I'm back! Austria was cool. Vienna and Baden are really beautiful. Also the local guys are really handsome (good for you Austria!). I have to admit, it was hot! Why there were no air conditionars?!
I decided to get a driving license! :)
Here is the new chapter. As I promised, it's mainly from Alfred's point of view. It's shorter than the other chapters, but I didn't want to put something that wasn't relevant. Also, I didn't know how to name Wy, so I just named her that way.
Enjoy 3
The truth is exposed
Some truths are better not being exposed. However, a lie cannot hide itself forever. Eventually, the truth will come out.
It happened a day after the business meeting. Alfred called Alice to check how his sister in law was doing. "You forgot about the meeting?" Alice laughed on the other line.
It was embarrassing to admit it, but: "I can't believe myself. I had to bring Arthur with me, otherwise I would break the promise I made."
"Did the client mind about it?"
"No, Francis is more like a friend."
Alfred heard Alice giggling through the phone. "Let me guess, you met Francis Bonnefoy?"
"Actually, yes," Alfred said, to his surprised. "How did you know?"
Alice stopped giggling. He could hear she turned serious. "Doesn't matter. It's just a lucky guess. I read an article about his company the other day…"
Alfred wasn't convinced. He was a lot smarter than what people gave him credit for. "Alice, what are hiding?"
"Today I was in wonderland," she joked.
"I'm serious here. Do you know Francis?" It was strange to find out that people you knew are actually acquaintances. It was weird and interesting at the same time.
"Yes, he is one of my friends. We have known each other since high school," she said.
That made Alfred to wonder. If Alice and Francis were friends, then Arthur would have known who the Frenchman was, wouldn't he? "So Arthur and Francis already know each other?"
"You could say so…"Something was wrong with Alice's voice. Alfred could feel she was trying to hide something.
"Alice, what is it that you are trying to hide? I'm starting to get worried," he said in a caring tone.
Alice sighed. "There is no point keeping things from you. Francis and Arthur used to date."
Alfred felt embarrassed. He remembered he was joking, saying the two of them looked like they were flirting. Why Arthur didn't say anything? Why did they pretend they never met one another? Moreover, what happened between them? "Can you tell me more?" Alfred demanded.
"Alfred, that belongs to the past. I'm sure it means nothing now," said Alice quickly.
"But I need to know!" Alfred couldn't let it go. "Arthur doesn't usually keep things from me. I feel something isn't right. I really need to know."
There was a moment of silence. Then Alice said: "they used to be in love." The words stabbed Alfred. "They dated for about two years. For reasons not known, Francis broke up with Arthur, leaving him devastated." Alfred thought about the day he met Arthur. Arthur looked as if he was about to cry. Was Arthur like that because of Francis? "I didn't know at first why Francis would do something like that. I honestly thought they would last forever. They were that type of couple- everyone wanted a love like that, love that was rare." At that point Alfred wasn't sure if he wanted to hear more. However, Alice continued. "I know that Francis still cares about Arthur. I'm sure they never stopped loving each other. It's impossible."
"It was really like that?" That was the reason why Arthur decided not to mention that.
"Francis gave Arthur his older brother's armlet. It's Francis most important possession. Arthur gave it back when they broke up and Francis still kept the armlet in order to give it back to Arthur. He still wears it."
When Alfred saw Arthur wearing Francis's armlet, he began to worry. Was Arthur cheating on him? What if seeing Francis made Arthur realize he was still… No, Alfred didn't want to think about it. Besides, Arthur wasn't that type of guy. It was Francis whom he was worried about.
He looked at Francis, who was sitting in front of him. The Frenchman probably guessed what they were going to talk about. "So… the weather is nice today…" Francis tried to make a conversation.
"Cut it out," Alfred felt angry. He rarely got angry, however, he couldn't help but feeling betrayed. "I already know."
"So, Arthur told you," Francis smiled. "I knew he wouldn't keep that from you."
"Actually, Arthur wasn't the one who told me," Alfred admitted. "It was Alice."
Alfred saw a flash of anger in Francis's eyes. "I have no idea why SHE told you, but there is one thing I can promise you. I did tell Arthur I want him back."
Alfred was surprised to see Francis was blunt. "Wow, you really don't mind keeping things for yourself."
Francis looked as if he was misunderstood. "I'm telling you because he said no. He didn't agree. I admit it is my fault. I was awful."
There was a moment of silence. Then, Francis continued. "You are my friend. I was shocked to find out you are married to the one I love the most. I hoped Arthur would find a good guy who would treat him well. I was a jerk. You are a good guy. But seeing him, made me realize I don't want him with anyone else beside me. I tried to give up, but I can't. I'm sorry, I'm a terrible person, but I'm in love."
Alfred was relieved to know Arthur refused. "What do you think I will do? Give you Arthur and wish you happiness?"
"I'm not that stupid," said Francis. "Besides, Arthur himself isn't eager to leave you."
Those words were also a little bit relieving, but not by much. "We have a child. Peter is almost four years old. He is very adorable and smart for his age. I'm glad we adopted him. We have a family. I will protect my family at any cost."
Francis looked determent. "I love Arthur. I will do my best to win over him again," he promised.
Alfred wasn't taken aback. "You won't because I'm not going to let him go."
Arthur thought about the situation. He was so busy with his thoughts; he didn't notice his tea was getting cold or that Peter already finished his breakfast.
"Papa?" his son's voice brought him back to the ground.
"Yes, Peter?" asked Arthur. He was worried about the toddler. Peter was too sharp. If something were to happen, Peter would have felt it. The kid's senses were good.
"Is everything okay?" the kid asked worriedly.
Arthur smiled at him. "Everything is alright. Don't worry."
Arthur looked at the time. When he woke up he didn't see Alfred next to him. Did Alfred go early to work so he wouldn't have to face Arthur? Was he still angry? Did Alfred choose to sleep in another room?
"Papa, what is boyfriend?" asked Peter all the sudden.
Arthur was stunned from the question. It was too early. "Why are you asking?"
"Wy said I'm her boyfriend," answered Peter.
Oh dear lord, they were four year old kids! "How did that happen?"
"She told me that." Peter himself wasn't sure. Maybe he agreed without knowing. Peter didn't seem to mind much.
Suddenly he heard a laugh from behind. He turned around and saw Alfred. He was dressed casually; his hair was a little bit messy. He held flowers in his hand. He had a big smile in his face. "My son is already a lady killer. As appropriate to a future hero."
"Where have you been?" asked Arthur.
"I woke up a little bit earlier." Alfred handed him the flowers. They were purple and smelled nice- Arthur didn't recognize the kind.
A small smile showed up on Arthur's face, replacing the concerned expression. "Thank you," he said.
Peter had different thoughts. "What lady killer means?"
Alfred kneeled down a little bit. "It means you when you grow up, a lot of women will want you."
Peter thought about a little bit and seemed quite pleased.
"I'll get dressed and we can get to work together," announced Alfred. While Alfred was getting ready, Arthur put the flowers in a vase and helped Peter wearing his shoes. They got out of the house together and sat inside one of their cars, the one that belonged to Alfred. They first dropped Peter in the kinder garden, what let them having few minutes of talking.
"Where have you been last night? I was bloody worried, you git," asked Arthur.
"I had a talk with Francis," said Alfred.
Arthur's felt his heart was pounding fast. "Why?" he asked. What did happen? Was Francis okay- Alfred looked angry and he was a strong man.
"We just talked," Alfred said in a casual tone. "I made him clear that he had no chance."
Arthur didn't like the situation. He knew Francis wouldn't give up. What will be happening to them?
Some of you might think Arthur is a lucky guy for having two guys like Francis and Alfred to fight over him. It's the opposite that is true. It will be hard. Everybody will get hurt. Someone will be broken hearted.
That's it for now. I'll try to update soon (now when I finally have the time). Please review, I always enjoy reading your comments. :)
