The Other Side

“He’s a couple of months younger than me.” Stephanie mumbled. “Drew’s mom was four weeks pregnant with him when his dad was arrested.”

Charli exchanged looks with Mark. She could see the worry and anger in his expression. Andy was in prison, serving a twenty-year sentence for attempted murder, and Kimberly had served ten years after copping to a plea. They had had no idea where she had gone.

Now they knew. She was in the neighborhood and her son – Andy’s boy – was at school with their children.

“You remember what we told you about Henson?” Mark came to stand beside Charli. His hand touched hers and Charli realized her hand was trembling. “We told you how he tried kill us. And you’re dating his son?”

“Can it, Dad.” Stephanie snapped. She glared at him, the fear still there but replaced but defiance. “You don’t know Drew. He isn’t his father. You’re always telling me not to tarnish people with the same brush. Why should they be any different?”

“His mother is also a drug dealer.” Charli reminded her.

“She’s been in prison and went to rehab. Drew makes sure that she’s clean.” Stephanie grimaced. “But I don’t like her because she’s made comments about me so Drew and I are keeping this from her for now. He isn’t in contact with his dad by choice. And he knows about us but despite his mom’s efforts he holds no grudges.” She looked pleadingly at Charli. “He likes me, Mom.”

Mark groaned and walked away, running his hands through his graying hair.

“I don’t believe this.”

Charli couldn’t blame him. This was something they hadn’t anticipated. But Stephanie seemed to really like the boy and she was right; they shouldn’t judge even with their previous prejudices. She glanced at Mark.

“How about we meet the boy?” She suggested. “Like Stephanie said, he’s not Andy.”

Mark didn’t look happy about that. But his expression softened when he saw Stephanie looking at him.

“Okay. You stay here until we’ve spoken to him.”

Stephanie nodded and went to sit in Mark’s chair. Her leg bounced, the way it did when she was nervous, and she wrapped her arms around her middle. Charli wanted to go to her and tell her things were going to be okay but they needed to see the boyfriend for themselves. She touched Mark’s arm as they left the court.

“Let me do the talking, honey. I don’t want you swinging at him.”

“I’ll do my best.”

They went up onto the terrace, where Lee was sitting playing his PS4. He glanced at them and saw their expressions. Muttering about going to join his brother and sister, he stood up and hurried down the steps. He was joining Stephanie and Chris when Charli and Mark entered the lounge.

A tall lad with dark hair was standing nervously in the middle of the room. His back was to them and Charli could see broad shoulders and a muscular frame. He wore a white t-shirt and cargo pants.

“Drew?”

Drew turned around and Charli had to hold back a gasp. He looked so much like his father. He even had the same eyes. It was like looking at Andy when he had been the same age.

“Mr and Mrs Hildenstern.” He held out his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

She felt Mark tense beside her. She knew he was thinking the same thing. But she kept her expression schooled and shook the kid’s hand. He had a strong grip. Mark didn’t look happy as he did the same.

“I understand you’ve been dating our daughter for a while now.” Charli said, moving to sit on the couch. Her legs were going to give way if she didn’t.

“Since the school year started.” Drew glanced towards the court, which they could see through the French windows. “She was reluctant to introduce me to you. I understand why, given your history with my parents.”

He was well-spoken. Polite. Charli liked that. Andy hadn’t been that polite as a teenager.

“You know that your father was abusive to me after I ended our relationship?” She asked. “That he paid someone to try and kill me and Stephanie before she was born?”

Drew winced.

“I do know. Mom told me a sob story that he was victimized and that I shouldn’t believe what people say about him.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I believed that until I started middle school and I met Stephanie. I was prepared to hate her. But she’s such a lovely person and her bubbly personality is infectious. You couldn’t help but like her.”

Charli felt Mark relax from across the room. She hadn’t realized how tense he was. But she was glad that Kimberly’s influence on her son hadn’t stuck. Their history shouldn’t influence how their children thought of each other.

She held out a hand towards him.

“Come and sit down, Drew.”

Drew did as he was bid, sitting on the edge of the couch with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together tightly. His leg bounced the same way Stephanie’s did when he was nervous.

“She told me what happened to you and Mr Hildenstern.” He gave Mark a shy look. “How my dad stalked you after you broke it off because he was cheating with my mom. How he poisoned Mr Hildenstern because he was losing control over you. I saw Dad in a different light as all the pieces fell into place.” Drew looked down at the floor. “I haven’t seen him since I was twelve and I don’t want to.”

“That must’ve pissed off your mom.” Mark sat in his favorite chair, black leather that had been broken in years ago. He was looking more amenable. “She’s still with him, I take it?”

“They married while they were both awaiting sentencing by proxy. She’s devoted to him and can’t understand why I would believe Stephanie.” Drew sighed. “I’ve been living with my aunt since. Mom’s sister. Mom tells me I’m not allowed to come home until I’ve shaken off Stephanie’s tales and stand by my dad. My aunt knows the real story but Mom is still adamant she didn’t do anything wrong.”