You’ve been missing for ten years, and now you show up like nothing happened. What do you want from us? Jennifer looked at her ex-husband, who was standing on the doorstep, shifting from foot to foot, and didn’t hide her indignation. Don’t get worked up, — Michael squinted.
— We’re not strangers to each other after all. I was your husband. Have you really forgotten? I also wanted to see little Alex.
He’s my son, after all. I remember that you were my husband. Ex, I should note.
And you didn’t think about our existence for so many years, and now you’re standing on the doorstep asking me to let you in.
Did you remember to see your son? It’s inconvenient to talk across the threshold. You don’t want the whole building to hear our conversation.
Jennifer, sighing heavily, still stepped aside and gestured for him to come into the apartment. Okay, come in, but I warn you right away, I have little time. Michael walked into the living room and settled on the couch.
He looked around with interest at how everything had changed here in ten years. So, what do you need? — Jennifer repeated her question. She deliberately chose not the couch, but the armchair, to be as far away from her ex-husband as possible.
Why do I necessarily need something? It was noticeable that Michael was dissatisfied with the tone in which his ex-wife was talking to him.
He clearly hoped for a warmer reception. You didn’t think about our existence for so long, you just took off and left.
You didn’t give a damn about how we live, whether everything is okay with us. Has something changed now? You tell me what changed, since you don’t want to see your husband, even if he’s an ex. Mike, remember.
Jennifer was already starting to lose her temper. You went out for bread and disappeared. And then it turned out that you have a new life and another family…
We’ve been divorced for a long time. And by the way, I have a legal husband. So in fact, we’re complete strangers to each other…
The woman stood up and paced the room. I really don’t have time right now. Alex and Robert should be back soon, and dinner isn’t ready yet.
And I need to go to the store. Maybe we’ll postpone our conversation for another time? In fact, she just didn’t want her husband and son to catch Michael at home. She needed to get him out the door by any means.
You always put everything off, grumbled the ex-husband. If you had listened to me then, instead of playing your usual record about «another time,» who knows, maybe I wouldn’t have left anywhere. Michael, unlike Jennifer, had free time and was well prepared for the conversation.
So you left me, but I’m the one to blame? Interesting approach to life you have. Jennifer was offended to the core. And what about the fact that you racked up a bunch of loans, half of which fell on me after the divorce.
What about abandoning your own son. Does that not count? You’re the only one to blame for me leaving. I can repeat it a hundred more times.
Michael replied calmly. I tried to explain the situation to you so many times. And you just brushed it off.
I was just fed up to the gills with your explanations. Jennifer exploded. You just talked a lot, but did nothing.
And I had to think about our family myself. Understand? Everything was somehow on my shoulders. I had to raise little Alex, take care of you, and also think about where to get money to pay off the debts.
Not forgetting that I also went to work. We barely made ends meet. All wives try for the family.
What’s so special about that? Michael had his own views on life. Okay. Jennifer wanted at all costs to prove to her ex-husband that he was wrong.
But then what is the role of a man? Isn’t the husband supposed to be the main breadwinner? Whatever about breadwinners. You could have just helped me. But you just lounged on the couch and took out loans.
Well, to hear you tell it, I’m just some lazy degenerate. Michael was offended. By the way, I worked too…
And it’s not my fault they paid me little. Who in their right mind would pay good money to a worker like you? The ex-wife laughed. You were just slacking off at work.
That’s why they asked you to leave. They wanted me to slave away there from morning till late evening for pennies. They picked the wrong guy.
I respect myself, so I left on my own to just find myself, my place in life. And how? Successfully? Jennifer asked sarcastically. Michael always loved cheap pathos.
It’s just that his wife had managed to forget about it in 10 years and now wrinkled her nose, as if there was a bucket of garbage in front of her. It was clear that Michael was having trouble with the answer. Jennifer noted to herself with some satisfaction that her ex-husband was probably still not appreciated as he deserved…
That’s why he came to her to try his luck in the old place. But he was too late. Jennifer began pushing Michael toward the exit.
Mike, come on, go already. Our conversation is going in circles, and you haven’t said anything important. I really don’t have time.
What, are you kicking me out? Michael said reproachfully. But we haven’t really talked to you properly. You always avoid serious topics.
The ex-husband reluctantly but still headed for the exit. That’s it, I need to run to the store. Jennifer quickly put on her outdoor shoes and opened the door.
Michael, on the contrary, was dragging out time. He laced up his sneakers for so long that his ex-wife thought to herself that she could have gone to the store and back by now. When the laces were finally done, Jennifer began pushing Michael out onto the landing.
We didn’t finish talking, the ex-husband sniffed offendedly. Yes, yes, later, everything later. Jennifer quickly closed the door and hurried down the stairs.
But when can we talk normally? «I want to see my son!» the ex-husband shouted after her. «Let’s do it after the weekend!» – Jennifer replied on the run. She walked quickly along the house and turned the corner.
There was a playground there, surrounded on all sides by thick trees. Jennifer sat down on one of the benches, sure that she couldn’t be seen from here, and caught her breath a little. The arrival of her ex-husband caught her off guard.
It’s good that Alex and Robert weren’t home, otherwise there could have been a serious scandal. Jennifer sat on the bench for about half an hour. During that time, she managed to outline the main plan of action.
The woman decided to talk to her son and husband and prepare them for a possible meeting with Michael. Jennifer was most worried about little Alex. He was at that difficult teenage age when it seems like the whole world is against you.
The woman looked around and headed toward the store. When she returned home with her purchases, Michael was no longer on the landing. Over the weekend, Jennifer chose what seemed to her a suitable moment and knocked on her son’s door.
— Come in, — Alex shouted. He was flattered that his mom didn’t just walk in, but actually knocked. — I wanted to discuss one issue with you.
Jennifer decided to approach from afar. — About your childhood and about your father. Alex spun around in his computer chair and looked attentively at his mother.
— What is there to say about him? I hardly remember him. — Yes, you were very little, still going to kindergarten. — I was five, — Alex suddenly said, which greatly surprised Jennifer.
— So he does remember him after all, — she thought to herself. — Dad promised to give me a transformer robot that we saw in the store window, but he didn’t have time because he ran away from us. — Wow, I didn’t know anything about the robot.
Jennifer was getting closer to the main topic of the conversation. — You know, Michael, your father, suddenly showed up. She looked intently at her son.
How would he react? But Alex listened without saying a word. He said he would like to meet you and talk. — I have nothing to talk to him about, — the teenager cut off.
— Mom, I spend a ton of time at school. Then I have practice and exam prep with a tutor. On weekends, I barely find time to play on the computer.
A cool new game just came out. When am I supposed to meet him? While Jennifer was choosing the right words, Robert walked into the room. — Oh, I remembered, — Alex suddenly slapped his forehead.
— My friends invited me to hang out. So definitely no time to meet him. Jennifer looked at Robert.
He put his hand on his shoulder and said. — Alex, the guys will have to wait. — Come on, Dad, — Alex drawled…
He had long been calling his stepdad Dad, and Robert greatly appreciated the teenager’s affection and tried to set a good example for him. — Don’t you find this strange. You raised me, taught me, walked with me, played and all that.
The list could go on forever. But suddenly he appears. And what, I should run to him, dropping my slippers? I’m not interested in meeting him, understand.
— Alex, — Jennifer tried to give her voice strictness. — I think it would be better if you did meet him. Remember, we talked about how you need to be able to solve problems with dignity.
They won’t resolve themselves. — I don’t see any problem at all, — Alex flared up. — Mom, I think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill…
For me, this Michael is a stranger. If I see him on the street, I won’t even recognize him. I was five years old when he left us.
Hear that, five! I don’t understand why I should waste time on this traitor. — You’ll meet him just once, — his mother persuaded. No one is forcing you to see him regularly.
You’ll just talk, and everyone will go their own way. After all, he’s your biological father, even if we don’t like it. Alex looked at Robert with a probing gaze.
He understood what the boy wanted to ask him. — No, buddy, I won’t be offended by that. You can rest easy.
The stepdad assured him. — All right. Alex reluctantly agreed.
Jennifer exhaled with relief. For some reason, it seemed to her that if Michael met his son and realized that the teenager had forgotten him and had a completely different life, he would definitely leave him alone. She was afraid that her ex-husband would start stalking them and ambushing them at every turn.
It’s better for father and son to meet not on the street, but at their home. In case of anything, she and Robert would always come to the rescue. Jennifer called Michael and invited him over.
He arrived not empty-handed. He handed his ex-wife a bouquet of nine roses. To Robert — a bottle of wine.
Although Jennifer’s new husband didn’t drink alcohol at all. And for Alex, he had a box wrapped in beautiful paper. — Here, Alex, this is for you, — Michael extended to his son.
While Alex was pondering whether to accept the gift from his biological father or not, Robert said thank you for him. Then everyone went to the kitchen, where everything was ready for a family tea party. In the center of the table stood a large Napoleon cake, and in a bowl lay chocolate candies, bird’s milk.
— Oh, my favorites! — Michael appreciated the treats. — Imagine that! — Jennifer said almost inaudibly. — Little Alex loves them too.
— Michael, where have you been all these years? — Robert decided to ask. — All over the place! — Michael answered vaguely. — I get bored sitting in one spot.
You could say I was finding myself. — Did finding yourself become more important to you than family? — Robert couldn’t hold back again. Michael looked at his ex-wife’s new husband from under his brow.
He knew perfectly well who this man was to her, but still didn’t miss the chance to make a snide remark. — Excuse me, who are you to my wife and son? I don’t think I’ve seen you before. — Michael! — Jennifer said in an icy tone…
— You know perfectly well that I’m married to Robert. Why the stupid questions? She already regretted agreeing to this meeting. But what could Michael do to her? Start stalking? Let him.
And what was she even afraid of him for. Jennifer expected nothing good from the sudden appearance of her ex-husband in their lives. And she wanted to end this meeting as soon as possible.
— Something I don’t understand, — Michael suddenly inquired. — Has Robert adopted little Alex? — I would gladly, — Robert said confidently. — But as far as I know, you haven’t been deprived of parental rights.
— Of course not, — Michael drawled. — Well, so what, — Robert continued. — If you don’t mind, I’m ready to adopt Alex.
He’s already like my own son. Just need to handle the formalities. — Ah, how neatly you’ve planned everything, — Michael snapped back.
— And did you ask me if I want my biological son to bear a stranger’s last name, huh? — I didn’t expect any other answer from you. Jennifer couldn’t hide her contempt. — You only know how to throw wrenches in the works.
You lived somewhere for ten years without a care, and now you’ve shown up and immediately started asserting rights. — Excellent. — So know this, we don’t care about your wants, got it? — Hold on, hold on, — Michael clearly had something in mind.
— We got divorced, right? Jennifer just nodded. — On your application and without my participation, right? She nodded again. — But divorce doesn’t mean deprivation of parental rights.
He raised his finger instructively. — That was my mistake, — Jennifer hissed through her teeth. — I should have sued to deprive you of parental rights.
— You didn’t help your son all these years. We haven’t seen a penny from you. — You’d get bogged down proving it, — the ex-husband replied rudely.
— But you yourself understand that you evaded your direct parental responsibilities. Jennifer was outraged by Michael’s audacity. — You didn’t pay child support.
— Then why didn’t you sue me? Michael showed his awareness. — So everything suited you. I take it you managed just fine without me.
He glanced at Robert. — I strongly asked Jennifer not to sue for child support, — her new husband said. — What, are you that rich? — Michael quipped.
— It’s not about that, — Robert winced. — Simply, when I married Jennifer, I took full responsibility for this wonderful woman. And she gratefully squeezed his hand.
And including for her son. And I loved Alex with all my heart, like my own child. He is my own to me, and that’s not even up for discussion.
Alex, who until that moment had been silently staring into his cup, slightly raised his head and looked attentively. First at Robert, then at Michael. — I see Jennifer has become an obedient wife.
Her husband asked, and she didn’t. Bravo! You have a great family. — What’s the point of suing for child support? — Jennifer said angrily.
— Even when you lived with us, you couldn’t get any help from you. Especially after you left. She waved her hand….
— Do you even realize how much grief your departure brought me and the child. After all, the loans were left on me. I bent over backward to pay off the debts.
If I had gone to court, I simply wouldn’t have had time to work. — Robert! — Michael suddenly addressed him. — And why do you live here? What, haven’t acquired your own housing? — How are you not ashamed? — Jennifer flared up.
— Robert helped raise your son, paid off your debts. — Lived with my wife! — the ex-husband suddenly blurted out. At one glance at Robert, Jennifer understood that he was ready to pounce on Michael…
He had really gone too far. — What’s the point of all this conversation? — she almost shouted. — Say what you need from us? A cold snake of a thought crept into Jennifer’s soul, but she tried to drive it away.
Of course, she guessed that meeting his son was just a pretext for someone like Michael. In fact, he was aiming for… She didn’t have time to finish her thought when Michael voiced it himself. — Let’s talk about the apartment! — he looked around at those present.
— Here’s the true goal of the prodigal husband and father’s return. Jennifer’s heart pounded wildly. — So you’re after the apartment? — she asked challengingly.
— Yes! — Michael answered shortly. — You’ve got some nerve! — Jennifer was outraged to the core. — But you’ll have to roll it back.
— Why? After all, by law, half of this apartment belongs to my mother! — Michael cackled. — I have nowhere to live right now. I’m not going to be homeless, after all.
— I want to remind you that initially your mother bought this apartment for us and registered it in her name. After my parents paid her half the cost, she re-registered half the apartment in my name. Have you forgotten? — Why? I remember perfectly.
— That’s what I’m saying, according to the documents, half the apartment still belongs to my mother. So I have all the rights to it. — You think she won’t refuse her son? — Yeah, I’ll convince her in a flash to rewrite her part to me.
— And you’ll fly out of here like stray dogs because I won’t let you live. — Even me? — Alex asked. He looked at his biological father and waited for what he would answer.
Michael hesitated with the answer. — You can stay, — he finally drawled. — I’ll pass! — the teenager hissed angrily.
— Mike, doesn’t it bother you that Robert and I paid off half your debts. — Thanks, Robert! — Michael said, mugging. — But it’s not my fault you’re such a sucker.
— But you’re just a scoundrel! — Alex shouted at him. — Who are you raising your voice at, pup? — his father asked him. — I see your mother and her boyfriend didn’t raise you at all.
— Well, never mind, I’ll take care of your upbringing. — I’ll pass! — Alex ran out from the table and locked himself in his room. — Anyway, my friends, — the ex-husband said.
— Don’t think I’m some beast, but we’ll have to exchange the apartment. — And he spread his hands. — That’s life! — What, you’re offering us an exchange and doing us a favor? — Jennifer was beside herself with rage.
— Although, — Michael drawled, — we don’t have to exchange. — Let’s live together, just me, you, and our son. — And you, — he looked at Robert, — have an hour to pack, you can get out of here.
Robert clenched his fists, barely holding himself back. — We must not allow a fight under any circumstances, — Jennifer repeated to herself. She was afraid that Michael would then turn everything to his advantage.
— Robert is my husband, — Jennifer reminded, — and he’s not going anywhere from here. — Commendable! — the ex-husband applauded her. — Only I’m not agreeing to live as four.
Well, what are we going to do? — Jennifer was silent. — If you don’t want to live with me, I won’t persuade you, — Michael continued. — We’ll have to sell the apartment.
Michael had obviously prepared very thoroughly for today’s conversation. Jennifer took a deep breath and prepared to tell her ex-husband everything she thought about him. But Robert stopped her.
— Michael, where do you live now? — he asked calmly. — At a friend’s place, a buddy’s, — he answered evasively. — Thanks to him, he sheltered me, for old times’ sake.
But I can’t stay with him forever. So don’t drag out the exchange. Find a buyer, my mother will sign where needed.
That’s my final word. He said and got up from the table. — No need to see me out.
A couple of seconds later, the sound of the closing door was heard. Jennifer and Robert sat at the table, not saying a word to each other. They were digesting the information received from Michael.
Alex came out of his room and looked into the kitchen. — Is that guy gone? — he asked challengingly. — Yes, — Robert answered.
— I suggest next time just don’t open the door to him. Alex said with feeling. — As if it’s that simple, — his mom said sadly…
— Well, I’ll go to the guys, — Alex reminded about their promise to let him go to his friends. — Yes, son, go. Just don’t stay out too late, — Jennifer muttered distractedly.
All her thoughts were now occupied with Michael and his claims on the apartment. — We have a run this evening, don’t miss it, — Robert reminded him. When Alex left, Jennifer turned to her husband with a question.
— What do we do now? — We need to think carefully. Let’s lay out all the information we have on the shelves, — Robert suggested. — Okay…
According to the documents, the apartment has two owners, me and my mother-in-law. She fulfilled her part of the agreements and gave me exactly half after my parents paid her half the market value. — I’m worried that my mother-in-law could easily give him her share, — Robert shared his thoughts.
— After all, he’s her own son, she won’t spare anything for him. — I wouldn’t be so sure, — Jennifer said thoughtfully. — You don’t know Patricia well.
— Yes, she seemed like a quite reasonable woman to me, — Robert said. — Yes. And she sincerely hoped that Michael and I would have a strong family.
But he just up and disappeared. The woman shook her head. I don’t even know whose side Patricia will take.
It was decided to talk to the mother-in-law face to face the following weekend. — Yes, I heard that Michael finally showed up, — Patricia said. As soon as her daughter-in-law and her new husband crossed the threshold of the apartment.
— His friend called me. — And he didn’t come to you? — Jennifer was surprised. — He didn’t come or call, — the mother-in-law answered calmly.
— But that’s very like Mike. So I’m not surprised. — He said he wants to exchange the apartment, — the daughter-in-law said sadly.
— Is that fair? — she asked, almost crying. — After all, we’ve been paying off his debts for so many years. And now Mike shows up, claims we owe him something.
— And you’re only surprised by his behavior now? — the mother-in-law smiled condescendingly. — Didn’t you understand who you were marrying? I just refused to believe what was happening then, that such a nice girl like you would want to tie her life to my Mike. And you took care of him, pampered and cherished him.
Gave birth to a wonderful son for him. He should have come to his senses and become a good husband and father. But it didn’t work out.
Mike claims he can claim your share of the apartment. After all, you’re his mother and won’t refuse him. Well, on moral grounds, of course, he can claim.
But there are no legal grounds for that. At least while I’m alive. — I’m afraid he’ll try to persuade you.
— the daughter-in-law honestly shared her doubts. He knows how to play on pity. — I know, Jenny, — the mother-in-law smiled sadly, — but I’ll think of something.
The new meeting with Michael was scheduled in a week. This time he came without flowers or gifts. Alex wasn’t home.
As soon as he found out that Michael was coming again, he immediately asked to go to a friend’s. No matter how much his mother persuaded him, the teenager remained adamant. — What do I need him for? — Alex whined.
— No thanks. I heard enough last time. — Maybe seeing you will soften him and he’ll change anger to mercy, — Jennifer expressed hope…
— But I can’t wait anymore, — the teenager shouted. — Jennifer, let him go to the guys, — Patricia asked for her grandson. — Thanks, Grandma! — the grandson kissed his grandmother on the cheek.
— You’re the best! And ran off to change. When Alex was practically standing in the doorway, the doorbell rang. The boy mechanically started to open it.
— Everyone’s already there, — he muttered to someone. Jennifer realized that Michael had arrived. — Hello, Mom! — Michael greeted the elderly woman.
— I didn’t expect to see you here. You came just in time. You can confirm that your half of the apartment becomes mine.
I think tomorrow we can go to the notary and formalize everything officially. — Hello, Mike! — Jennifer briefly filled me in. — And here’s what I’ll tell you.
I think you’re wrongly demanding the division of the apartment from her. I won’t give my consent to that. — So you’re on her side? — Michael said with bitterness in his voice.
— But you’re my mother! — But Jennifer is the mother of your own child. — Have you forgotten? Do you even realize how hard it was for her when she was left with a small son on her hands and huge debts. Believe me, life wasn’t sweet for her.
— But you helped her, — Michael noted. — And then she met her new hubby. What do you think, can I demand compensation from him for living in my apartment with my wife all these years? — he asked his mother…
— And he also became a real father to your child. Do you know how much love and warmth he put into his upbringing? The boy loves sports and studies well. And all thanks to whom? Robert! — Patricia summed up.
— Okay, — Michael waved his hand. — Let them live as they want. The question is the apartment.
I have nowhere to live right now, so I thought. — Son, as you understand, initially the apartment belonged to me. I signed over half to Jennifer.
And I was saving the second half for you. I kept hoping you’d finally show up. — I showed up, Mom! — Michael said joyfully.
— Let’s legalize your decision. Let Jennifer use half the apartment with her son and her boyfriend. So be it, I don’t mind.
Just the second half is mine. — Too late, — Patricia answered calmly. — Now Jennifer owns the entire apartment.
— How’s that? — Very simply. Yesterday I was at the notary with my grandson and transferred my share to him. Michael looked as if he’d been hit on the head with a dusty sack…
— Mom, but why did you do that? — he attacked his mother with reproaches. — Why did you deprive me of housing? Is that fair? — It’s fair, son, fair. I want you not to interfere with their peaceful life after my death, — she cut off.
— Jennifer and Alex have already suffered enough because of your irresponsibility. You abandoned them to fate, and now you think you can demand something? — But how can that be? — Michael continued to question. — Just like that.
Resign yourself, son. Michael, of course, still wanted to make a fuss, but his mother remained indifferent to his attempts to persuade her to change her decision. In the end, he gave up.
Michael ran out of the apartment, slamming the door so hard that Jennifer’s favorite statuette fell in the hallway and shattered to pieces. — For good luck! — said the mother-in-law. Michael still tried to pressure his mother’s conscience, but these attempts had no success.
He tried to act through Alex, but the son flatly refused to see his biological father. For many years now, he has only one father — Robert. Michael lived with his mother for some time, and then disappeared again in an unknown direction.
The elderly woman didn’t expect her son to sit at home. He had that kind of character since childhood. Apparently, he went off to find himself again.