His sad past

Jennie watches as Rose drinks the last of the juice. "I am full." Her mother-in-law said as she set the glass down and looked at Jennie.

"I'm finished too," Jennie said, laying her spoon down. She stood up and cleaned up. Rose joined in and started collecting the plates.

"Mom, leave them. I will do it." Jennie announced.

However, Rose continued with a smile. "You don't have to treat me like an old lady. I still have some strength left in my bones." She teased her daughter-in-law. Jennie laughed loudly at Rose's remark. She could feel some of her stress leaving her.

Jennie and Rose happily chatted as they got the work done. Their joyful moment reminded Jennie of the old days when she recently started dating Jackson. At that period in time, Rose was so fond of her. When she came over to visit Rose at her house, they would spend the entire day chatting and gossiping about everything and anyone.

Those days in Jennie's memory were some of her happiest years. When she could complain, reveal, and show things that were happening in her and Jackson's relationship to Rose like she would with her own mother.

Now that Jennie has done something she thinks will split up her and Jackson, whenever she looks at her mother-in-law, she realizes how much hurt she will cause this beautiful family.

The dishes, glasses, and silverware got cleaned, then placed into their right cupboard. Plus, the dining table got wiped and organized into its original order. Jennie and Rose could finally rest themselves on the living room sofa.

They relaxed for some time before Jennie asked Rose her previous question about Jackson. "Why does my husband hate his father?"

Rose faces Jennie and smiles sadly. "My son does not dislike his father. He doesn't want to have anything to do with his dad because of what transpired in the past." Rose said. She faces the opposite direction as she watches the golden light flashing from the window.

Jennie could see that this topic was sensitive for Rose, but she desired to know the truth. "Can you tell me what happened?" Jennie asked.

Rose did not change her position as she began telling the story. It was a chilly afternoon. Jackson's sixth birthday had passed a month ago, but his father missed it because he got occupied with his work.

My husband kept coming in late. Sometimes he did not come home at all. My son and I were sitting in the living room when he ran up to me and said, "Mom, is dad not coming home again?"

I did not know the answer to his question. Still, as his mother, I had to put on a brave grimace for my baby. So I turn and face him with a big bright smile. I tried to look like the happiest married woman alive. But deep down, the grief was suffocating me slowly.

"Dad is still busy. However, mom can take you touring in unique places." I told him gaily.

Jackson picked up his toy car and rode it around the room. He did not look happy and wouldn't talk to me. Jackson was at a young age back then, but I could tell that he understood some of what was going on.

A few minutes passed, and Jackson walked up to me. "Mom, can we go sightseeing on Divine street?" He told me shyly as he pushed his car back and forth on the table.

I felt disturbed that he knew that name because it was far from our community. To be specific, this place was in another state. So I called him closer and asked, "Baby, how do you know that name?"

Jackson hesitated for a while. He did not show any sign of desiring to answer me. Maybe he thought he had gotten himself in trouble because of what he said. However, I lifted Jackson and set him on my lap.

"You don't have to hide anything from mom. You can tell me anything." I told him calmly.

Jackson nodded his head, "I want to visit that area because dad talked about it the other day when he was on his phone. My dad might be there, so I want to see him. I miss dad." He replied pitifully.

My heart hurts, seeing my boy this blue. So I grabbed my purse and keys from the table. I held his hand, led him out of the house, and into the car. Jackson did not speak the whole time we were on the road. But I could see the hope in his eyes from the thought of him seeing his father, and I prayed for a miracle to make that happen. Neither of us knew how fast my prayer would get answered.

We arrived at Divine Street and got out of the vehicle. Jackson ran so fast out of the front seat that I did not have time to lock the car. I hurried after him.

"Baby, slow down, please. I can't keep up with your tiny baby feet." I shouted after him. Jackson stopped and faced me.

"Mom! I am not a baby anymore. I am six years old. You are not allowed to call me, baby from now on." Jackson stubbornly told me, and I giggled.

I knew he hated that name, but it was the only trick that could make him stop running.

"I am sorry, son. But you've got to promise mom that you won't tally again, okay?" I advised him.

However, Jackson did not answer. His eyes sparkled with excitement as I tried to get his attention.

"Mom, look! It's my father's car." He screamed, running past me and heading towards an enormous building.

"What did I just say about running?" I yelled as I followed him.

When we arrived at the edifice, I noticed that my son was right. It was his father's vehicle. I noted the building name, and right away I had doubts about why my husband would be at such a place.

Rose stopped the story and stared at Jennie with teary eyes.

She gave a bitter smile and said, "What happened next is not something I want to relive. Still, I will continue it for your sake."

Jennie did not understand her mother-in-law's statement, yet she felt like the story was more than an explanation of the past, and Jennie wanted to know why.