Ex-Husband’s Regret by Evelyn M.M

71. Making a promise

“Noah, are you done with your homework?” I call, but I don’t get an answer.

It was Friday afternoon and I was dead tired on my feet. I had forgotten when you’re pregnant how

easily you get tired. Every single thing tired me out.

The only thing I’m grateful for is that I never experienced morning sickness unlike when I was

pregnant with Noah. 1

“Noah?” I call him again.

I wonder what the hell he is doing. I usually get an answer immediately. Unless something has

caught his attention and distracted him.

Before I can carry my tired body to go upstairs to check on him, my doorbell rings.

I release a heavy sigh. It’s not that I didn’t want to see anybody, I just wanted to take a break.

Maybe have a long bath.

I spent the whole day at the Hope Foundation going through tons of documents that needed my

attention. My eyes were dry, My mind was burnt out and my body was aching all over.

Dragging myself, I open my door and I am surprised to find Calvin and Gunner at my doorstep. It’s

been two days since that day in my backyard.

When Gunner didn’t show up when Noah got back from school, I assumed that maybe Calvin

didn’t want anything to do with us. After all, he was really grumpy during our whole encounter.

“Hi” shock was clearly in my voice and I couldn’t hide it.

“Hi Miss Ava” Gunner tells me sweetly with a smile. “These are for you”

It’s then that I notice he has a bouquet of flowers. Pink roses to be exact. He hands them to me and

I take them gratefully.

“Thank you Gunner. These are beautiful” Without thinking, I bend down and kiss his cheeks.

When I straighten, he gives me a shy smile. Just like with Noah, I could already tell that Gunner

was a sweet boy.

I shift my eyes to his father, “Would you like to come in?”

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He looks hesitant at first, but when Gunner pulls his hand, he agrees.

I lead them straight to the kitchen where I had been baking cookies and cupcakes. Noah had

requested for them and though I was tired, I couldn’t refuse him.

“You’re just in time to eat some goodness” I tell them as the oven timer pings.

I look for a vase and place the beautiful flowers Gunner brought me.

again as I place some cookies in front

mommy”

bedroom door close. Then his footsteps as he runs down the hallway and then the

kitchen door. He comes to a

visitors.

NCH TH

I want you to meet someone” he hesitantly takes a step until he’s standing next

1. me.

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bit shy at first glance. That is before you get to know him better.

you won’t even believe that he’s the same boy. He’ll talk

Gunner. He lives next door and Gunner, this is my son

telling you about”

things will be awkward between them at first, but I am

Gunner smiles “Hi”

my room?” Noah asks at the

“Sure”

and hands them

a couple of juice

on, I’ve got a new game to show you” Noah says as

was super surprised by his actions. I thought it would take a bit

guess

that went well. I’m surprised Gunner made the

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him. I had completely forgotten that he

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at first. He has

say that Gunner is reserved I mean, he likes his own company. He doesn’t like making friends or meeting new people. Even in school,

himself”

“Seriously?” I ask shocked.

I think Rex

but I was a teacher. Even

a child to be that withdraw, then there is probably a problem. I know it doesn’t lie with

one look at

Gunner is as withdrawn as Cal

that way.

his shell” I mumble, handing

island. Taking one of the barstools, I exhale in relief

the cupcake. My

apologize” Calvin says after

“For what?”

rude the

hands dismissively, I face him. “In your defence,

about it”

saw in his eyes. Right now he

trying to

assume he’s okay, but I can tell he is not. I recognize the struggle in his soul

through the

who’s been hurt to see the

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living?” He asks, probably trying

teacher, but I’m on leave for

about going back, but I decided against it. Even though I

knew I needed this time to myself. Not only because of the pregnancy, but

my mental state. O

together with Rowan? Noah is his doppelgänger. It’s so uncanny”

damn city knows what happened with

It was a drunk night gone

when I think of how my life would have been

I remember that if it wasn’t for that