My Life in the End

by Adriana Alexa

  And so Hyatt learned to think, screams were like toys. It was an easy math for a child to learn and he soon became fluent in that logic.

  If it was my son, I would have time to calm him down. I would take him home and throughout life would change their behavior.

  But I only had a few hours with Hyatt and was not intending to pass them hear their sharp cries.

  A shock therapy was needed and I did not think twice.

  I knelt down next to him and cried together, drawing nervous glances from people around.

  He paused, startled, with small dark eyes wide to my insanity.

  - Want to see who screams louder? - I asked when I noticed he had his attention - Because I think I win.

  - Some problem? - The safety of the store came up behind us.

  - No -. Yet replied to the ground - The gentleman here - Hyatt indicated with an elaborate gesture - whether the helicopter and I said I will not give. He's planning a big robbery shop. Will you explain to him what happens to people who leave without paying?

  Security a smile on my unconventional approach, but soon returned to his formal stance.

  - I had to stop him and call the police. - Exaggerated the seriousness.

  - Hm ... - shook his head, watching the son of Greg askance - He would have to go to the police station, is not it?

  - Most likely.

  - But do not worry. - I took two slaps in the helicopter case - I'm a lawyer. I'll meet you there at the station and we try to solve.

  Hyatt stared at me like I was the strangest creature he had ever encountered in life. And I probably was.

  - Go there. - I pointed the way to the exit with his hand and this time the security laughed - You're weightless. I think I can run very fast. Maybe you have a chance.

  The boy kept his focus, I could not help wondering what he was waiting for me to start laughing, confess it was a joke and took off the bag credit card to give you what you wanted.

  - Decided? - He flinched as if popping out of their temporary trance - Because I have an appointment, I can not wait for you all day.

  Their greedy hands relaxed slowly, dropping the box and I took it back, putting it on the shelf.

  - You're kind of crazy. - Watched quietly as if afraid that I return to scream.

  - Half? - I laugh - I'll take that as a compliment. - I offered a hand to help him up and he accepted.

  - Where are you going? - He asked resignedly.

  - For a place with people even more crazy than me. Comes. You will love.

  Hyatt tied the belt and took the direction, taking us through the busy streets to my old neighborhood. I think it was the first time the boy went to a toy store without taking anything.

  I would do you good ...

  - How is school? - I asked as we walked away from the center, covering the quietest way.

  - Why do you want to know?

  - It was only a question, boy. Do not be rude.

  I could see it by the reflection of the middle of the mirror. Sitting in high chair like a throne.

  Son of Elizabeth created under the pampering of Eleanor.

  Poor guy ...

  And Gregory did not even seem to react.

  I had a good idea why.

  - It's cool. I guess.

  - What do you like the most?

  - I do not know. - He lifted one shoulder - is the best school in the country.

  - You did research, was it? - Ridiculed the boastful argument he surely had heard somewhere.

  - No. - Squeezed lips that long beak - But it is.

  - It's because?

  - Because what? - He complained angrily.

  - Why is the best school in the country?

  He looked out the window stalling while trying to remember what should be the answer.

  - Do not know. It has to do with money. The school has a lot of money.

  - Hm ... I understand. - I nodded - You ever heard of Nelson Mandela?

  - No.

  - He was a very humble man, a very poor place. He tried to change your country and improve people's lives. He went to prison for it. But he never gave up. And in the end, he became president of his country and saved many people.

  His reflection was watching me waiting for the end of the narrative.

  - He was not rich. I had no money. All he had was determination. And he was an amazing man. One of the best of the world.

  - Batman's rich. - Recalled simply.

  - Spider-Man no.

  - Iron Man! - I had a smile forming on his lips. He wanted to turn the game into a competition.

  The only problem is that the small Baxter had not explained to him that Laura Thoen not lose.

  - Captain America, Hulk, Superman ...

  His smile spread as he considered.

  - My father is rich.

  - It is true. - Folded lip - You know ... I met his father when he was not working in the family business. He was earning a good salary and lived a simple life.

  - And he was powerful?

  There was something in his tone that reminded me of Eleanor.

  PowerfulIt did not seem to me a word that a boy his age would use to describe someone. Not even my Ty who was more excited neurons than mine.

  - He was a good man. Industrious, determined, honest. He still is. - Gulped - But it seems that is pretending to be. - I added to myself.

  Eleanor had become the puppet, overworking, ignoring an innocent child, accepting all the poison that offered him and tucking in a wedding appearances.

  It was possible that I had that effect on him and all that were suffering for what he thought I had done? Or is he just had become someone else?

  I parked the car on the street and untied Hyatt.

  He gave me his hand and jumped to the sidewalk.

  - Where you are?

  - You see there? - I pointed out - is the old her father's house.

  - OH MY GOD! - A distant voice exclaimed disbelieving and we turned - Ai. My. God! - Madeleine had his hands in the mouth when we ran, leaving behind the hose still dripping water - Laura!

  - Hello, Madeleine! - She wrapped me in his arms and I had to laugh

  - Where have you been? Ah! - Bent down to check Hyatt - How are you?

  - Who are you? - Wrinkled his nose to the vivacity of strange.

  - Can you see it's your son. - Had a sarcastic smile on his face as he shook my arm - he has the same delicacy.

  I was going to explain who he was and make the introductions. But something heavy wrapped me with strength, making me almost lose my balance.

  - I knew you'd come back! - Andy was clinging to me making me laugh even more.

  - Greenpeace! - I wrapped my arms around her waist, holding her back - I heard you went gossiping about my life there!

  - You're crazy, you know? Why did it? I should have ... ah ... hi!

  Interrupted his endless criticism to greet Hyatt.

  - How are you?

  - Good. - Decided to respond.

  - It does not look much like you. - Andy decided.

  - Oh, it's because you have not seen how delicate. - Madeleine added and I sent them shut up.

  - It's not my son. He is the son of Gregory.

  The two blinked at me in silent synchrony, as if out of a cartoon.

  - Thoen says to me that the father knows that you are with the boy.

  - Yeah, Andrea. - I rolled my eyes - kidnapped the child. - I said full of sarcasm - Gregory is with Tyler now. Hyatt here was me.

  - Tyler is the son? - Madeleine turned to Andy - Because I'm confused.

  - Do not know. - He admitted - Things to Laura are always very complicated.

  - I'm fine here. I can hear you two, you know?

  - It's part of the fun! - Andy wrapped his arm around my - Speaking ill of you for all these years has not been here was very little exciting.

  - I guess!

  - But come! - I pulled - We need to hear the whole story.

  - And the tradition have we eat bis
cuits.

  - Cookies? But I thought Thierry ...

  - He did not hold the copyright to all production of cookies in the world, Dom. - Smiled, wistful - Mine are not so good but will serve.

  ***********

  Small drones flew over the stadium releasing gifts coupons in the audience. The places that I got were pretty much on the court and although Ty had found a spectacular location during the game, whenever the break was announced and small flying devices went into action, he was eager to get close. But they distanced themselves more and more, flying over the highest seats.

  - Do you need something? - I was fully aware that this question had been repeated about eight times. At each interval. But to repeat yet.

  - No -. Thanks, turning their attention to the long straw of her soda.

  - Need to go to the bathroom?

  - No. - Repeated, sucking the straw to the empty glass complain and pop.

  - More soda?

  -. No, I'm full. - She confessed with a smile.

  - Are you enjoying the game?

  He nodded his head and watched the court. In the opposite corner of the home team's cheerleaders were a lively well-rehearsed dance. I scratched my ear seeking some subject.

  I wanted to talk to him about ... about ... everything. And anything. I want him to leave the stadium given me one of his favorite people in the world. But I think it was unrealistic wish.

  We were complete strangers and we would need time.

  - Have you thought of a name for the dog?

  - Not yet. But I think Euler a cool name.

  - Euler? - I laugh.

  - IT IS! I like the way speaks. I think fun to say.

  - All right ... Where did you hear that name?

  - It was a mathematician.

  - A mathematician. - Muttered - Of course I was. - I added to myself, slightly impressed - Like his story?

  - I do not know much. Just read the name once in a book. I spoke wrong and my mother corrected me.

  - Hmm ... How to write?

  - Euler. - Spelled.

  - German, is not it?

  - That! She explained that the "I" pronounced like "hi."

  - Your mother is very smart.

  - She only pretends. - I laughed and I laughed hard.

  - Do not let her hear you say that!

  - No way! - Widened his eyes in a contained panic and I pulled him an awkward hug - and she does not speak German. - He added.

  - I know. I mean ... she did not speak. Makes so many years ... - I gulped, stroking the hair. Tyler lifted her chin to look me best and waited for me to conclude the reasoning. I ruffled her spiky hair and smiles.

  - You also will not tell me, do you? - Expired, giving up.

  - Tell?

  - It is ... tell the complicated story that made you stay without speaking.

  - Your mother thinks you're still very young. And I agree.

  - Yeah, yeah. I think that's fine. - I shrugged - I got used to not being able to know anything.

  Your review made it sound like a very old man and tired, generating an involuntary laugh chest.

  - But what if I answer other questions? - I suggested and he returned to pay attention to me. It seemed curious and have interest in me filled me with a sudden animation - It! Come on. Anything that does not involve this issue that your mother thinks you are not ready. Why do not you ask me some things?

  - Anything? - Challenged.

  - Anything. - I decided.

  - Right. - He turned sideways in his chair to look at me from the front, having fun with the game - What do you do for a living?

  - I am president of the company of my family.

  - And what does she do? The company?

  His green eyes had a unique blend of unknown familiarly. His questions were fast and objective, such as a job interview. The most important job interview of my life.

  - Several things. But the main field of activity is hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry.

  - So you're the owner of hospitals and do drugs?

  - Basically.

  - Are you a doctor?

  - No. ATTORNEY.. Majoring in management.

  - Why did not medicine since it would work with hospitals and medicine?

  - Well ... - I was laughing - Because I do not do research or work directly in hospitals. My part is more administrative.

  - As my mother.

  - What you mean?

  - It is also a lawyer, but only works with a management things.

  A hard lump formed in my throat.

  She changed her name ... had to leave his entire career because of what happened.

  No matter how much I had been unhappy in recent years, he had only a comment and I remembered that Laura suffered far worse complications.

  And with a child to care.

  - She also worked with management?

  - I think so. She never explained to me right.

  - I lived in Paris, was not it? You liked?

  - Enjoyed. My neighbors were legal. But my mother left me to school. - His voice was petite and shy - I did not like the new school.

  - Why not?

  - My classmates were ... I do not know ... boring. But my mother said it happened to her too and I had to ignore.

  - She is right. People like that do not deserve attention. You did as she said?

  - No ... I think I'm not so good at ignoring people like her. - He laughed, discreet - My mother can take care of. She is well on her own.

  He raised a careful look at me, as if testing me.

  - I have no doubts.

  - She does not like to have boyfriends. - Essayed a casual tone but I could hear the falsity kilometers away - She does not like anyone actually. She prefers to be just us.

  - Hmhum ... - I kept my lips pressed without knowing exactly how to respond to that situation.

  - You have a son, too. - How he mentioned that without referring to himself hurt me in a very deep place - I think the house of people gets very crowded, you know? - He shook his head as an adult - My mother does not like many people.

  Jealous.

  Dom took Hyatt to leave and he was jealous. I am a stranger and he was worried that between me and Hyatt, his mother was no longer have time for him. What it was absurd, but ...

  But I had zero experience with children. Or something close to it.

  I knew sending. I knew decide. And I knew impose limits. Rarely, it was true. But some limits that Hyatt had was thanks to me while Elizabeth abstained completely that part.

  How could I tell him that his jealousy was unnecessary? There would be no division there, only added.

  - Ty, no one will ever replace you to your mother. - I started tentatively.

  The referee blew the start of the game and he mumbled that he knew. But I was sure he did not.

  ***********

  The most interesting was to see Hyatt playing with the street urchins. He resisted at first and claimed afraid to get dirty and get sick. But I played a dirt hand on it and the fear went away. Soon he was running down the street, until red and sweaty. He sat down to eat cookies and left embraced by Andy and Madeleine.

  The boy was not difficult.

  He just needed attention and limits. And something to reduce that his arrogance. It did not take long before he externalize more pedantic view that could only have been recorded speeches of his mother or grandmother.

  It was good that we only spent just under two hours, and I suspect the other street children begin to throw dirt on it too, and not with the same intention as me.

  Marise arrived two minutes after us. He smiled with satisfaction when I sent Hyatt shower and a separated Ty clothes for him to wear. The boy even tried to contradict me and wanted to watch cartoons before bathing. But he did not take to understand that who was in charge was me. At least he was smart. That no one could deny.

  I answered the doorbell thinking it would be Holt who I find the door.

  - Hello, Gary.

  - An
d where are we today? - Grouchy.

  - I did not know you had satisfaction.

  - Laura ... I try to keep an eye on you, but you do not cooperate.

  - Relax, Zahner. I was just visiting some friends.

  - Some friends? Have you forgotten why we're here?

  - I'm not idiot. - I growled.

  - But it seems it is! - Back - Have you forgotten what this woman did? - I gestured to him to be silent, but instead only reduced the volume - Forgot what it is capable of? Listening, Laura, we need you to put listening in Baxter's office.

  - I will not do that.

  - We need evidence against the woman.

  - That was not our agreement, Zahner!

  - No! Our agreement was that you would come here and Walton help you get your life back if you help us catch the matriarch Baxter. Is well! - Laughed regurgitated sarcasm - You're here, are advocating in a good company and fraternizing with the enemy.

  - Oh, shut up! - I complained.

  - But that's what you're doing! It was for this that brought you here!

  - You act as if to protect me, but I see your intentions, Zahner. Contrary to what you think, I'm not stupid. You ... You and Walton just want to use me.

  - And you mean to tell me not to take revenge on the woman? Really? I'm disappointed, Laura.

  - Do not try to manipulate me, will not get.

  - I'm not even trying, baby. - Growled with half-closed teeth - But you're too dazzled with the prince and seems to have forgotten how long was the yellow brick road that brought you here.

  - Not forgotten anything, believe me. Just can not stand you breathing down my neck all the time.

  - I thought that was what you wanted.

  - I was afraid of Eleanor ... before. But now, here ...

  - It does not seem real, does it? This is the worst kind of danger, Laura. When he disguises himself.

  - Hypocrite! It was yourself who said that Eleanor would not do anything against us for the duration of the audit.

  - Said she would not kill you the duration of the audit because it would be too risky. And she was never foolhardy for a single day in life. But I never said she would not do anything.

  - Maybe Gregory has changed. Maybe he can help.

  - Holy shit. - He puts his hand to dark hair. The muscles of his arms twitched in tight shirt and excessive sex that had impregnated me in recent days made me lose myself in that line biceps. For a split second - I never thought you to do the kind of passionate woman who loses the reason.