You started talking about them. And not just how you were excited to move there and see him again, but you confided in me. You told me about your relationship with her; your fears and how you imagined yourself being as a father. I didn't prompt you at all; I don't feel it's my place to ask about them. You just turned to me and started talking to me about Father's Day and how much she had hurt you over the years. Stories and memories that shaped you into the man you are today. You finished talking about her and all the hurt and scars she had left and I just had to hug you. It almost slipped out then. Instead, I told you I thought you were a great guy and you didn't deserve any of what she does to you. I also confessed that if we were in the same situation, things would be very different.
You don't ever talk about them; at least not in great length. And definitely not about how you feel about all of it. You're a keep it to yourself kind of guy.
I explained some of my relationship with my father; vented about her girls for a bit and how they don't understand why me and Pooka feel a bit more reserved around him. The biggest one though was Justin. I talked about our time together and the mistakes I had made with him. The pain and suffering I went through and how I changed over such a small course of time.
We traded pain for pain. My heart hurts thinking about all that she put you through and still puts you through. I saw the pain as I talked about him and the lies that he told me. I think I got off a little easier; My time with him wasn't nearly as long as your time with her. That and I don't have to deal with him anymore. If you want to interact with your son, you have to deal with her.
When I was done talking about him, you pulled me close and gave me a hug. You then pulled back a little bit and tried to make me smile. When I finally did, you got all smiley and said "Aw there it is." I made the ILY symbol with my hand placed it on your back. I'm still so scared to tell you, but I feel it's going to slip soon.
I'm not sure I need a label on our relationship anymore. Maybe that's just the aftereffects of tonight and I'll have a different opinion tomorrow. All I know is that you make me happy.
I'll help you carry your pain whenever you want.