As agreed on the day prior, it was time to meet the Cohen children. The ballerina wouldn't be able to join as she was at rehearsal so it was Derek, his 8 year old son, and myself. He properly greeted me, shook my hand and introduced himself. He seemed shy and a bit fidgety. We were seated at our table and I found it rather difficult to talk with him. He seemed rather mature, quiet and a bit resentful. Every chance he could he would talk of his mother. And I get that. I can't imagine how hard it would be to have separate homes...
He had virtually no manners, was entitled and demanding. I was completely turned off and could tell that Derek was embarrassed. After all, the reason his son is this way is because of Helen and Derek. "No" wasn't a term he was familiar with and I have never met an 8 year old who orders an Arnold Palmer and filet mignon. I tried to find common interests to talk with him about. I received nothing back.
It was hard for me to have these feelings for Derek that were so strong but imagining his entitled little boy in my future. I was in fear of meeting his daughter as I could only imagine that being an even bigger disaster. I then promised myself I would allow them to approach me and learn to like me on their terms. And that meant risking that they may never like me at all. But I was willing to give it a chance for love.
Looking back at that decision is one of the most complicated, difficult, rewarding promises I ever made myself. And I can say whole heartedly, that I ended up loving those two kids as if they were my own. They too are part of this great love affair...
*Oriana
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