As I sat across from Felix in the coffee shop, I felt a mix of emotions. I was happy to see him again after all these years but also nervous about what he might ask me. I knew that Felix had just found out about Lily, and I had agreed to meet with him to discuss our daughter.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Lily before," I said, breaking the silence between us. "I just didn't know how to bring it up."
Felix nodded, his expression serious. "I understand. But I need to know something. Am I the father of Lily?"
I took a deep breath, my heart racing. "Yes, Felix. You're the father."
Felix's eyes widened in shock, and he sat back in his chair. "I had no idea. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was scared," Iris admitted. "Scared of how you would react, and scared of what it would mean for our relationship. I didn't want to burden you with the responsibility of being a father when you were still pursuing your dreams."
Felix leaned forward, his expression softening. "I would have wanted to know. I would have wanted to be there for both you and Lily."
"I know," Iris said softly. "And I'm sorry for keeping this from you."
"I just couldn't understand. I would've chosen you and lily. Why the hell did you keep it from me, Iris,"
"You are pursuing your childhood dream, Felix. I don't want me to be the reason why you wouldn't reach it. I know I'm selfish for keeping it from you, but I was just thinking that's what's best for you," I said, on a verge of crying.
"The best for me? Keeping me away from my child is the best for me? Huh? You think so?" Felix is furious.
"I'm sorry, Felix," that's all I can say now, I'm truly sorry for what I did to him.
"I could've stayed, Iris. I can stay here in New York for both of you. My parents would understand it. But you decide on your own, you're not thinking of me. You don't know how I feel now, Iris. What if I didn't come back? Then I wouldn't have the chance to meet my daughter," He said, in disbelief.
I felt tears streaming down my face. I knew I had made a mistake in not telling Felix about Lily, but at the time, I thought it was for the best. I didn't want to be a burden on his dreams, but now I realized how wrong I had been.
"I'm sorry, Felix. I should have told you. I was wrong, and I'm sorry." I reached out to touch Felix's hand, but he pulled away.
"I need time to think, Iris. This is a lot to take in," Felix said, his voice thick with emotion.
"I understand," Iris said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just know that Lily would love to get to know her father."
Felix nodded, and they both stood up from the table. Felix walked out of the coffee shop, leaving me alone with her thoughts and her regret.
As I watched Felix disappear from sight, I knew that it was going to be a long road ahead. I had finally told him the truth about Lily, but it had come at a high cost. I knew that I had hurt him deeply, and I wasn't sure if he would ever be able to forgive me.
As I walked home, I couldn't help but think about all the missed opportunities. What if I had told Felix about Lily sooner? What if he had been able to be there for her during her childhood? What if I had given Lily the chance to know her father?
It was too late for those "what ifs" now. All I could do was hope that Felix would come around and be a part of Lily's life. I knew it would be difficult, but I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.
I arrived home, feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. As I sat down on the couch, I looked at a picture of Lily that was sitting on the table. She had always been the light of my life, and now I hoped that she could bring some light to Felix's life as well.
I knew that the road ahead was going to be tough, but I was determined to make it work. Lily deserved to know her father, and Felix deserved the chance to be a part of her life. I just hoped that he felt the same way.
Days turned into weeks, and I didn't hear from Felix. I tried calling him and leaving messages, but he never answered or returned my calls. I didn't know what to do or how to make things right.
One evening, I was sitting on the couch, feeling defeated and alone when my phone rang. It was Felix.
"Iris, can we meet?" His voice was soft, but I could hear the hesitation in his tone.
"Of course," I said, my heart racing. "Where do you want to meet?"
"Can we meet at the park where we used to hang out?" Felix asked.
"Sure. When do you want to meet?"
"Tomorrow at noon?"
"Okay. I'll be there," I said before hanging up.
The next day, I arrived at the park, and Felix was already waiting for me. He looked nervous, and I could tell he was struggling to find the right words.
"Iris, I've been thinking a lot about what you said," Felix said, finally breaking the silence.
"I understand if you're not ready to be a part of Lily's life. It's not fair for me to force you into something that you're not comfortable with."
"No, Iris," Felix said, shaking his head. "That's not it. I want to be a part of Lily's life. I want to get to know her, and I want to be there for her."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and tears welled up in my eyes. "Thank you, Felix. That means a lot to me."
"I'm sorry I didn't handle this better," Felix said, his expression sad. "I was just shocked and overwhelmed when I found out about Lily. But I want to make it right."
"I know," I said, reaching out to touch Felix's hand. "And I forgive you."
Felix smiled, and we both sat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the park.
"I want to meet Lily," Felix said, breaking the silence.
"Of course," I said, smiling. "I'm sure she would love to meet you too."
As we walked out of the park, I felt a sense of hope for the first time in weeks. Maybe everything was going to be okay. Maybe we could build a relationship with each other and with Lily.
As we said our goodbyes, Felix hugged me, and I felt a sense of comfort in his embrace. It was a small step, but it was a step in the right direction.
The next day, I brought Lily to the park, and Felix was waiting for us. As soon as Lily saw him, she ran towards him with open arms.
"Doctor!" Lily shouted, throwing her arms around Felix's neck.
Felix hugged her tightly, and tears streamed down his face. "I'm sorry it took me so long, Lily," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
"It's okay," Lily said, hugging him back. "I'm just glad you're here now."
"Do you know I'm your daddy?" Felix smiled at her.
"You're my daddy?" she asks, and she looks at me. I nodded to tell her that her doctor was her Dad.
Lily hugged Felix tightly, and that melt my heart. If only I did the right decision. But the past is gone, the damage has been done, but we're moving on to the brighter days.
I am not asking Felix to come back with me. I'm content with what we have right now. A father and mother for Lily are what's important, and I'm glad I could give Lily that now.