The Weight Of One Smile.

ERYN

He had left the tent even before I woke up and I half expected that. I swallowed hard as I began packing up what was left of the picnic into my car.

Thank goodness, I had brought Niko's school materials along with me yesterday so it wouldn't be a hassle for me to take him to school.

He was supposed to be a good father to Niko, he was supposed to be the one dropping him off.

I sighed as I stared at Niko. He was already ready to be taken to school and I sighed as I shot him a bright smile.

I would keep lifting my face in a smile that I wasn't feeling if that meant I would soothe my son's heart.

“Hurry. The lad is gonna be late for school.” I heard Torren yell from outside like he was forced to be here and I swallowed as I gestured to Niko who was already running outside, smiling happily.

As we settled into the car, it wasn't more than a few minutes and we had already hit the road.

On getting to the school, as Torren was moving into the parking lot, I saw Saela.

She was with a child, a boy. And she was clearly waiting for someone the way she was staring around.

I didn't know she had a child and he was also about the same age as Niko if I'm not mistaken. Did Torren and Saela already have a child? I mean, if they did, I should have known right?

I hurriedly came down and helped Niko get down from the car while Torren also came down.

“Dad.” I heard a boy tell from few inches away from us and Torren's face swerved in his direction as the boy ran towards our direction and directly into Torren's arms.

“We've been waiting for you.” The boy stated in a small voice and I watched as the color drained from Niko's voice when Torren lifted the boy up into his arms naturally.

Like it was practiced, like he had done it multiple times.

“Dad?” Niko suddenly choked out and I bit my lips, “Why did he call you Dad?” He questioned, tears welling up in his eyes as he stared back and forth from I to his father.

Obviously, he felt left out.

I flashed him a smile the next time his eyes locked onto mine and stretched out my hand for him to hold on to.

Torren stayed silent for a whole damn minute like he was contemplating how to respond.

“Torren is Asher's godfather.” Saela explained.

He better be a good father to my son if he wants this divorce to go through.

“How are you feeling, little man?” Torren went ahead to ask and I scoffed slowly under my breath, not too loudly so no one noticed.

“I think he's doing so much better now. And he insisted he wanted to come to school today, I didn't expect we'd run into you here today.” I stayed at the sweet exchange and the beautiful smiles on their faces.

Gosh! They looked like a damn sweet and happy family.

“Asher, you can come down now. Let go of your uncle, he needs to hold his son too. Don't steal his daddy now.” Her failed attempt at a joke was funny and I bit my lips as Niko's grip on my hand felt a little tighter.

“Don't be like that. Asher is my son too and he's weak. He can be close to me.” Torren was saying and turned to face Niko and I saw his face pale in horror.

Tears were sliding down Niko's eyes yet he was trying not to make a sound.

“You're crying? Come on now, it was—” Torren was teasing when Niko turned to me immediately and my heart broke for my little boy.

“Something just got into my eyes. Mommy, could you check for me?” He pleaded and I nodded, squatting to his position.

He was hiding his tears, he didn't want them to notice. He was acting too strong for a child and I didn't like that.

“Sure,” I squatted and checked his eyes, wiping the tears, “And besides, this is Aunt Saela, your daddy's classmate and very good friend.” I stated and he nodded, turning to greet them politely.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Good to see you too, it's parents day today. Why don't you join us, Torren?” He accepted immediately and my jaw dropped.

“I thought…” Niko trailed off and just held his bag, ready to delve to class.

I know, baby, I know. You thought he was busy. Niko had asked him earlier that morning if he would be staying for parents/wards day and Torren had said he was busy.

Guess he isn't so busy now.

*

Parents/wards day had been going smoothly with I and Niko seeming like the third and fourth wheel every time.

Hopefully after this toy auction, we'd be free to leave.

“Mum, dad, I want that toy.” Niko pointed to a toy gun and I smiled, smoothing his hair.

“Alright.” All we had to do was write down the toy we wanted and bid for it silently.

After the bidding, it was announced that Torren had been the highest bidder for the toy.

Finally. He did something worth hearing of for our little boy, Niko.

I swallowed hard as Torren received it and walked back to our seat while Niko stood up eagerly to receive it from him.

“Mum, dad got it for me.” He smiled happily and I nodded.

“Yes, yes he did.” As Torren settled into his seat, Asher came running over and just as though the world stopped, Torren handed the toy over to Asher.

“What? Niko wanted that.” I snapped immediately and he turned to me.

“Niko can have another. Saela texted me that Asher really wanted that.” Of course. Saela again.

Just then, a distant yet familiar cut through the mindlink resounding in my ears.

“I finally found you again, Eryn.” My eyes widened as I turned around immediately in search of someone I knew was there. Someone I hadn't seen in decades.