1.39 Truth

Dan held his wife as she cried through hers tears and muttered, “They will hate us for keep this from them.” Dan stared into her eyes for a moment then replied, “We tried telling once but they were too young at the time. The kids will be upset but they won’t hate us.” There was a knock at the door Dan kissed her gently then told Laura to sit down while he got the door.

Kirsten and Jake were stunned to see their Dad answer the door and the first thing Kirsten said as they walked in, “You have come together to tell us you are divorcing.” Jake shot a disgusted look at Kirsten because he didn’t want them to get a divorce but he also didn’t want the idea planted in their head either, “I was just asking.” Kirsten replied to Jake.

Dan looked at his children and firmly stated, “We are not getting a divorce but this is what we need to talk to you both about.” They all sat down and they could see by their Mum’s face that this was serious. 

Jake quietly asked, “What is this all about?” 

Dan stood by the fire place and wondered how to begin then started, “There is no easy way to tell you and I’m sorry for the blunt way but a few years after you were born, Jake. We were expecting again and after an intense labour your Mum gave birth to a little girl we named Ava.” Dan could feel his emotions start to get the better of him. 

Laura hugged him and continued, “She was so beautiful and tiny but what should have been the most wonderful time in our life turned sour when after just ten minutes Ava started changing colour. I screamed and your Dad got the doctors but it was too late. They did try and save her but there was nothing that could be done. Ava died just an hour after being born.”

Kirsten and Jake sat there in silence trying to take in what they had just been told. 

Jake looked at his parents and asked, “Ava’s death started the arguments and Dad, is this why you worked the long hours?”

Dan looked at the floor and then back to Jake, “I’m ashamed to say that yes to ignore my feelings and pretend nothing was wrong I buried myself in my work.” 

Then he glanced at Laura and added, “When all along I had a beautiful wife and two great kids that needed me.”

Laura added, “We should have grieved together not push each other away.” Kirsten asked, “Where is Ava buried?”

Dan answered Kirsten, “She is buried in Monte Vista in the local graveyard.”

Jake’s head was spinning and he wasn’t sure whether he was angry or sad, maybe even a little of both. 

He stood up just staring at his parents a little confused, “So you had another baby, our sister and you forget to talk about her as if she never existed. How dare you do that to us?”

Kirsten understood where Jake was coming from but could also see that her parents had been through enough hell of their own, “I understand what Jake is saying as I feel the same but you should have said. You always taught us to talk through our problems yet here you are burying your own.”

Laura hugged Kirsten and said, “You are right, we should have taken our own advice.” Then she turned to Jake and hugged him, “I’m sorry for hurting you please forgive me?”

Jake hated when his Mum played that card because in spite of everything he loved his Mum, “I don’t hate you, I’m just upset with both of you.”

“I know you are baby.”

 After Dan had hugged his kids he also told them that they had starting grievance counselling and their first step was to be honest with their children.

As they ate their lunch the atmosphere felt strained but Jake broke the silence, “Did she have a nice funeral?” Then Kirsten asked, “Did she have flowers?”

Laura stopped eating and snapped, “I don’t want to talk about her.” Dan snapped at Laura, “Her name was Ava. You aren’t the only one grieving here. I lost her too. I won’t let you push me or the kids away again.” 

He pulled her into him, Laura tried to struggle but Dan wouldn’t let go. “Please answer their questions.”

Laura wiped her tears away and said quietly, “Ava had a beautiful funeral and she had more teddy bears than flowers. She would have been 21 tomorrow. I’m really sorry…it’s just I’m used to not talking about Ava.” Jake finally could see the pain it was causing both his parents and replied, “I’m sorry it’s painful for you and if you want I’ll stop asking questions.”

Laura looked at him and smiled, “No your Dad is right, we can’t pretend anymore, she was part of our lives even if it was a short time but we loved her very much and still do. However we need to talk to you about something else.”

They sat around the table again and Dan said, “I decided the most important things in my life are my wife and kids. I knew the only way your Mum would take me back was if I retired. This is what I’m doing and the business will now become both of yours.” Suddenly there was an echo as Kirsten and Jake replied in shock, “What!”

Dan laughed slightly, “You are both older enough to handle it.” Jake had panic written all over him, “I’m a fire fighter. How can I run a business as well?” 

Before Dan could answer Kirsten got in first, “I have plans, big plans…this is not a good time for me.” Laura looked at her daughter, “What are the big plans?” Kirsten looked at her Mum and said, “It doesn’t matter I mean maybe today is not the right time.” Dan looked sweetly at his daughter, “You are still our daughter and whatever we have discussed today, we still have time to listen. So what is it?”

Kirsten blurted it out still not sure if she should say, “I’m getting married.” Laura suddenly had a big grin on her face, “That’s wonderful news.” Then she started firing questions at Kirsten, “We are going to have to sort out the venue, the dresses, this is so exciting.” Dan saw Kirsten’s face and said, “Darling stop, look at Kirsten maybe you should ask her what wedding she wants?”

Kirsten felt relief wash over her and calmly added, “Daddy thank you. I don’t want a big wedding and I don’t want business associates there either. I want the wedding at our home, small, simple but beautiful.”

Dan pulled Kirsten in for another hug and replied, “That’s my girl but I will pay for a honeymoon. Congratulations too.” Then they saw Laura on the phone telling family and friends. Jake just sat there pleased it wasn’t him getting married then Kirsten asked, “Dad stop her?”

“Mother of the bride, I hate to say this but this is what your Mum does but between us we will make sure the wedding doesn’t get out of hand.”