Hidden Desires - Family Secrets

Chapter 009 He's at an age where sexual desires are burgeoning

Seeing that scene, I first told myself to stay calm, definitely not to believe what I saw at first glance. When people are impulsive, their thoughts are generally wrong.

I slowly walked towards the kitchen, since I had to prepare breakfast myself, while waiting for Betty to wake up. Maybe the sound of my footsteps was too soft, so I resorted to a little trick. While grabbing a plate, I accidentally dropped it on the floor.

The metal plate hit the ground with a loud clang, and right after that, I heard some rustling sounds from Michael's bedroom.

I continued to pretend to prepare breakfast, and soon Betty came out, all groggy and bleary-eyed, fiddling with her hair and adjusting her nightgown.

She saw me in the kitchen, her pretty cheeks blushed slightly, and she playfully stuck out her tongue at me, showing no sign of embarrassment or panic, but rather a carefree demeanor.

"Awake?" I glanced at her and continued slicing bread for sandwiches.

"Yeah, this kid woke up scared again last night. It took a long time to calm him down, and I was so tired that I dozed off too. I don't even remember when I fell asleep, slept straight through till morning..." Betty said while rubbing her eyes, not showing any unnatural emotions.

It seemed she was telling the truth. After all, Betty had been exhausted these past few days, and it was normal for her to fall asleep in confusion. It looked like I had misunderstood the situation.

"Has the kid not woken up yet?" I continued.

"Not yet, let him sleep a bit more. Today I'm planning to take him out to buy some clothes... and help him tidy up a bit..." Betty said, preparing to wash up. Under the cover of her nightgown, her sexy body was faintly visible.

"He's still sleeping? He's going to be late soon..." I glanced at my watch, urging her.

"Pfft... Honey, it's the weekend..." Betty chuckled before entering the bathroom.

Man, was I out of it? I even forgot what day it was. Teachers and students are lucky with weekends and public holidays. As a journalist, I have no concept of a fixed holiday.

Sometimes, she'd even ask me to help fasten her bra. It was all very innocent; after all, I was her son, and there was no awkwardness. I never thought twice about it.

"But... it's different with Michael... he's..." I wanted to say he wasn't our biological son, but I couldn't bring myself to finish the sentence. It just didn't seem right to put it that way.

"Alright, alright, if it means that much to you, I'll go buy a nightgown today. We really don't have any conservative pajamas at home," Betty pouted, then gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

I smiled slightly. Betty was always so easy-going, always simplifying things. That's why she had so many friends and why she was so happy and carefree.

"Honey, I'm off. Call me if you need anything..." I said, biting into a sandwich and grabbing my briefcase as I headed out the door.

After a long and mentally exhausting day at work, I was eager to get home. Home was the only place that could offer me comfort and warmth.

As I walked in, Betty was in an apron making breakfast, and Michael, bless his heart, was sitting on the couch in his new clothes, watching TV.

It looked like he was finally coming around; just a few days ago, he'd sit there zoning out, lost in his thoughts. Now, at least, he seemed interested in the TV. It wouldn't be long before he'd start to heal.

"I'm home, honey. Let's wash up and eat..." Betty said as she came out of the kitchen with a dish in hand.

At the dinner table, Betty's attention was all on Michael, constantly talking and serving him food, leaving me feeling a bit left out. Michael had lost his parents and needed all the love and care we could give. I understood that, but I couldn't help feeling a tad jealous. Before Michael, Betty's attention was all mine. Now, her love and care were divided.

"Don't overthink it, this is normal for families..." I kept reminding myself.

During dinner, I half-jokingly asked Betty why she wasn't serving me food anymore. Her response was, "You're an adult, Michael's just a kid. Do you really need me to serve you?" We bantered, lightening the mood at the table, though Betty didn't realize the small twinge of jealousy and discomfort I felt.

After dinner, Betty quickly cleaned up and then urged Michael to go to bed. It was clear that after these past few days of interaction, Michael was feeling much better, engaging more with Betty.

Well, she was his teacher, after all; they spent the most time together, so it was natural for them to be close. Meanwhile, I was hardly ever home, and Michael and I were still strangers, really. It would take time to build that bond.