Page 51 of Lost Summer
I turned the car around, heading for my place as the city buzzed around us. As the city blurred outside, I felt my heartbeat thump in my chest. I couldn’t shake the weight of my past with Elena—the endless arguments, the manipulation. But every challenge I faced in co-parenting reminded me of another challenge that came with being completely present for my son. My love for Danny drowned out the negativity like the dawn chasing away the night.
We arrived at my flat, purchased as soon as Danny was born so Elena and Adele didn’t have to cross paths. I carefully unbuckled Danny, every motion filled with endless affection. The world around us faded, and it was just Danny and me. We headed inside, where I had filled the space with toys, a baby gym, and many bright colours.
“Welcome to your hangout!” I declared, plopping Danny on the colourful playmat. He giggled, his tiny hands reaching for the rattles around him, and my heart swelled with joy.
The mess of my life didn’t matter; right now, it was an oasis for my son.
A little while later,as I fed Danny his mashed potato and gravy, my phone buzzed with a message.
Adele: Hey! Can I come by later? I have a little surprise for you and Danny.
Grinning, I rushed to reply.
Me: Absolutely!
With my heart feeling lighter, I turned back to my son. “Guess who’s coming to see us later?” I asked, but I could already tell he was too distracted by the prospect of more toys and food to care.
Several hours later,the doorbell rang as the sun dipped lower in the sky and cast golden rays across my living room. I rushed to answer it, my heart racing with anticipation. I opened the door to find Adele standing there with a broad smile and a massive box in her arms.
“Surprise!” she exclaimed, her excitement infectious as she stepped inside.
“Hey!” I said, unable to contain my joy at seeing her. “What do you have?”
“Danny!” she cooed, kneeling as he giggled at her familiar voice.
“I brought him a little something,” she said, shaded with mischief, and dropped the box onto the coffee table. “Open it!”
I glanced at her, eyebrows raised, before pulling the box open to reveal a new activity gym. Bright colours, toys that hung overhead, and music—the whole works.
“Wow! You really went all out!” My voice was laced with gratitude and amazement.
“I couldn’t help it,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly as she caught my eye. “I wanted to do something special for both of you.”
I knelt beside her, helping to set it up as Danny babbled happily, tugging on our fingers. Adele’s laughter filled the room, and I couldn’t help but gaze at her, feeling a rush of affection.
“Thanks for this. Really,” I said, my voice soft. “He’s already so lucky to have you in his life.”
Adele caught my eye—hers surprised but filled with warmth. “I’m lucky too, you know? I didn’t think this little guy would be this important to me.”
“He is,” I said, remembering our first moment together, realising what it meant for us moving forward. There was something special about her willingness to stand by my side in this journey, and I couldn’t let go of that.
Over the following weeks,we settled into a routine with Danny. We frequently visited parks, shared meals, and spent sleepy afternoons filling the flat with laughter. In those moments, I tried to shut out the noise of what was happening with Elena.
I wanted to bask in the joy of our growing family.
But as the months passed, the weight of my responsibilities settled over our moments. Elena was never far away with her obligations, and while she often dictated our schedules and invaded our space, I was doing my best to ensure she had no say between us.
As Danny grew, I embraced the challenges and joys of being a father. My love for him deepened daily, yet I couldn’t shake the guilt each time I saw Adele’s face falter as she steered us through difficult conversations.
Finally, I made my decision.
“Adele,” I said one evening as Danny settled in for bed. “We need to talk about you—us.”
She sat beside me on the sofa, a hint of apprehension flickering in her eyes. “What’s on your mind?”
I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers. I needed her to know I was serious. “I know it’s messy right now with everything. But I want you to know I’m committed to building a life for us. Not just for Danny.”
Her eyes softened as she studied my face, the tension gradually easing between us.
