Memory of the Heart

Chapter 64: Afterglow

Because of the people around him, especially his grandmother and aunt, Little George didn't feel the need to ask his father about his mother growing up.

Even at a young age, he felt like it was a taboo. He felt like it would be a bad thing to ask his father about it, even though he would be curious at times.

Sometimes, Little George was actually curious why his mother wasn't there with him. Where was she? What happened between her and his father?

Those were the things that Little George thought he'd never find answers to even when he becomes a big boy someday.

"Listen, buddy. I've already told you before as well, right... Dalena is really your mum. It might be too much for you to understand right now, but we just found out that they were the same person. Your Mama forgot her memories but after she woke up in the hospital, she remembered them. Remembered us." Luke said in a gentle voice.

Little George, who was sitting at Luke's lap, nodded and tried to take it all in.

"Soon, your Mama and Papa will also have a wedding. You never tell me, but I know you are worried about the things that people say about me. You don't need to worry about these things anymore, George. Don't pay any attention to it. Remember, buddy, I will always love you and your Mama. You two are my life." Luke said, whispering the last words softly.

"Thank you, Papa."

Little George wrapped his small arms around Luke's neck while Luke hugged him back tightly, not wanting to let go first.

All these years, it was only Luke and Little George who were there for each other. The little boy was Luke's purpose to continue living, as he was someone out of his and Yarra's love.

The two didn't even realise when Yarra came in the lounge room. She was quiet, just taking in the moment she's witnessing of the father and son duo.

Luke's eyes were reddened when he let go of Little George. He was always a strong person, but he couldn't help but get emotional with the miracles he was facing. Because finally, it wasn't just him and Little George this time.

When Little George saw Yarra, his eyes immediately brightened up.

"Mama!" he shouted, running to Yarra and hugging her.

Because he was merely seven years old, he could only hug Yarra up to her waist. Yarra crouched down a bit and kissed the little boy's forehead.

"I'm still sorry for not being there all this time, George. I love you so much."

Little George let out a playful sigh.

"Mama, why do you keep saying sorry for? All that matters now is that you're here with me and Papa!"

With his son's witty answer, Luke laughed a bit.

"Our son is right, Yarra. We have the rest of our lives now to make up for the time we lost."

Later on, as he walked pass the hallway to get ready for school, Little George couldn't help but hear some whispers. There wouldn't be these kinds of whispers when he was with his father and mother but because the staff merely thinks of Little George as a kid, they were nonchalant about saying such things.

"As I've heard, that woman is really the Duke's old lover. Young Master George's real mum!" one of them whispered.

"That's true. And apparently, it's not gonna be that long until they marry. So now, Young Master George is gonna be legitimate." another one whispered.

Even though the whispers weren't as malicious as before, Little George could not care less.

What gives him relief now is having his Mama with him and his father all the time. Also, the fact that his secret fear of his father abandoning him for another woman and a new sibling that would be 'legitimate' seems to be all gone.