The final bell rang and I waited for Adrien's and Chloe's classmates to arrive. I called in with the other presenters to inform them that I'll be running behind to catch up with family. Within minutes I was approached by the children all staring up at me with awe. Realizing that it would be better at the park, I directed them all to follow me. Chloe came up right by my side while Adrien hanged back with some of his peers. I'm glad Adrien has made some new friends, although I will admit being surprised that father allowed him to a public school. When he told me he was attending a school, I had assumed it would be the same private one as I did.
Now at the park, I had each of them to introduce themselves. Sabrina had honestly surprised me with her new appearance as I haven't seen her far longer than I did either Chloe or Adrien. She cut her long hair into a bob, wore a headband, and a pair of glasses that framed her face. She looked so different from the small girl that I used to know.
"Sabrina is that you, my have you grown. I almost didn't recognize you."
"You remember me, Felix!?"
"Of course, I would remember you. How could I ever forget, a friend's of Chloe's or all the time I've helped you study in the past." Her entire face broke out into a smile at that. At this point, I had to hold up my side of the deal and answer a few questions.
"Was it hard moving from Paris to America?" A girl with dark hair named Juleka asked.
"I'll admit that moving to another place, let alone another country, can be frightening, but it's the thrill of experiencing something new that kept me from being afraid. Originally the plan was to go to London, England, however, America offered a more extensive culture exposure. My first month there was a complete disaster, I kept mixing up a few common words, I couldn't find anything until a week has gone by, and getting accustomed to a new lifestyle that differed from my own was a struggle in of itself. Although, despite all that, I would never regret moving out there and exploring a world that I never knew about."
"How was Adrien as a child?" Alya, I presumed asked next nudging the blunette girl next to her. Apparently, they were all interested in this question based on their attentive posture and the fact they moved in closer. I spied Adrien looking away in embarrassment for some odd reason, that I couldn't fathom. Still, I'll go easy on him when I tell them of his childhood.
"Adrien was a very bright young child, always able to accomplish any task he set out to do. He showed kindness to everyone, even to me despite my own previous actions."
"What do you mean?"
"In the past, I wasn't the best older brother that I could've been. Thankfully, I grew to become what I hope is what an acceptable older brother should be. I still have much to do before I can call myself a good elder brother.'
"Felix, I think you are an amazing person!"
"Thank you, Chloe." Her kind words made me feel just a tad better, but when I searched for Adrien's eyes he refused to meet mine. He offered a soft smile but nothing more.
"Are you dating one in America? Or have you ever dated anyone?" Rose, I believe that's her name, asked me with a lovestruck smile on her face. She must really enjoy talking about love, and she wasn't the only one. The girls, if it was possible, moved even closer to the point it was almost suffocating, while the guys pretended to have no interest. Chloe especially had unnerved me by her unflinching eyes wanting me to answer. Why are they so interested in my love life?
"To answer your question, Rose, as of right now I am still single." They let out a small sound of disappointment. "However there is a girl that I held an interest in the past, and I can only wish that she is happy right now."
"Who was she?" "Why not go find her?" "Why did you not go after her?"
They began to bombard me with questions, thankfully Chloe made them back off some.
"Maybe if you give Felix a chance a speak, he will answer."
"Now, now Chloe they were only asking questions, and I promised to answer those questions. " I turned to face them fully now, at all their eager faces; even the boy's interest was piqued.
"She was someone I've met a long time ago, and we had to depart because it was the right thing to do. It is still unclear as to why on her part, but I feel that I'm the one at fault all the same. I do not dare to trudge up any unpleasant memories for her, and I wish her the best in life. If it means she can live the way she wants without being burden by me, then I shall not bother her." The children looked at me with sadness in their eyes, if not perplexed about the situation. Chloe seemed bothered, for some reason, I can't fathom as to why, and Adrien seems lost in thought-confused- even. Have I really been gone for so long that I can't understand either of these two? At least Sabrina is more open with her emotions. The silence among our small group became almost deafening, and I was going to reassure them that everything was fine, but Chloe helped steer the conversation back on track.
"Felix, do you remember when you used to play your violin for us?" Once more their faces turned to curiosity and wonderment at this little tidbit of information.
"You play the violin?"
"Yes, Father wanted us to be skilled in musical instruments, but while I can play the piano, I favor the violin more." We spent the rest of the afternoon discussing possible chances for me to perform for them, and even a possible duet with Aiden's piano. The sun was beginning to drip low into and I had to cut their questions short. I bid them all safe travels on their way home and all that was left was Adrien, Chloe, and Sabrina.
"Felix, will you be going back with me to meet father?"
"Unfortunately no, I still have some unfinished business to take care of first with my group, but I will come by later in the week to see him. Why do you think, Raphael hasn't come to pick you up? Or any phone calls from Natalie about your schedule? I called ahead of time to inform her so that we could work around your busy schedule. I just didn't expect to meet you this way."
"How much earlier?"
"Three weeks ago." We shared a look, his disbelief bewilderment opposed to my own sly smile.
"I know how strict they are when it comes to you, so I made sure that I can spend time with you."
"Really, that's great. You must have so much to tell me about America." He tried to give a warm response but, it felt off; like he was hiding something from me. I wanted to press for more, but the two girls were still with us at the moment. I know that I can trust them to keep this between us, but this is a private matter between the two of us. For now, I'll just keep a closer eye on him.
"Aren't you girls heading home soon, or at least towards the hotel? I assume that you, Sabrina, will go with Chloe."
"Oh um yes, we were just-"
"Hush Sabrina. I want an answer as to while you didn't message me that you were coming. I could've prepared a big party and even ordered Jacq to order some of those sandwiches you enjoy so much."
"Chloe, I know that you are excited, however, that is no reason for you to be rude to Sabrina."
"What but...fine! Sabrina, I apologize for speaking over you. There happy, I'm going home." It took only a stern look from me for her to apologize, and despite this, it felt almost nostalgic. All the times I had to get after Chloe to behave and warn the children that doing certain reckless actions were dangerous. It seems without me constantly guiding her to make wise decisions, she grew bitter and spiteful, even taking out her frustrations against her friend. But as I see the shy smile on Sabrina's face and her clutching the small brooch on her sweater-vest, I know that she still has that sweet side to her that knows how to make up with others. We share a look of understanding, a simple message: 'Just like old times, no?' It lasted only a moment until Chloe called for her to follow. This left Adrienn and me alone in the park with no one else to interfere.
So coming up with questions is hard. Dealing with school and life is a challenge. Dealing with this, a multitude of other stories at once and with other things...near impossible. So here's this until I can find time for more.