culpables years later

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Nick

The morning was more stressful than I thought. I thought it was going to be a relaxing day with family and friends. Instead, everyone is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Jenna is stressed because Lion is coming and she wants to get along. Our parents are nervous about the upcoming gala and Maggie has heartbreak. And Noah? Noah is stressed because of the stress from them.

Meanwhile, Jenna had driven to her house to freshen up. Noah, Andy and I were in the car on our way to the park. The others would follow and meet us. I loved the days I could spend with my family. And our family needed to talk. It was a shame that my mum and Mike couldn't be there. Throughout the trip, Andy talked excitedly about his new toy that he had been given by our parents. He was like his mother in that respect. He enjoyed the little things in life, too. Although he was usually shy, he talked a lot to his family and friends. ,,Mommy? Is Uncle Lion coming? Will he be nice to Jenna again?"  I looked over at her and rolled my eyes. Noah looked back and smiled at Andrew, and as she talked to him, I watched Andy through the rearview mirror.
As I was driving, I had to pay attention to the road. Noah wanted to drive all the time, but she didn't. Just over my dead body. When we got to the park, there was a lot going on. Today, it seemed that many people had the idea of ​​going to the park. As we walked through the park, many older couples looked at us. Unlike before, however, these were not judgmental looks. They were looks of kindness and admiration. People smiled and waved at us. We were a perfect little family. Or rather just Andrew. Everyone was drawn to him and his blue eyes. Andy ran between us, jumping excitedly. He loved being in nature. Noah and I would count to three and then pull him up. If you looked at us like this, you would think we had no problems. We found our usual spot and laid down our picnic blanket. Noah had brought snacks and a few games with him. While she rested and stroked her belly, I played with him. "I'm stronger than you, Dad! Look, Mom! I'm stronger and faster than him." I grabbed Andy's whole body and brought him to the ground. We laughed and while we were laughing I saw Noah taking a photo of the two of us. "Wow, can I join in bro?" We turned around and I saw Lion standing next to me upside down. Andy ran to his mother on the blanket instead and I stayed behind with Lion. I sat down properly and looked up at him. "How are you Lion? It's been a while." He got nervous and sat down next to me with his back to Noah and Andy. "Bro, I'm sorry. What happened at the party is all my fault. I was an asshole. I ruined your day. I mean, I'm happy for your baby! You deserve it. My problems shouldn't be yours! I was a bad godfather and friend. I'm sorry." I knew he was serious. I looked at Noah who gave me an understanding look. "I know Lion. You're going through a difficult time and we know that. Yes, your behavior at the party was shit, but that can happen to anyone. We forgive you Lion." You'd think Lion had tears in his eyes. "Thanks, bro. Both of you. When Jenna called me today to talk to me, I was so happy. But I guess I have your wife to thank for that." It's good that Noah always believes in the good in people. "Well, Noah is someone who always believes in the good. But we're happy for you. You'll get better and so will your children. What about your brother and the workshop?"

He took his cell phone out of his pocket and showed me a photo of Luca sitting under palm trees. "My dear brother apparently sold the workshop or something and paid off his debts. He didn't want to say how he did it. Maybe it's better that way. But I told him to leave my family alone, otherwise I'm not his brother anymore. I think he'll leave us alone." I was glad that it was over now. He can now look forward and take care of his family. I stood up and sat down next to mine. "Nick!" my little sister called and startled me from behind. "How are you, little one?" "It's okay. But I want to be with my family." I put my arms around her and enjoyed the moment. "Everyone ready for the family reunion?" Rafaella called with bags packed with food. While everyone sat down on the blanket, only Jenna and the children were missing. Noah talked to Maggie while my father and his wife were busy with Andy. Lion looked for his wife. When his eyes suddenly lit up, I knew without looking that she had come. He became nervous and sat up straight. The twins ran to Andy and Maggie and were very happy. And Jenna? She stood in front of Lion and tried to be strong. "Shall we go for a run?" Jenna asked Lion carefully. He nodded quickly and ran a run with her. As they ran further away, I think I saw him take her hand. One thing was resolved and now I had to tell our parents that we weren't going to the gala. When the moment came to bring up the subject, there was silence. "Rafaella, Noah talked to me about the gala and we don't think it's a good idea. She's pregnant and needs to rest. A whole evening would be too stressful for her. Do you understand?" Rafaella looked at my dad with the look that said I knew that. Noah gratefully took my hand and whispered a quiet thank you in my ear. "You know, it's okay for us. Health comes first and we will excuse you at the gala." There was something spiteful in her tone that I didn't like. "It doesn't sound like that, Mum. It's enough if Maggie has to come with us and we can't, or rather don't want to go." What Noah said didn't seem to please her mother. "Noah, calm down. I didn't mean that in a bad way. You're adults and have a child to look after. And Maggie wants to come voluntarily?" Oh really? Noah and I didn't believe that. I looked questioningly at Maggie and she looked down. That was a no. "Maggie, would you like to spend the evening with me and Noah with Andy? If you don't want to go to the gala, then no." She looked uncertainly at our parents and then at me. "Yes, that would be great. There will be people at the gala that I don't want to see." Noah hugged her and Andy went to the middle of them. Now I took a photo of them. I looked at our parents, who weren't looking at us enthusiastically. Something wasn't right. "What's your problem? Why do you want us all to be here?" My question seemed to unsettle them both. "Maggie, honey? Do you want to play soccer with Andy?" My dad sent them away on purpose. He didn't want them to know what was going on. When they were gone, Noah and I looked at them expectantly.

The two of them didn't know who should start. Until finally my dad started talking. "We've recently been getting anonymous letters about the company. There are a few things the company has done that aren't quite right. If these come out, there will be a lot of scandals. There are whispers that there is also incest with the step-siblings story. We all have to act as a front. As a strong and happy family." "Why didn't you tell us anything? Is it Michael?" Noah's question was justified. I looked at Alex, who was standing apart from us. "We're not entirely sure. We have some enemies of the company. They're threatening to publish data that would ruin us. Then they would come after your company. We have to go in there as a front and try to cover up any rumors." I didn't like saying it, but they were both right. We can't let this happen. We have to win for our companies and our families. I looked at Noah who was of the same opinion as me. Thank God we could understand each other with our eyes. We had to do it. "Noah and I are coming. But Andrew isn't. He'll be somewhere else." They both smiled and one thing was certain. This evening will be remembered forever.