The UnKnown (A Novel) (15 page)

“Hey Mom. Can I fix you a sandwich?”

“No thanks. I already ate. I am waiting on your father. We are going to go catch a quick movie before his appointment. I am so glad he is cancer free. Those appointments were so stressful on me, but I would do anything for your father.” I knew she would. My parents loved each other dearly.

“I know Mom. I am scared to go with him today. I don’t know what to expect, but I have been doing some research. I want him to be healthy.”

“He is and he will be with us for a long time.” She was still looking so radiant.

“What are you so happy about? You look beautiful today, not that you’re not beautiful every day. Today you just seem to be beaming.”

“I’m just happy. My boys are home. My husband is well. There is nothing more that could make me happier.” Hmmmm, something still seemed off, but I wasn’t going to press the issue.

My father entered the room and had the same radiance surrounding him. “We will be back before my appointment. Going to catch a movie.”

“See you guys later.” My mom waved her hand and they were gone. I was all alone in the house on a late Saturday morning.

I finished making my sandwich and took it back to my room. By this time I was starving. I flipped on my fifty inch LED TV and sat in the center of my bed. I settled on watching Iron Man 2 on HBO. There wasn’t much else on. It always amazed me how you could have so many channels and not one thing was on. The day seemed to drag. I was eager to see Misty and to spend some time with my dad. He just seemed so different to me. I hoped that we could make things work. At about two o’clock I began getting ready to go to the doctor with my dad. When I was finished I waited in the kitchen for him. He had sent me a text saying he would be home about half past two. He and my mother came strolling in right on time.

“I’m going to go up and take a nap,” my mom said, giggling then giving my dad a peck on the cheek. He smiled wide as if he was proud of himself for some reason. I doubted very seriously that they went to the movies.

“You ready? I still got the car running.” I got up and followed him to his Infinity Five Hundred. It was sleek and silver with the darkest tinted windows you could have without being illegal. I opened the door and slid in. I buckled up and my dad backed out of the driveway. The interior matched the exterior perfectly with light gray leather seats. Everything about this car was state of the art. It screamed, “look at me I have money.” I never wanted a car like that
but
mom and dad insisted on the Escalade when I turned sixteen.

“So I heard through the grapevine that you and Sara broke up and you are seeing someone else,” he said as a fact rather than a question.

“Who told you that?” My father was not usually one for gossip.

“Son, we live in a small town. Word travels fast, especially about you two.”

“Yeah, we broke up. I was just tired of her crap. She is a spoiled brat and I couldn’t take it anymore. I wanted something more real. Something like you and mom have. I see the way you look at Mom and I want that. I have that now and I won’t let it go.” I was out of breath before I could get everything out.

“Sounds serious. When you know you just know. I have loved your mother since I laid my eyes on her. I was ruined the moment I touched her. I wouldn’t trade her in for anyone else.” His words reassured me I wasn’t totally nuts for wanting to be with Misty so bad.

“So what is her name? Tell me about her.” I didn’t even know where to start. The drive to my dad’s doctor was about a thirty minute drive. I filled him on everything, and I mean everything, even the fact that I might be in trouble with the law. I didn’t want to worry him because of the cancer and all, but I knew he could help me if something were to happen.

“That is a lot, Son. Please be careful, because with love also comes heartache.”

“I know Dad, boy, don’t I know.” My dad and I talked more on the ride over. It was very pleasant to be able to talk to him without being judged. I was used to everything I said being stupid or turned around on me.

The doctor’s appointment went very well. I learned that my dad had a form of liver cancer, but that they had caught it very early. I mentioned what I found on the internet about the diet and exercise. The doctor agreed with me that the diet and exercise would help keep him healthy. My dad agreed to it. I was very pleased that I helped a little. He would have to be monitored very closely for the rest of his life but for right now he was healthy.

When we left the doctor’s office we headed over to Whole Foods. I had a list of items that was supposed to help ward off cancer. Things like vitamin D, green tea, and ginger all helped fight cancer. We met with one of the directors that I had spoken with on the phone earlier. He put together some recipes that were easy to prepare and were very tasty, as he put it. This was a fun day, but also weird. It took a life-threatening disease for my dad and me to have somewhat of a normal relationship. I hoped that the relationship would last. We made it back at a quarter to six. I had just enough time to freshen up before meeting Misty. I had been looking forward to this all day. I changed into a pair of jeans and a nice button down shirt, then grabbed my keys and wallet and headed out.

“Looking good, Son. Have fun and please remember what we talked about.” I nodded and proceeded to pick up my angel. This would be our first real date. I had wished that we had waited until tonight to have sex, but I wouldn’t have changed our first time together. It was magical and I couldn’t wait to have more of her. I stopped by the local flower shop, Miss Ann’s flowers, and picked up two dozen roses, one for Misty and one for Misty’s aunt. When I finally pulled up in the driveway my stomach was doing flip flops. I didn’t know why I was so nervous. I got out of the truck with flowers in hand and rang the doorbell.

Cute little Lizzy answered the door again. She shared a striking resemblance with Misty. It was almost like they could be sisters.

“Hi, Drake. Misty and I just got done with our tea party and she’s still getting ready. Come in.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me through the door.

“Lizzy, what have I told you about answering the do….,” her voice trailed off. “Oh hi, Drake. Misty is still getting ready.” She wiped her hands on the cow print apron she was wearing. I remembered Misty telling me it looked like someone threw up cows in the kitchen.

“Hello, Mrs. Harris. These are for you.” I handed her the bouquet of red roses.

“They are lovely, Drake, thank you. I’ll go find a vase to put them in. Please make yourself comfortable. Misty should be down any minute.” She walked out of the room with Lizzy behind her.

I made my way over to the couch and waited for Misty. I was a little early, so I wasn’t surprised that she was still getting ready. I pulled out my phone and played Candy Crush. I was seriously addicted to the game like I knew most people were. After about five minutes I heard a voice clear their throat. I turned around and there was a vision in white. Misty was wearing a strapless white sun dress.

I picked up the roses and walked over to her. “You look absolutely gorgeous. These are for you, my love.” I handed her the flowers.

“They are beautiful.” When she took them from me her hand brushed up against mine and I felt the heat and passion we shared. “I’ll see if Aunt Silvia will put these in water and then we can go. I have to be back by twelve.  I have to be at work early tomorrow.” I had almost forgotten she found a job. That still gave us plenty of time to go out on our date. I knew this one would be one to go down in the history books.

Chapter 19

Misty

The flowers Drake brought me were beautiful. I was at total loss for words when he handed them to me. Then to find out he had given Aunt Silvia some too was over the top. He had definitely won her over. I took the flowers to her so she could put them in some water for me. I then returned to Drake. I was looking forward to this moment all day.

I had thought about it when I was with Lucy. I met her at the same little café that Aunt Silvia had taken me to. When I saw her it was as though no time had passed. She still looked exactly the same; a short, petite girl with black hair and hazel eyes. She was standing in the doorway waiting for me with a chubby little baby. She had told me she was bringing her daughter along because she was a stay at home mom. I was so happy for her. She had truly changed her life.

“Oh my God, Misty! I thought I’d never see you again. You never answered my letter.” She was hugging me so tight I was having a hard time breathing.

“It is so good to see you too, Luc. Let’s grab a table and get some lunch. I am starving.” We grabbed the first table we came across in the corner of the café.

“And who is this little angel?” The baby started giggling as soon as I said angel. “She is beautiful, Luc.”

“This is Gabby. Say hi, Gabby.” She was bouncing her on her knee and waving her chubby little hand at me.

“How old is she?”

“Nine months yesterday. She is growing so fast. Seems like it was just yesterday she was growing in my belly.” She chuckled.

“You’re married. I see the ring, it’s gorgeous.” I picked up her hand to see the huge rock planted on her ring finger. The ring had to be at least two carats or more in a princess cut.

“Happily, for almost a year now. Tristan owns an oil refinery. Our relationship has not been easy but well worth it for this angel.”

“I can’t help but to be happy for you. You look so grown up and happy.”

“I am, Misty, I truly am. If I had to go through hell again to get to where I am today, I would do it.” I couldn’t help but to smile at her words because I was starting to feel the same way.

“So, tell me what it’s been like for the past year for you? It killed me leaving you there. I wandered around for a couple of months until I remembered you telling me about Sunnydale. I couldn’t remember your aunt’s name, but I came anyway. I started waitressing at Maggie’s. It was hard, really hard. There were days I wouldn’t get to eat and some days that I had to sleep on a park bench, but I kept pushing through. Then one day Tristan walked through the door and my life forever changed. His family didn’t accept me right off because I was nothing. Then I got pregnant and Gabby changed everything. His parents fell in love with her and the rest is history.” Her story brought tears to my eyes. I never knew she went without food or shelter. I was lucky because I had family and found Drake right off.

“Oh, Luc, I am so sorry, I had no idea.”

“Save those tears Miss. I am fine. What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. Like I said, I wouldn’t change anything in the world. My world is now complete because I have gotten my sister back.” Now I was crying like a blubbering fool. It just confirmed how much I truly missed her. Gabby’s gurgling broke us from our silence.

I told Lucy everything that had happened over the course of the year. I even told her about the gas station. She was furious and wanted to kill Drake, but I told her how he saved me. She had relief in her eyes. I told her how Aunt Silvia took me in and gave me a car. Told her that I found out she was my mother’s twin and how much they looked alike. We talked for almost two hours and it was like no time had passed. We promised to keep in touch and go out together every once in a while. Our visit seemed really short, but I knew she had things to do being a wife and mother.

“Please keep in touch. I want to know more about this Drake. If he doesn’t treat you right, I will kill him. Maybe we can do a double date sometime. I would love to meet him.” I knew she meant every word.

“I will, Luc. I can’t imagine not talking to you every day. That sounds great. We will set it up. I will talk to Drake and get back to you.” We walked out to our cars. I waited for Luc to buckle Gabby in her car seat before hugging her goodbye. I was proud of my friend. She had overcome so much in a short amount of time. Gabby seemed to be such a happy baby and with a mother like Lucy she should be. I waved goodbye to them and then walked over to my car to go have my afternoon tea with Miss Lizzy.

 Lizzy and I had a wonderful time at our tea party. Mr. Bear, Mrs. Robinson, and Baxtor the rabbit were all in attendance. Lizzy and I were going to get along great, but I needed to try to spend some time with Lee.  I would figure that out later, because right now I’m standing in front of my beautiful man Drake.

“Baby, are you ready? Our movie starts at 7:30.” I laced my fingers through his hand as he led us to the truck.

“What are we going to see?” I was hoping to see “Nicholas Sparks” “Safe Haven” but that was a chick flick. I could honestly watch anything as long as we were together.

“Safe Haven. I remember you saying you wanted to see it because you read the book. Not a romance movie fan, but I will watch anything as long as I am with you.”

“That is so funny I was thinking the exact same thing. I love you so much. Thanks for choosing that.”

“Peaches, I’ll do whatever you want.” We drove in silence to the theater. As we pulled up I remembered the double date that I had discussed with Luc.

“Hey would you be opposed to going on a double date with my friend Lucy and her husband?”

“No, let me know ahead of time and I will be there. I’m very interested in meeting this Lucy.”

“She’s interested in meeting you too.” I hoped they would get along because they were the two most important people in my life. If they couldn’t stand each other it would hurt my heart.

He parked the car and we made our way into the movie theater. Drake bought our tickets in advance, so we were able to just walk right in.

“Do you want anything from the concession stand?” He asked

“No thank you. I’m good, unless it’s something else,” I winked at him and smiled.

“Stop it or we’ll have to leave so I can have my way with you.” He replied with a devilish smirk and grabbed my butt. We made our way into the theater. This was going to be a long two hours.

 Drake and I walked out hand in hand two hours later. I don’t really remember the movie because we couldn’t keep our hands and tongues off of each other.  If other people weren’t in that theater we would have made love. He pulled me in and tucked me neatly under his arm.