Chapter 1

"This is where the art material goes, here goes the toys, there go the picture frames, and here go my awards" Myles talked to himself while he places all his things one by one in the appropriate boxes.

It's already been five years since they have lived at his grandma's. Just because of his parent's separation.

*Flashback*

"I am tired James! We're going to have two kids soon and we still don't have a stable income. You don't even want me to find a job and you? You only have gigs! It's not even consistent, plus you're a one-day millionaire!

"Janine, can't you just wait!? Hold on for a little bit more, I've already talked to a producer who would help me with the music career that I've always wanted. Please, just hold on a little longer!" James fully pleads to Janine, however, it's already too late, without a doubt in her heart, Janine has already decided to leave.

Carrying the weight of worry that if she still cling to her husband, her children would truly die of starvation. As a mother, she would not allow this to happen. Even if this hurt her heart greatly. She's leaving him for the future of her children.

"Enough James, if that is still where your focus is, me and Myles will leave. We'll stay at my mom's till I found a stable job. I do not want our children to experience this kind of life. A life without certainty.

She quickly went to Myles's room. When she opened the door, the young boy was already seated and was waiting for her. For nothing can be kept from the thin walls of their house. The young immediately asked his mother.

"Mom, are we gonna leave now?

While Janine is getting the luggage that she had already had a long time ago, she answered his question. "Yes, my son, we'll live with your grandma. Take your favorite toys and put them in your small bag."

In spite of holding everything in, the tears won't stop flowing from Janine's eyes no matter how hard she pretend to be strong to hide the pain when she talked to her son. Knowing this, Myles hugged his mom tightly.

"Mom, don't cry, I'm here. I'm always with you." Janine hugged her son tight gaining a little strength from him.

"Thank you, my son. we can do it and face it together."

They stayed hugging each other for a couple of minutes until Janine was able to stop herself from crying and was able to gain strength in her legs for the steps she will take to face the hardship that she will go through.

"Come now, say your goodbyes to your father", she instructed Myles as she pulls the luggage. "Okay Mom" he replied as the door opened, he went to his father.

There he is, seated next to the table, and painted on his face the picture of sadness and loss. Myles slowly walked towards him till he was able to reach his father's arm which was resting on top of the table.

"Dad, don't cry, we're just at Grandma's place. if you want to visit, you can always go there to see us."

When James heard his boy, he just hugged him tightly, but that didn't last long for when Janin had already placed their luggage outside, she went back and pulled Myles out of his father's tight embrace.

She never again looked back towards James while Myles was trying his best to reach his father whose cry get louder with every step Janine and Myles took getting close to the door, However, the tears of repentance and regret is already too late.

*End of flashback*

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Myles turned to face the opening door. "Myles, are you ready?" It was Elliot asking him as Elliot went inside his room.

"Yes, Uncle Elliot, I'm done packing my stuff. Are we gonna leave anytime soon?" He asked a little sad for Myles was thinking about his Grandma.

Elliot was able to notice the sadness of the young man so he sat beside him and said, "Yeah, Myles, you're mon and sister is already ready. Why don't you go downstairs and say your goodbyes to your Grandma? I'll be the one to place your heavy stuff downstairs, just bring this small bag."

Myles thanked him and immediately stood up and went out of his room, rushing towards the stairs to get downstairs to bid his farewell to his Grandma who was already waiting alongside his mother and younger sister.

Big brother! Myles! Are you ready to ride a plane?" Myles's sister asked him excitedly for this was the first time she'll ever ride a plane. "You, me, Mama, and Uncle Elliot will ride a plane!"

"Yes, Mitch, but before the taxi arrives, let's hug Grandma Avery very tightly." He said to his sister as he slowly guide her towards their Grandma who was holding her tears. Myles knew the sadness of Grandma Avery's for it will be a long time till they'll be able to come to her house again.

Grandma Avery was already ready to engulf her grandchildren in a hug and she rushed to hug them. "My two precious grandchildren that give light to my life every day, Grandma Avery will miss you two so much!"

"Grandma, we will miss you too! Can't you just come with us, Grandma Avery?" A very innocent question from Mitch as she lets go of the hug. Grandma Avery bent down to touch her cheeks.

"I would really love to my sweet peach but, I must not. This is your mom's duty and she will take good care of you as well as Uncle Elliot. Grandma Avery will always include you guys in my prayer. Then whenever we miss each other so much, we can always call. I will always wait by the phone." Grandma Avery gently explained to Mitch, but the little girl still has some questions.

Grandma Avery just hugged Mitch again and Myles hugged her again too.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The taxi arrival signal for them to break the hug and it arrived exactly as Elliot was finished putting all their things downstairs.

"Mom, take good care of yourself, okay? If ever you need us just give us a call." Janin told her mom as she hugs her mom. And Grandma Avery just nodded her head as she can no longer hold her tears.

As soon as they let go of each other, Grandma Avery called Elliot who was done helping the driver put all their things inside the taxi to have a few words with him as she will entrust her daughter and grandchildren with him. "Elliot, I know that you know what my daughter's past was. It was a man who destroyed her life. As her mother, I do not want her life to be ruined again by anyone.

Whole-heartedly Elliot answered her. "Yes, I know everything. Don't worry, I am Elliot not James. I will do my best for Janine, Myles, and Mitch." Contented with what she heard, Grandma Avery smiled and hug Elliot as thanks.

"Thank you, Elliot. Go now, they are waiting for you. Take good care of them." She reminded him one more as she lets go of him from her embrace. As a reply, he simply nodded and smile while walking to the family that was waiting for him.

"Are we ready?" Elliot asked Janine as he hopped inside the taxi, to which she replied quickly. "I pray so."