Chapter 5:Andrew Parker

To err is human; to forgive, divine. But can all mistakes be forgiven?

-------

Andrew tried to keep his composure as he drove Jasmine to school, his heart still reeling from the devastating revelation. Jasmine's cheerful chatter filled the car, momentarily lifting the heavy cloud that hung over him.

"Drewey, can we listen to my favorite song?" Jasmine asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Of course, sweetheart," Andrew replied, forcing a smile as he turned on the car stereo. The familiar tune filled the car, and Jasmine sang along, her voice light and happy.

As they pulled up to the school, Jasmine turned to him with a big grin. "I love you, Drewey," she said, her words filled with innocent affection.

Andrew's heart swelled, and he felt a lump in his throat. "I love you too, cupcake," he managed to say, his voice trembling slightly.

Jasmine leaned over and gave him a tight hug. "Have a great day, okay?"

"You too, kiddo," Andrew replied, hugging her back and wishing he could hold onto her forever.

He watched as she skipped off to join her friends, her backpack bouncing with each step. The sight brought a bittersweet smile to his face. Once she was safely inside, he pulled away from the school, the weight of his secret pressing down on him once more.

Originally, Andrew had planned to go straight to work, but the turmoil in his heart made it impossible to focus. He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and fear. He needed to talk to someone, someone who might help him make sense of his overwhelming situation.

Without much thought, he found himself driving towards the outskirts of the city, to the comforting familiarity of his mother's house. His mother, Mary, had always been his rock, offering wisdom and solace through the hardest times. He hoped she could do the same now, even though this was a burden unlike any he had ever faced.

As he pulled into the driveway, Mary came out onto the porch, her face lighting up with surprise and joy.

"Well this is a pleasant suprise!" she called out, as he stepped out of the car.

"Hi, Mom," Andrew replied, trying to muster a smile.

Mary's smile faded slightly as she noticed the look on his face. "Andrew, what's wrong?" she asked, concern etching lines on her forehead.

Andrew swallowed hard, his heart pounding. He had no idea how to begin to tell her what was weighing on him.

"I need to talk to you, Mom," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mary's eyes filled with worry as she led him inside. "Come in, dear. Let's sit down and you can tell me everything.

As they settled into the cozy living room, the familiar surroundings brought Andrew a small measure of comfort. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts, knowing that the conversation they were about to have could change everything.

"Mom, I... I don't know where to start."

Mary reached out, taking his hand in hers. "It's okay, Andrew. Just take your time. I'm here for you."

The warmth and concern in her eyes were almost too much for Andrew to bear. He felt a rush of emotions flood through him, and for a moment, he couldn't speak. Finally, he found his voice, though it was shaky.

"Mom, you know how much I love Grace and Jasmine," he began, his eyes fixed on a spot on the floor. "They're everything to me."

"I know, sweetheart," Mary said softly. "They're your whole world."

Andrew nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of his eyes. "I've... I've been keeping a secret, Mom. Something I recently confirmed, and it's tearing me apart."

Mary's grip on his hand tightened slightly, her eyes filled with worry. "What is it, Andrew? You can tell me."

"Mom, I..." he began, his voice trembling as he prepared to unburden his soul. "First of all...you have a granddaughter."

Mary frowned,unsure what her son meant by that. If he was referring to Jasmine, she couldn't understand why he was stating the obvious. Didn't he know she loved the little girl like her own? After all, who wouldn't? The girl was absolutely sweet and lovable.

"I don't quite understand what you're saying, son?" Mary replied, her brow creased with concern.

"I'm saying Jasmine is your granddaughter," Andrew clarified, his eyes locked onto his mother's.

"Well, of course, she is," Mary replied with a frown, still unsure what her son was getting at. "I love that little girl."

"You don't understand, Mom," Andrew said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm saying she's your biological granddaughter." His gray eyes never left his mother's face as he watched her face wrinkle into a frown.

"My biological granddaughter?" Mary muttered, confused, as she searched her son's face for answers. Because clearly, little Jasmine was not her son's child. He had married Grace and became Jasmine's stepdad. The pieces of the puzzle weren't quite fitting together.

Andrew didn't try to explain anymore. Instead, he took out his phone and showed his mom the DNA test results. Mary's eyes scanned the screen, her mind reeling with questions.

"I don't understand this, Andrew. How can this be possible?" Mary muttered, her voice trembling.

Andrew sighed deeply.

"I never told you this, Mom, but Grace was...she was sexually assaulted." Mary's frown turned into shock, her face paling. "And not long after that, she got pregnant and gave birth to Jasmine. Only very few people know this, Mom. Grace's parents, myself, and now you."

Mary was trying very hard to comprehend all her son was saying, and truthfully, it was difficult because he was saying a lot all at once. Her mind raced with questions, but the most pressing one was: "What are you trying to say, son? I don't understand."

Andrew's voice broke as he continued, "Eight years ago, Mom, I did something so shameful that I regret it every day." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "It was my third year in college...there was a party...and a girl..." His voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

Mary's hand flew to her mouth as the truth dawned on her. "Oh no, oh my God," she whispered.

Andrew's tears finally spilled over, and he buried his face in his hands. "I don't remember it, Mom. I was drunk and high, and my friends...they just said stuff, and I..." His voice broke, unable to continue, the guilt and shame overwhelming him.

"I never wanted to believe it could be true. But now, I have proof. And I don't know what to do. I love them so much, and I can't bear the thought of losing them. But I can't keep this secret forever."

Mary's heart broke for her son, and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly as he sobbed. "Oh, Andrew... this is... this is so much to take in."

"I don't know how to face Grace," Andrew choked out. "How can I look her in the eyes, knowing what I did? How can I ever make this right?"

Mary held him close, her own tears falling as she tried to find the right words. "Andrew, this is a terrible situation. But you have to remember that you weren't in your right mind that night. It doesn't excuse what happened, but it means that you're not a monster. You're a good man who made a terrible mistake."

"But how do I tell Grace?" Andrew asked, his voice filled with despair. "How do I tell her that the man she loves is the same man who caused her so much pain?"

Mary sighed, her heart heavy. "I don't know, Son. But I do know that you can't keep this secret. It will eat away at you, and at your relationship with Grace. You have to tell her the truth."

Andrew nodded, wiping his tears away. "I know you're right, Mom. But I'm so scared. I don't want to lose them."

Mary squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this."