by R.A Cullison
Chapter Fourteen
Truth Shall Set You Free
I walked into the house, thankful no one was there yet. I walked into the kitchen where my Mom was finishing the last of the food.
“Hi Mom.” she turned and looked at me.
“Hi baby, What are you doing here?” she asked while pulling out a big tray of vegging out of the fridge.
“I had Matt drop me off to help, So, do you need any help?” I started to walk on the other side of the counter.
“Sure, help me arrange this stuff and get everything ready.” she handed me a hand full of silverware and plates. I got to work right away.
The house filled up fast and the food was disappearing fast. I looked around for my Grandpa, he wasn’t anywhere to be found, then I heard a noise upstairs.
I slowly walked up the stairs so I didn’t trip. I seen a light on in my grandparents room. I looked and the door was slightly ajar. I pushed on the door, my Grandpa was on the bed looking at something.
“Grandpa?” I spoke softly. He looked up at me, “What are you doing up here?”I ask as I took a seat beside him.
“Thinking….Its a little crowded down there for me.” I looked to see what was in his hand, it was a picture of them on their wedding day.
“Is that you and Grandma” I asked looking down.
“Nora, I have to tell you something and I don’t know where to begin.” my heart sank.. Tell me something that didn’t sound good.
“Travis NO!” I looked up and it was my Mom.
“She has to know the truth.” he was getting agitated
“Tell me what? Come on guys, what is it?” my Mom looked at my Grandpa and then at me. She took a big sigh like she was about to tell me something big.
“Your Dad found out he was unable to have children when he was about 14. I knew he couldn’t when we married but after 3 years I began to want a child. Your Dad got upset that he couldn’t give me what I wanted so we turned to other method.” she looked at my Grandpa.
“Like what artificial insemination?” I looked at them both.
“Kind of, but it was from someone we knew.” she kept her eyes locked on my Grandpa.
“What are you saying?” she took another big sigh.
“Travis isn’t your Grandpa, he is your father.” I looked over at my Grandpa and then back at my Mom
“WHAT!!!!!!!!” I jumped up, “My father?” the room started to spin and I felt faint .
I woke up on the bed, I was alone in the room. I rose up slowly, I felt like everything was a dream.
I got up and headed downstairs, the house cleared out. I walked into the kitchen where my Mom was. I looked at her and she look back at me. Her face showed regret and ashamed. I went to look for matt.
I walked out into the living room where my Grandpa and Dad was. I didn’t stay in there, once I didn’t see Matt I went outside. He was on the porch with Kyle and Nikki.
“Hey, how you feel?” I looked at Matt with hurt in my eyes.
“I want to go home, please.” I started towards the car not waiting for an answer and got into the passenger side.
“Ok, See you later guys.” he jogged to the other side of the car and got in.
“What’s wrong?” he put the key in the ignition.
“I….I don’t know where to begin, I don’t know what happened back there.” I closed my eyes, “ I just want to go home, shower and go to bed.”
“Ok? Are you ok?” he kept looking over at me.
“Yeah.” I slowly shook my head in tempt to clear it out.
3am I was still awake laying next to Matt who was passed out. Travis was my Dad that meant that my Dad was my brother and so was my Uncle. Wow.. It also meant my cousin was my niece. I couldn’t deal with it anymore I needed answers so I called my Mom.
“Hello?” from the sound of her voice she was asleep.
“Mom, we need to talk and this cant wait until later. Meet me at the diner on Main in 20 minutes.” I felt terrible ordering her like that.
“Nora? Its 3am…….Ok… I’ll be there?” she hung up. I got dressed quietly and left. I drove pretty much in a daze all the way there.
I walked into the diner and sat in the back.
“What can I get ya?” I looked up , it was the waitress.
“Coffee please.” she smiled at me and disappeared in the back and emerged with my coffee. I sipped it slowly.
My Mom walked in, looking like she was about to regret what was about to happen. She sat down and ordered coffee too.
“Tell me everything.” she looked up at me. “Does Dad really know about you, Grandpa and me?” I looked at her.
“At first no, he thought you were his, that a mircle happened. But then he did alittle math and figured out that there was no way he could be your father. So he confronted me. First what happened with Travis only happened once.” she took another sip.
“Are you sure I am his?” I twirled a empty sugar package in my fingers avoiding looking at her.
“Yes, when you were 3 months old we got a dna test and you were his. Your Dad and myself agreed to raise you as his and your Grandpa agreed too. He hid it from your Grandma, she never knew about any of it.” she teared up alittle
“I cant believe this, all these years and I cant believe you all lied to me.” I shook my head
“There is something else.” I looked at her,
“More? My goodness.” I leaned back in my chair
“The reason why you were sent to live with Travis is because your Dad thought you would find out the truth, and we wouldn’t have to tell you anything.” I couldn’t believe this crap she was telling me.
“For one Mom, I don’t believe any of this. Because I know Grandpa had a vasectomy when Dad was a kid. Second, You and Dad made me go live with Grandpa and Grandma because Dad was running from the Lab guys because he knew what he hell they were up to. I am not stupid. So why are you telling me this crap?” her eyes grew wide.
“It’s the truth Nora, I know you don’t want to believe it. But your Dad will always be your Dad. That whole thing with the lab was just an excuse.” she slowly spun her coffee cup around on the table.
“Except my Dad is my brother and my Grandfather is my Dad. Tell me how am I suppose to accept that after 19 years of life. You all betrayed me and I don’t know if I can forgive that.” I stood up and basically ran out to my car. I need to get the hell away from everyone.
I drove for a hour or more not sure of where I was. I noticed I needed gas, so I pulled into a gas station for a fill up. I filled it up and walked inside. There was a pimpled face boy behind the cash register. I went to the back of the station to the sodas. I grabbed 3 and a bag of chips off the shelf. I stood there waiting for him to ring everything up.
“Gas?” he asked looking out at my car.
“Yes and these too.” I pushed my stuff closer to him.
“Alrighty.” he rung everything up. “62 dollars and 56 cents.” I reached in my jean pocket and pulled out some money.
“here.. Umm is a hotel around here?” I looked at him and smiled.
“There is a hotel about a block down that way, the rooms are nice.” I waited for my change.
“how do I get there from here?” I asked putting my change in my pocket.
“You go right out of here to the light then left and it will be on the right its name is the Golden Dragon.” he bagged my stuff and smiled.
“Thanks.” I grabbed my bag and headed to my car. I got in the car and followed his directions, sure enough it was a nice place.
I pulled into the parking lot, the big red neon letters buzzed over head, the D was blown out. I went inside to the reception area. The whole place was Chinese deco, very vibrant and pretty.
I stood in front of the check-in desk but no one was around. So I rang the bell. An old woman shuffled from the back.
“Welcome to the Golden Dragon, May I help you?” she had a strong Chinese accent.
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�Yes, I would like a room for a few day, if you have any empty.” I asked while pulling out my wallet.
“Oh yes, we have several rooms ready but with a single bed, will that be ok?”she opened a big book on the counter.
“Yes, that will be fine, do you have cable tv here?” I asked, she smiled real big.
“Of course and internet as well. I need a ID and a credit card or maybe cash.” she waited for me to give her what she needed.
“My ID and I will be paying cash.” I handed her everything. She took a copy of my ID then handed it back to me.
“That will be …. 45dollars a night, how long will you be staying here?” she smiled
I handed her $200 , “ Four day, and no visitors allowed.” she shook her head in agreement.
“Room 25, its on the second floor and around back.” she handed me the key and a recipt.
I held the key in my hand and went to find the room . I found my room, I used the key. The room was nice and clean, I looked around to check the room out. I realized I didn’t have a change of clothes. So I decided to look for a store to buy stuff at. I seen a walmart across the street.
I walked into the walmart it was full. I grabbed several changes of clothes, underwear, socks, bra and the basics. I paid for everything.
I got back to the hotel, feeling relaxed. I laid the bags on the bed and decided a shower would be nice, so I grabbed my new pj, a pair of socks and underwear. The shower was fabulous, it was relaxing.
After the shower I decided to order some food from room service. I found a menu and ordered some sweet and sour chicken on noodles instead of rice, egg rolls and soda. I then waited for my food. The movie that was on was funny I found myself laughing. Twenty minutes later my food was there, a young and handsome guy brought it to me.
“Ms. Treeman, your food.” he stood at the door holding a tray. I let him in to sit the tray down, he put it on the table that was in the room.
I smiled, “ Thank you.” and put a ten in his hand, he looked down.
“Your welcome and Thank you.” he shoved it in his pocket and left in a hurry.
I ate and watched tv then I started to feel guilty, I needed to call Matt. I picked up my cell hesitantly dialed his number.
“Nora, where the hell are you?!?” he yelled at me, yeah I could tell he was worried.
“I’m ok, I needed to get away from everything to think, so much has happened in a few day, I just need a little time alone. I wanted to call and let you know I am ok and I will be home in a few day, Please don’t worry.”
“Don’t worry!? You give me no choice but to worry, I love you and If I don’t know where you are I think your hurt or something worse has happened or maybe you decided you didn’t want to be with me anymore.” his voice began to crack.
“Babe, I’m ok, really. I will be home soon. I love you. I’ll talk to you later.” I pulled the phone from my ear and I could hear him.
“Nora wait! Nora!” I clicked off the phone, I fell asleep.
The sun was shining through the curtains right in my face. I rose up and looked around then I stood up and stretched.
Day 1- was spent watching tv and eating.
Day 2- was watching tv and sleeping.
Day 3-was walking around town and eating at a cozy café.
Day 4- early morning I decided to go home, so at 3 am I pulled into my parking spot.
I quietly walked up to my apartment and went in. I knew Matt would be asleep. It actually felt good to be home, I unlocked the door softly.
The apartment was a mess, looks like a party happened. I tip toed to the bedroom to see if Matt was there. He was sleeping quietly. I walked over to his side of the bed and bent down and kissed him. His eyes popped open,
“Nora? Thank God!” his arm wrapped around me and he pulled me down on top of him. “ I am so glad your home.” We began to kiss.
We were laying there holding each other, he stroked my cheek, “why did you leave?” I looked at him.
“I found out something terrible and…… and I didn’t know how to deal with it.” I rubbed my eyes.
“What? Your pretty strong, it must be horrible if you need extra time to figure things out.” Matt said still staring at me.
I sighed, “ I found out that my Dad isn’t my Dad that my Grandpa Travis is my real Dad.” I watched Matts face.
“What? For real?” he rose up on his elbow.
“I wish is wasn’t but, yeah its true.” I rose up on the bed, “Matt?” I said it quietly
“Yeah?” he rose up too.
“Am I wrong to think that this is my fault?” I looked down forcing myself not to cry.
“Don’t blame yourself, its not your fault. It’s their fault, just because you came out of this don’t mean your to blame and you shouldn’t have to pay for their mistakes. You’re here for a reason. I am happy you’re here!” he put his arm around me.
“That’s so sweet, but I don’t know what the hell to do. I kind of feel like this is some big joke to get to me.” I could feel the tears welling up.
“A joke? I don’t find it funny, I thinks its bullshit.” his toned seemed like he was pissed.
“Yeah, but I cant go work for him anymore, I need to find a regular job,but that means I have to go in and tell him I quit.”
I looked out the window.
“Do you want me to tell him? I will.” he pushed a piece of hair out of my face.
“I think I have to do this myself, thank you anyways.” I leaned over and kissed him.
The phone rang, he pulled out of the kiss, “I’ll get it.” He pulled up his boxers and left the room. I sat up looked around the room for my clothes. I found them and slid them on. I went into the kitchen. Matt was still on the phone, I could tell it was his brother. I opened up the fridge to see what we had to eat. Nothing. I glaced at Matt, he strugged his shoulders.
“I am gonna run across the street and grab some stuff.” I waited for him to answer. He mouthed ok.
I slide on my flip flops and grabed my wallet. I slowly walked down the stairs. I was colder outside then I relized. I ran across the street to the liquor store. I walked in, the woman behind the counter jumped. I smiled at her and ran back to the frozen foods. I grabbed several frozen pizza, a bag of chips and a couple of 2 liters of soda, also grabbed some ice cream. I walked up to the cashier. She smiled at me, “ This it for you?” she asked.
“Yeah.” I dug out my debit card. She started to ring up the stuff.
“$25.15 is your total.” she looked at me like I was gonna stiff her on it. I handed her my card. She swiped it and waited, “pin please.” she pointed to the keypad. I put the pin in and waited for the receipt, she gave a dirty look the whole time, tapping her long poorly polished nails on the counter. When it was accepted, I wanted to yell told you so at her. She handed me the receipt, “Have a nice day.” she said after I was half way out the door.
I walked into the apartment, there was my Mom sitting on the couch, Matt was leaning against the bedroom door with his arms crossed. He looked like he was guilty of something.
“What are you doing here?” she stood up, I walked straight into the kitchen to start the pizzas.
“We need to talk … I don’t want to you lose you from all this.” her voice was shaky.
“HA!” I grabbed a plate out of the cabinet, “ Mom, you should of known how I would of reacted, you all lied to me all my life. How am I suppose to act?”
“I… I tried to do what was right but its hurting you and I cant stand it.” she grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the couch. “Me and your Dad are moving to Chicago. He got a transferred there to do more research, *sigh* So I wanted to let you know. I love you Nora always.” she kissed my cheek, smiled at matt then left. I looked over at Matt who was still standing in the bedroom door way.
“Can you believe that?” I stood up and finished making the pizzas.
We ate and I surfed the channels for something interesting o
n but all we found was news, I went to turn it,
“Wait!” I looked at him, he wanted to hear the weather.
“We’re going to get snow here shortly.” I rolled my eyes. YUCK snow I thought.
I found something interesting to watch, an hour into it I heard a faint familiar sound, I looked over to Matt, passed out in the chair. His head was back, his mouth was open and his medium length hair was pressed against the neck rest. I couldn’t help but stare at him, he was so handsome.
I reached around and pulled the blanket off the back of the chair and threw it over him. I gave him a soft peck on the cheek. I laid on the couch and continued watching the show.
I didn’t realize I fell asleep until I woke up in bed next to Matt, he must of carried me in here. I was alittle disorientated but then got my wits about me.
I looked over at the digital alarm clock, 4:30am. I curled up in the blanket, behind Matt and fell back to sleep.
