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“Kyle…” Brent called on the other line.
“Drew…” I heard Nico call my name.
“Are you still there, Kyle? Are you alright?” Brent asked.
“What happened, Drew? What did he say?” Nico asked.
“That’s impossible…” I muttered. “Are you playing a prank on me, right now, Brent?” I asked shakily.
“Do you think I would joke about something this serious?” Brent replied. “The old lady…”
“She might be remembering things wrong, Brent. I mean, you said it yourself, she’s old.” I argued.
“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Brent said. “But she sounded so sure, and she didn’t sound senile at all… Mrs. Flint, does it ring a bell?” Brent asked.
“Yeah, she lives near the lake, she doesn’t socialize much, so I don’t really know much about her, but you’re right though, she doesn’t seem senile yet.” I said honestly.
“Well, when I asked her about the incident she told me that I know the boy who went missing, then I started showing her pictures of our friends, and when she saw your picture, she told me that it was you.”
“That doesn’t mean that she’s right, she could’ve been mistaken me for another kid, after all it was four years ago, and Mom never, she never…” I was practically shaken, my mind was clouded and swirling with different thoughts.
“As I said, no one wanted you to remember. I don’t know what exactly happened, the old lady, she didn’t want to talk much about it. I tried asking my Mom, but she just blatantly lied that nothing of the sort happened.” Brent said. “Kyle…”
“I’m alright… I need some time to process everything though.” I said honestly.
“I understand. Call me when you’re ready to talk.” Brent said.
“I will…” I said and then hanged up the phone.
Nico, without saying anything, held my shoulder and squeezed. I held Nico’s hand on my shoulder and left out a heavy sigh. I told Nico everything that Brent told me, and he looked as surprised as I was.
“Four years ago? Is he sure?” Nico asked. “You disappeared on the lake, just like the boy you saw on the video?”
I nodded.
I kept quiet.
Not because I wanted to.
But because I can’t find any words to say.
“What are you going to do now?” Nico asked.
“I don’t know. I guess I could ask my Mom, but I’m not even sure if she would answer me honestly. I mean, everyone in our town stopped talking about it, they kept it a secret from me – considering that what Brent said is right – so I’m pretty sure that the one behind the big secret are my parents. I’m sure they’re the one who asked the whole town to keep it a secret from me. Everything is too confusing for me right now, I don’t know what to do.”
“I guess that’s a good idea… but I’m surprised that the whole town would agree to stop talking about such… incident.” Nico said.
“That town is pretty small, everyone treats each other like family. You hurt one, and the whole town would go after you, they protect their family.” I told Nico.
“I see, but, Drew, it wouldn’t hurt to try.” Nico said.
“You’re right, I should at least try. If only our old town is not miles away, then I would there right this instant.” I sighed.
“I could drive you, if you really want to go.” Nico said.
“No, Brent is already there, figuring things out. He’s very good at this stuffs, you know.” I explained to Nico. If there’s one person who can uncover the whole truth it’s Brent.
When I finished taking my shower that morning, Nico was already done changing his clothes and drying his hair. I looked at the watch on my study table and sighed. “Mom would be calling us for breakfast soon.” I told Nico.
“Why do you look so worried then?” He asked.
“I just… I don’t know how to even ask her. It’s not like I can just come up to her and ask if I really disappeared four years ago. I mean, it’s not that easy.” I explained.
“Drew, you don’t have to ask her right now, you know.” You could wait for the right time, when you’re both ready. Well, you really wouldn’t know when your Mom would be ready, so at least until you are ready.” Nico explained.
“I guess you’re right.” I sighed.
“Of course I’m right.” Nico said as he stepped behind me and started to towel dry my hair.
After putting my clothes on, Nico and I decided to go downstairs. We were just on top of the steps when we heard my Mom’s voice. “I’m surprised to see you here this early in the morning.” My Mom said as she closed the front.
“I’m sorry for the sudden visit, I just wanted to see you before I leave.” A familiar voice said.
“Joseph…?” Nico muttered. That’s when I realized where I heard that voice before.
“You’re leaving? When?” Mom asked.
“This afternoon.” Joseph said. “Kyle, is he…?” He asked. My heart skipped a beat with the mention of my name.
“He’s still in his room with his friend.” Mom said. “They had a sleep-over.”
“Isn’t he too old for sleep-overs?” Joseph asked.
Mom chuckled. Hearing her chuckle like that made me really happy. “Yeah, but Drew usually acts older than his age, so seeing him do things that a normal kid does is really relieving.” Mom said.
“I’m glad to see that you’re doing fine now.” Joseph said. “Kyle too…”
“We try.” Mom replied. “We’re a lot better now, though.”
“He’s turning eighteen soon, Fiona.”
“I know.”
“I’ll talk to him then. A proper talk.”
“Joseph…”
“I won’t rush into things, if he doesn’t seem ready for it, then I won’t tell anything to him. Like you, I also want only the best for Kyle.” Joseph said.
At that moment, I was both curious and confused. The atmosphere between Mom and Joseph seemed so tense, so serious, but I was more interested in knowing what Joseph wanted to talk to me about. Why does he want only the best for me? I didn’t get to ask Mom properly yet, but I intend to find out who Joseph really is.
“Fiona, one more thing. I know you don’t want to talk about this, but…” Joseph asked. “Have Kyle remembered anything about… that…?”
Remember what? What the hell is he talking about?
“Nothing, and it’s better that way.” Mom replied.
“What are they talking about?” I muttered.
Joseph said his goodbyes and left. Nico and I waited for a while before going downstairs. “Good morning.” I said as I saw Mom. “Did you have a visitor this early? I think I just heard someone leave.” I acted innocently.
I saw Nico shook his head and grinned a little as he sat down on the sofa.
“An old friend just came to say goodbye.” Mom said.
“Old friend?” I asked. “I never knew you have other friends in town except for Aunt Leona.” I said.
“He’s not from here. He just had some business in the city, so he comes by from time to time.” Mom explained.
“He? Is he the one who gave me that wooden box?” I asked.
Mom paused for a while, she stood still for a second before answering me. “Yes, Drew. Now, could you stop with the interrogation and come to the table for breakfast.” She said brushing off my questioning as if it was nothing. As always, Mom is great in acting as if nothing happened.
“Good morning Ms. Husher.” Nico greeted as he walked in with me to the table.
“Good Morning, Nico.” Mom greeted back cheerfully. “Did you have a good night sleep?” Mom asked.
Nico chuckled and then looked at me with a meaningful stare. “It’s actually one of the best I’d ever had. Drew actually let me borrow something very soft and cuddly to help me sleep better.” He answered. I actually blushed a little when he answered the question.
“Hey…” I complained in a murmur at Nico which he only replied with a soft chuckle.
Mom went upstairs to prepare to go to the flower shop, I, on the other hand, was washing the dishes while Nico stood beside me, doing absolutely nothing but stare. “If you’re not going to help, then at least don’t get in the way.” I said as I pushed Nico away with my elbow.
“Fine…” Nico said and then moved slightly away.
I sighed. He’s still pretty much in the way. “Mom is definitely hiding something from me.” I said.
“I think so too.” Nico admitted. “Remember, I asked Joseph why he’s in the city? HE said he came to meet someone. I know who it is now.” Nico said.
“Don’t tell me, it’s my Mom.”
“It’s your Mom.”
I sighed again. “What do you think is their relationship?” I asked as I looked at Nico.
“I don’t know if it’s alright for me to say this, but the way they talk to each other is telling me that they’re pretty close, that they have a long history together. What’s more, is that the way he talked about you, I think, Joseph does really care for you.”
“Care for me? Why? I mean, I’ve never met the guy before.” I said and then went back into washing the dishes.
“I don’t know either, I mean, who would’ve thought that my cousin’s personal doctor is connected to your family?”
“Why do things like this kept on coming into my life? Don’t I have enough already?” I sighed tiredly. “First, Dad and his new wife are business partners with your family. Then, I apparently disappeared on the lake during a full moon four years ago. Now, this.”
“Relax, you’re over thinking stuffs. We’re not sure about the lake thing, you know. And for all we know, Joseph and your Mom are just…”
“They’re hiding something, Nico. I can feel it. I mean, what does Joseph have to talk to me about? Why do I have to be ready for it? Why can’t he tell it to me now, why wait until I’m eighteen?” I asked.
“You’re not relaxing…” Nico said and then stepped behind me. He started to massage my shoulders gently. “Brent is investigating about the lake, you don’t have to stress yourself over it until he calls again. We don’t have concrete proof about it yet, so there’s no use in thinking about it too much.” I sighed, I knew that Nico was right. “And about Joseph and your Mom, your birthday is coming soon, so all you have to do is wait patiently and things would be revealed to you naturally.”
“If there’s one unexpected thing that happened to me that I’m thankful for, it’s that I met you here. I would’ve gone crazy by now, if you’re not here with me.” I admitted.
“Glad to hear that I’m something you’re actually thankful for.” He said, sounding really proud. “Just so you know, I’m thankful for you as well.” He said then kissed me at the top of my head.
Mom left the house to me and Nico, we made plans to go out just before lunch, but it was still early so we decided to watch TV for the time being. I was watching a documentary on Discovery while Nico was lying on the sofa with his head on my lap.
“Are you seriously watching that?” Nico asked.
“Well, I like this show, but if you want to watch something else then I’m fine with it.” I said.
“I’m good.” Nico replied. “I’m already watching something very interesting.” I looked down at him and saw him smile naughtily at me. “So far, this is the best show I’ve ever seen.” He added as he folded his arms.
I chuckled at him and shook my head a bit. “Are you seriously just going to stare at me the whole time?” I asked.
“Well, I plan to.” Nico replied. “You should see your face in the mirror, I mean your expression changes according to the scenes in that documentary. It’s actually quite fun.”
We stayed that way for a while. I started playing with Nico’s hair as I watched the documentary, while he took one of my hand and started holding it and playing with it. It was actually a very blissful moment for me, I could’ve stayed like that the whole day but our stomachs started rumbling.
As planned, Nico and I went out just before lunch. Nico was driving to the mall when his Mom called. “I’m on my way to the mall, Mom. Drew and I are going to grab something to eat.” Nico said. “Are you sure? Ok, then, we’ll be on our way.” Then he hanged up the phone. “My Mom wanted to have lunch with us, are you okay with it?” Nico asked.
“Yeah… sure…” I said hesitantly. Honestly, I was nervous. I haven’t showed my face to Nico’s parents ever since that incident with Sylvia. I haven’t got the chance to talk to them after that, and I was still very embarrassed to face them.
“Don’t worry, they’re not angry with you.” Nico said, as if reading what was in my mind. “Mom was actually looking for you the whole week, she kept on asking why you’re not coming over for a swim anymore.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure about Dad, though, but I think he’s cool with you, I mean he’s not telling me to stop seeing you, so…”
I left out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness… I was afraid that they would tell me to stay away from you…”
Nico chuckled. “I thought we’re not in a movie.” Nico said. “That only happens in the movies, you know.”
Smartass, using my own words against me. “Well, I’ve never been this close to someone rich before, you know.”
“By close you mean…?”
“You know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t, so tell me.” Nico persisted.
“I don’t want to.”
“I’ll post your pictures wearing my shirt on Facebook, if you don’t.” Nico threatened.
I sighed. “I knew you’re going to use that to blackmail me. You’re a sly bastard, you know.”
“A sly bastard that you like.” Nico added. “So, come on, say it already. What do you mean by close?”
“Close as in, dating, liking…” I said swiftly as I was very embarrassed.
“What was that last part again?” Nico asked. “I didn’t hear quite well.”
I looked at Nico sharply and he just smiled at me and raised an eyebrow.
“I said liking… I like you… There, happy?” I said meekly.
“Very.” Nico said as he took my hand. “And for the record, I like you too, a lot.” He added and then kissed my hand.
My cheeks turned very red and it felt really hot as well. Nico actually chuckled when he saw my face. I think that no matter how long I and Nico and I stay together, he would never cease to make me flush, that he would never cease to make my heart skip a beat.
Rose and Paula Bellard were waiting for us at the restaurant. Paula was the same, although she warmed up to me a bit, she still was very shy. “Hello, Paula.” I said. She was wearing a pink tutu dress and looked really cute on it. “That’s a cute dress.” I said.
“Mom picked it for me.” Paula said shyly.
“I see. You look really cute on it.” I said with a smile as I sat down at the table.
“Hey, can you stop flirting with my little sister in front of me.” Nico muttered.
“Why, are you jealous?” I muttered back.
Rose Bellard smiled at us, and quite frankly, I still don’t know what to say to her. You could say I was feeling a bit guilty after the incident.
“We already ordered, but if you want anything, feel to order.” Rose said with a smile, looking at me.
“Mrs. Bellard, about last time…” I said hesitantly.
“It’s fine. You don’t have to worry about it.” Rose Bellard said. “But I must apologize in advance to you, though, Kyle.” She said in a gentle tone.
“Apologize? For what? I’m the one who should apologize to you and Mr. Bellard.” I said.
“There’s nothing you have to apologize about, actually, we understand why you did that.” Rose Bellard said and then took a glance at Nico.
“Mom, don’t tell me.” Nico said, he sounded quite alarmed.
“Well, you see, Anthony was very surprised; you’re such a sweet and nice child and we were quite surprised that you did that. What’s more surprising to us; was that you know the Robinsons, and quite in the personal level at that. That’s why my husband and I wanted to know more, so we had things investigated.” Rose Bellard’s tone was gentle and soft, but it didn’t help me in understanding what she meant.
“I’m sorry, what?” I asked, confused.
“Mom, how can you do that?” Nico complained.
“It’s your Dad’s idea, Nico. We both know that once he gets his mind into something, no one can stop him.” Rose Bellard explained. Now I know who Nico took after.
“You had someone investigate my family…?” I was really confused. Why do they have to do that? So, rich people really do that… “What did you find out…?” I asked nervously.
“Enough to understand you Kyle.” Rose Bellard answered slowly. “We found out your real relationship with Daniel Stevenson. We learned what Sylvia did to your flower shop too. We want you to know, Kyle, that we still think that you’re a sweet child. We won’t stop you and Nico from being friends, if anything, I would want to ask you to stay his friend. Don’t let our partnership with the Robinsons affect your friendship, it’s purely business.”
“Thank you, I don’t know what I would do is you told me to stay away from Nico.” That was the only thing I could say back then, I’m still pretty surprised by the whole things, but as long as it doesn’t hurt my Mom, then I guess there’s nothing I had to worry about. I was pretty relieved that Rose Bellard doesn’t seem angry at me.
“Ohh sweetie…” Rose Bellard said. “There’s no way I could do such thing, I mean I’ve never seen Nico this happy, and it’s all thanks to you.” She said. I looked at Nico and saw that he was slightly blushing. “Now, let’s stop talking about that and just enjoy our meal.”
Things happen for a reason. The universe has its own way of sending us the things we most needed in the times we least expected. There are times, many time, that I thought of giving up, but every time, I would think of Nico and I would remember that he’s always by my side to support me, and that is how I regain my strength. So, I came to this conclusion; the universe sent me Nico.
There are many mysteries surrounding my life as of the moment. Mysteries that I couldn’t even think how to start to solve, but of all of those mysteries, there is one that I would gladly take my time solving. That is the mystery of love.
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