Answers and Starting Over

“Richie.” He turned his head at the sound of his name off her lips. Leana was still sitting in the chair, her eyes bright with tears. “How could you have thought that? I never wanted anyone else. You were more than good enough for me then," she paused to wipe at her tears, "you still are.”

Josh watched as Richie tugged his mother up out of the chair and held her close. He could see that they loved each other and now he felt bad about how he had talked to Richie. Clearing his throat he spoke again, “I’m sorry Richie. My mom was right; it was none of my business.” Leana sniffled as Richie loosened his hold on her. He turned to face Josh, “it’s all right Josh.” With his arm still around Leana they sat down on the couch and Josh sat in the arm chair. The three of them talked for a long time and Josh was surprised to find out that Richie never knew Leana had been pregnant. He turned to his mother at that point, “why didn’t you tell him?”

Leana explained to him that she had tried but that was the night they broke up and she felt it better that he didn’t know. Josh nodded his head, now he understood why she had done what she had and, looking over at Richie, he felt his anger at him slip away. Watching the two of them together he realized that for the first time, he felt like he had what all his friends had had growing up. He had a family.

Standing and stretching Leana hugged Josh. “I hope you and Richie can at least be friends now honey.” He hugged her back and looked over at Richie and smiled, “I am sure we can mom.” She sniffed one last time and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, “okay” she looked at her two men, “how about some dinner?”

Richie and Josh watched as Leana left the room before turning to look at each other again. This time, Josh spoke first, “I really am sorry I jumped all over you like that.” Richie just shrugged it off, “it’s okay, really. It’s done and over with now. Let’s move on, okay?" Josh nodded, “how about if we start over again?” Richie smiled, “sure” and he stuck out his hand, “I’m Richie, it’s nice to meet you.” Josh took his hand, “I’m Josh, it’s nice to finally meet you, dad.”