Chapter 33: Mystery Man, part 2
Finally Alvin arrives at the clinic and is greeted right away by Jeanette. She runs up to him and gives him a huge hug.
"Oh thank, god! I have been a nervous wreck! Some creep has been following me around all morning, and now I find out Simon and the kids are stuck in traffic thanks to a car accident.!" Jeanette cries.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down! You were being followed?" Alvin asked as he pulled away to make sure she was ok.
"Well, he's gone now.I think? All I want to do now is to go see my husband and children! I want to make sure they are ok." She demanded as she turned to pick up Tom from the floor. Jeanette set him there to play with the toys for she didn't know how long she would have to stay there.
Alvin tries to protest against that. "Ah, no.Simon had instructed me to take you and Tom straight home."
Jeanette immediately gives him a glare that reminds him of Brittany whenever she couldn't get her way. Alvin quickly buckled under. "Right then, to go see Simon it is."
Alvin rushes Jeanette and Tom to the car. Jeanette placed Tom in the child seat in the back seat of the car and sits in the front seat with Alvin. Alvin got in the drivers side and brings the engine to life before he drove off.
They were three blocks away from the accident scene, when they realize that is as far as the traffic would let them go. Jeanette finally could not stand it any longer, "I'm going to run ahead. You stay with Tom!" She told Alvin.
Jeanette unbuckles her seat belt before getting out the car. She then starts running as fast as she can towards the accident scene.
"Well, I guess it's just you and me, eh buddy?" Alvin said looking behind him to his nephew.
Tom turns away to the spot where he last saw his mom and began to pout. He was defiantly giving the strong impression that he did not want to be left alone with his uncle.
"Ah, geez!" This was defiantly not becoming one Alvin's better days.
-----------------
When Jeanette was a block away, she could see the flashing lights of the fire trucks and police vehicles. The ambulance just started to drive off with the injured driver and a police officer is interviewing Simon. Jeanette could tell he was really stressed with what was going on, and when she saw how close the flipped car was to Simon's she didn't blame him.
She starts to run faster. "Simon!!" She cried to get her husband's attention.
Simon turned away from the cop and saw his wife running up to him. A smile of relief crossed his face as he opened his arms to receive a huge hug from her.
"I am so glad you are here!" Simon admitted in a whisper to her ear.
"I was so worried about you, I don't what I would do without you!" Jeanette replied emotionally. She could feel him shivering all over because of the experience he endured just moments ago.
Again Jeanette looked at the vehicle that nearly crushed Simon's, and then she remembered her other children, Vincent and Mary-Anne that were still in the car. She slowly pulled away from Simon and ran up to the car to check on her kids. To her relief, they are fine. As soon as Vincent recognized his mother, he started to cry out to her.
"Mommy, I want out!!"
Without thinking about it Jeanette obliged Vincent's demands for attention. She pulled Vincent out of his seat and hugged him tightly as she sat in the back seat with her two beloved children. Simon just leaned against the passenger side of the car watching the three of them snuggle close to each other.
"Wow, now that's a wreckage!" Alvin commented as he walked up behind Simon with Tom in his arms.
Simon turned and gave his brother a quick hug before managing enough strength to take his son from Alvin's arms.
"How are you holding up?" Alvin asked worryingly.
"To tell you the truth, I'm not to sure. Look at me, I haven't stopped shaking since I saw the car coming crashing down in front of me!" He then brings Tom closer to him for more support. Tom obliges by hugging him around his neck.
"Gees, you didn't tell me the car came that close to you." Alvin said as he looked at the car again and saw that it is less then a foot away from his brother's.
"Alvin where is your car?" Simon asked as he finally realized something.
"Oh, it's about three blocks back. I figured since it's going anywhere that I might as well park it there." Alvin laughed.
Simon shook his head with a smirk. "You're a real card, Alvin.
Both boys stood there silent for a moment, finally Simon looked at Alvin. "I'm glad you made it here! I don't think I could drive home after what just happened!"
"Hay, no prob!" Alvin replied.
---------------
It took at least two hours to clear the road and resume normal mobility. Alvin went back to his car that was parked almost three blocks back and drove it home. Jeanette drove while Simon sat in the passenger seat and their three children sat peacefully all strapped up in the back seat
For the rest of the day, Simon was pretty much quiet. He needed to collect his thoughts. He wanted a smoke, and a stiff drink so badly that he could taste it. But as usual he decided to tough it out. Even though it isn't easy for him, he figured if he could get past this, he could get past anything.
Later in the afternoon, Simon sat alone at the kitchen table, sipping some herbal tea Jeanette made just moments ago. It is the same tea that the councillor had prescribed him for his depression four years ago. Jeanette felt he could use some at this time. Simon never was too keen on the taste of it, though, it does remind him of his mom's cooking, which had been really bad. He and his brothers, however, never had the heart to tell her so to her face.
As crazy as it was, it somehow made Simon feel better as he drank the tea. Whether it is the herbs that helped him or the fact it was the perfect reminder that he was home and things would be all right.
Simon's mind was off in the distance trying not to think about anything. Just exploiting the quietness from his mind.
The strange thing is, however, a small part of his mind is active. What's even stranger is that the thoughts he is sensing are not even his own. The thoughts are so quiet that he could barely make any sense of what they mean. Simon wished that these thoughts would be silent so he can concentrate on calming his nerves now. He needed a distraction, and fast.
That is when he notices some mail still sitting on the table. Some were still left unopened. Obviously Alvin must have put them there as soon as he got home, and didn't have the time to check them before Simon called.
Simon picked them up, and started to browse through the addresses on the envelopes. He sighed as he saw that most of them were bills, no surprise. The last envelope had his name on it, but no stamp and no return address. Curious to know what it is, he opens it and pulls out a piece of paper with a message written on it. Simon could feel himself shaking again as he couldn't turn away, he began to read the note:
Dear Survivor,
You don't know me, but I know you. I am one of the escaped Founders from the Island. I am writing to tell you as a warning that you have made an impression to the Illuminate. You probably read about them from the stolen documents that you found in the black box hidden back on the Island. These are the same people that spawned and funded the 'Founder's Project' on Founders' Island.
As you must have figured by now your life is at risk, it has been ever since the day you came back home. There have been many talks among my people, about the violent acts that would be directed to you. However more had been discussed since I saw your interview on TV a couple of years ago. Although for few years it had been quiet, but since your book has been published things changed.
I ask you to keep a low profile for now on in order to keep you and your family safe.
Please take my warning seriously; I have watched you and your friends from day one since any of you came to the Island. It was me that convinced the rest of the Founders to not dispose of the 'Chipmunk Project' and team you up with four the Founder's top students Mary-Anne, Jeff, Mark and Rob.
I'm working with a team of allies to, hopefully, delay the Illuminati's attempts to destroy you and your family for being involved in this war.
As I said earlier, keep yourself low, they won't do anything to you for a while and it'll be best you stay out of sight as best as you can. You don't have to move out of the country or anything, just try not to get interviewed by any more press for a while. Still I have to applaud you for what you have done so far, and someday like you said in your book, 'the world will know the truth!' But they won't know if you are dead and we could only do so much to prevent that from happening.
When the time is right, and with the help of a good friend of mine, I shell give you the go-ahead to continue in your mission to tell the truth to the world. But for know, please enjoy your freedom with your family.
Yours truly,
The Guardian.
----------
Simon was not sure why but his thoughts, as he read the note, went back to the time when he was in the hospital and recuperating from over dosing on sleeping pills.
********
SIX MONTHS AND TWO DAYS AFTER
TOM AND RENEE'S FUNURAL!
Simon sat up in his hospital bed thinking on what he tried to do the other day. The problem was that he couldn't remember why he did what he did. It was like he was sleep walking through the whole thing. Simon was also upset with the serious talk he and Dave had just moments ago.
His dad was first relieved that he was going to live, suddenly the mood shifted to concerned and then anger towards Simon's, not so smart, move.
With very little complaints, Simon agreed with his dad. Both of them knew that Simon would need help, professionally. They were still discussing on how Simon would be able to get the help that he needs, when a doctor comes in. Simon took one look at him and for some reason he feared him.
The doctor asked if he may talk to Dave alone and Dave followed him out of the room and down the hall. This alone time gives Simon the opportunity to really consider his actions. Moments later, another doctor came in and walked up beside Simon's bed. Again Simon had an unsettling feeling in his stomach.
"You don't know me, but you must trust me!" The Doctor said as he pretended to examine Simon.
"W-w-who are you?" Simon said as he tried to lean as far away as he could from the stranger.
"That's not important! What's important is the future they are planning for you. You mustn't allow them to send you to a rehab clinic! That would for sure mean your demise! You are a strong kid. You can beat this. I would suggest a counsellor instead; here's her name and number on this card. Contact her after you are discharged from this hospital." The mysterious Doctor said as he handed Simon a business card. Please, trust me! I'm trying to help you. Do you understand?"
Simon didn't really answer, just nodded as he accepted the card.
"Good! You're going to be fine. Till we meet again." And with that the strange Doctor left.
When Dave came back to discuss the rehab clinic idea, the two of them had a long disagreement over it. Finally Simon won and convinced Dave he'd rather see a highly recommended counsellor instead.
***********
Simon just stared at the note for a while and digested the information from it. He thought that maybe that the strange Doctor just might be this 'Guardian' person. 'Who ever this guy is, he's right!' He thought to himself. With that Simon decided to lay low until it is safe to try again, like this person suggested.
As soon as he finished his tea, Simon took the note downstairs to his lab and hid it with rest of the information form the Island. Then immediately he went upstairs and straight to bed.
Finally Alvin arrives at the clinic and is greeted right away by Jeanette. She runs up to him and gives him a huge hug.
"Oh thank, god! I have been a nervous wreck! Some creep has been following me around all morning, and now I find out Simon and the kids are stuck in traffic thanks to a car accident.!" Jeanette cries.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down! You were being followed?" Alvin asked as he pulled away to make sure she was ok.
"Well, he's gone now.I think? All I want to do now is to go see my husband and children! I want to make sure they are ok." She demanded as she turned to pick up Tom from the floor. Jeanette set him there to play with the toys for she didn't know how long she would have to stay there.
Alvin tries to protest against that. "Ah, no.Simon had instructed me to take you and Tom straight home."
Jeanette immediately gives him a glare that reminds him of Brittany whenever she couldn't get her way. Alvin quickly buckled under. "Right then, to go see Simon it is."
Alvin rushes Jeanette and Tom to the car. Jeanette placed Tom in the child seat in the back seat of the car and sits in the front seat with Alvin. Alvin got in the drivers side and brings the engine to life before he drove off.
They were three blocks away from the accident scene, when they realize that is as far as the traffic would let them go. Jeanette finally could not stand it any longer, "I'm going to run ahead. You stay with Tom!" She told Alvin.
Jeanette unbuckles her seat belt before getting out the car. She then starts running as fast as she can towards the accident scene.
"Well, I guess it's just you and me, eh buddy?" Alvin said looking behind him to his nephew.
Tom turns away to the spot where he last saw his mom and began to pout. He was defiantly giving the strong impression that he did not want to be left alone with his uncle.
"Ah, geez!" This was defiantly not becoming one Alvin's better days.
-----------------
When Jeanette was a block away, she could see the flashing lights of the fire trucks and police vehicles. The ambulance just started to drive off with the injured driver and a police officer is interviewing Simon. Jeanette could tell he was really stressed with what was going on, and when she saw how close the flipped car was to Simon's she didn't blame him.
She starts to run faster. "Simon!!" She cried to get her husband's attention.
Simon turned away from the cop and saw his wife running up to him. A smile of relief crossed his face as he opened his arms to receive a huge hug from her.
"I am so glad you are here!" Simon admitted in a whisper to her ear.
"I was so worried about you, I don't what I would do without you!" Jeanette replied emotionally. She could feel him shivering all over because of the experience he endured just moments ago.
Again Jeanette looked at the vehicle that nearly crushed Simon's, and then she remembered her other children, Vincent and Mary-Anne that were still in the car. She slowly pulled away from Simon and ran up to the car to check on her kids. To her relief, they are fine. As soon as Vincent recognized his mother, he started to cry out to her.
"Mommy, I want out!!"
Without thinking about it Jeanette obliged Vincent's demands for attention. She pulled Vincent out of his seat and hugged him tightly as she sat in the back seat with her two beloved children. Simon just leaned against the passenger side of the car watching the three of them snuggle close to each other.
"Wow, now that's a wreckage!" Alvin commented as he walked up behind Simon with Tom in his arms.
Simon turned and gave his brother a quick hug before managing enough strength to take his son from Alvin's arms.
"How are you holding up?" Alvin asked worryingly.
"To tell you the truth, I'm not to sure. Look at me, I haven't stopped shaking since I saw the car coming crashing down in front of me!" He then brings Tom closer to him for more support. Tom obliges by hugging him around his neck.
"Gees, you didn't tell me the car came that close to you." Alvin said as he looked at the car again and saw that it is less then a foot away from his brother's.
"Alvin where is your car?" Simon asked as he finally realized something.
"Oh, it's about three blocks back. I figured since it's going anywhere that I might as well park it there." Alvin laughed.
Simon shook his head with a smirk. "You're a real card, Alvin.
Both boys stood there silent for a moment, finally Simon looked at Alvin. "I'm glad you made it here! I don't think I could drive home after what just happened!"
"Hay, no prob!" Alvin replied.
---------------
It took at least two hours to clear the road and resume normal mobility. Alvin went back to his car that was parked almost three blocks back and drove it home. Jeanette drove while Simon sat in the passenger seat and their three children sat peacefully all strapped up in the back seat
For the rest of the day, Simon was pretty much quiet. He needed to collect his thoughts. He wanted a smoke, and a stiff drink so badly that he could taste it. But as usual he decided to tough it out. Even though it isn't easy for him, he figured if he could get past this, he could get past anything.
Later in the afternoon, Simon sat alone at the kitchen table, sipping some herbal tea Jeanette made just moments ago. It is the same tea that the councillor had prescribed him for his depression four years ago. Jeanette felt he could use some at this time. Simon never was too keen on the taste of it, though, it does remind him of his mom's cooking, which had been really bad. He and his brothers, however, never had the heart to tell her so to her face.
As crazy as it was, it somehow made Simon feel better as he drank the tea. Whether it is the herbs that helped him or the fact it was the perfect reminder that he was home and things would be all right.
Simon's mind was off in the distance trying not to think about anything. Just exploiting the quietness from his mind.
The strange thing is, however, a small part of his mind is active. What's even stranger is that the thoughts he is sensing are not even his own. The thoughts are so quiet that he could barely make any sense of what they mean. Simon wished that these thoughts would be silent so he can concentrate on calming his nerves now. He needed a distraction, and fast.
That is when he notices some mail still sitting on the table. Some were still left unopened. Obviously Alvin must have put them there as soon as he got home, and didn't have the time to check them before Simon called.
Simon picked them up, and started to browse through the addresses on the envelopes. He sighed as he saw that most of them were bills, no surprise. The last envelope had his name on it, but no stamp and no return address. Curious to know what it is, he opens it and pulls out a piece of paper with a message written on it. Simon could feel himself shaking again as he couldn't turn away, he began to read the note:
Dear Survivor,
You don't know me, but I know you. I am one of the escaped Founders from the Island. I am writing to tell you as a warning that you have made an impression to the Illuminate. You probably read about them from the stolen documents that you found in the black box hidden back on the Island. These are the same people that spawned and funded the 'Founder's Project' on Founders' Island.
As you must have figured by now your life is at risk, it has been ever since the day you came back home. There have been many talks among my people, about the violent acts that would be directed to you. However more had been discussed since I saw your interview on TV a couple of years ago. Although for few years it had been quiet, but since your book has been published things changed.
I ask you to keep a low profile for now on in order to keep you and your family safe.
Please take my warning seriously; I have watched you and your friends from day one since any of you came to the Island. It was me that convinced the rest of the Founders to not dispose of the 'Chipmunk Project' and team you up with four the Founder's top students Mary-Anne, Jeff, Mark and Rob.
I'm working with a team of allies to, hopefully, delay the Illuminati's attempts to destroy you and your family for being involved in this war.
As I said earlier, keep yourself low, they won't do anything to you for a while and it'll be best you stay out of sight as best as you can. You don't have to move out of the country or anything, just try not to get interviewed by any more press for a while. Still I have to applaud you for what you have done so far, and someday like you said in your book, 'the world will know the truth!' But they won't know if you are dead and we could only do so much to prevent that from happening.
When the time is right, and with the help of a good friend of mine, I shell give you the go-ahead to continue in your mission to tell the truth to the world. But for know, please enjoy your freedom with your family.
Yours truly,
The Guardian.
----------
Simon was not sure why but his thoughts, as he read the note, went back to the time when he was in the hospital and recuperating from over dosing on sleeping pills.
********
SIX MONTHS AND TWO DAYS AFTER
TOM AND RENEE'S FUNURAL!
Simon sat up in his hospital bed thinking on what he tried to do the other day. The problem was that he couldn't remember why he did what he did. It was like he was sleep walking through the whole thing. Simon was also upset with the serious talk he and Dave had just moments ago.
His dad was first relieved that he was going to live, suddenly the mood shifted to concerned and then anger towards Simon's, not so smart, move.
With very little complaints, Simon agreed with his dad. Both of them knew that Simon would need help, professionally. They were still discussing on how Simon would be able to get the help that he needs, when a doctor comes in. Simon took one look at him and for some reason he feared him.
The doctor asked if he may talk to Dave alone and Dave followed him out of the room and down the hall. This alone time gives Simon the opportunity to really consider his actions. Moments later, another doctor came in and walked up beside Simon's bed. Again Simon had an unsettling feeling in his stomach.
"You don't know me, but you must trust me!" The Doctor said as he pretended to examine Simon.
"W-w-who are you?" Simon said as he tried to lean as far away as he could from the stranger.
"That's not important! What's important is the future they are planning for you. You mustn't allow them to send you to a rehab clinic! That would for sure mean your demise! You are a strong kid. You can beat this. I would suggest a counsellor instead; here's her name and number on this card. Contact her after you are discharged from this hospital." The mysterious Doctor said as he handed Simon a business card. Please, trust me! I'm trying to help you. Do you understand?"
Simon didn't really answer, just nodded as he accepted the card.
"Good! You're going to be fine. Till we meet again." And with that the strange Doctor left.
When Dave came back to discuss the rehab clinic idea, the two of them had a long disagreement over it. Finally Simon won and convinced Dave he'd rather see a highly recommended counsellor instead.
***********
Simon just stared at the note for a while and digested the information from it. He thought that maybe that the strange Doctor just might be this 'Guardian' person. 'Who ever this guy is, he's right!' He thought to himself. With that Simon decided to lay low until it is safe to try again, like this person suggested.
As soon as he finished his tea, Simon took the note downstairs to his lab and hid it with rest of the information form the Island. Then immediately he went upstairs and straight to bed.