Richard watched as Cordy left, looking a little disappointed.
"I'm sorry, Daddy," he said guiltily. "I…"
"It's alright," John replied and patted Richard's head.
John did not realize it, but Richard really grew up as if in an instant.
"I thought it's still possible for you and Mommy. I didn't think she'd be so angry," Richard explained.
"I know." John nodded.
It's not all Richard's fault either, since John could have left if he insisted.
In the end, it was John who wanted to see her—even for seconds.
He had his own expectations, after all.
"It's late. You're still growing, so go to bed soon. I'll be going now."
"Yeah." Richard nodded.
"Do you want to come over tomorrow?"
"I'm going to school tomorrow, and I'm used to staying here. But I'll visit if I'm free on weekends."
"Anyway, just call me if you miss me."
"Okay."
John left—Richard thought about it, but he ultimately got up and headed to Cordy's room.
He knocked politely, and Cordy opened the door.
"Mommy," Richard said, utterly apologetic. "I'm sorry—I didn't think asking Daddy to stay would upset you so much."
"It's not your fault."
"No, I insisted that he stay," Richard explained in agitation. "He was going to leave after bringing me home, but I told him no. He was going to call you after we left Levine Manor, but I didn't let him. It's really all my fault."
"I mean… Daddy made it for you, but he told me not to tell," Richard said seriously. "But I think you can be friends even if you're not married… that's not a problem, right?"
Cordy's heart skipped a beat, realizing for a second that she was less rational than a ten-year-old.
"Yeah, I'll have some. I didn't have dinner."
"Okay." Richard happily nodded repeatedly. "I'll get you a bowl. You should come downstairs too."
"Okay."
As Richard left cheerfully, Cordy took a deep breath.
Ultimately, John was Richard's father—there was no way they would really stay out of touch.
-
After that, Cordy left for Rocktown to take wedding photos with Patrick and decided on the eighteenth of May for their wedding day.
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