Next To You

I stared at the man across from me. A cup of tea now in front of him.
He looks back up at me, and leans forward. "Before, I start this story. I want you to know. I'm sorry for the things I've known and kept hidden. I barely told my mum and sister about this. I just- there's something's I wish I had no knowledge of."
I furrowed my eyebrows as I stared at him. "I can handle it."
He lets out a small, quick nod. "Let me also say, whatever I tell you is true. I really wish it wasn't but, after my dad passed. I had a team of private investigators look into all he had hidden."
I nod, and lean back into the chair.
He lets out a deep sigh, "When we first moved here, my dad was promised the job of the position of CEO from his father, my grandfather, at the family company. We moved here when I was about one. You and I met soon after, of course."
He takes a drink of his tea, and focuses on the table infront of him. "When I was ten, my mum and dad started arguing. Causing me to run next door, to you. All those slumber parties, were a result of me running from that. At the time, I had no idea why the agreed or what caused it. So, when they announced they were splitting when I was 12, I had many questions. I wondered why. Gemma knew some, she just never wanted to tell me."
His eyes trailed back up to mine.
"So, what happened?" I asked, as I crossed my arms across my chest.
He let out another deep breath, "He cheated on my mum. Gemma was the one who told her. He later admitted that it went on for years before we ever found out. He kept it well hidden, and claimed he never regreted anything but getting caught. He swears he loved her, and it was mutual. They had a future planned out and everything."
He trails off, keeping his focus on the table.
"Why do I feel like your keeping something from me?"
"I am. Remember, I'm sorry I'm the one who had to tell you this. Because, I doubt you already know."
I let out a frustrated breath, "Can you just tell me already?"
"I found out who it was. He was cheating with your mum, Mel."

Notes