DECEPTION - A Family Affair

by Michele Lee

  “Hurray for him!” she answered with sarcasm and wanted to avoid discussing Marco further she moved on to another topic. “How is Lucas? You haven’t spoken much about him.”

  “Marisol, have you thought about what we discussed the other day?” Nate sounded annoyed with her sarcasm.

  “Look Nate, I am going to get my closure trust me on that one. You know you are so worried about me fixing my life, what about you? When are you going to stand up for what you believe in and be happy instead of continuing to live a lie? You have poor Lucas hiding in the shadows you leave behind. How fair is that?” She plunged in full force hitting him right where the truth hurts.

  “Wow, we are really going there? You know my situation is different; don’t compare the two. I have a lot to lose whereas you on the other hand already lost everything. I just want you to get YOU back so you can move on and finally be happy.”

  “Don’t worry about my happiness you need to worry about yours and poor Lucas’. The person you love should never have to be a secret. He won’t wait forever you know.”

  “Right, um I have to go. I’ll catch up with you later.”

  “Fine, avoid-avoid-avoid – talk to you later.” She jammed her finger into the phone to end the call and sat in silence while the guilt plagued its way in. She knew she hurt him by her bluntness aiming to evade the spotlight on her own flaws. The timing may have been wrong but it had to be said otherwise he’ll never take a step forward. He deserved his happily ever after just as much as she did. Her conscious stopped her from telling him of her plan for revenge. She knew him well enough to know he would disapprove and a lecture would have followed. The possibility of Marco’s visit being extended excited her for it will allow the time she needed for her plan to work but something was gnawing the back of her mind deep down there was more to her excitement than she was willing to admit.

  Chapter Five

  Hearing the dismissal bell was like hearing Santa’s sleigh bells ring on Christmas Eve. She looked forward to just relaxing with Mace and shutting the world out for one solid night. Dashing out of the office she noticed Sally already left for the day she must have been in a rush since she is usually last to leave. She made a mental note to ask her if she heard anything out of the ordinary from any of the school kids. Alex is hiding something and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. It made her wonder how Savannah’s parents were holding up during this difficult time. Shaking her head hoping to clear all her sadden thoughts if it was only that simple.

  Driving home thinking about Marco she couldn’t help but wonder how he got into land development. It appears he has done well for himself; proof was in the car he drove. Well good for him, it made her question if he never left twelve years ago would he have been as successful? Life was funny how every decision you make takes you on a road through some kind of crazy maze and you don’t realize it until you reach the finish line or get stuck at a dead end. Pulling in her drive way relief ran through her veins. Grabbing her purse and tote bag she could hear Mace barking like crazy. The hairs in the back of her neck stood she felt something was wrong. Her sense of premonition never failed her. She’s just glad she didn’t have all the gifts her grandmother had since she was able to do readings for people by looking in to a cup of tea leaves. She could predict the future and see the past all by looking into a person’s cup of tea leaves. Marisol never wanted that gift since it was more of a burden to have insight into someone’s fate or destiny. It had to be horrifying and it personally freaked her out. Marisol slowly walked up the porch looking around before she unlocked her door only to see Mace run from the back of the house to the front to greet her and then guided her to the back. Marisol moved quickly to retrieve her rifle and followed Mace’s trail peeking out the back door she could see someone crouched up by her shed door. She looked again and it appeared to be Alex. “What the hell.” Opening the back door she grabbed Mace’s collar in one hand and held her rifle in the other. “Alex is that you?”

  The boy’s head lifted and it was definitely Alex with blood dripping on his face. She let Mace go and she ran to Alex. “Alex, what happened?”

  “Why did you have to call me into your office? This is what it got me.” He replied with tears rolling down mixed with his blood.

  “Oh my God, come inside with me. Did anyone follow you here?” He replied by shaking his head no. Once she had him inside she began to clean him up with Mace pacing back and forth showing his anxiety, unsure how to behave. “Alex, was it those two boys I asked about today?”

  Ignoring her question infuriated her. She cannot let them get away with this. “Alex, I need to know what happened to you. They did a pretty good job on you.”

  “It was the two boys from the funeral their names are James and Jack. They are cousins. They followed me after school and once we were away from the school they pushed me down and started punching and kicking me calling me a snitch. They saw me go into your office today.”

  “Oh Alex, what do you know that has them scared to think you snitched on them?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it right now my head hurts.”

  “Where else does it hurt? I don’t like the look of your right eye. We need to call your dad; you need to be seen by a doctor.”

  “No, I came here for your help my dad is at the hospital and I don’t want to upset him.”

  “Alright then let’s call your uncle Marco. I have to contact someone from your family, you could have a concussion.”

  “Okay then you can call my uncle but not my dad.”

  “Do you have his number? Here is my cell phone just dial it for me.”

  When he passed the phone back to her she left him alone in her kitchen and walked over to the living room so she can speak in private. “Hello, Marco speaking.”

  “Hi Marco, it’s Marisol, um I have Alex here with me.” Feeling nervous she caught herself stuttering.

  “Marisol? Is everything okay? What’s going on?”

  “He was beat up by two boys after school, and they did a job on him. He ended up coming straight to my house for help. I cleaned him up a bit but he needs to be seen by a doctor. He asked that I call you instead of his dad.”

  “Who did this? I want names, this is outrageous. Did you call the cops?” Anger radiated through the phone causing her heart to beat fast in apprehension.

  “Marco, please calm down right now we need to take care of Alex first and we’ll get answers afterwards. We can speak with the police once we get to the hospital.”

  “Okay, you’re right; I’m sorry it’s just my blood is boiling right now. Please stay put. I’ll be there in ten minutes so be ready.”

  “We’ll be here waiting.”

  In matter of minutes Marco’s car pulled into the drive way and the three of them sped straight to the hospital located a couple towns away. Marisol sat in the back with Alex where he rested his head on her lap as she smoothed his hair back. She kept talking to him so he wouldn’t fall asleep. Telling him funny stories of his dad growing up and couldn’t resist the skunk story. Surprised by the revelation since he didn’t know they were friends. Marco kept looking in his rear-view mirror and started to reminisce as if her stories were just the other day. A smile raided his face and won the battle. She had a way of turning an unpleasant situation into a soothing one. His thoughts drifted on what a great mother she would be one day and how she has all the qualities of what he desires in a wife. Jeez he needed to get a grip and stop going down that path. He tried to stay away from her but the gods keep circumventing his efforts.

  “Tio, do we have to tell Papi?” Alex asked feeling panicky all of a sudden.

  Shaken from his thoughts Marco refocused on his nephew. “Alex, as much as I would like to honor your request, this is something we cannot keep from your father even if we wanted to. Plus the fact you should never keep secrets from your father especially something this important.”

  “I know you are right; I just don’t want to worry him. He is n
ot going to be happy about this.”

  “No he’s not and neither am I. We need answers Alex, without them we can’t protect you or fix whatever it is that is going on here.”

  Marisol could see the war that Alex was battling in his head. He just stared upwards not looking at anything in particular. She was relieved to finally see the hospital sign as Marco pulled into the parking lot taking the first available parking space. They hurried directly into the emergency room entrance. Marisol let Marco speak with the nurse in private while he called upstairs to request Angelo to come down and meet them. He spent the day by Freddie’s side today so their mother can actually get some rest. Marco met him by the elevators to inform him of what happened and to make certain he stayed calm before he approached Alex. Marco and Angelo both walked over to the waiting room to join Marisol and Alex. Alex became fidgety when his father approached him. “Are you ready to talk and let me know what the hell is going on?” Angelo roared, unable to contain his temper even though he tried but immensely failed. He clearly is in no mood for nonsense.

  Alex put his head down and started to cry. Marisol consoled him in her arms and frowned at Angelo. The nurse had impeccable timing, as she called for Alex since they were now ready for him and he followed the nurse passed the swinging doors with Angelo trailing behind him looking defeated. Marco decided to sit next to Marisol and he placed his hand on her knee, a shock wave went right through her. Oh my God, this has to stop she keeps acting like she was fifteen years old again. “Hey, you okay?” Marco turned his head so he can have full view of her face. She nodded yes. “Good.” He then stood up and grabbed her hand to stand. “Come with me.” He said as he guided her toward the elevators.

  “Where are we going?” She asked but not letting go of his hand since it felt so natural.

  “To visit my father real quick and I want you there with me.” He replied as he squeezed her hand. Lost for words, Marisol had no reply following him as he guided her inside the elevator as the doors opened. Standing so close while holding his hand she felt the sexual tension between them as she sucked on her bottom lip he looked over at her with lustful eyes. His eyes were saying everything his voice lacked. He wanted to ravish her right then and there and controlled all his impulses to press the emergency button within the elevator. Clearing his throat to speak as the elevator doors opened he was able to get his voice to function. “He is no longer in ICU and we are hoping he can go home by the end of the week if all goes well.” Leading the way to Freddie’s room he kept sneaking a peek at her as if she may disappear before his very eyes.

  “That’s great Marco. I bet Mona is excited. It must have been tough for her and I’m sure she is glad to have you home again.” Once the words were out she felt Marco go rigid and he remained silent until they reached the door to his father’s room.

  Walking in still holding Marisol’s hand he approached his father’s bed. “Pop, you awake?”

  Freddie opened up his eyes to see his son and then looked over to Marisol and surprise was written all over his face. Is this truly the man her mother really loved? The man her mother felt was worth hurting her family over? How could she still feel sympathy for him instead of satisfaction seeing him lay lifeless there in bed? Without realizing it her hand began to shake and Marco squeezed it lightly and gave her a reassuring look. He knows this must be hard for her since she shared with him the predicament between her and his family. She smiled shyly back at him if he only knew the true thoughts flowing in her mind. She felt hopeless.

  Bringing his attention back to his father he asked. “Pop, you remember Marisol?”

  Freddie nodded. “Of course, hello Niña.”

  “Hello Freddie, it’s been a long time.” She replied with a smile.

  “Yes, very long time indeed and now look at the state I’m in.”

  “You look handsome as ever, Marco should only be so lucky.” That brought a chuckle out of him.

  “Hey” Marco chimed in and brought her closer to him and laughed. Freddie watched the display of affection as concern filled him. He knew of the secrets, the pain and the loss that these two have suffered and can’t see any good resulting from them coming together again. He needed to talk to Marco; he had to put a stop to it before it was too late. He felt so tired and old but he knew his family needed him.

  “You okay? You look tired. We just wanted to stop by to say hi. I want you to rest up before coming home. I’ll be by to see you tomorrow.”

  “Bye Freddie, get better fast you have a family anxiously waiting for you. It was nice to see you.” Marisol said and held her tears back. She was confused and badgered over her mixed emotions. Seeing him reminded her of her mom, her dad’s betrayal, of giving birth to Marissa and all she lost with Marco. She just wanted to go home and to be alone and sulk.

  In the elevator, Marco glanced over at her and saw the change of mood and the glassy eyes. “Marisol, what’s wrong?” and he shifted to face her and lightly brought her chin up to look directly at him.

  “Nothing, I’m just feeling melancholy seeing your father in that condition. Really I’m fine.”

  He couldn’t resist as he leaned forward while he looked into her eyes and softly kissed her lips. Letting go of her chin he still held her stare. “Thank you for all your support today with Alex and my Dad. Surprisingly, you made him smile again had I known the effect you had on the old man I would of have brought you sooner.” The elevator opened breaking the spell as they slowly went to check on Alex’s scenario only to find Angelo conversing with the police officer at the nurse’s station. The officer jotted notes in his pad and then had a few questions for Marisol as well. Once they were all done they found out Alex will be fine although he did have a minor concussion and will be sore for a day or two.

  On the ride home Marisol confided in Marco on what she noticed at the funeral. She had an inkling Alex is definitely hiding something which links to Savannah’s death somehow. “Marco, he wasn’t truthful to the police officer he only gave the names of the boys but nothing else. He told me the boys called him a snitch but refused to explain the reasoning behind it. You have to help me figure this out. I would hate to see Alex involved in any kind of trouble.”

  Shaking his head in uncertainty he finally replied. “I’m so at a lost right now. I will definitely talk with Angelo to see if Alex confided in him, which I highly doubt. I’ll see what I can find out on my own as well. You do have me worried, I didn’t fathom it could be anything this serious.”

  “Alex getting beat up today was a warning for what I don’t know? I will speak with Mr. Johnson tomorrow morning; the boys will positively be punished for their actions and the police officer mentioned he will notify the school resource officer.”

  “I can’t imagine all the fears my brother deals with on a daily basis being a father of a pre-teen. Have you ever thought of having children of your own one day? I happen to know you would be a great mom.”

  Hearing him speak those words Marisol’s blood turned to ice and she began to tremble. Not a day goes by without Marissa in her thoughts. She would be around Alex’s age if she was still alive. She wondered who she would look like, would she favor her father more or would she be the very image of her mom. Questions she would never have answers for. He noticed her body tensed and trying to hide her shaky hands.

  “Thanks, but I don’t see children in my near future. I already come to grips with it.” She finally answered as she stared straight ahead without a flinch.

  “What do you mean you come to grips with it? You act as if you are 60 years old. Why would you think that way?”

  “I’m just saying I don’t see it happening that’s all. I don’t know if I want to love someone that much and risk the pain of losing them. I’m happy with my life right now and I have more than enough kids in my life with my job.”

  “Wow, I’m really sorry you feel that way. You clearly have so much to offer, I hope one day you can see that. Life is all about risk.”

  “Le
t’s drop the subject, I’m not even married and I know plenty about risk so like I said let’s just drop it. Plus I don’t see you with a string of kids or maybe you do have kids in every major city for all I know.” Marisol’s sarcasm just poured out, the subject was a touchy one for her.

  “Touché – well for starts I’m sorry if I upset you it wasn’t my intention. As for as me having a string of kids the answer is no. I hope someday to have at least two kids of my own. I would have hoped by now to have a family but as they say life got in the way.” Marisol had no response and the uncomfortable silence kicked in.

  Her house now in sight Marco cursed under his breathe needing more time with her. “Are you sure I can’t buy you dinner? You must be starving.”

  “I’m fine, thank you. I brought work home and poor Mace is probably frantic by now being all alone for this whole time.” She answered and was anxious to escape him. She wanted to be alone to figure out her crazy mixed up feelings.

  Pulling his car in her drive way he grudgingly stepped out to open her door and helped her out. Walking up to the house he reiterated his apology. “Marisol, I’m sorry if I upset you. I don’t want our night to be spoiled over something I said. I really enjoyed your company today and would like to see you again.”

  “I’m not upset so please don’t worry about it. I’m just emotional over the events that happened today.”

  “Will you have dinner with me Friday? I would really like to spend some time with you.”

  “Oh Marco, I don’t think that would be a great idea. If we can just stick to solving Alex’s problems, I don’t think I’m capable of anything more that.”

  Even though he felt disheartened he wasn’t quite defeated yet. “Fair enough then let me poke around a bit for you and Friday we’ll meet over dinner to discuss Alex.”

  Marisol laughed if that wasn’t a bribe she didn’t know what was. “Alright it’s a deal as long as you understand it is not a date it’s just a meeting.” Looking at the expression of triumph on his face brought a smile to hers and she just shook her head.