Chapter Four: Goodbye, Benefactor!

Xurion's POV

Mr. Landon’s words made my heart tap, “How do you feel about going to Mars, Xurion?”

I felt like I needed someone to pull me out of my revelry.

Like I was in a dream. Or had a virtual reality headset strapped to my head, or something.

Space was always my dream.

When I got married to Circe, I shelved it for her.

She doesn't even see it.

But not anymore.

With the best confident voice I had in my lungs, I answered, “Count me in sir!”

“That's what I want to hear!” His voice rose with glee, “I’m confident in your decisions.”He said.

As we spoke, I felt like the proudest man in the world.

I'd never been this proud or felt worthy for a long time.

I've been made to feel inferior for so long I almost started believing everything Circe said about me.

But her words doesn't define, anymore. Not now that she's signed us apart forever.

“Full transparency here, Xurion,” Mr. Landon continued, his tone sweet to my ears. “ You are gonna be off planet for a year,” he paused, letting it simmer into my mind, “ There won’t be no calls, no contacts. And some crack under that.”

“It won't be an issue for me sir. I'll see you there.” I said confidently and the line broke after.

I spent the last five years of my life putting my life on hold for you. To love you right and manage your health.

Circe, starting today, I'm living for myself.

I hesitated at first, but the urge beat me to it.

I had no other family to share my happiness with.

Holding up my phone, I dialed a number and watched it ring.

“May I come over to the house?”

***********

Hours later, I'm in Gary's house. My home, where I grew up after the orphanage.

“Son!” Gary's hoarse voice carried easily across the room. The wooden stairs squeaked as he took slow steps down. “ You are not looking bad.”

“Thank you, Gary!”

“Come here,” He pulled me into a hug, my hand wrapped around his burly figure.

He patted my back multiple times as we hugged,” So good to see you, son. How's my sweet princess?” he asked, pulling off.

“She's…good. She's really happy.” I answered flatly.

He motioned his hand for us towards the couch and we sat.

“Look Gray, I wanted to tell you in person. NASR chose me to lead the mission to Mars,” I told him, my voice clothed with excitement.

“Are you serious?” His eyes widened and smile spread across his grey beards that suited perfectly with his short grey hair with very little touch of black.

I just nodded, lips still curled in smile as I spoke, “ I report to Erwin Space Center, next week to start training,” I paused, “ And Circe is recovering fine, so she'll be okay without me.”

“A mission to Mars?,” he sang, smiling brightly, “That's amazing, Xurion. You know I always knew you were headed to big things, son. I'm so proud of you.”

I smiled back, taking his arms as he hugged me again,” Thanks…thank you, Gary.”

My heart warmed with happiness.

And I found myself imagining the last time someone hugged me so proudly and I felt like really cared for.

My hands were reluctant at first before letting him go, my heart tight as I spoke, “Look, Circe and I are divorced.”

“What do you mean?” He went cold for a while, then he finally blinked, “Is this another one of Circe's tantrum,” he asked, a little frown settled in his face.

“No, Gary, it's…”

“Look, Xurion,” he cut in, holding my hand, “ Whatever awful things my daughter has said to you, I… she didn’t mean it, I promise. Infact, I take it.” He finished, his eyes glinting in worry.

His palm were warm against mine.

But not warmer than his word.

And apparently not more than the determination that smeared against my ribcage.

“It was my decision to get a divorce.” I breathed, conclusively.

He was cold for some while, and he gazed off into the distance, “ You know, son,” he called, leaning into the leathered couch, “Some people often don't know what they really want and you know what?” he turned his face to me, “ I understand you, Xurion I am sorry I made you take care of Circe, I owe you.”

I shook my head, protesting, “ No Gary! look, you paid for my entire tuition to MIT. Without you I wouldn't be…here. So you came to me after Drayton broke Circe's heart, you asked me to marry her, I mean, how would I say no? I owe you everything.” I concluded.

I remembered just how much Gary took me in and cared for me like his own son.

My chest tightened. Not in a bad way. In a way that reminded me how Gary stood in as my parent at my graduations and important events, since I had none.

I never had a family, because I grew up at the orphanage.

Yeah, even my first words as an infant, they all happened there.

Caring for Circe and letting her treat me the way she wanted…I was only paying him back.

He leaned closer this time, “ Xurion, I know it may have started as a debt or a contract. But I know you fell in love with her. Anyone could see it.”

I bit my chin.

He was right.

But it was over before it even started.

I shrugged my shoulders and cleared my throat so I don't stutter, “ It doesn't matter now, not anymore. Drayton is back now,” Gary's face dulled into a deeper frown, “And, yeah, Circe chose him. So, as far as I'm concerned, the contract has run its course.”

“Look Xurion,” Gary was immediately on his feet. He took me in a hug again, “It doesn't stop me being your dad and I will always be proud of you.”

I hugged him tighter this time, my eyes closed, absorbing all his words.

He continued, “ It's her loss, one day she's going to regret letting you walk away.”