Episode 19
Gregory Blake
Aren't you being too harsh on him, hon?
Evelyn Blake
I'm just being realistic, Gregory. You can't expect someone like him to understand the world we live in
Gregory Blake
*let out a quiet sigh, clearly frustrated but choosing his words carefully*
Gregory Blake
That’s not fair, Evelyn. Just because Noah comes from a different background doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of understanding or fitting in with us. You’ve seen how much he cares for Aiden and Lily. That should count for something, shouldn't it?
Evelyn remained quiet for a moment
Evelyn Blake
I just don’t want him to think he can take everything we’ve built for granted. The family name, the legacy... it’s not something anyone can just walk into
Gregory Blake
But what about me?
Gregory Blake
I also came from a family that's nothing like yours, yet look where I am now—happily married to you and even have a son
Gregory Blake
*looked at Evelyn, a small smile playing on his lips*
Gregory Blake
I think it's about time you stopped judging others based on where they come from. People can surprise you
Evelyn looked at him for a moment, her lips tight, but then softened. She knew Gregory had a point, and her defensiveness seemed to fade, though her pride kept her from admitting it aloud.
Evelyn Blake
I’ll try. But it doesn’t mean I’ll change overnight
Gregory Blake
Nobody’s asking you to, hon. But baby steps are a good start
In the kitchen, where Lily was happily eating her desserts, Noah remained silent. He watched her with a small, almost bittersweet smile, her joy at the simple treats a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions he had been feeling all day.
Lily Evans
*noticed Noah's quiet demeanor and looked up, offering him a piece of her dessert*
Lily Evans
teacher Noah, do you want some?
Noah Rivera-Blake
*blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. He shook his head gently, though his smile was warm*
Noah Rivera-Blake
Thanks, Lily, but I'm good
Noah Rivera-Blake
*He then turned his gaze to the window, his thoughts drifting*
Lily Evans
*sensing his unease*
Lily Evans
*tugged at his sleeve* Teacher Noah, don’t be sad. I like you. daddy likes you too
Noah Rivera-Blake
*smiled softly*
Noah Rivera-Blake
*ruffling her hair* thank you, Lily. That means a lot to me
He watched her for a moment, her carefree happiness almost making him forget the awkwardness of the situation. The family dynamics, the pressure of living up to expectations—none of it mattered in that moment. For a brief second, all that mattered was the pure joy in Lily’s eyes
Noah Rivera-Blake
💭 Maybe it’ll be okay
The door creaked open, and Aiden stepped into the kitchen.
Noah Rivera-Blake
*nodded* Yeah, just... thinking. It’s a lot to process, you know?
Aiden Blake
*leaned against the counter*
Aiden Blake
*his expression understanding* I know it’s tough
Aiden Blake
But you don’t have to worry about fitting in with my family. We’ll figure it out together. My mom, she’s... well, she’s difficult, but she’ll come around eventually. And as for the rest of us, we’re happy to have you
Noah Rivera-Blake
I just don’t want to be a burden, Aiden. I don’t want to make things harder for you or anyone else
Aiden Blake
*gaze softened even more*
Aiden Blake
*walked over to Noah, placing a hand on his shoulder*
Aiden Blake
You’re not a burden. You’re important to me, to Lily, and to the rest of us. Don’t doubt that
Noah Rivera-Blake
Thank you
Noah Rivera-Blake
that means more than you know.
Aiden Blake
What do you say we all take a walk in the garden? Get some fresh air? *his eyes brightening as he looked at both Noah and Lily*
Lily Evans
*eyes lit up at the idea* Yes, yes! Let’s go
Lily Evans
*practically pulling at Aiden’s hand.*
Noah Rivera-Blake
*chuckled softly at her enthusiasm* Alright, let’s go then
The three of them made their way outside
The three of them were having fun outside, laughing and enjoying the moment. For a while, Noah forgot about all the tension and uncertainty that had been weighing on him. The cool breeze, the sound of Lily’s laughter, and the warmth of Aiden’s presence made everything feel simple, peaceful, and right.
As he watched Lily run around with her boundless energy and Aiden’s easy smile, Noah couldn't help but think that maybe everything would be okay. They were happy. This moment was real, and in it, they were just a family, living in the present, enjoying what they had.
But a small part of him couldn’t shake the thought that this could be temporary. It was a fleeting happiness, one that might slip away as quickly as it had come. He knew that this happiness, this peace, could only last for so long.
Still, he tried to push that thought away for now. He didn’t want to ruin the moment by overthinking it. Instead, he focused on the joy of being here, with them, in this fleeting but beautiful family moment.
Maybe, just maybe, it was enough for today.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the garden, the laughter continued to flow freely. Aiden joined in as Lily made playful attempts to chase him, her small footsteps quick and light on the grass. She would giggle every time she got close, only to have Aiden skillfully evade her. The simplicity of the moment, the easy rhythm of their play, was a balm to Noah’s restless mind.
Lily Evans
*flopped down on the soft grass*
Lily Evans
*looked up at the sky*
Lily Evans
Can we stay here forever, Teacher Noah?
Noah Rivera-Blake
*smiled gently and sat down beside her*
Noah Rivera-Blake
Well *looking up at the sky* I think this is a pretty good place to be
Lily Evans
*scooted closer to him*
Lily Evans
*resting her head on his shoulder*
Aiden, having caught his breath from their impromptu game, walked over and joined them, sitting beside Noah with a relaxed sigh.
The three of them sat together
Aiden Blake
*shifted slightly* You know
Aiden Blake
*glancing at Noah* i’m glad you’re here. With us
Noah Rivera-Blake
*turned his gaze to him*
Noah Rivera-Blake
*surprised by the sincerity in Aiden’s tone*
Aiden Blake
And I think Lily agrees *brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.*
Lily Evans
*eyes fluttered closed* I like us
Lily Evans
*mumbled sleepily*
Noah’s heart swelled at her words, his mind struggling to grasp the depth of what they meant. They were a family, in this moment, and that was enough. The future, with all its uncertainties, could wait.
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