My Heart Was Wounded Deep
Chapter 35's

The commotion was happening in public, and it was already quite embarrassing. Rey owes a lot to her parents, they've given her a lot of support regarding Jason. Rey hesitates to go through Jason's infancy without them, at nine years old, there's no way he can father Jason the way the boy needs him. And went to college at the same time.

His mother reminded him of that in front of a crowd of spectators. But, damn it, didn't he have the right to tell his mother not to interfere in certain matters? or is he worthy of being considered ungrateful, as his mother had said.

Rey tried to comfort her son by saying, "Grandfather didn't make a fuss." Rey said awakening and looking for positive aspects to calm the heart of his son.

Jason looked at him with that bottom setting not helping.

It's hard to watch her son make mistakes so many times, especially since Rey knows that their personal problems have damaged her concentration. But he doesn't want to dispute that. The coach has said what needs to be said. "Every player makes mistakes, even professionals."

"I'm not worried about myself, basketball is just a game. It means a lot to me, but I can't stop thinking about how Mom feels, being chased around like that."

Kikan traveled over fifteen kilometers on a bike, to Jason's school. And back in the middle of a hot day with five stitches on the head. While watching the game, Rey kept that in mind. He also imagines Logan seeing Kikan on the road and crashing him into the ditch again.

"I saw him bring you a little meal" Rey said. "He's so nice."

"Yes. Mom gave me chocolate cake." Jason toyed with the food on his plate like he had no taste for it. "I saw mothers of other children doing the same thing, all my life I was expecting it. Today it felt like it was my turn to see my mother do it even though it was a bit late."

Rey does everything she can to make sure Jason gets everything he needs, but he can't completely replace the mother position. He even had to work harder when Jason was a kid, when trying to start his business. He can't spend more time at his school. He felt like he wasn't where he was, because he was usually the only man and much younger than the other parents. "Your grandmother used to love sending little cookies for your birthday."

It couldn't be too entertaining, but Rey didn't know what else to say.

"Grandmother is good" Jason said. "But... does he need to make me feel bad just for wanting to know my mother? I mean, do we have to believe in the opinions of others, or can we make our own decisions?"

Rey sighed, taking a high chair near the table where Jason was eating. We owe it to yourself, and your mother, to behave that way."

"Even if we're the only ones who like him?"

"Yes. That's why I'm blocking your grandmother."

Jason put the potato slices into his mouth. "So you don't mind if I want to get to know Mom?"

"I want you to be happy, that's what I want." Answer Rey.

Jason looked excited. Then, can we go to his house and see how things are?"

Rey's been wanting to do that all night. He just doesn't know how the reception he will face later. Kikan's mother dislikes him, far exceeding Rey's dislike of Kikan. No doubt the old man considered Rey a great demon in this city. Even Kikan himself acted as if he'd rather Rey stay away. And Kikan has clearly expressed his unwillingness to see Jason's trailer in its current state.

"I'm not sure he wants us to come there" Rey said.

"Why not?" ask Jason.

"You know how her mother is. That place is a mess. That's a shame for Kikan."

"But we don't care if it's messy. I wanted to apologize. I don't want Mom to think I set her up with that incident."

"Your mother knew you wouldn't do that."

"Of course, what would it hurt to go there? Maybe Kikan would feel awkward about some things, but he would have gotten used to it. And Rey thought that Jason would see what he saw... someone who is struggling is doing what can be done in order to survive.

"All right," said Rey. "Go and we'll go."

Kikan's trailer lights are on, but he doesn't answer their beats.

So Rey exclaimed through one of the open windows. "Kikan, this is Rey and Jason! Huh hello? You home?"

No reaction and no movement. But the bike Nanda has fixed at Rey's request. Leaned on the trailer, so Rey knew Kikan was home.

"Maybe he's at his mother's house" Jason said. And turned to look at the other residence.

Rey doesn't want to knock on Kikan's door. Rey doesn't know what Mom's gonna say. Lis in front of Jason.

"I have paper in the car. Maybe we can leave a message of our apology" Rey said.

Jason agrees, but before Rey finishes writing, Kikan comes out of the trailer somewhere.

"Rey? Jason?" he cried when he saw them standing next to the pickup. "What are you doing?"

Jason squeezed the message paper and threw it into the pickup tub before closing the door. "none. We just.. want to make sure Mom's okay."

Kikan approached them, carrying sandals in one hand. "I'm doing fine. Don't worry." Kikan smiled broadly at Jason. But Rey knew the smile wasn't as relaxed as Kikan wanted to tell them. "You look so professional in your basketball uniform today. It's hard to believe that I have such a big, strong boy."

Rey saw how quickly Kikan was trying to shift the conversation. He is good at giving compliments. But Jason paid no heed to the praise, his attention focused on what he wanted to convey with his arrival.

"My grandmother shouldn't have started a scene. I'm really sorry."

"Don't worry about that. I understand you can't control the people around you. I should have stayed, but I was too afraid it would distract you. We should have considered that before."

"No, I want Mom to come" Jason insisted.

"And I'll come, if your grandmother doesn't watch the game in another city, maybe it's better for me to go to that game. We just need a little tactical. No need to rile who - who."

"But how can Mom go to those games without a car?" ask Jason. "It's pretty far away"

"I'll take the money next week. I can always ride in a rental car."

Rey suspects Kikan has already received a bracelet order and is talking about money from the sale of the bracelets. But, of course, there are better ways to use that money.

However, Rey is impressed by how hard Kikan tries to ease Jason's worries.

"Mom doesn't have to feel lost not seeing my game." Jason murmured. "All my life, it was my worst match, and because of me we lost."

"You will win in the next game" Kikan said confidently.

Rey saw Kikan's wet pant legs. "Don't tell me you were from the river."

"Just for a minute" said Kikan. "I love to walk and feel the water in the river. It makes me feel cool and the atmosphere is calm, especially at night. Besides from all the trash my mom piled up in this place, so the view is better."

"I'm glad you locked the door even though it didn't go far" Rey said. "It may be a hassle, but it's better for the sake of security."

"I did what I could do. But if Logan wants to get in, I don't think locking the front door will stop him. It's too hot inside with the windows closed. I'll suffocate if I close it." Kikan moved the sandals to his other hand. "Logan and I have to settle some disputes between us."