Backl 10

Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on November 8, 2024

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Chapter Ten

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As the evening settled down, I was sitting on the couch beside Robbin. The cozy warmth of the home wrapped around us, and I couldn’t help but think how much my life had changed in these five years. The quiet moments like this, with Ethan laughing in the background and Aunt Linda bustling about, felt almost surreal.

Robbin turned to me, his expression softening. “You’ve been quiet tonight. Everything okay?”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, I’m just thinking. About how different things are now, how far we’ve come.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “You’ve built a great life here, Tasha. You and Ethan are thriving. You should be proud of yourself.”

I gave him a small smile. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Robbin. You’ve been there every step of the way.”

Just then, Ethan came running back into the room, his new iPod in hand, grinning from ear to ear. “Mom! Uncle Robbin! Look at this new game!” He climbed onto the couch between us, eagerly showing off his latest obsession.

As I leaned in to listen, my mind briefly drifted to the life I had left behind, the life I’d worked so hard to forget. Daniel, Venessa, the divorce, lying to Robbin of not knowing who Ethan’s father was, it all seemed like a distant memory now. But sometimes, in the quiet moments, I couldn’t help but wonder: what if?

Robbin caught my gaze, as if sensing my thoughts, and gently squeezed my hand. “Hey, Tasha. You’ve got

us.”

I nodded, grateful for the stability we’d found.

And with that, the evening continued, with laughter, love, and the ever–present comfort of family.

“I need to get going.” Robbin said, standing up from the couch.

“Don’t you think it’s late?” I asked, a hint of worry in my voice.

“Don’t go, Dad!” Ethan chimed in, rushing over to grab Robbin’s hand. “You can stay wiv me in my room tonight.”

Our home, a cozy three–bedroom duplex, had always been filled with warmth since Aupt–Linda moved in. One room was mine, one was Ethan’s, and Aunt Linda had claimed the guest room after I fired our last Baby sitter for letting Ethan get hurt while pressing her phone since then she came to live with us. It had been a comfort, knowing she was around to help.

Robbin smiled, ruffling Ethan’s hair. “I’ll be back tomorrow, I promise, little man.”

Ethan’s face fell, his shoulders slumping slightly. He always loved it when Robbin stayed over. Robbin had been more than just a friend, more than just “Uncle Robbin‘–he was a father figure in every sense, especially to Ethan, who admired him deeply.

You don’t have to go,” I said, my voice softening. “It’s already so late, and you know you’re welcome here. We have space.”

Robbin hesitated, his eyes meeting mine. There was something unspoken between us–something neither

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Chapter Ten

of us was ready to confront just yet. Finally, he sighed and gave in.

“Alright, you win,” he said, turning to Ethan. “I’ll stay the night.”

Ethan’s face lit up with excitement as he ran toward his room, already calling out for Robbin to join him. Robbin chuckled, watching him disappear down the hallway.

Just then, Aunt Linda walked back into the room. “Always late,” she teased again, playfully swatting at Robbin as he shrugged.

“You know how it is,” Robbin replied with a grin. “Work never ends.”

“Well, you better catch up before you miss dessert too! Aunt Linda laughed.

“You don’t have to stay in Ethan’s room if you don’t want to,” I said hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper. “You can-”

Robbin cut me off with a warm smile. “Of course, that’s what Ethan wants. We’ve got a game to finish,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes.

I couldn’t help but smile back. Ethan had been talking non–stop about some board game they’d started playing, and knowing Robbin, he wasn’t about to let Ethan down.

“Alright then,” I said softly, stepping back as Robbin made his way toward Ethan’s room.

As he walked down the hall, I watched him, feeling a mix of gratitude and something deeper that I still couldn’t quite define. He’d been there for Ethan and me, more than I could’ve ever asked for, and now, as I stood in the hallway of our home, I realized just how much I’d come to rely on him–not just for Ethan, but for myself too.

The next morning, the sound of my alarm jolted me awake. It was 7 o’clock. I stretched lazily before heading to the bathroom to brush my teeth. As I looked into the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile at my reflection. My skin was glowing, and I no longer looked frail and skinny like I used to when I was with Daniel. Life had changed so much since then. I couldn’t even remember the last time I felt sick or had to donate blood for anyone.

Feeling refreshed, I made my way to Ethan’s room, expecting to find both him and Robbin still asleep. But it was just Ethan, wrapped in his blanket, sleeping peacefully. Smiling to myself, I tiptoed out and headed towards the dining room.

greeted

To my surprise, Robbin was already there, fully dressed, taking sips from his coffee. “Morning,” I him, still half–asleep. He paused, his eyes lingering on me for a moment, and I suddenly realized why. I was still in my nightwear, and it hugged my body, accentuating my curves. “Mmm,” I scoffed playfully, breaking the tension. He quickly averted his gaze, looking flustered.

“Morning,” he finally responded, clearing his throat.

“Leaving already?” I asked, noting that he was dressed to go..

“Yeah,” he replied, glancing at his watch. “I’ve got an appointment by 9.”

Robbin had become such an important part of our lives, and mornings felt incomplete without him. There were things he needed to do, and I had my own responsibilities.