Chapter 9
Ella, Adam Jr. and George
The tourists and their guide were entering The Forbidden City at 8:30 in the morning. Cong was providing them with information, Lying at the city center and called Gu Gong in Chinese, it was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was first built throughout 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu in the Ming Dynasty. Now known as the Palace Museum. It is the world's largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. Surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall are more than 8,700 rooms.
They went on visiting the different parts as Cong enthusiastically continue explaining every detail. A couple of hours later Ella said, mom, why didn't you hire a tourist guide without an accent, I am getting a headache trying to understand this man. Adam turned bright red. Shuang could not believe Ella said that. Cong said, I so sorry miss, my English terrible, I apologize, I'll try to speak clear. George was looking at the floor. Even Adam Jr. seemed embarrassed. Nate did not even think about what he did next. He spoke to Cong in Chinese and told him, I apologize for the behavior of the lady, she has an imbalance of yin and yang and a disrupted flow of chi. Cong said in Chinese did she not comply with her ancestors' worship rituals? Nate said, I think that is the problem.
Ella looked at Nate and demanded, what did you tell him?! Nate calmly replied, you mean you don't understand Chinese, what a pity, with your last name I was sure you would. Strange and you still have the nerve to complain about Cong's accent. Now Ella was furious, she told Shuang Mom I cannot believe you are letting that idiot talk to me like this! Shuang took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself down, what was going on with Ella? Then she said, Ella, do you realize how rude you are being? I thought you would know better. Ella was now beyond angry how her mother, could be blaming her? George had understood most of what was said he had studied Chinese for 5 years, but was shy about speaking. He told Ella, Ella please take it easy Nate was just apologizing to Cong. He decided not to tell her the rest.
Ella now said in a calmer voice, I don't need anyone to apologize for me. Mom I don't want to see Nate for the rest of the trip, either he leaves or I leave. Nate said, look why don't I disappear for the rest of the day and give you a chance to talk things over. Then looking at Adam and Shuang he said, I will be fine, don't worry, just do what is best for your family, I'll see you tonight. Then he started walking away. Adam looked at Shuang and told her, Shuang I am going with Nate, I'll see you later. Shuang kissed his cheek and said thanks.
Adam caught up with Nate and said, Nate I hope you don't mind me trailing along. Nate smiled at Adam gratefully and said, not at all, I was afraid that I completely blew it and that you and Shuang would not want to see me again. Adam gave Nate a hug and told him, Nate, Shuang and I are here to stay, you are our son and we love you, don't you think it's that easy to get rid of us. Nate hugged him back and said spontaneously, thank you dad, I think is going to take a while for the idea to sink in. I am sorry I was rude with Ella. I just did not like how she treated Cong. I guess because I've been treated like that, and just like Cong there is nothing I could do. I probably went too far by telling Cong that she has an imbalance of her yin and yang, I actually implied she has a mental health problem. Adam thought about it, true Nate had been rude to Ella but only to defend someone else. He told Nate, son you were rude to her for a good reason, just between you and me Ella is way too spoiled. She is a woman, there is nothing I can do, I wish I would have been there for her when she was growing up, unfortunately she is going to have to learn from the hard knocks of life.
Nate and Adam continued with a self-guided tour, Adam was surprised about how much Nate knew about Chinese culture. Nate was surprised about how much Adam knew about the Forbidden City and how comfortable he made him feel. He reminded him of Kyle.
At 4:30 Adam told Nate, you know they are going to be having dinner at Chengfu Courtyard and will have the same meal that Mao's and Nixon enjoyed. I was thinking we could go back to the hotel and have our private bespoke tea ceremony. What do you say? That sounds great. Nate said.
At dinner Shuang was talking to Ella, she started, Ella I love you very much, but I don't think it's fair for you to ask me to decide between you and Nate. Adam and I invited Nate for this trip, and we want him to finish the trip with us. Ella had calmed down and said, fine he can stay, but don't expect me to be nice to him. George said, come on Ella, what is the point of being unfriendly, at least give him a chance. Ella look at George and told him, George you are really pushing it, just be happy I don't demand for him to leave. Then she thought to herself, I am sure mom was not serious about choosing between me and Nate, after all I am her daughter, I think she is just upset, because she does not like for me to put working people down. By tomorrow she will forget the whole incident.
When they came back to the hotel they found Adam and Nate playing chess and conversing. Shuang went over ad kissed Adam and gave a brief hug to Nate. Nate smiled at her realizing she was not upset. Shuang sat down to watch them play. George and Adam Jr. followed, neither one was in the mood to listen Ella complain. Adam told Nate, it's your turn to tell me how you know so much about Chinese culture, I told you how I learned about the Forbidden City. Nate looked at him and said, I attended boarding school from the time I was seven until I was twelve. I had a partial scholarship and had to pay for the rest by working that is how I met Mr. Yu, I was assigned to help him. He was in charge of linens and the school garden. I helped him for 2 hours before breakfast, and for 8 hours on Saturday. I really liked helping him he was in his late 70's his wife died of a stroke, and his only son and his family died in a car accident, three years before I met him. He said there was no point in retiring. Then when I was eight he asked me if I wanted to be his grandson, I of course agreed, since then he called me Sūnzi. He taught me to speak and to write mandarin Chinese as well as Chinese philosophy and history, he came from an aristocratic Chinese family that had to escape to America.
Then Nate told Adam, I think you are trying to distract me. Adam said smiling, you do have the advantage, I need to do what I can.
Nate ended up winning the game. Adam Jr. told him, care to play another game. Nate was surprised but said, sure. When they had been playing for an hour Adam Jr, asked Nate, are you still in touch with Mr. Yu? Nate answered, spiritually, he died when I was 13, I still have to go and perform the ancestors worship rituals for him. There is no one else to do it. I know he understands why I've made him wait so long. He always told me that I had a fighting spirit and that all my pieces would fall together.
Shuang said, sounds like Mr. Yu was very important to you. Nate said reflectively, he still is, but it's hard to consider the positives in survival mode. I'll have to find balance before I perform his rituals. I think that is what he would want. Then in a more informal tone he told Adam Jr. now even your mom is trying to get me distracted. Adam Jr. said you are a good player, even with distractions you are ahead. After another hour of playing they decided to call it a night and finish the next day.
Adam Jr. POV
We have been in China for a week and a half now it has been fun and very educational. China is where the family of my adoptive father George Chuang came from, and the family of my brother George. I think when I get back I am going to enroll in a Chinese class. I am starting to realize how lucky I am having 2 fathers. I am really starting to think of Adam as my father, I can see he loves me, and we are so much alike, he really gets me.
It was hard to have Nate travel with us at first, maybe because I just wanted our family for this vacation. He has made me reflect about my life however, I often forget how privileged I am. I have heard bits and pieces of his life and it sure sounds hard, but he does not seem to be fully aware of that. Overall he keeps a positive attitude. I have not heard him complain once about all the things, Ella, George and I complain about, such as not liking the food, the air conditioning not being properly adjusted, the bed being too uncomfortable, or our favorite jacket not being returned in time from the cleaner.
I am tired of how Ella keeps bugging him about his clothes doesn't she get that, not everyone is as privileged as us and that Nate does not have the money to buy expensive clothes. If she talks about that one more time, I am going to have a talk with her. Too bad that Ella and Nate are not getting along, it is mostly Ella's fault, it is hard to blame Nate for being rude with her after the way she acts. I know Ella has not been the same since her boyfriend had that accident, but she cannot just take it out on the world. I am tired of asking her to get professional help. But she is my twin sister and I love her, I will always stand by her no matter what.
George POV
I am glad that Adam Jr. and Nate are getting along it will make things easier when I face mom and Adam. Now Ella she is a different story, I don't know how she is going to take it. It worries me I know how hard the accident of her boyfriend has been on her.
I am upset at mom and Adam first for not being honest, and then for letting Nate have a terrible childhood, who has heard of a seven-year old working to pay for boarding school? I don't know that much about Kyle and Jessi, at least they were adopted, but not until they were teenagers. Their childhoods could have been bad. They look so much like Adam Jr. and Ella that I think it's going to be hard not to love them when I get to meet them.
I am very upset with mom and Adam, why did they not get Nate nice clothes before the trip he barely has anything to wear. Ella keeps torturing him with that. I tried loaning him some of my clothes, but Ella made a big scene about it.
I really like Nate, and I am starting to see him and love him like a brother, I think he feels the same way. Maybe because we've had time to just talk at night, I must say he is a good listener. He totally gets how I feel about never having a chance to meet my dad. Ella and Adam Jr. have never even wanted to listen. It seems like he is really close to Kyle and Jessi, they text each other all the time. I assume they must be as close as I am with Adam Jr. and Ella. I hope we all can become close some day.
I have decided to wait until after the vacation to confront mom and Adam. No reason to ruin the vacation even further. I am learning so much about the country of my ancestors. Mom, Adam and Nate have encouraged me to use my Chinese, it seems my spoken Chinese is not a bad as I thought, people actually understand me.
Mom has asked me if I have a problem, she knows me well. I keep telling her that there is nothing I need to talk about at the moment.
Jessi, Kyle and Declan were training with Tom. Tom had Kyle and Jessi levitating a brick while running 50 laps around the warehouse. He was working on Declan's close quarter combat skills. At break time Tom told Kyle and Jessi, Emily asked me to talk to you, she was wondering if you would be interested in doing some contract work for Madacorp, apparently they are having a hard time with the new computer system, and she thought maybe you could help. Don't feel like you have to do it just because I am with Emily.
Kyle said, Tom let us think about it, we also have to discuss it with Nate after all he is a partner in Ark. Jessi said, now that Emily is in charge I would feel comfortable helping out. Tom said, take your time I will tell Emily that you are considering it.
Later in the week, Kyle and Jessi were reviewing their SPEC scans. Jessi said, Kyle look I am starting to see a pattern forming now that the nightmares are diminishing. See the reactivity in this particular area is diminishing. Kyle took a look at it and said, I see it Jessi, now the question is how do we speed the process up?
Jessi thought about it and said, I have an idea, it should work for us, maybe even for Nate, but I don't think it would work for Tom. Let's go to the memory of our worst nightmares while getting our SPEC scans, and then we can focus on decreasing the abnormal activity now that we know what we are looking for.
Kyle said, great idea, do you want to go first? Jessi said, of course after all I am smarter, you can see what I do and then replicate it. Kyle kissed her and then said, don't forget you are also faster and stronger. They both laughed.
Jessi went in to the SPEC machine and started restructuring her nightmares mentally, while monitoring the activity of her brain, after a couple of hours her – SPEC scan looked "normal" of course she still had her incredibly increased brain activity.
Kyle's turn came and after two hours and ten minutes his patterns "normalized". Jessi told him, see I am faster. Kyle said, well now let's see if it works.
Kyle told Jessi, Jessi, are you sure we have all the designs in the laptop and the portable hard drive. Jessi said, yes we do Kyle, how many more times are you going to ask me? Kyle said, sorry Jessi I am just getting anxious to start the pilot for the solar panels when we get to Noah's Inc. Jessi kissed his cheek and said, me, too, Kyle, but remember we are also going to be helping Adam to audit his factory. We will not be leaving for another couple of days. Kyle said, let's go to the park and shoot some hoops, it should help us to relax.
Kyle and Jessi had been shooting hoops for an hour when they saw someone approaching. As the person got closer Kyle stood in front of Jessi protectively. The person stopped and said, I come in peace I just need to talk to you. Kyle responded, you can get closer but if this is a trick, you will not be walking away. Cassidy walk over and told them I am here to invite you to join the Latnok students club, the board members would like to get to know you better and possibly offer you a job, and that brother of yours Nate is also invited.
Jessi looked at him with fire in her eyes and told him, and what makes you think we would be interested. We have made it clear we want nothing to do with Latnok. Cassidy turned to Kyle and said, what do you say mate? Kyle looked at him cautiously and told him, you've heard Jessi. Michael said, I'll tell the board, but if you change your mind Nate knows how to reach me, unlike him I have not changed my phone number. Then he walked away, this was just the beginning of his new plan.
Ella's POV
I am glad I only have to put up with Nate for two more days. He has managed to ruin most of my vacation. It is embarrassing to have someone like him walking with our group. But it seems like no one else even notice. I don't understand why mom invited him, and I can't believe she has actually taken his side when I complained about him.
It is bad enough that I have to put up with Adam trying to get in to my life. I don't think I am ever going to think of him as a father, after all he was not there for me when I was growing up. Plus I don't even know what his assets are. As far as I know he could be taking advantage of mom's money.
I have to say that I did enjoy that helicopter ride over the Great Wall. Tomorrow we will be actually walking on the Great Wall that will be fun. The Forbidden City was fun to explore especially because we did not have Nate or Adam with us. It was just like the old times mom, Adam Jr., George and me. I wish things would have stayed like that. I was much happier. I miss Luca so much, I wonder if he is ever going to come out of that coma? The whole problem was that he needed a summer job, and look what happened. Well I am never associating with people who are not independently wealthy again. It's too painful.
Nate was talking to Amanda, and walking on the banister of the balcony, they were on the 13th floor. He thought everyone was sleeping. Adam Jr. was having a hard time getting to sleep and decided to go and get some fresh air. Nate was telling Amanda, I'm glad you are having a good time at the beach with your cousins, but that does not stop me from missing you. Amanda asked, how are those spoiled siblings of yours treating you? Nate said, it could be worse…Then he turned around and saw Adam Jr. looking at him with an expression that was hard to read. He told Amanda, love you have to go. Then he jumped off the banister to the balcony.
Adam Jr. asked him Nate what were you doing? Talking to my girlfriend, Nate responded, hoping Adam Jr. would not ask more. Adam Jr. said, I mean on top of the banister, you realize we are on the 13th floor. Nate was not sure how to answer he said, It is pretty high up here, I guess I was just enjoying the view. I better get back to bed. Adam Jr. said, you were not thinking about jumping, were you? Nate realized he was going to have to give a better explanation. He said, not at all, my survival instinct is pretty strong. The truth is that I enjoy heights and my balance is pretty good. But you are right it's not a good idea to walk on the banister of a balcony on the 13th floor. I am sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. Adam Jr. said, all is cool Nate, but you have to admit that you like pretty strange things. Nate smiled and said, I guess I do, I just never thought about it. What about you Adam, what brings you out here? Adam Jr. said, I came for some fresh air to help me get to sleep. Goodnight then Adam, Nate said. Goodnight Nate, Adam Jr. answered.
Kyle was in his room packing his suitcase, Nicole came in and gave him a hug, he smiled and said, love you mom. Nicole said, I love you too Kyle, and I am going to miss you and Jessi, being away for three weeks is a long time. Kyle said, it is, I will miss everyone, we'll call every day and Skype.
Later in the day Lori, Josh, Jessi and Kyle were sitting at the Rack drinking a smoothie. Josh said, I wish I could go with you, going to a secret island sounds really exciting. Lori told him, you idiot they are not going to a secret island but to a small island in the pacific. I wish I could go too. Kyle smiled at them and said, you know it's not like we are going for a vacation, we are going to spend most of our time working. Lori told him whatever Kyle you are still going to be in an island in the pacific. Jessi said, I'm going to miss you all, three weeks is a long time, I am not sure if I am ready to be away from home for that long. Lori gave her a hug and told her, you'll be okay Jessi I'll miss you and Kyle.
Over in China the travelers were visiting the Great Wall, Cong was saying the wall is 26 feet high at this particular point, you can see some holes that were used to shoot arrows.
A six-year-old boy and his family were nearby, the little boy decided to take a look and climb to one of the spots for arrow shooting, that was when he lost his balance, his mother screamed. All the people around rushed to see what happened. The father of the boy was looking over the wall and said in Chinese, hang on son, we will get the fire department to rescue you, don't let go. The little boy had fallen about ten feet and out of instinct had managed to grab on to a brick that was sticking out.
Nate looked at the situation and realized the little boy would not be able to hang on for much longer, he started taking his sneakers and socks off, then he started climbing down the wall. When Shuang realized what Nate was doing she started crying quietly, Adam put an arm around her and told her, I don't think Nate would be doing this unless he thinks is safe. Shuang looked at him and said, I hope you are right Adam I just cannot lose him.
Nate was not at all sure that it would be safe but he had to try, sure he was a good climber, but this wall did not offer that much to hang on to, his only advantage was that he could use his feet to hang on to things. He made his way down to the little boy as fast as he could holding on to the cracks and unevenness of the wall.
As soon as he was close enough he lifted the little boy and asked him, are you able to hang on to my back and neck? The little boy looked terrified but shook his head affirmatively, Nate placed him on his back, took off his belt and used it to secure they boy further. Nate started the difficult ascend. At one point Nate lost his footing and was hanging on just with one hand, but he managed to recover and continued. However that scared the boy so much that he ended up throwing up. Nate thought to himself, I am going to have to try atom bonding with the wall, with the extra weight of the boy, I am not sure if we will make it. I am not even sure if my mind is strong enough to modify the polarity of my cells to that degree.
Nate carefully continued climbing he found the smallest cracks on the wall to hang on to with his feet and hands. He ended up being able to form a weak bond with the wall, which added to his strength and agility made a difference. Shuang was painfully looking from the top of the wall, Adam had her in an embrace. He was very worried too, especially after Nate had lost his footing.
George and Adam were also looking down, wondering how Nate had managed to recover his footing, or how he was managing to climb at all. Ella was pacing, sure she did not like Nate, but she did not want him dead or injured either, like Luca.
Finally Nate made it over the wall the parents of the boy took him off Nate's back, and thanked him. Nate took his T-shirt off as it was covered with the vomit of the child, and then sat down reclining on the wall. His muscles were shaking from the effort. He was sweating profusely. He had definitely pushed his mind too hard and had a piercing headache his nose was bleeding. His body was full of scratches from the wall. He was holding his head with his hands and had his eyes closed.
Shuang and Adam rushed to his side followed by George. Shuang hugged him crying and forgetting everything else, she said, Son I am so proud of you, and I am thankful you made it back up. Adam realized that besides overusing his body he clearly had overused his mind, he sat by his side and asked him, Nate, Son is this the first time you get this type of headache? Nate said in a low voice, yes dad. Adam put an arm around him and said, I use to get them all the time, try to quiet all of your senses and concentrate on your happiest memory. Nate asked, how do I quiet my senses? It just seems like I can perceive everything and it's very painful. Adam said, just concentrate interiorly on your favorite color and when your senses are quiet go to the memory. I am right here with you, if you let me in I can guide you.
Nate opened his mind to Adam, and saw him sitting with him, Adam then guided him every step of the way until Nate got to his happiest memory, and Adam was surprised to find out that Nate's happiest memory was from his time in the hospital when Shuang, Jessi, Kyle and himself were with him, Nate's headache started to improve and his nose stop bleeding but he felt very sleepy.
Adam realized Nate would need to walk to the bus before going to sleep as he probably would end up in a very deep sleep for a few hours. He said, Nate you need to stand up and I'll guide you to the bus, then you can go to sleep. Adam and George helped Nate to his feet and George told Nate, lean on me, I can help support you. Cong went to the other side of Nate and also helped him.
Shuang said, wait Nate needs to get his shoes on. Nate was only wearing his shorts. Adam told her, Shuang I don't think we have time, he is about to go in to a deep sleep, we can worry about that later.
Adam Jr. and Ella were shocked, they were walking behind. Adam Jr. said, Ella did you hear that, did mom call Nate son, and did Adam do the same. Ella said, that is what I heard Adam. What was Adam doing with Nate? What type of headache is that? And why did Adam use to get them all the time? Adam said, yes and how was Nate able to climb that wall, I cannot see what he was holding on to, and how was he able to use his feet like that? Ella said, I think that mom and Adam have a lot of explaining to do.
Nate went in to a deep sleep in the bus after Cong gave him a travel pillow and a small blanket. Shuang sat with him and had him recline his head on her shoulder she looked at him with maternal worry. Adam Jr. told Adam, are you and mom planning to explain. Adam said, yes as soon as we get to the hotel. Adam sat as near as possible to Nate and Shuang.
Ella told George, what do you think about this situation baby brother? George said, I figured out that Nate is our brother at the beginning of the trip, but I was planning to wait until we got home before questioning mom and Adam. Ella said, is that why you were being so friendly with Nate? Yep, plus I am starting to see him as a brother. I've had time to talk to him at night and I think he is very likable and look he just risk his life and did, I don't know how much damage to himself to save that little boy.
Adam Jr. thought about it, and asked, George do you know how he managed to climb like that, I've never seen nothing like it. George said not really, all I know is that he grew up in foster care, seems like he had a really hard life. I also know he is incredibly bright, he attends UW and hopes to get 2 doctorates by the end of the year. I am sure you have figured out he is really into his girlfriend Amanda. Ella said, I certainly expect an explanation from mom and Adam, if Nate is our brother, then why did he grow up in foster care? And why didn't mom or Adam buy him something to wear besides those horrible clothes, before bringing him for a family trip? Adam Jr. asked, George do you know how old Nate is? He is 21. Ella said, he is only 2 years older than us Adam, I guess we are lucky….
The luxury bus pulled in to the hotel, Shuang gently started running a hand over Nate's hair, and Adam got on his knees to put Nate's shoes on, with their children watching. Nate finally opened his eyes the headache was gone but he was really sleepy and felt weak. Then he realized Adam had just finished putting his shoes on. He forced himself to sit up straight and said, thank you, I did not mean to cause so much trouble. Shuang told him, you know it was no trouble you are a hero, you saved that little boy. Nate blushed, and decided maybe he should try to stand up. After standing up he put all his effort in to walking and everyone walked to the elevator.
When they got to the suite Adam Jr. looked at his mother and said, mom we have a lot of questions. Shuang said, I'll answer all of them, but let's wait for Nate to finish with his shower. I also need to get changed. I have Nate's blood all over me. That brought some tears to Shuang's eyes, Adam Jr, gave his mom a hug and said, sure mom there is no rush, I'll go and check on George and Nate.
When Adam Jr. got in to George's and Nate's room he found Nate wrapped in a towel, going through his suitcase trying to find something to wear as he had already packed. He finally pulled out some Pajama bottoms and an undershirt. Adam Jr. said, Nate if you want I could lend you a pair of shorts and a polo shirt to go with them. Nate thought about it and said, that'll be great, it is too early to go to bed, but the only clean clothes I have left are the ones I am planning to wear for the trip tomorrow. Adam and you are going back to Seattle tomorrow? Adam Jr. asked. Nate looked at him and said, no use to continue keeping secrets. We are actually flying to Noah Inc. to do an audit of his solar panel factory. I think it will be mostly Kyle and Jessi doing it with dad and me trailing along.
They finally all sat down to talk around the dinner table. Shuang thought Nate should not wait for dinner, she was sure he would need a lot of food to help him recover. That is when she noticed that the fingertips of Nate's fingers were raw, she looked at them and said, Nate I think we need to get your fingers bandaged. Nate said, it is really not that bad, I heal really fast, and it does not hurt. He was happy Shuang did not look at his feet he did not like bandages unless there was no other choice. Okay Nate but I am taking a look tomorrow morning. Shuang said. She realized that Nate had high pain tolerance, but she was determined to get him proper care, after all she was his mother.
After the first course was served George said looking at Shuang and Adam, it will be nice if you tell us what is going on, look I already figured out that Nate is your son and our brother, but we would like to know more details, and please include details on Kyle and Jessi, I know about them. I was planning to ask when we got back home. Ella looked at them and said, I cannot believe you would keep something like this from us. Adam added, I agree with Ella, I just don't understand a thing, and why didn't Nate grow up with us?
Nate said, mum has wanted to tell you for a while, but Kyle, Jessi and I have convinced her not to, because we did not want to put you at risk. We also do not want to put mum or dad at risk. Adam Jr. asked what type of risk?
Shuang said, I'll better start from the beginning if it is going to make any sense. I never told you because I wanted you to have happy and normal childhoods, and I wanted to keep you a safe as possible. Shuang told them how Adam and she were created by Professor Kern. Ella said, you are saying that you and Adam are so smart because your gestation was longer, and then you passed that on to me and Adam, and to a certain degree, to George, that is going to take a while to grasp.
George asked and what about Nate, Kyle and Jessi? Nate said, If you don't mind I'll tell you about myself. Adam said, go ahead son. Shuang smiled at him and patted his shoulder. Nate continued, I'll give you the short version, you can ask me more later if you want. I was created as an unapproved experiment by Latnok in Congo, my gestation lasted two years, and because of being gestated in a Gorilla, my genome had further epigenetic changes, that is why I love heights and I am a relatively good climber. George said, it seems to me that you are an amazing climber. Nate said, that's because you have not met Kyle and Jessi. He smiled and continued, I am experiment B1XY, and was property of Latnok until a few weeks ago, actually Kyle and Jessi were too but they had managed to escape.
Shuang hugged Nate and said, Nate please do not think of yourself as property, if anything Latnok created you from me and Adam, and then kidnaped you and deprived us from our right to raise you and your right to have a family. Nate said, I 'll try my best to look at things like that, it's just that after being treated like property all of my life and being reminded constantly of my status, it's hard to look at things differently. Even if at some level I always knew I did not belong to Latnok.
Nate continued Latnok had told me that my mother and father ordered me and abandoned me. I believed their version of things until I actually met them. Mum and dad knew nothing about me, I'm just lucky they have decided to love me as a son. Shuang said, you are our son Nate I should have known about you, but when I left I never looked back and now I am sorry because you and Jessi paid for my mistakes. Adam added, Son, I should have known about you I was the Latnok chair at the time and you even tried to approach me as a small child, I have no excuse, I just hope you know how much I love you. Nate was moved and said, I love you and mum. I still think I am lucky you choose to love me. I also know mum that you actually escaped Latnok, it would have been too dangerous for you to return. It could still be dangerous it is best if they think you are dead. That is why I did not escape, not when there was another option available.
Adam continued, Kyle is my son, and Jessi is your mother's daughter, but I love her as my own. Shuang said, you know I love Kyle as my own right Adam. Adam kissed her temple and said, I know and Kyle knows too. They spend the first 16 years of their lives in a pod that I invented, that was not my intention, but I got kicked out of Zzyzx and there were several attempts to kill me. That is no excuse. Kyle and Jessi were treated like computers most of their lives. Kyle was helped to escape by a friend of mine when they tried to terminate him and was adopted. Jessi escaped when Zzyzx exploded and Kyle found her.
Nate said, I've known about Kyle and Jessi for many years, and we even worked on projects together before I realized who they were. I was devastated when I thought they terminated Kyle. I went to look for Jessi after the explosion, I did not find her but I am glad Kyle did.
Adam Jr. said, it's a lot to take in but I want to meet Kyle and Jessi. Adam what if we all l fly with you to Noah Inc. tomorrow?
My beta reader is back! The story should be much better from now on. I am also going to make some changes to a few chapters,and correct grammar and spelling nothing major.
I appreciate the reviews of danni98, remma500 and Mc aj. Guest I like you idea about Paige, I will work on it. Please review, it keeps me going. Suggestions are appreciated.
