I Lay My Love On You - Westlife

RUSSEL HENDRICKS

The moment I opened my eye, the white ceiling greeted my sight. What is happening? Oh yeah, today I supposedly accompany my husband to the art exhibition. Although, art is a boring but for his sake, I will do anything. He wide smiles eliminate the boring at the mention of the art. Yes, I am not a fan of that thing.

I meant what is the meaning staring at the painting. It is only for decoration. However, fated let me know two men with great hobby of art. It would like, I cannot run away from it. Anyway, I do not really care as long my love like it.

Then, one day before the exhibition, my secretary informed me that she had mistaken arranged appointed date with one of a big client. Of course, I have no option to reschedule the date back. As a businessman, I am known an essential time for each of us.

Punctuality and promise are a core element in making a successful business. We are not the only one doing this business. There is a lot of company waiting the contract failed. Thus, providing them a good opportunity later. Eric masked his disappointed when I told him about it.

But it didn't last too long after I promised to get there soon after the meeting ended. We just can plan, but fated has a final decision. The plan is totally broken. Because of unforeseen cases over the client side, the meeting was dragging up late.

I informed him via message when he did not pick the calls. To compensate the breaking promise, I book a dinner for us. Luckily, he picks the call that time. We agreed to meet at the intersection not far from the restaurant I had booked.

I bought a bouquet of red roses, humming some song from song track. Feeling a little flattering. I spotted him right away as I reached the place. When we almost to cross the road, suddenly uneasy feeling hit me. My instinct never betrays me. The same feeling I had when Nathan met his dismissal. This time I cannot take the feeling lightly. Because of that, I swapped our position in the middle of the road.

A group of the man bumped into me. I felt a hard metal and clicking sound before a pain spread from my left side. I was continuing walking without alerting Eric until we reached the other side of the road. My sight turned blurry and fell on my knees. I might have lost too much blood.

Eric's reaction breaks my heart. He looks so distraught and almost gets the panic attack. I never saw him like this. He was screaming, tearing and hugging me for dear life. He ignored every word I said. As if, he had turned deaf. Or, maybe my word becomes slurred. I lost consciousness when the paramedic put me on the stretcher.

I was waking up after hearing a sound of heating discussion. It was like people argued for their damn opinion. I am very tired right now. Can't they let me rest for a little? Too cruel. With a heavy eyelids, I open my eye. Seeing the sight of ugly argument between old women.

"Shut up." I scream with a dry throat. My mother huffed and sat on the vacant sofa.

"How are you, son?" My mother in law asks.

"Fine, I think. Where is Eric?" I question when did not seem his figure.

"He is here." Following mother in-law pointed finger, I found my husband with an oxygen mask and lay not far from my bed.

"Hey, you can't move yet." My father restrains my movement.

"Move! I need to check him." I glare at my dad.

"Son, Eric is okay. He just got a minor heart attack. After a little rest, he would back to normal." Eric's mother said.

I slept facing Eric direction and stopped from answering any of their questions. According to the father, the bullet barely missed my vital point. The last thing I remembered is forcing them out from the room. Eric and I need a rest and their presence only disturbs it.

A low sobs waking me up from the sleep. I see Eric is grasping my hand while muttering sorry. It is not his fault as we just were having a bad luck today.

"Are you... waking up now?" I am asking him. He turned up showing the tearing eyes.

"Yes, how do you know I had fainted?" His earlobes turned red.

I told him all things happened in a few hours ago and forcing him to sleep on the same bed as me. I felt completed once our bodies latched together. Inhaling his scent puts my mind in easy. To the culprit, do not think I would let you go easily.

You had put my husband in this condition. Almost killing him in the process. My anger is understandable. I have a principle not to let go people who hurt someone precious to me. I'd proven it by beating a shit out of molesters who assaulted Eric previously.

Now, they had been throwing into the prison and charged with molester, rape, drug and illegal weapon. The countless charges will force them rotten in the prison. I do not need to make Eric stepped into the police station. Before sending them into the prison, I had hired people beaten them mercilessly. That will be their lesson in the future.

We have been discharged from the hospital once we show no sign of abnormality. Grandfather asks me to take a month leave. That is a golden opportunity to me actually. Yes, since the shot case, my relationship between grandfather, father and Eric's family becoming a little closer. With Eric's help, I am overcome the awkwardness staying with them.

For a mother, I had some difficulty to reconcile as she still against my relationship. According to Maxim, she had scolded Eric harshly during the time I was in the operation. She blamed Eric for the thing happened to me. Eric stopped me from inquiry more from my mother. He said at least my mother still remember I was his son.

In addition, any mother would go like a lioness when someone harming their son. My mother was not exceptional too. My mother in law also says the same thing and advises me to give some space for my mother accepting my sexuality.

Father informed me that mother slightly changed after being scolded by grandfather. She started evaluating herself and all her wrongs. They would also drop at our place at certain day. At first, I felt some weird and prefer if everything going back as a normal.

However, my husband has a different idea. He like how my parents finally taking a baby step to close our gap. I will do anything to make my husband happy. His smile meant a lot to me.

Actually, the impact of the incident really bad to Eric. Every night he would scream and cry in his sleep, calling my name nonstop. If it happens in different condition, I might glad with such a reaction. However, this is a different story. The phobia he had founded due the incident had affected his health.

I hate seeing him like this. Hate the fact he becomes too much cautious when we are hanging out outside. I wanted him to revert to his normal self. Travelling is out from our plan since the culprit yet to be arrested. Luckily, my father had taken the first action by blocking the incident leak to public.

"How the investigate going?" I ask the private detective I was usually hired. They work faster than police do.

"The full report is in this yellow envelope. You can check it." Jerry pushes the envelope to me.

"I know it." I slammed the table.

"After further investigation, the man called Frank unaware about this matter. It was all under his wife orders. The man who shot you was a small thug around here. He real aimed is Eric." The private told me while sipping his coffee.

"Damn it! I should know the threat Eric received can't be taken lightly."

"What is our next move?"

"Nothing.... I will do the rest. Here is your cheque." I passed him the payment. "Thank you."

"You're welcome and may I excuse myself." I show him out.

Once the private detective left, I search Eric. However, he was not here. Jaime informed me, Eric rushed out after delivering an important files to me a few minutes ago. Files? He never entered the door. The realization made me rushing to garage.

Fuck! He might overhear my discussion earlier and must rush to culprit house. I start the engine and drive out breaking a few of traffic light. Ignoring honks and screaming, I received along the road. The guard denied me to entrance but I threat to ram the main gate. He had no option than letting me in.

I spotted Eric car parked here. Rushing out from my car, I entered the house without regard the owner. The moment I entered the house, Eric high pitch tone greets my ears.

"Answer me why you need to hire someone to harm my family? Hadn't I already put a clear line? Because of you, my husband almost dies. He has nothing to do with your mess mind." Eric shows his anger.

"What have you done?" Frank asks his wife.

"I don't understand any of this faggot false accuse. He must jealous seeing our happiness and framed me to get your attention." The woman rolled her eye.

"If you didn't get out of this house soon, I would charge you for breaking into private ground." Frank's father, the one knowing for his strict and religious stepped into the argument.

"Oh, excuse for my husband barging in without permission." I clap my hand and walk to Eric's side.

"Argh Mr. Hendricks, why are you here?" Of course, anybody would recognize me. Moreover, if they are our rivalry company.

"To get my husband back." I said casually. "And, give a warning to certain people."

"Russel... I am.. I." Eric is stuttering but his eyes still glare the mad woman.

"You see our country have its law. Why not we just leave the matter to them, right love?" I am taking him in my embrace.

"What's going on? Please tell me..." Frank frantically asks with half worry.

"For your information, recently I got shot in the middle of the road while on dates with my dear husband. After further investigation, the case related to your lovely wife. The police in process to arrest the shooter. Soon, the police might come here for the same reason." The woman face turned pale.

"This is a misunderstanding. Marissa is a good woman and always at home because the weak body. She only out for medical check-up." I looked down and spotted a small baby bump. Wow, she got her father in-law trust so thick.

Oh, a perfect housewife, right? "The law will arrest the mastermind. If she really innocent, then you don't need to afraid anything. Let's go home, Love. The polluted air here infected my lung."

"Hey, wait! Please explain..." Frank was eyeing his wife with doubt.

"You can ask your dear wife for the confirmation, right lady?"

"I... hmm.... I..." The woman is nervous after being stared by many eyes in the house. I'd refrained Eric from saying anything.

"Speak loud and clear." Coming Frank's father command. "And, you please remember, if this a false accuse, don't think I will let you go lightly. A sinner still a sinner in the end."

"Yeah, I am also to warn you the same thing. If it proofs the woman who had hired them, then do not beg me for letting it go easily. I will crush your family like a little ant." I smirk.

"Now, speak." The old man lost his patience. Marissa jolted a little before using her tears to melt the anger in the living room.

"This is all that faggot faults. He tried to seduce and snatch my husband. He planned to ruin my marriage. I had lost my mind for a second and hired someone to give a warning. I did it to save my family. My kids need their father, need a complete family to growing up." Marissa sobbed while caressing her swollen stomach.

What a fantastic tactic. Anyway, only the fool believed it. "Oh reasonable." I clapped my hand. "Anyway, I have a different version of the truth. We had married for two years, and he never flirt with anyone since then. It was your husband whom can't let go the past and stalked my husband instead. He has even opened a new FB account, just to chat with him. His tactic more or less like a psychopath. As my husband said, cowards still a coward till the end. It is up to you to believe it."

"How dared you to accuse my son as a gay? I give him enough education and religion to avoid the unnatural relation like that." The old man still believes his son like a saint.

"Pfft, you need to step on reality Mr. Thompson. Your dear son approached and confessed his love to me first at that time. Because of naivety, I accepted and loved him like a fool. As the relationship goes on, I learned this man no more than a coward. He scared you might disown once his sexuality come to light. Yeah, falling in love with him was my biggest mistake ever. Why I need to chase a cheater and coward like him? I already have someone whom loved me wholeheartedly. And, Marissa stops thinking that all gays outside is lusting over your husband. He is not fit to be partnering with any of us. He is only suitable for someone like you." I refrained myself from laughing when seeing their expression. All of them are wearing different emotion.

"So, stop ruins my happiness. Frank please explains properly to your wife. If she still tries to disturb my family or me, do not blame me if I am leaking out a proof of your sexual preference. You think, you have erased the evidence properly. You're wrong Frank for taking me as a fool." Eric still glares between Frank and Marissa with malice stare.

"So, that is a story, Mr. Thompson. Well see you later at the court." I grabbed Eric to walk out from the house.

"Hey, wait a second." Mr. Thompson calls us.

"For what?" I ask in a hard tone.

"I know Marissa has made a mistake this time. Can't we settle it outside the court? I meant she was pregnant, thus it is bad for the baby." He tried to reason.

"I think the current prison had provided a lot of facility to take care a pregnant prisoner."

"But... that will put a shame to the family. The grandkids will suffer a humiliated in the future."

"That is the most stupid reason I ever hear, Mr. Thompson. If your daughter in law really thinks about the kid's future, she would not try to kill someone. Whatever sees you later. " I link my arms together with Eric and walking out while hearing the old man scolded his precious son and daughter in law. I drive behind Eric's car.

"Did you have sent the evidence to the police station?" Eric asks when stepped into the house.

"In the process. Why?"

"Mr. Thompson word makes a sense. I meant the kids should not shoulder the parent's mistake. It will ruin their future." See, he is really having a kind heart. Only the fool will throw out this type of perfect lover.

"Then, do you think we can just ignore this case?"

"Nope, but maybe we can find another solution."

"You're too kind, Eric. Anyhow, stop talking about them. I will give them three days, if no one begging then I would submit the evidence to police. Don't ask me about it again." Eric nods. "I don't like when you ever mention the bastard and his family. You are mine alone. If I had a power, I would like to erase any memory you shared with him."

"Up to you, dear husband. You were the one be wounded by the bitch." Eric pinches my nose. "Let me clear one thing, you're owner of my heart. He is just a mistake in my past."

"Gladly accept." I swept him off from his feet. His laugh filled the house. From the corner of my eye, I saw Jaime and Claudia shake their head in delight. I nod slightly and bringing my love to balcony.

"Aren't you should go back to work? I think you are healthy enough. Even can lift me up now." Eric teases me.

"Next week. It is still not enough to spend time with you, Love."

"Lol, poor you grandfather. It is time for him to rest too." He giggles.

"Yes, I know. By the way my parents and grandfather will be coming tomorrow noon." I told him.

"Great, I also had inviting my family over here tomorrow. Hmm, why not we arrange a little party? It is okay?"

"Okay, I'll tell Jaime and Claudia to prepare it."

"Thanks, Russel. We might be able to invite some close friends too."

"Alright. Anything else?"

"Let's shop the ingredient for tomorrow. Jaime and Claudia can concentrate to set up the barbeque place."

"I'll take a bath. Meanwhile, you make a list everything we need for tomorrow."

"Okay, sir." We walked into the bedroom. Eric takes a seat and begins listing the goods. I get the towel and going inside the bathroom. Half an hour later, I dress up.

We walked side by side while our hand entangles together. We are going to closer mart, taking the trolley and pick the ingredient on the list. Some people are watching us with curiosity and disgust. Like the hell, I would care. Eric just ignored them as if we are in a different space. It takes us almost one hour to get all things. Fortunately, the queue for paying not too long.

Eric also gets a few toys for his niece and nephew. He really loved them like his own kid. We put the food in the car's trunk. Once reached home, we help Jaime bring the goods to kitchen. Claudia will bake cakes and a few dishes.

I invited Maxim and informed the plan to my family. Eric also does the same invitation to his family. I just did not expect he would invite the man I met at Savannah. I rolled my eye when seeing him laughing happily talking to that man via phone. If I can, I would not show him to anyone else.

On the next day, we wake up early to help Claudia and Jaime prepare the event. I took all heavy stuffs from Eric. Causing him pouting. The guests piling around the pool in the backyard. I glad my parents finally going friendly with Eric's parents. They laugh and jokes like old buddies and relaxing.

"How is your wound, son?" My father in law asks.

"Already better." Eric snort beside me.

"Glad to hear. Have your heart get better?" Eric turned to be interrogated.

"Yes dad. Don't worry my husband will send me to the best heart specialist." I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah right." I said.

Eric's dad excuse himself and going to talk to my father and grandfather. I always dream a family like this. A dream I only found in slept. Nevertheless, this man beside me realized my dream. He is the trigger of this happiness. He cured and gave me a chance to feel love and happiness again. A double happiness this time.

"I don't think the party will end soon." Maxim comes closer. "All your guests have forgotten time and losing in their own chatting group."

"It's okay. We have enough alcohol, foods and soft drinks." Eric tells him.

"Will you bring him to Employee recognition dinner? The theme is LOVE. Thus, each staff will be coming with their partner." Maxim winks.

"What the hell? Who approved such thing?" I asked.

"The old man over there." Maxim pointed at my grandfather.

"Shit!" I am facepalm.

"So, Eric would your accompany him?"

"Let me think first. I am just an outsider now." Eric answered him.

"You're not a mere outsider if you married the owner of the company. Have you thought to come back as his secretary?"

"Don't know yet. Why?"

"My ears almost go deaf with a personnel complaint about him."

"Like I care." I grabbed Eric to another way. "I hope you would agree to accompany me."

"Okay." I kiss Eric when he agreed.

Larry approach me when Eric not around. He said sorry and told me, between him and Eric is staying as a pure friend. He was just testing Eric on that day and not expecting me to appear out of nowhere. This clears all misunderstanding in between us. I like the way he protected Eric like a real brother. Without him, Eric might suffer a heavy blow because of my foolishness.

The party ended with our families scattered around the living house. Because of the alcohol, they choose to stay overnight. Eric is entertaining the children and leave me alone to deal with these drunkards. Jaime, me and a few of still sober family members, help to put these drunkards into the guest room.

"Sorry for disturbing your space, son." Mother said after put a blanket over father body.

"It's okay." The awkwardness is still residing in my mind.

"You have changed a lot. I am a terrible mother for not seeing it right away. That man, I meant Eric really bring your truth self out."

"He is." I agreed.

"I am sorry for neglected and let your growth in someone else care. I am disqualified mother for you. It is understandable if you hate me for whole life. Just for one, I plead you to give a second chance. A chance for me to amend all mistakes. I knew it was already late and you are not a small boy anymore. But, I wanted to know more about you. At least as a parent should do...." The rightful and strict woman turned docile at this time. Her figure looks aged.

"Hmm..." I give a half-hearted reply. I am certain somebody will keep fussing if I ever reject this idea.

"Thank you, son" Mother throws her figure in my body. At first, my body turned rigid. A small sobbed coming out from the woman in my chest. My heart softened. My hand for the first time caresses the woman back.

"It's okay, mother. We will take this slowly and there is no probation period either. No matter how worse our past relation, you still my mother and the one brought me into this world." I hug her firmly. The tide of longing I kept in check come in big waves.

After a while, mother separates her face from my chest. Revealing a face befitted as a mother. A warm smile appears on her aging face, "Your father word really truth. He said his son had chosen a correct person that did changed you to be a better human. I should thank him too."

"Yeah, he changed me too much that sometimes I felt like a different person. His tendency and patience exceeded my first husband." I agreed.

"You got one hella husband, son. Your father and me approved him as your life partner." She caresses my face. The touch I was longing during my tender age. Eric, you really bring me a lot of miracles. You just not bring me a new light of life, showering me with love but also patching my family broken relationship. I owed you so much that I cannot pay in this life or the life after.

A/N

The story is approaching its end. Estimating one more chapter and epilogue, if I can squeeze everything in the next chapter. Hope you would stay until the end. Anyway, sorry for late update and thanks for vote and comment in previous chapter. See you in the next chapter.