Saints Row 2

Ch 34: Birthday Truths

Your P.O.V.

Today was the day I've been slightly dreading: Anna's fifth birthday. And to say I was nervous would probably be right on the money. I usually have my thoughts together, but it was getting a little difficult. Especially since I've been in a coma for five years and missed so much as a father.

I honestly don't even know if this could be a turning point or not. Since at this point, with all that's happened, Anna's probably got questions. About who I really am, about what I do, and even the incidents with The Ronin. I knew it wouldn't be long before Lin and I were going to have to tell her the truth sooner or later. And I was just hoping to be ready when she asks.

After driving for a while, I finally got to Lin's new place. I was wearing some basic clothes, a black shirt and a pair of red jeans. Lin and I agreed to just wear something casual while we were out. Once I got to Lin's apartment, I used the key she gave me to unlock the door. And once I did, Anna had immediately ran up and hugged me.

Anna: Hi dad.

Y/n: Hey Anna, happy birthday.

Anna: Thanks.

Lin: Took you long enough.

Y/n: Well, I've been busy lately.

Lin knew that I was talking about The Sons of Samedi. By now, I was in control of more than half of their turf. And we knew it wouldn't be long until they were wiped out. So once we were ready, we made our way to a movie theater downtown. And Anna wanted to watch an action movie, which had surprised me.

After the movie was over, we made our way to Mikano's. I had honestly thought that it would've been shut down or bought by Ultor. After an amazing dinner, we all went to the boardwalk to enjoy the sights. Of course, we got some gifts for Anna, though I ended up paying since I had more money. Once it was all said and done, we made our way back to Lin's apartment.

Anna: Today was amazing!

Y/n: Well, I'm glad you had fun, but I have to get going.

Lin: Y/n.

Y/n: Yeah?

Lin: It's late, why don't you stay here? There's enough room for all of us.

I was honestly surprised at what Lin just suggested. I mean, I wouldn't mind staying, but I never thought Lin would ask me so soon. So I agreed to stay and we spent the next hour playing a few board game I bought for Anna. After a while, my mind went back to how Anna would want to know the truth. And I was right to be worried once Anna had gotten my attention.

Anna: Dad?

Y/n: Yeah?

Anna: Why did that angry man with the motorcycle attack aunt Aisha's funeral?

I had slightly tensed up when Anna asked me that. And I noticed that Lin did the same thing too. It was clear that neither of us were just quite ready yet. But I knew that after Shogo's attack, Anna would have questions. So in a way, I knew it wouldn't be long before she'd learn the truth.

Lin: Well, Anna, the thing is--

Y/n: Lin, it's alright, I knew this would be brought up sooner or later.

Lin: Anna, could you hold on a sec?

That's when Lin brought me out of Anna's earshot. She had asked me if I was sure we should do this. I told her that I was, especially after what had happened with Aisha. Lin did expressed that she wanted to wait a while longer. But I told her it was best that Anna had learned the truth.

Aftet a couple moments, Lin agreed since it was best to do it now. But it was just because she knew Anna deserved to know. Well that, and the fact that Anna would be angry if we told her later on. And not to mention there was a chance she'd find out soon enough. With that, we made our way back to the living room to talk with Anna.

Y/n: Alright Anna, there are some things we need to talk about.

Anna: Is this about the angry man and the bald guy?

Lin: That, and other things.

That's when we told Anna everything about my past. About how I joined The Third Street Saints and killed a bunch of criminals. Then about how I had actually been in a coma for five years after the explosion on Hughes yacht. And how I've been rebuilding The Saints and fighting the other gangs.

After that, I told Anna about Jyunichi and Shogo. I even revealed that I had felt like the one responsible for getting Aisha killed. And it was a huge surprise to both Anna and Lin. After that, the room was silent and no one knew what to say next. But to my surprise, Anna had wrapped me in a hug.

Anna: Dad, it's not your fault that aunt Aisha had died. It was that bad man and his jerky bald friend. They're the ones who are responsible, not you dad. And despite your flaws, that's not going to stop me from loving you.

I was surprised by Anna's response and had hugged her back. And after a few minutes, Anna had fallen asleep right in my arms. So I brought her to her room so she could get some sleep. And I was relieved to have finally gotten that done and over with. Then both Lin and I agreed to get back together. And let's just say that the rest of the night was filled with an amazing experience.