Lost in Nightmares Ch. 8

“Albert I'm so happy for you!” Ada beamed as she attempted to cook them breakfast. “I can't believe you got that teaching position at the university.  Are we starting to feel like a family again?”

Albert smiled at her innocence, hugging her from behind.  “Yes.  Your mother and Adeline will be arriving some time next week, so you can renew the bond with our little girl.”

“I miss her Albert, I really do.  I can't believe how cold I was to her before she left. I feel terrible!”

“Ada don't be so harsh on yourself. You forgot everyone who loved you and felt out of place. She'll probably never remember it.” he comforted. “And maybe... maybe we can try for another.”

“Have another child?” she said surprised, finishing the scrambled eggs. “What do we need another one for?”

“We don't need a baby Ada,” he chuckled, letting her go so she could eat. “But it never hurts to expand our family. You used to want that... having more than one child.”

Ada shrugged, mixing the ketchup with her eggs. “Well, maybe before, but I'm happy with just us. I want to give Adeline the attention she deserves and needs. If I do happen to get pregnant again in the near future, that's fine too. I don't want you planning it though. If it happens, it happens.”

Albert agreed, understanding her wishes. He suddenly realized he hadn't seen her this happy since before he left for Africa. It pained him to have to lie to her about so many things, but it made things right between them. As if he would tell her that had to give birth to Adeline alone, not being able to tell anyone she existed until after his death. Or how cruel he had been to her, or how much of a failure he was. Those were things he was trying to forget himself, let alone let return to Ada.

Before he could change to a new topic, he cell phone went off. He answered it curtly, not wanting to be disturbed. “Yes? Albert speaking.”

“I'm so glad I found you. Albert we need to talk...”

“Excuse me? Who is this?” he frowned, leaving the kitchen so Ada couldn't listen.

“It's Diane. Diane Muller.”

“You have a lot of nerve trying to get a hold of me. What do you want? Money?” he scowled, keeping his voice low.

“Well... yes. I'm in a bit of trouble, and-”

“Trouble? If I remember correctly, you had a bad habit of breaking a man's heart and wallet. What makes you think I'd give you even a penny?”

“Our son... He's going to end up just like you Albert.”

“Our son? We never had a son. What I had at the time was poor taste in judgment, and you had two other lovers I had no idea about. If you're going to blackmail someone for money, Diane, at least figure out who the right father of your damn kid is,” he seethed. “Don't you ever call me again.”  Without giving her a chance to reply, he hung up on her. A familiar rage boiled in his blood. He was practically over the edge from that conversation, and wanted to tear something up. His eyes were more red than gold, clearly showing his feelings. How dare she, the woman who had cheated and lied to him, be so bold as to ask him for money? For all he knew, there was no son, but just a pathetic lie to make him feel bad.  I have a beautiful wife and daughter... he thought, trying to calm down, There's no way in hell I'd ever consider helping out that bitch. The audacity she has to ask me for money!

“Albert? Who was that?” Ada called from the kitchen.

“No one important dear, just some telemarketers..” he sighed.