Notice Me!

Chapter Four:

The Simple Truth

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(Alfred's POV)

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I awoke to the hum of an AC and cream colored walls. Raising up from the bed I was resting on, I saw that I was in the infirmary. I must have blacked out earlier in the office… That was the only explanation I had for the throbbing headache wreaking havoc on my brain.

I rubbed my temples as I pulled back the curtain slightly. It had been closed before, giving me privacy. The nurse was at her desk, watching television and marking on various charts. I glanced to my left to see a glass of water placed on a small table. I took the beverage gratefully and gulped it down in one swallow. I hadn't realized how thirsty I was.

The thought of returning to school suddenly sickened me, and I decided that I would rather go home instead. There was a window behind me that would be my way of escape. I grabbed my bag, which had been placed beside the bed, and hoisted myself over the sill. The office was located on the second floor, but there was a tree just outside. I grasped onto the limb closest to me and made my way towards the trunk.

At last, I was able to drop to the ground and run off. No one had noticed me leaving as I crossed the lawn and fled to the nearby street. Not one person was home as I entered the front door, sat on the couch in silence, and waited patiently for the return of my parents. I had a lot of questions to ask them…

Mom was the first to arrive, and she jumped the instant she saw me. She still had her burgundy suit on, just having come back from retailing. She placed her hand on her chest, closed her eyes, and gave a sigh of relief.

"Oh, Alfred, it's just you… You nearly gave me a heart attack! How come you're sitting in the dark all by yourself?"

"Because, I'm angry…" She furrowed her brow in concern, venturing closer and placing a tender hand on my shoulder. But, that only infuriated me even more.

"What's wrong?" I smacked her hand away and glared at her.

"Why did you not tell me that I have a brother!?"

"What!? How-?"

"It said so on my file at school! How could you not let me know about this?"

"Alfred…!"

"Why did you lie to me?"

"Alfred, be quiet and let me speak!" She raised her hands in finality, and I begrudgingly did as she asked. "I'm sorry that your father and I never told you about him, but you have to think about it from our point of view. We did not want to hurt you, and we were worried that you would be if we let you know about Matthew…" They knew his name? Just how much was I not told?

"Do you want to know the truth, Alfred, the absolute truth?" I nodded affirmatively, and she sighed.

"I am not your biological mother… You were adopted at a very young age and separated from Matthew. You and your brother used to live at a shelter together. Your father and I could not have children, so we went to the foster home. The instant we saw you two, we knew that you belonged with us. I don't know how to explain it exactly…" She averted her eyes." All I know is that it was a gut feeling.

"Our only problem was money. We could not afford you both… However, another family living in town offered to take Matthew. We had planned on allowing both of you into the same schools and to meet up every once in a while, so that you could still remain together. But before we could get their names a few weeks later, the two parents had already divorced. The woman kept Matthew.

"I asked at the orphanage for her information, but they said they were not inclined to tell me. After all, her last name changed back to her maiden one. Matthew's mother never got in touch with us after that, so I have no idea where they would be now…" It was silent then after. How was I to respond to that? 'Oh, I understand.', 'It wasn't your fault.', 'I feel better now that you explained it to me.'? Every answer that I came up with sounded idiotic, so I decided not to say anything at all.

I stood from the couch, surprising mom, and headed towards my room. She must have thought that I was upset, but in truth I needed time to think. All that would do me good was some time to myself…

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(A.N.) Hopefully, this chapter makes sense. I'm not entirely sure if I explained things well enough. If something was unclear to you in this chapter don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

I would also like to list character ages right now, so that they are clear…

Matthew- 16- Junior

Francis- 17- Senior

Antonio- 17- Senior

Gilbert- 17- Senior

Arthur- 17- Senior

Alfred- 16- Junior

As for when this is taking place, it is the first semester. Believe me when I say this will be important later on! Because… Well, I guess I can go ahead and tell you… THERE WILL INDEED BE A SEQUEL! AND, I AM NOT TELLING A WHITE LIE! I ALREADY HAVE FIVE CHAPTERS TO PROVE THAT FACT! It's honestly easier to write the sequel than it is "Notice Me!"… Maybe because the plot is WAY better? Sorry; I'll stop now. I'm getting a bit too worked up over informing you readers about this! :3 Any way, look forward to it once this is finished!

~Ame-chan777