"Jesse is that you," I heard my mother call out as I entered the house.
I just returned from celebrating with Myles and his family over their victory.
I was so happy for Myles and his family, glad they were able to finally able to rid of that lousy excuse of a man from their lives.
"Yeah," I replied as I slipped my shoes off at the entrance.
A yawn escaped my lips as I had a long day and it was now evening.
I tiredly dragged myself up the stairs before stopping at the front of my mother's room.
"Where are you going?" I asked curiously as I watched her sit in front of her vanity, releasing her hair from the perm rods she put in.
I noticed the dress and heels she laid out on her bed, indicating that where she was going was somewhere fancy.
"Out for dinner," She replied vaguely before urging me into the room to help her pull out the rest.
"With who?" I asked as I stood behind her, her gaze avoiding my own in the mirror.
"Your father," She rushed out quickly, but I managed to catch what she said.
"Oh, really," I said a smirk forming onto my face as she rolled her eyes.
"It's nothing, we're just friends. Friends go out all the time for dinner?" She defended as I raised my hands up in mock surrender.
"Whatever you say, mom" I replied with a cheeky grin before pulling out the last rod.
"I mean just because your father is going to be around more, doesn't mean things will change," She said as I nodded in agreement.
"I mean though I've been working fewer hours at the hospital and it's become clear that we both are no longer putting our careers first, doesn't mean things will start working again." She began to rant as I listened attentively.
"Who are you trying to convince mom. Me or you?" I stated as I took a seat on the edge of the bed her ranting coming to a pause.
"Mom," I said causing her to look at me.
"Do you still love dad?" I asked as her eyes widen in shock.
"Of course I do, I'll always have love for your father," She replied instantly.
"No, but are you in love with him. You can love someone, but not be in love with them," I explained.
Silence stretched across the room as she began to ponder upon my words.
"Does it matter?" She whispered lowly.
"Of course it does mom," I said placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Yes, I am still in love with your father. I believe I always will be," She admitted.
"Then why don't you try to be with him again?" I question wondering what's been holding her back the last ten years.
"It's not that easy my love. It's been years, how can I know he wants to even try again," She said warily, vulnerability within her eyes.
"Would you rather be in love with him for the rest of your life in secret or would you rather take the chance to see if he feels the same. You'll never know what can come unless you take the risk." I replied with an encouraging smile.
"When did my daughter become so wise," my mother said releasing a small laugh making my smile widen.
Before I could reply the doorbell rang downstairs.
"That must be your father, I have not finished getting ready yet," My mother said frantically as she rose from her seat.
"Hey, don't worry mom," I said gripping onto her shoulders to hold her still.
" I'll go open the door and let dad know you need a few more minutes, take as much time as you need, I'm sure he doesn't mind waiting," I said to ease her worry.
"Thank you, my love," My mother said with a sigh of relief.
With one last smile, I headed downstairs to go open the door.
"Hi Dad," I greeted with a smile as I opened the door, moving over so that he could enter.
"Hey, Jay," My father greeted back before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.
"You look great dad!" I complimented as I took in the white button-up, that had a couple of buttons open, black slacks, and polished shoes he wore.
"Mom needs a couple more minutes," I informed as he nodded in understanding.
"That's okay, I have no problem waiting," He said before we made our way over to the living room.
"Great! That means you won't mind if we have a small discussion," I said with a cheeky grin.
"Sure," My father replied with an uneasy smile, unsure where this could go.
"I promise it's nothing bad," I reassured taking a seat beside him.
"So, you and mom," I began causing him to open his mouth in an aha motion.
"Now I see what this is about," He said slightly shaking his head as his lips tilted into a small smile.
"What, about your mother and I," My father said turning his body to face me.
"Do you like her?" I teased, a smirk playing on my face had already known the answer.
"Yes, yes I do," He replied without hesitation his smile widening.
"Do you love her?" I asked his eyes swimming with amusement at my question.
"I very much do, love your mother. However, there is a difference between loving someone and being in love with someone," He said as I nodded in agreement.
"So, are you in love with mom?" I probed.
"Yes, I am. Your mother means the world to me, I swear every time I look at her it's the feels like the first time all over again. I think I'll be dead before I ever stop loving your mother," He spoke, his voice gentle and his eyes tender.
"Then what's holding you back?" I questioned my heart going out to him.
It must be hard to be in love with someone and not know if they feel the same.
I would know
I quickly disregarded that thought, putting my focus back on my father.
"I'm scared that it's too late. Too late to tell your mother how I regret ever putting my career over our relationship, regret not telling her how much I love her, and I regret not telling her that I never wanted to file for a divorce and that I was tired of fighting," He exasperated.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better I don't think it's too late, and neither do you or you wouldn't have asked her to dinner," I said.
"Friends ask friends to dinner all the time," He said trying to justify himself as I gave him a blank stare.
"Okay, you're right. I wanted to see if she could possibly still feel the same, I just can't go another day without your mother and I want her to see that. Actions speak louder than words and I'm hoping this dinner can show her that I'm not going anywhere." He explained as I nodded in understanding.
Before I could reply we heard the click of heels against the stairs.
Rising from our seats on the couch we quickly made our way to the foyer.
Coming down the stairs in a black halter silk midi dress and black stiletto heels was my mother.
Her eyes shined with joy as she caught the look of awe my father had, a large smile illuminating her face enhancing her beauty.
Once she reached the last stepped, my father immediately made his way to step in front of her.
"You look absolutely stunning Adeola," My father said in complete wonder.
"Thank you," My mother replied shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, the nervous tick that I developed from her.
"You look very handsome yourself, Wale," She complimented back making a grin appear on his face.
I watched the interactions between the two with a gentle smile, hope filling within my chest wishing for the best tonight.
"Shall we," My father said as he held out his arm for my mother to take.
With a nod of her head, she slipped his arm into his before they made their way out the door, making sure to greet me goodbye on the way out.
Leaning against the front door I watched as my father opened the door for my mother.
Who knew my father was such a gentleman.
With a final wave, I watched them drive off into the night.
Shutting the door behind me I released a soft sigh, not able to hold back the small smile that appeared upon my face.
"Wait until Nevah hears about this,"