Touching the Heart of Ace

He had a daughter.

He became a proud father of the most beautiful baby in the world. Mom said the words. I had clutched on Jason??s shoulder, so I could pretend to be happy, surprised and managed to laugh with tears streaming down my face.

I had no idea I was hoping for the worst, so when he called me, I could be happier.

But, since it had been three days and still no call from him; I was losing my sanity bit by bit. He did not even bother to inform me of his parenthood.

It was for the best. I had promised myself I would stay away. This was my staying away.

??Isn??t it amazing, Ace? She is so beautiful. Robert calls her an angel.?? Mom giggled on the other side. ??But she is. You should see her. Let us go together, tomorrow perhaps? I will pick you up.?? ??M... mom. Jason wants to talk to you.?? I threw the phone to Jason and ran to bathroom.

He called her an angel. Angel! He called her an angel.

Who was I, then?

I dropped to the floor hugging my knees, hiding my face between them.

When had he started calling me Angel?

He always said I was an angel but it was not a pet name. It was just... Then the name stuck. I thought myself as an angel, his angel. But not anymore. He had a baby; the baby was his Angel.

I went to his office ignoring Jason who was still talking to mom. I opened his P.C going through Bobby??s medical file.

No, not Bobby anymore. Bobby was a boy??s name.

I remembered that night when I felt Bob... Robbie??s angel was in danger. I could not explain it in any way that could make anyone understand. The whole thing looked so shady. A doctor could withhold a lot o information but not the health risk of a child from its parents.

Why would a doctor lie about a healthy baby and make its father believe it would not make it?

Did I regret saving Bobby, now?

No.

Not one bit.

I was happy that she was born. I was happy that her father was proud. This might be the end of me but... it was okay.

I wiped the tears again. My cheeks were hurting with constant rubbing. I yawned hard.

??Let us sleep.?? Jason picked me up from Robbie??s chair.

??I want you to tip of an anonymous investigation.??

Jason frowned. ??Investigation on what???

??A hospital. I will show you the details tomorrow. It would be tricky but find a way to crack them. We need to shut that down.??

??Shut a hospital down? Wow! That is... Are you sure???

??Yeah. If it gets out of hand, we need to involve mom.??

??That bad???

??I have no proof, yet. But I think we will soon. And yes, that bad.??

??Sleep now.?? He climbed on the bed as well.

I had no idea what I was expecting while listening to her speaking so highly of the new born baby. Going with mom to hospital, was that a good idea?

Robbie and I had not spoken about it, but we avoided being in the same room as Mom and Uncle Fred.

They would... they would know, about us... Was there an ??us?? anymore?

We would take turns meeting them and even if we had to be together we made sure Jason was with us.

Jason was not going to be there. He refused outright. Tried to change my mom??s mind in taking me with her too, but mom wanted me.

??I don??t know why everyone is so adamant in not meeting the baby. Marie is also being a cat.??

??Cat??? Jason and I looked at each other.

??Why! I am a dignified woman; I do not curse.??

It took ten seconds for Jason and another ten for me to catch up what she was saying.

??MOM!?? We both screamed at her.

??That is not true. You cursed at me that day. You put sailors to shame, woman.?? Jason followed her to the car, opening the door for her. ??Do you really want to talk about that incident, Jason Honey-Bunny???

Jason visibly cringed. ??No, ma??am.??

??So shut the well up.??

I rolled my eyes. ??Yay! Quality mom and sons bonding time. Move!?? I pushed Jason from the door with my butt.

??I don??t know why you are going. I want to kill some zombies with you.??

??Zombies will kill themselves seeing you, Jason baby. Shave your goatee.?? Mom was such a badass.

Jason stomped his foot. ??It is hot and you know it.??

??Sure.?? Mom yawned big without covering her mouth. She really knew how to crush a man??s ego.

I felt a tug on my elbow when I tried to get in the car; Jason begging me with his eyes not to go.

I kissed his cheek. ??I will be fine.?? I whispered to his ear.

But was I?

I let my mom break my heart with each words. I deserved this pain.

I did not have to see the face of the baby to know her now. Mom was so descriptive.

So sweet, calm, adorable and just the beautiful combination of her mom and dad.

Her dad is the love of my life, I love him so much mom. Do you think he will find a spot for me in his life? He has not called me yet, Mama. He forgot about me.

??Ace, my baby boy, are you crying???

I wiped my eyes fast. ??Were you this happy when I came to this world, mommy???

??Ohhh... my sweet heart, you have no idea how happy and scared I was. But your dad, you should have seen him. He was so worried about my being pregnant. Then one look at your face, he said, ??You are right, baby doll. I have never been this happy in my whole life.?? You were and still are our treasure. Son, will you tell me the truth???

I gulped.

Shit! What was she going to ask? Did she find out? Was I that open?

??Are you not happy???

??Wh... why???

??I don??t know. Your daddy is worried.??

??My daddy???

She smiled. ??You will tell me if something is bothering you, right???

??There is something bothering me. Jace is looking into that issue. Don??t blow up, alright???

She stared at me, ready to scold me. ??You two are going to give me a heart attack one day.?? But she huffed and did not bring up the topic of the child when we climbed on plane. She hated flying.

I was sure, the hell would freeze over the day Robbie gave me a man-hug. He was always so touchy when he hugs me. From his face to his feet, he would make sure there would be no space for air to squeeze in.

Well, he used to.

But, this day, he gave me a professional smile, patted my back, thanked me for coming. He kissed both of my mom??s cheek and kept his eyes away from my face.

At least, look at me, Big Baby. I am standing right here.

He did not.

??Let us see your Angel, now.?? Mom gently patted Robbie??s cheeks.

??This way, Madam.?? Robbie reverently took my mom??s hand and took her to a room far away from the lobby.

He did not invite me in and I did not intrude.

I watched his walking figure, laughing at something my mom said, leaving me both literally and figuratively.

I hated that my heart jumped when he stopped for a second at the door.

Please turn around and look at me, Robbie. I beg you.

He did not.

He forgot about me, didn??t he?☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐