All Bets Are Off V: Chapter 14
My Brother's Keeper
"So, are you saying that you and Lulu have slept together?" Talynda asked, as the cold December wind sent a shiver through her body.
She held her coat tighter; making sure her big fur hood covered her ears.
"Why it gotta be about sex?" Wakka asked, slightly agitated.
"Did you sleep with her?"
Wakka debated how to answer. What difference did it make? He had just told the girl that they needed to break up. He had told her the truth. He wasn't in love with her and he didn't think he ever would be. He would think that she would be asking him why he didn't love her, not trying to get the gritty details of his sex life. He hadn't even mentioned Lulu. She just assumed she was the source of the breakup and went on a tangent. He was barely able to get a word in.
"Are you back together with Lulu?" Talynda demanded.
"No. This ain't about Lu. It's about us. I'm doing you a favor. Let's part on good terms with no hard feelings."
Talynda thought about what he was saying. She wasn't really as upset with him as she was portraying. She had been debating breaking up with him for months. He was doing her a favor alright by being the one to initiate it. They could still be friends. They'd always been. It would be in her best interest to keep things nice and civil. After all, she might find herself with another Abe in the future.
She nodded. "You're right, Wakka. We haven't really been connecting lately. Let's be friends."
"Really?"
"Yeah. We gave it a try and it didn't work so no hard feelings."
He was relieved. He had been expecting a big emotional meltdown. He had enough to deal with. Auron was in the hospital again and he hadn't seen Chappu anywhere. If he were lucky, perhaps the boy had left the city. He seriously doubted it, though. He watched Talynda walk to her car. She waved from behind the wheel and drove off. Now, he could use his time concentrating on what was important. Finishing college and reclaiming Lulu. Right now, he was seriously worried about Auron. He was worse than he had yet to see him. He'd never seen him so thin and weak before. He'd always been a picture of health. And what would he do without his uncle, anyway? He had been writing letters to his grandfather Roland over the last year. He hadn't asked him anything else about the past. The letters mostly served as an excuse for them to finally get to know each other.
"Wakka, you'll catch your death out here," Lulu lectured from the front door.
"I'm leaving in a few minutes. Auron's in the hospital again."
"Is he going to be okay?"
"I don't know. I ain't ever seen him like this, Lu. I'm worried."
"Do you want me to drive you? You shouldn't drive when you're upset."
"If you're not busy with something."
"With what? We're on the Christmas break. I thought about finally meeting my father's new wife during this time, but I went to Bevelle last year around this time, and everything fell apart."
"That's not an excuse to stay away. He's the only father you have. I'm not lecturing you, but if you still love him, you owe it to yourself to be a part of his life."
Lulu nodded. Here was Wakka with no parents, and she at least still had both of hers. They weren't perfect, but they were all that she had.
"Come on," he said, holding out his hand.
She stepped onto the porch and grabbed it. They grinned at each other and started for her wagon.
"Hey, guys, have you ever heard of Stone Developers?" Forest asked, appearing on the sidewalk suddenly.
Wakka shrugged. "I think it's a construction company."
Lulu didn't say anything. She understood that Wakka was being vague on purpose. It wasn't their place to tell this guy anything about Tidus' late father's company.
"I saw the sign on my way home from work. They're working on a mini mall, I think. I thought somebody here at this house might know more."
"Why would we know anything?" Lulu asked.
Forest shrugged. "I guess I was just hoping. I need some work done on my house as you can tell. I thought I might hire them."
"I guess you could give 'em a call," Wakka said. "We gotta go."
Forest watched them get into the wagon. Was Wakka lying? Did he really know nothing? He had already called the construction company and they had been even vaguer. What was so secret? He needed answers, dammit! He wasn't going to spend the rest of his life unable to sleep until he felt her neck in his hands. He wanted to watch the last breath leave her body. Only then could he completely relax. The mail man appeared.
"Hey, there. Cold enough for you?" he greeted Forest, walking up to the porch and putting the mail in the box.
"I'm getting used to it," he replied jovially.
The mailman laughed and got back into his truck. He headed back up the road. Forest quickly walked onto the porch and took the mail out of the box. He leafed through it quickly, reading the names: Yuna Riley, Rikku Hightower, Clive Isaaru, Paine Isaaru, Wakka Morgan, Datto Jones, Lulu Oliver and Tidus Stone. Most were letters from the university. He put the mail back into the box and left the porch. He breathed deeply. Now he had his answer.
Across the street, hiding behind the big garbage dumpsters, a red-haired young man watched and waited. As soon as the coast was clear, he walked down the street quickly to where he'd hid his red sports car. He'd been debating for months on how to pay back his dear brother and now he was certain. Chappu started the ignition and headed to west Zanarkand. He speed dialed a number on his cell phone.
"Hello?"
"I've made up my mind. I want it done," he said.
"If we go ahead, there's no going back."
"I want it done."
"We could have the wedding at the temple here. It's very nice and it would be my pleasure to walk you down the center aisle there," Braska suggested, spreading jam on a buttered piece of toast.
Yuna and Tidus exchanged a look.
"Father, I really appreciate the suggestion, but we want to go with something a little less…"
"Religious? I don't know why you continue to try to fight so hard to stray away from the temple, Yuna. It's been years since you've even attended a service. Maester Longhall actually asked me if you were still in Zanarkand. Do you know how embarrassing that was? And what about you, Tidus? When was the last time you visited the temple?"
"Never," he blurted. "My dad wasn't really big on religion," he added, sugarcoating it.
In fact, Jecht had launched an all-out war against Yevon and the temples. He would never forgive them for taking Tidus' mother and forbid him to go anywhere near them. And if a temple representative showed up at the house unexpectedly…they could expect anything from a cold pitcher of water thrown on them or someone cursing worse than a sailor at them.
"That's a shame. There's much to be learned from the teachings," Braska said, pouring himself another cup of coffee.
Yuna grimaced. She should have known an invitation from her father for a simple weekend brunch wouldn't be simple. She bit a piece of fruit and tried to keep her spirits high.
"Well, where would you like to hold the ceremony? I don't think the townhouse is big enough. How many people are you expecting, anyway?"
Yuna shrugged. She hadn't really thought about all that. She didn't want people that she didn't know in attendance. She would be satisfied with a really simple ceremony.
"Maybe we can have it at the Mika house or my house," Tidus suggested.
"That's a good suggestion. Now, where would we have the guests sitting? From what I could tell from either house, the entry halls are small and…"
"It'll be summer, so we could have the actual ceremony in the yard," Tidus said, getting caught up in the discussion.
"Yes, the flower arrangements would be nice. What do you think about putting a big arch out there? What about insects, though? Do you think we could get a mesh tent?" Braska asked.
Yuna closed out the conversation and let her mind roam. She left the room to go to the bathroom. She couldn't think of any place in Zanarkand that would be perfect for the wedding. When she left the bathroom, she walked down the hall to go back to the dining room. She heard a phone ringing from the living room. She walked in the opposite direction to get it. It wasn't her cell phone. It was Tidus'. She picked it up to see who was calling. She was more than annoyed. She decided to answer.
"What do you want?" she greeted the caller.
"Is this Yuna? Why are you answering Ti's phone?" Darcy complained.
"Because he's at my father's house. What do you want?"
"I wanted to speak with him. I don't know if he told you, but when he was here in Luca, we became close again. I'm just calling to check on him. I don't think you realize the impact his parents' deaths had on him, and…"
"Of course I know how that affected him. I also know he saw you while he was in Luca and you were up to your same old tricks. Give it up, Darcy."
"As long as Tidus is a free agent, I'll never give him up. He belongs to me."
"Well, it pains me to tell you that he's not free anymore. We're back together."
"I'm not concerned about that. He'll just cheat on you again, and I'll be there to pick up the pieces. Not in Zanarkand, of course."
"Darcy, it's time that you moved on from Tidus. It's time to find someone else. He's asked me to marry him."
The phone got very quiet. Yuna stared at it, wondering if the girl had hung up.
"Darcy, are you still there? Did you hear what I said?"
Finally, a whimper.
"You're lying. Tidus would never get married. He's not the type."
"I don't have a reason to lie to you. I'm telling you the truth so you can move on with your life."
"Move on? Have a life without Tidus? Watch you continue to steal him from me?"
"I never stole him."
"You let me speak to him now!"
"Gladly. Tidus, the phone's for you!" Yuna called, placing the phone on the coffee table.
She went back to the dining room as Tidus went to the phone. She noticed her father had a pen and pad now, jotting down details. Yuna sighed and ate a piece of blueberry muffin. Why was her father acting like her wedding was the most important event that Spira would see? She was just a normal girl. It wasn't like she was a member of a royal family or anything.
"How are things going with Ms. Oliver?" she asked.
Braska shrugged. "The same as always. We haven't declared our undying love to each other, if that's what you're asking."
"Well, why not?"
"I'm not sure. We enjoy each other's company, but I think we've fallen into a comfortable place as friends."
"Does that mean you haven't kissed her?"
"Yuna. Really. It's not nice to pry."
"Then why do you do it to me all the time?"
"Simple. You're my daughter. My only child. I will want only the best for you as long as I am here."
Tidus re-entered the dining room. Yuna noticed that he looked uncomfortable, but she didn't question.
"We should send out invitations soon. You'll want everyone to make sure that their schedule is clear. Tidus, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" Braska asked as he consulted his notes.
"Go ahead."
"What was your mother's name? I don't Yuna's ever mentioned it."
"Rachel," he replied absently, thinking about Darcy's threat of suicide if he married Yuna.
The girl had sounded absolutely unstable.
You'll regret marrying Yuna! I swear you'll find out about my death the very next day. I can't live without you, Ti! Don't do this to me! I love you! Please! You'll never celebrate your wedding anniversary without the weight of my death. I'm not kidding! Call it off! Tell Yuna to get lost! And if you do…if you do…I'll give you a blowjob so good, you'll think you had died and woke up in the farplane! Don't you dare marry her! She doesn't know you like I do! Think about it. With me for your wife, you can do whatever you want! I don't care as long as I'm the one you're married to! Marry Yuna and see what happens!
"Let's hold off on the invitations for now," he said, thinking that he couldn't risk Darcy finding out the exact date of the wedding.
There was no telling what she would do. He was going to have to make another trip to Luca. There had to be something that could be done about her. Her obsession with him was beyond unhealthy. He exchanged a silent glance with Yuna, telling her he would explain later. There was nothing or no one in Spira that was going to stop him from marrying her.
"I just don't think it was necessary to get a restraining order. Paine's not a criminal," Baralai complained.
Primrose wiped her mouth delicately with her napkin. "Why did you order the caviar appetizer if you weren't going to eat it? I despise the waste of gil."
"The restraining order was more than necessary, Baralai. Everywhere I turned, that girl was there. It's like she was following us. I understand she's had a terrible loss, but it's not really our problem," Val said, pouring light dressing on her salad.
Paine is my problem, you empty headed tool. And then he regretted the thought. He'd promised Ayden that he was going to make an effort to be pleasant to his mother. Even though as he got to know her better, he found he couldn't stand her. He'd met his share of selfish, vain young women before, but she was going for the crown. There was something about her that he couldn't put his finger on.
"When you say us I presume you mean the baby and the nanny?" he asked.
"Of course. Miss Newberry knows all about the situation. I told you she was a more than competent nanny," Val bragged.
Baralai stared. He wondered if she would be singing Miss Newberry's praises if she'd seen how the nanny had rode him like a wild chocobo. He had no excuses. He'd known from the moment he'd seen Miss Newberry that she would be earning her bonuses by pleasuring him. And he hadn't even had to initiate anything. She had come on to him. He should have fired her, but Ayden did seem to like her and would it really hurt the girl if he did her a favor by fucking her?
He noticed his mother's dark glare. Did she know anything? She always claimed that nothing happened under the mansion's roof that she didn't know about. He stared back at her, daring her to call him out. She shifted her eyes and took a sip of water.
"I'm going to the powder room," Val said, excusing herself.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Primrose pounced.
"I hope you don't think I don't know what you're doing with that nanny. I suggest that you end it before she finds herself on the unemployment line with no references," she threatened.
Baralai finally found that he had an appetite. He nibbled a caviar appetizer first.
"I'll dismiss Miss Newberry whenever I feel like it."
"You'd better feel like it soon if you can't keep it in your pants."
"Don't threaten me. I tell you what. Let me have a conversation with my dick and we'll get back to you."
"Don't you be crass. I won't have it. I want it ended today. I won't discuss this again."
"Hold on. We're still discussing it. My dick said he's not ready to end it. Miss Newberry pleases him in ways that Val could only hope."
"You are every bit your father's son. You disgust me. I should have known, but I suppose you could be faithful to a piece of trash like that Paine girl."
"Don't you say anything like that about Paine. She's led a very hard life. You don't know her."
"Of course she's led a hard life. That tends to happen to poor people. But, if you're really concerned about her, I would suggest that you get her to talk to a therapist. She's not coping very well with her loss. I understand she married the landlord. How tacky."
"Allow me to worry about Paine. You just continue to focus on what you've been doing all of your life. Spending someone else's gil."
"You won't find anyone to do it better. You just heed my warning about Miss Newberry."
Baralai sighed deeply, wondering if he could smoke in the fancy restaurant. He was done talking about Miss Newberry to his mother. There was no need to continue this discussion. Especially when he was certain she'd be bouncing on his dick tonight. He frowned as he thought about Paine's unborn baby. He supposed he should have said something to Mr. Isaaru. After all, he had lost a child, too. And he didn't want the man to think he was holding a grudge. He would go by to see him sometime in the week. Val returned to the table.
"I ran into Margie Odon in the powder room. She's one of my former sorority sisters. They're having a social gathering at the house tonight and she invited me. I'd love to go," she said to Baralai.
"I think you should be home with your son tonight," Primrose interrupted, watching her son's eyes dance.
"Don't worry about it, honey. You go and get re-acquainted with your friends," he said, never taking his eyes off his mother's.
Later in the week…
"So, I guess you're saying that married life is for fools after all, huh?" Letty asked as he admired the Christmas decorations along the residential streets.
Baralai had decided to pay Mr. Isaaru and perhaps even Paine a visit to tell her about the restraining order. Letty had phoned wanting to hang out so he had picked him up along the way. He knew that his visit wouldn't take long. He had taken the long way to the Mika house, deciding to let allow Letty to see the decorations. He had always liked to see the way people decorated the outside of their houses since he was a child.
Finally, he made the turn down the dead end road.
"This will only take me about ten minutes. Want to come in and visit Datto and Wakka?" Baralai asked, cutting the engine.
"Nah. But, leave the keys. It's freezing out here."
Baralai left the truck and walked down the icy sidewalk carefully to the front porch. He rang the doorbell and waited.
Rikku answered. "Baralai. What brings you by?"
He glanced at the tray of mugs she balanced in her hands. "Am I interrupting something?"
"No. The guys are having a game tournament up in Datto's room so I made them some spiced cider."
"Is Mr. Issaru or Paine around?"
"Mr. Isaaru's in his room. Come on in."
He followed her inside and closed the oak door. He waited while Rikku alerted Mr. Isaaru to his presence. He had a mild sense of home sickness for the Mika house. He had enjoyed being here and would gladly move in again, but not with Paine shacking up with their landlord. And besides, this part of his life was over. He was a husband and a father now.
"Baralai, what brings you by on such a cold night?" Mr. Isaaru asked.
Baralai stared. The man had never been a contender for sexiest man alive in Zanarkand, but he looked like a hot mess today. His hair was disheveled, his shirt wrinkled, and he hadn't shaven in a few days.
"I was in the neighborhood. Anyhow, I realized that I never expressed my regret over your loss to you."
Mr. Isaaru looked confused.
"The baby," Baralai prodded.
"Oh. Right. These past few days have been burdensome, but a big relief as well. Thank you, Baralai, but there's really no need to offer me any sympathy."
"I'm confused."
"Paine was already several months pregnant when I married her. You know about our laws, so I offered her some help."
"Who was she pregnant by then?"
"I…I don't know."
"Where is she? I'd like to speak with her. Don't tell me she's at that damn rundown farm."
"No. She sold it months ago. I think she needed to get away for awhile. I don't know when she'll be back."
Baralai nodded, though he couldn't help but be relieved that Paine had finally sold that no profit farm. But where was she? Was she hiding out in the city with Talynda or in some motel? He didn't know and he didn't really have time to look for her. She had obviously decided that she wanted to be alone and he would respect that. She would resurface eventually. But why wouldn't she tell Mr. Isaaru, her own husband where she was going? And who had she been pregnant by? There were many questions that he vowed to find out the answers to.
"I don't like Spiran federal agents snooping around in my business, Chappu. I thought I made it perfectly clear," Seymour said as he glanced at the night sky.
"It was Lulu. She ran her mouth and told Wakka."
"She's always been a do-gooder. She thinks there's good in everyone. I pity her. So, what is this really about? Is it her?"
"She led me on. She used me to get back at Wakka."
"So what has he done?"
"He fucked her while she was my girl. He broke the code," Chappu said, forgetting his nose was also broken.
Seymour sighed deeply and allowed the cold breath to escape his lips. He was tired of Chappu. He certainly didn't need him. He didn't offer anything. It was his fault that the police was into his business again. He didn't need the publicity. He was unknown in his field of criminal activities. No one could identify him. And that's the way he wanted to keep things. He had only allowed Chappu such close proximity because of his connection to Lulu's day-to-day.
"Wouldn't a brother's code be not to mess around with an ex-girlfriend?" Seymour asked calmly as he put on black leather gloves.
"Me and Lulu had a special connection. She understood me. She understood what I was going through ever since I came to this city."
"So this is about her?" Seymour asked, becoming increasingly bored. He had better things to do with his night before Christmas.
"I guess if it needs to be labeled. Why can't it just be that I hate him?"
"I can certainly understand that. When my men get there, there won't be any turning around."
"I know. Let me get him away from the house."
"Fine."
Chappu called Wakka. "I need to see you. Don't act scared now. You wanted to be a big hero when everybody was watching. Now it's you and me. You meet me now or I go pay Auron a visit. I'm six miles away from the hospital. I bet you thought I didn't know he was there. You meet me at my apartment in an hour. Lulu knows the address."
He hung up and turned to Seymour.
"One hour at your apartment huh? Why didn't you pick a more secluded spot?"
Chappu waved him off. "My apartment building's shit. There's nobody there but a bunch of lowlifes anyway. They won't care."
I'm sure you fit in right at home. "Well, I'm going to give my men the word. You better get lost. Don't go anywhere near the apartment."
"Why would I do that? They might mistake me for Wakka."
"They might."
One hour later parked down the street from the Chateau Apartments…
"Wakka, I wish you would have called the police," Lulu said from behind the steering wheel.
"I can handle Chappu. I brought you with me in case there's bigger trouble. If I'm not back in twenty minutes, call the cops."
"What if he's got a gun, Wakka?"
He turned to her slowly and unbuttoned his shirt. She stared at the bullet proof vest.
"Auron always had this lying around the house. Don't ask me why. I think it was left over from his days in the army. Now, I need you to pay attention and be on high alert, Lu. I'm sure Chappu probably got a bunch of his buddies ready to jump me. I'll let him win so we can call a truce over this."
"Why did he call you out here in the middle of the night? Why tonight of all nights? I'm really scared."
"I know. I have to let him win so we can finally move past this. I can't be looking over my shoulder waiting for him to jump at me. He's not stupid enough to kill me, but they'll probably beat me up good to send a message. That's what the ambulance is for."
"Okay," Lulu agreed, though her heart was beating a mile a minute.
Wakka opened the car door and buttoned his coat. "Remember, twenty minutes, Lu. I'm counting on you."
"Wakka, wait."
He leaned down to peer into the car.
"I love you."
"I love you, too. Don't worry. Nothing's going to happen to nobody tonight. Just a few bruises."
He closed the car door and slowly began to walk down the sidewalk. She watched him, wondering if it would be the last time she saw him. Wakka was nonchalant, but she was more than certain that Chappu was crazy. He definitely needed more than his fair share of psychological help. Maybe they could convince him to see someone soon. She admired Wakka's bravery, but she would be worried until either the cops or an ambulance arrived.
"I hope everyone likes eggnog," Majestic said pleasantly as she carried a large punch bowl into the living room.
"I'd love a cup," Braska said easily. "Brother?"
"Alcohol?" Brother inquired.
"Do you drink?" Majestic asked, somewhat surprised.
Brother shook his head. "Nah."
Majestic handed him a cup. She fixed one for Cid, who was in the kitchen. She glanced at Braska, who as sipping his eggnog and watching the Christmas movie on the screen. She had to admit that he was an attractive, sophisticated man, but there was no spark between them. They hadn't even made love. She knew that Braska was too much of a gentleman to suggest it. Was he waiting for her? They had shared a few passionate kisses, but nothing more. She had a feeling he was waiting for her to invite him into her bedroom. She didn't know if she wanted their relationship to go that far.
She carried a mug into the kitchen and placed it on the counter next to Cid.
"Thanks," he replied shortly.
"What are you preparing, Cid? Surely even you take a break from the kitchen every now and then."
He shrugged. He never really had any plans for his many casseroles, stews, or soups. He just let his hands choose the ingredients and started from there. And although he was always preparing ahead, there always seemed to be an occasion to cook. He was prepping for tomorrow's night dinner by preparing a lobster soup as a starter.
"Have you ever thought about owning your own restaurant? You have so many distinct and delicious recipes," Majestic said, taking a moment to try to get over the awkwardness that had fallen between them.
"It sounds like a lot of gil," Cid replied, adding some spices to his pot and turning to face her.
"Not if know someone where you can get a loan from the bank," Majestic winked.
Cid smiled grimly into his mug. "I could never ask Braska for that kind of favor. Besides, a restaurant needs a lot of management. You know I just want to stay in the kitchen."
"There's a seafood restaurant next to me that's closing up."
"How'd that happen? Don't everybody like seafood?"
"They mostly served special entrees. I have a feeling the squid stew pasta didn't go over as well as they would have liked."
"Well, it's something to think about. I think I'm done coaching blitzball. And I'll need an income so I can afford a new place."
Majestic smiled ruefully into her mug. Cid and Brother had been living with her for the past five months so it didn't appear as though Cid was in any rush to find a place. And she had to admit that she liked having them there. It was small, but there was a family living under her roof again. Brother was beginning to trust her and she was helping him come out his shell. Every weekend after she closed the bakery, they went out into the city and did something.
"Right. Well, I think it would be wonderful to have you working right next door. I'll even help you get started."
"We'll see. It could be a good investment."
Majestic smiled and turned to leave.
"Uh…Majestic? I just want to clear the air about that stuff Rikku and Gippal was trying to pull. They think…I don't know what the hell they're thinking. Rikku has never tried to play matchmaker for me before…and…"
"It's okay, Cid. Really. I like you too and you and Brother can stay here as long as you like."
"What about my temper?"
"What about my stubbornness?"
"I snore…"
"You're a better cook than I am."
Cid couldn't help but grin. That was the first time in years a woman had given him a genuine compliment. He turned to check on his soup again. What was he doing? He felt like a foolish college aged man that had found love for the first time. Of course, he had loved Selene, his children's mother, very much, but he'd be lying to himself if he couldn't admit that Majestic was finding a special place in his heart. Especially with the patience and optimism she displayed when dealing with Brother. Maybe working next to her wouldn't be so bad after all. He wondered briefly if she had slept with Braska. Perhaps she hadn't. Braska hadn't given him his usual password, "Checkmate" when he had slept with a woman he'd been pursuing.
In North Zanarkand…
Tidus set about making sure everything in the house was in order as usual. He would meet Yuna at her father's townhouse later and then he'd head back to the Mika house. It had been a year since his parents' deaths. He went upstairs and paused at their bedroom door before opening it. He flipped the light switch and stepped inside. He looked at the king sized bed and all of the things Zalora had done to make it cozy. For the first time, he began opening drawers and looking at their contents. He wondered if he should give their clothing to charity. He nodded, deciding that he would. He opened the double closet doors and began sorting through Jecht's things to decide if he wanted anything. It didn't take him long to decide that he didn't.
The only really nice piece of clothing that Jecht had owned had been his tuxedo that he'd worn to his wedding to Zalora. He could have it fitted to fit him for his own wedding and that way he could feel close to his father that day. He swatted down to investigate the many plastic containers on the closet's floor. Apparently, Zalora believed in memories. She had over a dozen scrapbooks. He opened the first one she'd started. Obviously, she had been very young when she'd started this one. There was a picture of his young stepmother on a dock next to a tall blond boy. He quickly assumed it was the boyfriend she had lost. He sighed deeply and closed the book.
When he stood up, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He sensed he wasn't alone. He turned around slowly and sure enough, Forest stood in the doorway.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he asked without hesitation.
Forest began to clap slowly. "Bravo, Tidus. I had a feeling about you when we first met. But, I never had any concrete evidence until yesterday."
"Evidence of what? You want to tell what the hell you're doing in my parent's house?"
"Evidence that you were the child I was looking for. You see, I've been all over Spira looking for your family. And after I came up empty in all the other cities, I knew you had to be here."
"Why are you looking for my family? Do I know you?"
"No. At least you shouldn't. But, I know your stepmother."
"Zalora? What about her?"
Forest folded his arms. "She's the real reason I'm here. So, where is she? I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees me again."
Tidus shook his head. "This doesn't make sense. My stepmother's dead. Everyone in Zanarkand knows that if they took the time to read the newspaper or watch the news."
Forest's dark eyes bulged. "She can't be dead! I owe her! I made her a promise a long time ago and I intend to keep it so stop fucking around and tell me where she really is!"
"She is dead. My dad is, too. She's been dead for a year. So, whatever promises you made to her are going to have to be forgotten. I'd like you to leave now. You shouldn't be here."
"I'm not going anywhere. Prove to me that she's dead."
"I don't have to prove anything. She is. Now get out before I call the cops."
"I'm not going anywhere and you're not calling anyone. Get that bitch before me now."
"Who are you?" Tidus asked, reaching into his pocket for his phone.
"Put that damn phone away!"
Tidus obeyed, putting the phone back into his pocket slowly. He had to get out of the house. He didn't know why Forest was really there and he didn't care.
"Listen, kid, do as I say and you won't get hurt. Get me Zalora. Call her."
"I can't. She is dead. Look," Tidus said, walking over to the top drawer of the dresser. He took out a few newspaper clippings and handed them to Forest.
Forest snatched them and read them one by one. The color drained from his face. The bitch really was dead. He was too late. Locked up too long to get his justice. He reached up calmly and began peeling away his beard. There was no need for any disguise any longer. He tossed the fake beard on the bed and slowly pulled off his wig.
Tidus' eyes widened. "Wait…you're…"
He didn't get a chance to finish as Forest grabbed him by the neck, forcing him to the floor roughly. His hands squeezed firmly.
"If I can't give that bitch her due, then I guess you'll have to take her place," he said, waiting gleefully to watch the light die in the boy's blue eyes.
End of Ch. 14. Thanks for reading. Updates will be a bit slower now that I'm only one chapter ahead of my updates. Please be patient. We will finish this story this year.