Chapter Forty-one: On My Mind

Shiloh’s Point of View

I’d always wondered but never asked. Tonight, I would, when my brothers were playing on their devices. Mom had always answered my questions about my father and our extended family but in bite-sized responses. I’d never pushed for more. But seeing Aamon Brzezinski everywhere we went or someone else discreetly watching us, I needed to know. Everyone knew he was connected to the organization that was not to be named, and if he was watching us, I had to wonder if we were, too.

Our home had no family photos displayed, and even Mom's social media accounts were void of them. It felt as though they were all like ghosts. I only knew my father's appearance from searching online with my brothers. When someone teased Onyx at school for not having a father, we searched and found a photograph of him. The Ravenscroft family had become mysterious and elusive since leaving our town, known only for their wealth and connections. Seeing our father's image had given Onyx some comfort. My brothers never brought him up again.

Tomorrow was Mom's big date, and she had to work a double shift tonight to have the day off. She asked me to make dinner for my little brothers, and I agreed, though it meant sacrificing some of my after-school activities. The boys were already at the table, finishing their homework while I whipped up grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, and smoothies. They would get extra screen time tonight since it was raining outside, and we couldn't go to the park like usual. Great timing, Mother Nature.

“Do you think Mom will marry Xavier?” Salem asked.

“What? Why?” Onyx looked at our younger brother.

"I just notice she smiles a lot when she's with him. And he's always kind to us," Salem shrugged nonchalantly.

Onyx shot me a meaningful look, knowing I had to answer our little brother's naive question before he could.

“Mom has never dated anyone seriously before. She really likes Xavier, and we know he likes her. Let’s enjoy Xavier being a part of our family for now,” I said gently.

My youngest brother nodded and continued working on the Math word problems he’d been assigned while Onyx finished his work.

Salem was the same age as Onyx when he felt left out with his friends and at school because he didn't have a father. Onyx and I accepted this now because we were older, and it was all we knew.

As soon as my brothers had finished their homework, they put it in their school bags, and I wiped down the kitchen table, set it and served our dinner. We ate in silence, each lost in our thoughts. Mom took charge of the conversation, asking about our school day and friends. As much as we were happy about her upcoming date, there was a sense of unease among us. I had agreed to watch my rambunctious brothers overnight on my own, but now I was starting to feel like I had taken on more than I could handle. The boys tended to act out whenever they felt overwhelmed or anxious.

“Hey, what do you think about asking Auntie Grace to come and hang out with us tomorrow night when Mom’s gone? We haven’t had time with just her in a long time,” I asked my brothers.

Their expressions brightened, and I was relieved I had brought up the idea. Auntie Grace's sense of stability and familiarity would most benefit them tomorrow.

We hoped for the best with Mom and Xavier, but the unknown of what might come if they got together weighed heavily on our minds.

My brothers helped me clean the kitchen, loaded the dishwasher, and then made their lunches for the next school day. I didn’t leave Mom a plate in the fridge because she’d packed a double lunch, knowing she would be at work until late tonight. I texted Mom to ask if I could invite Grace to stay with us while she was on her date because I was afraid the boys might act out. My Mom told me it was a great idea and thanked me for being responsible and thinking ahead.

I called my Aunt Grace, but it went to voice mail, which was odd. She usually answered right away, so I decided to text her instead to ask. Aunt Grace would respond when she had a moment.

Shiloh: Hey, Aunt Grace, can you give me a hand tomorrow with the boys while Mom is on her date? They might be extra rambunctious since they really like Xavier, and he's taking Mom out. 🤔

Aunt Grace: I wanted to suggest it, but I didn't want you to think I doubted your capabilities. I would love to spend time with my favourite crew. What time should I come over? I'll bring my cozy onesie pyjamas, and we can have a fun movie night with pizza and ice cream—my treat.🥰

I asked my Aunt Grace to come over before Mom left at six tomorrow evening to make things easier and have some support while she's here. Aunt Grace agreed, so I quickly texted my Mom the plan.

A wave of relief washed over me. Having my Aunt here would make things easier, but there was also another reason. After reflecting on it, I didn't want to have a long, overdue conversation with my Mom about my dad and his family when she was exhausted after work tonight, but I could talk about it with Aunt Grace tomorrow. I intended to ask my Aunt what Aamon Brzezinski meant to her and why she acted as though she were in love with him if he were my father.

Grace’s Point of View

Aamon looked as relieved as I felt when I told him I would stay with Shiloh, Onyx, and Salem tomorrow while Rei was out with Xavier.

“When will you tell her?” I asked, knowing that once Aamon revealed to Rei who she really was, everything would change for my best friend and her children.

“I want to give Xavier a chance to be honest with her about who he is, why he was warned to stay away from her and what his intentions are first. Rei doesn’t work the next three days according to her schedule. I will give her time to process what Xavier tells her tonight and then reveal everything to my step-sister. Everything is aligned to ease Rei into her new life. Lillanna is the only unknown factor now,” Aamon said.