Page 79 of The Art of Deception

“Hello, who are you?” Levi simply states.

Opening my eyes wide, I jump over a box and pull the door wider to Aldwin and Ophelia standing there, both looking a little confused. Aldwin looks at me in my bare feet, black leggings, and a gray slogan tee that says ‘I Legit Don’t Care’ printed on it, and my hair is up in a messy bun.

I’m virtually standing here in shock, not saying anything.

Why are they even here?

I’m a freaking mess as I run my hands down my tee to try to straighten out the wrinkles as Ophelia smiles at me. “You’rebeautiful, dear, just as I’d imagine a pregnant woman would look on a Sunday afternoon, spending quality time with her family.”

Aldwin grunts as I wrap my arm around Levi, pulling him close to me. He tenses under my hold but doesn’t move out of it.

“You look sad. You shouldn’t be sad. Xander is here, and he makes me happy. He can make you happy, too,” Levi blurts to Aldwin, who softens his stance.

I swallow as I hear Xander walking over to us. “Dad? Mom? Why are you here?”

Levi turns to face Xander. “These are your parents? Then they are family. Family is important. Isn’t it, Tomi?” Levi asks as he reaches out for Xander, who shifts to his side as well.

“Yeah, family means everything, Levi. Even those who aren’t as fortunate as others. Wouldn’t you agree, Aldwin?” I turn from him to Levi and back again. I need Aldwin to realize he isn’t stepping a foot inside this house if he’s going to say anything shitty about Levi.

I will not have it.

Ever again, and especially not in Levi’s home.

Aldwin steps closer to Levi, assessing him closely. “You have autism, correct, boy?” he asks, making me want to punch him in his stupid face. He knows that fact.Why does he need to rub it in Levi’s face?

Levi stands taller. “I have Autism Spectrum Disorder and Klinefelter Syndrome. The two combined make it hard for me to communicate. This is me. It is what I am, but it is not who I am.”

My heart pounds as I hold onto him harder, loving it when he makes this speech. He has such a hard time communicating normally, but he’s learned this one well. He’s so good at telling people who he is because he’s had to do it for years. Being different for him has been his normal for sixteen years, so having to tell people why shouldn’t be a thing, but it is. It sucks, and I hate it every time it happens, but he handles it so damn well, soI let him go about it in the way that makes him comfortable.

Ophelia smiles. “Who are you, Levi?”

He glances up at Xander. “I am sixteen. I love finance. Video games. Lions. Red cars. And… I’m Xander’s friend.”

My heart warms with pride as Xander pulls Levi to him. He doesn’t shy away too much, but Levi does smile up at Xander. “And Levi is my friend. He’s so damn good at finance, Dad. He hasn’t even finished high school, and he understands the stock market almost better than I do.”

“That’s true,” Levi blurts, making us all laugh.

Even Aldwin, surprisingly. “Well, then, you have a bright, remarkable brother, Tomi,” he boasts.

“I’m glad you see it that way.”

“May we come in, dear? We have some things we need to discuss. Standing at the door may start to grow strange for the neighbors,” Ophelia suggests.

I smile at her. She’s so lovely, how can I refuse? I swipe my hand through the air as I gesture for them to enter the mess of a house. If this is their version of a truce, then they’re going to have to fully commit and just accept us for us.

They walk inside, and Aldwin glances at the boxes lining the walkway, but he continues to walk without saying anything while Levi and Xander show him the way.

I stay back with Ophelia as I close the door. “I’m so glad you came, Xander’s been off. I know he wants to fix this rift between you. I’m so sorry about what happened.”

She places her hand on my arm. “Not at all. I’m sorry about last night. My husband is a jerk to everyone, but even more so to those he’s threatened by. You, darling, were taking his son away from him… in his eyes. With some heavy talk from our gorgeous Xander and then an earful from me this morning, Aldwin has realized that, without him giving a little, we’re not going to be a part of your lives. That’s so important, Tomi. We have to bea part of this.” Her hand comes out, gently pressing on my stomach.

I place my hand on top of hers and smile at her. “That’s all I want, too, for all of us to get along. I need Xander and his father to be okay. I need Aldwin to see Levi for the marvel he is, not for the harsh words he used last night.”

Ophelia smiles. “Levi’s a delightful boy, Tomi. You’ve raised him to be a bright, luminous spirit. He’s going to do great things with his life… I can see it.”

Hearing her say such things fills me with pride. Knowing she can see Levi for who he truly is, lets me know this can work. I simply have to hope that Aldwin can see things this way too. “Thank you, I know we’re going to get along well. I just hope that Xander’s father can soften his harsh stance toward Levi and me.”

Ophelia purses her lips. “I hope so too, darling.” She loops her arm with mine as we walk through to the family room. It’s a hot mess with mugs littering the coffee table, the curtains closed for Levi’s comfort, and potato chip packets on the floor. I shove them out of the way with my foot, making way for Ophelia to enter so she can sit on the sofa next to Aldwin.

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