Chapter 26: Card Tag

Megan's POV

Having Dexter and Ava in my house feels so relaxing, and it felt like the old times. I am close with my siblings growing up, and we always had bonding time together no matter how busy we were with our studies and part-time jobs.

"Uncle Dexter, do you love football?" Axel asked Dexter after we finished eating dinner, and we sat on the lounger near the swimming pool because Ava was so excited to have a night swim. When Alice arrived, they both agreed to change into their swimsuits while I was still putting on the floaters on Axel's arms, even if he had already learned how to swim. I don't want anything to happen to my son; I can't afford to lose another child.

"Yes, little buddy, that is my favorite sport. Why, do you love football too?" my brother asked, and Axel slowly glanced at me, and he hesitated to answer my brother's question.

"It is okay, son. You can answer your uncle," I said, and I felt guilty because I could tell Axel didn't want me to get upset.

"Yeah, I love football too, and when I grow up, I want to be like Ashton Pritzgold," he said, and my throat felt so dry. I am just glad Ava got out of the water, and she came and got Axel. When he was enjoying time with his aunt, I found my brother looking at me intently.

"What was that all about, Meg? I could tell Axel was afraid to tell me he loves playing football," he asked.

"I know, Dex. It was my fault because of how many times I reprimanded my son for watching a football game, and my alibi would be his lessons. I didn't want him to watch the game because he would miss his time answering his assignments, but I know it was because of his father. The first time I heard him say he liked number 23 because that was the number of Ashton's football jersey, I felt horrified, and I am just glad Alice was with us that time," I responded, and I could see the concern on Dexter's face.

"I am aware that I am unreasonable because it has nothing to do with Axel. My anger towards his father has nothing to do with my son, and I know that, but I couldn't stop myself from hating Ashton every time I remember what he had done to me," I declared as I watched my son having fun in the water, and I have never seen him this happy as he chased his aunt Ava.

"But don't worry, Dex. I know I can never stop Axel from playing football. And if that is what he likes, I know that I have to support him because I can relate to how it feels when your loved ones don't support the thing you love. It would be devastating, and it can make someone lose his self-esteem and dreams," I added.

"Yes, you have to support him, Meg. I also love football. It could be because of me, that's why your son loves football. You can't stop him from playing because his father abandoned and hurt you," Dexter declared.

"Megan, as your brother, all I want for you is to be happy. But seeing you now being a successful businesswoman brings me great joy, but I can see the sadness beneath your every smile. And I hate to think that even if all your dreams came true and you became what you always wanted, yet you are still unhappy," Dex added.

"You need to find your happiness, Megan. Don't let Ashton stop you from being happy. He made your life miserable enough, and I think it is about time you let go, Meg. You are beautiful, and you deserve all the happiness in this world," my brother continued.

"Dex, I am a happy mom," I replied.

"You can't lie to me, Meg. Even if we haven't seen each other for eight years, I still know you, my little sister. Your physical appearance may have changed, but you are still the same Megan I know," he responded, and I released a heavy sigh.

"I tried all the ways and techniques to forget about him, but no matter what I do, he is still the one I am longing for. And even if deep in my heart I hated Ashton so much for hurting me when I came to his house eight years ago, I can't deny my feelings for him are still buried deep in my core. And he continued to hurt me more when his name was linked with different celebrities," I declared, and my brother touched my face with his calloused hand.

"Yeah, I know, Meg. I believe you because I also tried to forget Isabelle, and the last thing I heard about her, she was engaged," my brother said. And how could this be? Why do we need to fall in love with the Pritzgold siblings? I had this kind of conversation with my brother eight years ago at the pancake house, and I realized I saw the same pain on his face.

"It is funny, right? How could you ask me to move on with my life, Dex, when you are still in pain? And like me, I could tell you didn't even try to date," I said, and my brother laughed.

"I tried countless times, Meg, but I realized I would only end up hurting the girls, so I better stop what I was doing. Every time I dated someone, I only ended up thinking about Isabelle, and I wonder what kind of love potion she has that I couldn't even find a replacement," Dexter replied.

"In my case, in Belle's eyes, I betrayed her, and that is the worst because I am still in love with her, and she doesn't even know the truth—that I never cheated on her, not even in my dreams. And how I wish she would know the truth one of these days," my brother added, and I could feel the loneliness in his voice.

"I gave you money to pay Gregory Pritzgold; why did you return it, Dex?" I asked.

"Megan, it was my debt," he answered.

"Dexter, we used that money for mom's operation. You can use my money because you are my brother, and I want to help you. And if you love Isabelle, I think it is about time you should swallow your pride," I said, and he looked at me, and I could tell he was having a hard time.

"I already paid off the total amount I owed Isabelle's father, Meg. But I was already late. After I deposited the amount to Gregory's account, I wanted to meet Isabelle right away. But I heard about her engagement the following day after I paid off my debt. It is ironic. I worked hard for how many years to have her back, and when I was able to fulfill my dream, I was already too late," Dexter said, and I could feel my brother's pain.

"I wanted to ask the universe, why? Isabelle was my inspiration in everything I do, and I can't blame her. I hurt her, Meg. And I think I deserve the loneliness I feel right now," he said.

"Hey, don't say that, Dexter. You are a good son, brother to Ava and me, and best uncle to Axel. You deserve all the happiness in this world," I said.

"And so do you," he replied, and I held my brother's hand, and I squeezed it because I wanted him to know that everything would be alright and he could be happy again.

My son fell asleep right away after I tucked him into bed, and I could tell he was tired because of his swimming escapade with his aunt Ava and godmother Alice. I can't stop myself from watching him sleep. When I returned to my room, I almost jumped to my feet after switching on the light when I found Alice lying on my bed.

"Why did you turn off the lights, Al?" I asked, and she stood up and smiled at me.

"I wanted to prank you, but I can tell you are not yourself," she said, and I grimaced at her.

"How could you say I am not myself?" I asked.

"Don't lie to me, Megan. After we met Ashton in the mall, I always find you looking into space. Do you want to have a date with him?" she asked, and I looked daggers at Alice.

"Al, even if I still have feelings for Ashton, I want you to know these emotions I have for him could never outweigh the wrath I feel for him. So, you better drop that craziness of yours. Besides, he is engaged to get married, for heaven's sake," I declared.

"What if he broke up the engagement after he met you at the mall?" she asked.

"Alice, please, I don't have time to talk with you about this nonsense, and I hate that now you can easily talk about Ashton to my face," I said.

"Because I know eight years was enough for you to stop looking angry or affected every time I mentioned his name. And I know it is about time to let go of the past because your son is getting older every day. Whether you like it or not, you have to face Ashton before Axel learns who his father is from other people, and you can't deny it, Megan. Axel is the carbon copy of Ashton. And you can't hide your son from the public unless you plan to enroll him in online classes," Alice declared, and I let out a heavy sigh as I sat beside my best friend.

"I know, Al, but for now, I don't want to think about it, and we have a birthday party to worry about," I responded.

"You don't need to worry. We set everything from giveaways, food, games, and even Axel's attire—and of course, this one," she declared as she got up from the bed and picked up a paper bag from the nightstand. She handed it to me, and as I fished out the contents, I didn't know if I would feel sad or happy as I stared at the football ball in my hand.

I woke up early even though I found it so hard to sleep because I couldn't stop myself from thinking about what happened to Dexter, and I couldn't stop feeling so affected by my brother's pain. I took a bath and went downstairs only to find Alice with a bouquet in her hands, and I felt nervous when she came closer to me and handed me the beautiful flowers.

"That is for you, Meg," Alice said.

"Are you crazy? Are you going to give me your bouquet? He must like you, Alice, and I hope you will introduce me to your mystery man—the one you had a date with last Thursday night," I said as I smiled at her, and my best friend laughed.

"Yeah, I will, but I regret to inform you, these flowers are not for me. Read the card, Meg..." she said as she put the flowers in my hands, and I couldn't stop the rapid beating of my heart as I opened the card tag of the beautiful bouquet.