Bab 26: Aaron Finally see his Family
Aaron crouched down to Apollo's level, searching the boy's eyes for understanding. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said gently. "But I'm here now. I've missed you both so much."
Apollo's expression shifted, a flicker of curiosity replacing his confusion. "You're my dad?" he asked, his voice small but filled with a spark of hope.
"Yes, I am," Aaron affirmed, a soft smile breaking through the tension. "And I promise I'm not going anywhere again. We'll figure this out together."
Meriam felt a swell of emotions at the sight of Aaron reaching out to their son. It was a fragile moment, filled with possibilities, but she knew they had much to discuss. Still, for now, she allowed herself to breathe in this moment of connection, hoping that the love they shared could bridge the gaps that time and circumstance had created.
Meriam took a deep breath, her heart racing as she led Aaron into the dimly lit hut. The air felt heavy with unspoken words. "What brings you here? What do you want?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, betraying a mix of anger and sorrow.
Aaron's gaze dropped to the floor. "Didn't you miss me? Why didn't you tell Apollo about me? Are you still mad?" His low tone was filled with a desperate longing, but Meriam couldn't respond. Instead, tears streamed down her cheeks, each drop a silent testament to the pain he had caused.
"Please, our lives have been at peace without you," she finally said, her voice breaking. "We have this small hut, I have Apollo, and that's it. I no longer want you here."
The sadness in Aaron's eyes deepened as he knelt before her, vulnerability laid bare. "Please, Meriam, I could make it up to you. Nobody's going to hurt you now, not after what happened with Grandpa." The mention of her grandfather stirred memories of loss and grief, intertwining with the warmth of the life she had built with Apollo.
Meriam shook her head, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her chest. "You don't understand. It's not just about you. It's about us—what we've fought for, what I've built." Her heart ached as she spoke, caught between the past and the fragile future she had carved out for herself and her son.
Aaron looked up, desperation etched in his features. "I can be better. I swear it. Just give me a chance." But Meriam felt the walls she had carefully constructed begin to tremble, her resolve wavering in the face of his pleading eyes.
Meriam's tears fell freely, a mix of frustration and lingering love as Aaron wrapped his arms around her. "Please, Meriam, give me a chance. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you again," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
But Meriam pulled away slightly, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. "You also gave me that word when we had Apollo," she reminded him, the pain of broken promises hanging between them like a shadow.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside, and Apollo burst into the hut, his face lighting up with concern when he saw his mother crying. "Hey, mister! What have you done to my mother?" he demanded, eyes narrowing as he glanced at Aaron.
Aaron managed a soft smile, trying to reassure the young boy. "Nothing, Apollo. I'm just here to make amends with your mom and with you for all the times I wasn't around to protect you both." He knelt to Apollo's level, searching the boy's eyes for understanding.
Apollo crossed his arms, skepticism etched on his face. "You think just saying sorry is enough? You weren't there when we needed you." His voice was steady, a reflection of the hurt that had settled into their lives.
Aaron swallowed hard, the weight of Apollo's words pressing down on him. "I know, and I can't change the past. But I want to be here now, to do right by both of you. I'll work hard to earn your trust again," he said earnestly.
Meriam watched the exchange, a mix of hope and doubt swirling in her heart. She wanted to believe Aaron, but the scars of their history ran deep. Would he truly change, or was this just another promise that would fade with time? As she looked at her son, she knew she had to protect him, even if that meant facing the man who had once hurt them both.
The moment hung in the air, filled with tension and unspoken feelings until Meriam finally broke it. "Apollo, he is your father, Aaron."
Apollo's eyes widened in surprise, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh really? Why didn't you tell me before?" His excitement bubbled over. "Well, thank you, Mother! I'm so happy I finally met him." He turned to Aaron, his voice brightening. "But is he going to live with us now?"
Meriam felt a pang of uncertainty at her son's enthusiasm. She exchanged a glance with Aaron, whose expression was a mix of hope and apprehension. "Well, it's up to him, Apollo. He knows this is our home."
Aaron took a breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "I want to be here, but I need to prove that I can be the father you deserve," he said, looking between Meriam and Apollo. "I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to try."
Apollo's enthusiasm remained, but Meriam could see the flicker of uncertainty in her son's eyes. She knelt beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Remember, sweetheart, this isn't just about being happy. It's about being safe and feeling loved."
Apollo nodded, the joy in his heart tempered by the understanding of their situation. "I just want us to be a family," he said simply, his innocence shining through.
Meriam's heart swelled with love for her son. "We'll figure it out together," she promised, glancing at Aaron, who nodded, determination etched on his face. The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, hope flickered within her.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone