[:::: Authors Note ::::]
Welcome to Part III of The Nuclear Family; (check out
Part I
&
Part II
) this is, of course, a long story that I am telling in four parts. If you have read any of my stories in the past, you know that I like to take my time building up a scene and the emotions contained within. Of course, this would not happen this way in real life. Take this into account as you continue reading this tale. Those of you who want to say it wouldn't happen like that, you are more than likely correct, but try to enjoy the story anyway 😉
I've categorised this as a Loving Wives story because a cheating wife is involved, but as you have seen through the first two parts, this is about family, selfishness and pride, over love and compassion.
A huge thanks to miket0422, Larry & Wayne for continuing to help me edit this story.
When we left Robbie, he had just won his first professional MMA fight in Brisbane, Australia. While riding high from the win, Robbie is confronted by his family, and his father has made several threats.
But Robbie has the support of Amy, friends Darren and Toni, so not all is lost. Let's get into Part III of The Nuclear Family; I'm sure you already know there will be drama.
[:::: End of Part II ::::]
My mother shook her head, "not like this, he doesn't; his father will come at him as he said he would. He will try and destroy Robbie just to make a point."
For the first time, Toni came forward, "Then stand up to your husband Hattie," Toni said. "Tell him to back down. That's your son that he's about to come against." She said.
Mum shook her head again. "It won't matter." Mum looked at me. "I'm so sorry, Robbie. If I never see you again, do know that even though I will never again be able to say it, I will always love you. You were the heart and soul of this family, and we tried to destroy you for absolutely no reason other than our pride. You are the best of us; never forget that, but do what you have to do. For what it's worth," Mum paused as her eyes narrowed. "I don't think the rest of them have a chance, but I have to support my husband."
"I know, Mum..." I replied sadly.
She suddenly looked at me. It was the first time she had heard me call her Mum in over a year. She looked at me, then nodded slowly.
"I will love you forever," Mum said, turning to walk away back to her family.
Before she could turn entirely, I dashed the half dozen paces between us, grabbing her in a big hug.
For almost two minutes, we stood there, not moving. I understood that my mother was stuck. But I knew how she worked, and she had to support as many of her family as possible, even if it meant losing one of us.
Our hug may have gone on for a lot longer, but we could hear my father bellow her name in the distance. I released Mum. She turned and cupped my cheek, drawing me down to her and kissing my cheek.
"Goodbye, Robbie," she whispered.
"Goodbye Mum," I replied quietly, both of us shedding tears as she walked away.
[:::: The Nuclear Family - Part III ::::]
The drive home following the fight was bittersweet. On the one hand, I had won a fight that no one expected I would. I had friends there to support me and a woman beside me that I was in love with. It made me smile knowing that love was returned equally.
On the other hand, my family had forced the issue. Not that I was looking for it, but now, it did not look like there would ever be reconciliation. Also, through my father, I worried they would do something stupid and try to hurt me because they thought I was in the wrong with Brad and Georgia's affair. The thought was depressing. Yes, I knew I was still angry at them, none of them accepted any blame for their betrayal, but until tonight I thought I might one day get an apology...
I gave a mental sigh. I didn't know where my head was at after tonight. I hated to admit it, but I did miss them. Family was family; you never got another set of parents or siblings. And though I might not like them, until tonight, there was still a little love in my heart for them, even my asshole brother. But my father effectively started destroying even those residual feelings.
I felt Amy's eyes on me as I looked out the window, Darren accelerating onto the highway as we started the main leg of our drive up to Noosa.
"Are you alright, babe?" Amy asked quietly when no one had said anything for a while.
"I think so," I replied, still reflecting on the thoughts in my head. "I mean, yes, it's been quite an evening. Fights and family are confusing everything in my mind right now."
Toni turned from the front seat to look at me.
"Robbie," she said. "You have done nothing wrong, both Georgia and your family took advantage of your kind, hardworking nature. They took for granted that you wanted the best for people, and when they got caught out, they had too much shame to admit they're wrong."
Toni briefly glanced at Amy.
"Georgia knows what she's lost. Her gaze never left you while you and your father exchanged barbs earlier," Toni smiled. "Georgia looked at Amy a couple of times, and her face fell; she knows that you will never look at her with love again, but until tonight, your family was propping her up, making her believe it was possible. I think she would have abandoned your brother in a heartbeat if she thought there was a remote possibility that you would forgive her and take her back.
I snorted.