“I should have told them right away. Let them get used to it. I waited too long.”
“It’s my fault. I never keep my mouth shut.”
“I would never have been able to tell them the truth.”
“I hate leaving you this way.”
I look behind me. Mr Yang is on the sofa with the kids, trying to calm them down. They wouldn’t even have dinner after the news. They threw so many questions at me that I couldn’t answer them.
Fortunately, Rowan is on his way. I hope his experience and confidence can help us through this acceptance phase.
“Talk to you later?” Ross asks me before going.
“Sure.”
“Try not to fidget too much in his presence…”
“I can’t promise you anything.”
I’m nervous just thinking about it. Let alone with him here!
“Try to pull yourself together,” he tells me again before leaving me to my fate.
I close the door and turn my attention to the kids.
I can do it, I tell myself, although I am not sure.
“So,” I walk over to them and sit down on the armrest of the sofa. “Mr Kennedy will be here shortly and will explain everything to you. I’m sure that after talking to him, we will all have a clearer idea.”
“Is this lawyer any good?” Mason asks.
“One of the best.”
Actually, I don’t know if that is true. I mean, he seems absolutely perfect to me. I can’t imagine that there is anyone who can match his talents.
“Will we win with him?” Logan asks, his voice thin.
I don’t want to lie to them, but we need hope and positivity.
“No one will take you away from me.”
“You didn’t answer,” Logan points out.
“This is because I am sure the lawyer will be the one to answer all your questions as soon as…” I look at my watch. He should have been with us by now. “As soon as he’s here. Are you really sure you don’t want to eat anything?”
“My stomach hurts,” Emily says, brushing her abdomen.
“How about a cup of herbal tea?” Mr Yang asks her. “I’m sure it will help you relax.”
“OK,” she agrees.
Mr Yang gets up and signals me to join him in the kitchen. “I’ll make tea for everyone and then leave you alone. This is a family matter.”
“But you are family.”
Mr Yang smiles at me, and then his hands clasp my arms. “The kids need you, Seth.”
“I know.”
