The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 50 1/2 Jonás tilted his head up , his small voice trembling as he asked , Daddy , am I really annoying ? 11 The question hit me like a punch to the chest , squeezing my heart into a painful knot .

Jonas , youre the sweetest kid in the world .

No one could ever think youre annoying .

Then why does Mommy … His voice trailed off , and he quickly clamped his tiny hands over his mouth , worried he had said too much .

Will Ms.

Sommerton be mad if she hears ? Even though the bathroom door was firmly shut , he was still worried about being overheard .

How could anyone not love such a thoughtful , gentle kid ? I rested a hand on his shoulder and said gently , Jonas , not everyone in this world will like you , but that doesnt mean its your fault .

Sometimes , its because they dont deserve you .

He looked at me with wide , confused eyes .

He was too young to understand what it meant for someone to be undeserving .

All he knew was that he felt a little less safe , a little less loved .

Seeing him nod earnestly , trying to make sense of my words , broke my heart all over again .

How could I ever have left him with Yvonne ? The guilt crept in like a rising tide , threatening to overwhelm me .

I didnt even hear Lorraine knocking at the door until she finally spoke up .

Im coming in .

Her voice startled me , and I realized she must have thought something had happened to us .

No rush .

I just wanted to make sure you two didnt pass out in there , she said with a soft laugh .

She placed two bottles of water on the counter and gave me a reassuring smile that washed away my embarrassment .

Take your time .

Im not in a hurry , she added before leaving .

By the time we finished and came out , it was clear that space was going to be an issue .

The bed wasnt big enough for all of us , so I decided to sleep on the floor .

You two take the bed .

Ill be fine down here , I said , setting up a makeshift spot on the floor .

Luckily , the summer heat made it bearable .

While Lorraine went to shower , Jonas lay on the bed , his bright eyes watching me intently .

Daddy , will you marry Ms.

Sommerton ? His question caught me off guard .

Why are you asking that ? Kids these days seemed to know too much .

I wondered if he had overheard something while Chapter 50 staying with Yvonne .

2/2 Mommy says if you like someone , you should marry them .

She says she still likes you , Daddy .

Those last few words made my chest tighten painfully .

Jonas was too young to understand the full picture , but he never asked questions like this unless hed been fed the idea .

It had to be something Yvonne planted on purpose .

Was this her way of trying to win me back ? Did Mommy tell you that ? Before Jonas could answer , I thought I heard the sound of the bathroom door opening .

I glanced toward it , relieved to see Lorraine hadnt returned yet .

No , I heard it from Xavier , Jonas said softly .

Xavier ? The same Xavier who could barely tolerate being in the same room as Jonas ? I couldnt wrap my head around it .

There was no way those words came from him , Daddy , do you still like Mommy ? Jonas asked hesitantly , his voice barely above a whisper .

Kids shouldnt ask so many questions .

Go to sleep , I said firmly , dodging the question .

Jonas pouted but , true to his nature , he obediently closed his eyes without another word .