand. My mind drifts to my memories of my youth with my father, mother, and siblings. I remember how we all were a family while my dad was alive. The moments my father hugged me, the times my mother comforted me when I got my boo boo's, Michelle taking me to bed as if I was her own kid, and Travis teaching me how to swim, and ride a bike. I feel my tears flow as I stand up glancing at the waves not far away. Without thinking I take my shoes off tossing them to the sand. I look back at the house that has been mine for the past few years. I say two words ' Fuck it' as I start for the water not caring anymore. The woman that gave me birth was no more. First my father, then Grandma May, now my dearest mother that I loved, but had abandoned me. Even after she abandoned me I always hoped that it was just a sick joke and someone would yell that I'd been pranked. I hear some music coming from down the beach. The words seem to fit how my soul is feeling right now.

Show me what it's like

To be the last one standing

And teach me wrong from right

And I'll show you what I can be

And say it for me

Say it to me

And I'll leave this life behind me

Say it if it's worth saving me

Heaven's gates won't open up for me

With these broken wings I'm fallin'

And all I see is you

These city walls ain't got no love for me

I'm on the ledge of the eighteenth story

And all I scream for you

Come please I'm callin'

And all I need from you

Hurry I'm fallin', I'm fallin'

As I step into the water I hear people scream for me to stop. I don't stop as I ignore the familiar voices. I feel the waves hit my legs as I keep making my way deeper. As I feel the ocean hit my waist the voices are getting drowned out by the roar of the ocean. My memories come back of my beautiful mother and sister who I loved, but yet they never wanted me after my father died. As the water gets to my shoulders I turn to see Chris, Tiffany, and Selena all standing, screaming for help. I see tears falling from Tiffany's eyes as she screams ' HEATH DON'T I LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS HAVE'. I ignore those words that don't mean anything any more. I look up at the sky as the clouds that appear go by. I look back to see Jack and Adam running across the beach trying to reach me before I do something I'll regret. I take in one last breath as I let it out to only go under the water closing my eyes one last time. I don't think of anything as I open my mouth letting the ocean water fill my lungs. I feel my body jerk wanting air which I deny it of that pleasure as I sink to a watery grave. I resist the thought of going up and facing those that hurt me so much. I wonder is my families lives would of been better if I had never taken that first breathe after coming from my mother's womb. With my last thought running through my mind I say words that I hope reaches my mother spirit ' I loved you mom I just wished you wanted and loved me'.' I never got to ask you why you kept me when I was unwanted ... I guess I'll have all eternity to now'

I don't know how or why but the next thing I knew I was on the beach. I looked around to see my father standing there with a grim expression on his face. He walked up to me placing his right hand on my left shoulder. He looked deep in my eyes before he spoke.

"Heath what are you thinking as this is not your time?" He asks as I feel my tears never stopped

"Dad what was I to do? You, Grandma May, and now mom are gone. Both my parent's are dead and I feel so alone." I answer seeing him shake his head

"No son she is not gone. You have been deceived by those that use fear as a crutch. You are not alone either as you have those that love you. What will happen to my grandsons and granddaughter if you stay dead. You need to fight for life as I would have." He tells me as I feel his love flow through my body to my heart

He has me turn to see those that care for me as well as those that betrayed me.

"Son look at those around you as your two brothers fight to bring you back. Look at the woman that loves you, but weeps that she has lost you again and there is nothing she can do to help. Look at those they never gave up hope to hold you in their arms again." My father exclaims to me as I look on

"But those three hurt me to the point I relive that day over and over as if it's a movie on replay. I can never forgive them of what they did that night." I say as he steps up in front of me

"Yes you can slugger as I loved them in life so can you. I know your pain was caused by them, but they have been hurt as well. Heath we are given a certain amount of time and we can't change that ... but it's how you use it that means the most. Everyone is given a second chance as May gave you one as well." He tells me as I go to my knees