A Desperate Life
Disclaimer: I don't own Code Lyoko.
Chapter 5: Together Again, Apart Now
Ulrich sat in the guestroom with everybody as he used the special cell phone that he, Odd and Jeremie shared to call his father.
Mr. Hopper had found Mr. David Stern's private cell number by hacking it off the internet. Now it was the moment of truth for Ulrich. Would his father still want him? He was about to find out.
Ulrich dialled the number and waited.
After four rings someone answered.
"Hello this is Mrs. Ophelia Stern," a voice said brightly.
Ulrich froze.
Mrs. Stern? Ulrich wondered.
"Um," Ulrich said, "hi?" he said even though it sounded more like a question.
"Are you calling for my husband?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern asked.
"Yes," Ulrich told her.
"May I ask who's calling?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern questioned.
Ulrich could feel his throat go dry.
"Um, a messenger," Ulrich lied shocking everyone with him, "I have an important message to deliver to him," he told Mrs. Ophelia Stern.
"Well maybe I can tell him," Mrs. Ophelia Stern said brightly.
"I'm sorry," Ulrich said, "but he needs to hear this himself."
There was a long pause on the other line.
"Is this about his son?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern asked suddenly.
Ulrich took an immediate intake of breath, immediately giving himself away.
"Do you know anything?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern asked desperately, "he's been missing for years," she said, "he'd be a teenager now, not that little kid his father could hoist up on his shoulders the last time his father saw him," she said sadly, "please give me and my husband the information to bring our precious Ulrich home," she pleaded.
Precious? Our Ulrich? Ulrich thought about what she had just said.
"Ma'am I have a confession to make," Ulrich started, "I'm not a messenger, I'm Ulrich," he revealed.
Ulrich suddenly heard the cell phone clatter and then static.
"She dropped the phone," Ulrich said and hung up.
"So are you going to call back?" Odd asked.
"I don't know," Ulrich said honestly, "it's already shocking to have a new mom."
"My heart dropped to my stomach when I heard her say Mrs. Stern," Aelita said.
"Mrs. Stern was my mother," Ulrich said in a very defensive dark tone.
Aelita suddenly felt afraid.
"My daughter means no harm Ulrich," Mr. Hopper told him, "it's a simple fact that…"
"I don't care about facts," Ulrich said stubbornly.
"I'm sorry about your mummy," Hiroki asked softly.
Ulrich looked up at Hiroki. His expression softened.
"Um thank you," Ulrich said, "I'm sorry too," he added.
"Maybe this is…" Mr. Hopper started.
"No," Ulrich said suddenly, "I'll call them back," he decided.
"Just give them the benefit of a doubt," Jeremie told him.
Ulrich used the cell to dial the number again.
This time a male answered the phone.
"Hello caller I'm Andre French, the Stern's attorney, how may I help you?" Mr. French asked formally.
Ulrich's heart sank.
They've already gotten an attorney? Ulrich wondered incredulously.
"Um sorry," Ulrich said nervously, "I think I have the wrong number," he said and readied to hung up.
"Are you the young man claiming to be Ulrich Stern?" Mr. French asked.
Ulrich could feel his breath caught in his throat. His mouth was oddly dry.
"Um," Ulrich said slowly, "yes," he responded.
"Do you know how many fake calls this devastated couple has received?" Mr. French demanded, "how devastated the first Mrs. Stern was by these wicked depraved phone calls?" he asked angrily.
"Devastated?" Ulrich asked, "my mother received fake calls?" he asked concerned.
"Oh please just drop the act," Mr. French said in exasperation, "you're not Ulrich Stern, you're just some money wanting jerk or a disgusting prankster kid," he told Ulrich.
"Don't you tell me what I am," Ulrich snarled, "I want to talk to my father now."
"Well that won't be possible," Mr. French said simply, "the Stern's have left all calls to be answered and transferred by me," he told Ulrich, "I will not transfer some jerks prank call," he said firmly.
"Are you telling me," Ulrich started, "that I can't talk to my own father?" he asked angrily.
"You're not Mr. Stern's son," Mr. French told him, "just drop the act and hang up now," he ordered.
"No," Ulrich refused, "I'll talk to my father no matter what," he said.
"Are you on drugs?" Mr. French asked him.
"Are you?" Ulrich countered.
Mr. French's teeth could be heard grating.
"I protect my clients Ul… young man," Mr. French said, "especially from those looking to take advantage of a couple devastated by the non-return of their child Ulrich Stern," he said.
"Do they miss me?" Ulrich asked.
"Ulrich is sorely missed, yes," Mr. Stern responded, "is there any character witness that can vouch for you?" he asked suddenly, "somebody with integrity?"
Ulrich wondered about this question.
Who could he ask?
Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder. Ulrich looked to see Jeremie.
Jeremie gave Ulrich the 'are you stupid look' and pointed at Mr. Hopper. Ulrich looked at Mr. Hopper. Ulrich looked at Mr. Hopper. Recalling that Mr. Hopper was an inventor who had powerful friends, Ulrich felt like an idiot.
"How about Franz Hopper?" Ulrich asked.
"F…F…F…Fra…" Mr. French stuttered.
"Lend me the phone Ulrich," Mr. Hopper said seriously and took it, "hello Mr. French?" he asked, "I'm Franz Hopp…"
"I know," Mr. French said excitedly, "you're an excellent inventor who makes the nation of France proud," he said brightly.
"Yet I have two boys who should interest you," Mr. Hopper said, "but you can't even believe the first one."
"Two?" Mr. French asked, "but Mr. Stern only has one son," he pointed out.
"The other isn't his son," Mr. Hopper stated.
"Oh God," Mr. French said, "my job's gone by nightfall isn't it?" he asked panicked.
"Mr. French," Mr. Hopper said, "can you take the next name?" he asked.
"Y…Y…Yes," Mr. French stuttered, "yes I can Mr. Hopper," he said confidently.
"Odd Della Robia," Mr. Hopper told him.
All Mr. Hopper heard next was two thuds.
"Mr. French?" Mr. Hopper asked.
"Don't tell me he fainted," Yumi said not able to believe that a top renowned lawyer like Mr. French just fainted over the phone.
"Shhh," Mr. Hopper said, "I think I hear something."
Mr. Hopper heard footsteps, a female scream, another pair of footsteps, some expletives and the sound of someone half lifting and dragging a body away.
After several minutes Mr. Hopper heard the phone being picked up.
"Is there anyone there?" Mr. Stern asked coldly.
"Mr. Hopper," Mr. Hopper responded.
"Mr. Hopper?" Mr. Stern asked in surprise, "why would you be calling me on my private number?" he asked him.
"There's a lot I can't explain now," Mr. Hopper told him, "but I believe there's someone you'd like to speak to," he said and turned to Ulrich.
"Someone I'd like to spea…?" Mr. Stern started to ask, "wait you mean the kid who called earlier is really my son!" he shouted.
"Yes Mr. Stern," Mr. Hopper responded.
"Andre you stupid vermin!" Mr. Stern exploded, "just wait 'til you get up!"
"Give me the phone," Ulrich said with a sigh, "he's my Dad just give me the phone," he added when he saw Mr. Hopper's worried face.
Mr. Hopper carefully gave him the phone.
"Dad leave Andre alone," Ulrich told him.
The other line went dead silent. Minutes went by without a sound.
"Da…" Ulrich started to say after getting tired of the silence.
"Ulrich," Mr. Stern interrupted, "I… I can't believe it's really you," he said, "after all these years."
"Um yeah I know," Ulrich said, "so um, what did mom say about me?" he asked.
"She loved you and searched for you to the end," Mr. Stern told Ulrich, "I'm so glad that you're safe and sound Ulrich," he said emotionally, "I honestly thought that I'd never hear from you again," he said sounding very upset.
Ulrich was taken a back. His father wasn't usually such an emotive person. He displayed lots of anger and strong temperedness yes, but that was totally different from the emotions he displayed now.
"Dad are you okay?" Ulrich asked.
"Yeah," Mr. Stern said, "you also called when Ophelia answered the phone earlier right?" he asked.
"Yeah," Ulrich responded.
"So you mind?" Mr. Stern asked.
"Dad please…" Ulrich started.
"I have to know," Mr. Stern interrupted.
"Yes, a little," Ulrich admitted.
"Your mother was a great woman Ulrich," Mr. Stern started.
"I know, she was my mother," Ulrich told him.
"Would you like to talk to Ophelia?" Mr. Stern asked suddenly.
"What?" Ulrich asked confused.
"My wife Ophelia," Mr. Stern told him.
"Oh, yeah sure," Ulrich agreed.
"Just wait," Mr. Stern said and put Ulrich on hold.
Ulrich waited quietly. Minutes went by.
"Hi," a small adult female voice said, "are you really my husband's son?" he asked.
"Yes ma'am I a am Ulrich Stern," Ulrich told her, "um, hi," he said now feeling more nervous about talking to his father's new wife than feeling angry that someone had replaced his mother.
Mrs. Ophelia Stern giggled.
"It's nice to hear your voice," Mrs. Ophelia Stern said, "the only time I've heard your voice before is in home videos," she told him, "you sound so much older now," she added.
"I guess being a teen and not a little kid can do that," Ulrich said.
"That's true," Mrs. Ophelia Stern agreed, "and call me Ophelia," she added.
Ulrich immediately blushed.
"Um, okay," Ulrich agreed, "Ophelia, there's someone else with me that you should know about."
"Someone else?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern asked confused.
"What!" Mrs. Ophelia Stern screamed, "Odd Della Robia is with you!" she shouted, "we didn't even know that he was still alive!"
Everyone with Ulrich had an incredulous look on their face.
"What do you mean that you didn't know that Odd was still alive?" Ulrich demanded, "I was missing too," he pointed out.
"But your family wasn't sent a photograph showing you near death's door," Mrs. Ophelia Stern revealed.
"What photograph?" Odd asked Ulrich.
Ulrich signalled him to wait.
"Is he right there with you?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern asked.
"He's in the same room with me, yes," Ulrich responded.
"Can I talk to him?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern asked.
"Sure," Ulrich said slowly and turned to Odd.
Odd carefully took the cell from Ulrich.
"Hello?" Odd asked.
"Oh my goodness it's you," Mrs. Ophelia Stern said overcome, "I've heard so much about the only child of the now deceased Della Robia's who owned…"
"I know what they own," Odd interrupted, "oh sorry," he said quickly when he realized what he had done.
"That's okay," Mrs. Ophelia Stern said laughing, "I'm so glad you're okay," she said happily, "are you being treated well where you are?" she asked.
"Yes," Odd said brightly, "Mrs. Stern, may I stay with you if my only other relative still in France doesn't want me?" he asked pleadingly.
"But you have some very nice relatives in Switzerland," Mrs. Ophelia pointed out, "and call me Ophelia honey, or Mrs. Ophelia," she told him.
"I'd rather not leave France Mrs. Ophelia," Odd said honestly.
"Are you sure that you want to live with that cousin of yours?" Mrs. Ophelia Stern asked concerned.
"What, is there a problem?" Odd asked.
"It's just that…" Mrs. Ophelia Stern started but stopped.
"It's about inheriting the business isn't it?" Odd asked crestfallen.
"He might be a bit bitter," Mrs. Ophelia Stern said honestly, "I'll check with your other relatives and see if it's okay for you to live with us if it doesn't work out," she told Odd.
"Thank You," Odd said gratefully.
"Your Welcome," Mrs. Ophelia Stern said happily, "could you get Ulrich please?" she asked.
"Sure," Odd said happily, "Ulrich," he said and gave Ulrich the phone.
"Your Dad and I are staying at a hotel," Mrs. Ophelia Stern told him, "do you want to write down the address?" she asked.
"Yeah," Ulrich said and soon was given pen and paper, "go ahead," he told her.
Mrs. Ophelia Stern gave him the address.
Ulrich quickly wrote it down along with the hotel's five front desk numbers, just in case.
"Your Dad wants to speak to you again," Mrs. Ophelia Stern said brightly, "see you soon."
"See you too," Ulrich said softly, "mom," he added.
There was a gasp on the other line.
"That's what you are," Ulrich said sheepishly, "a mom."
Mrs. Ophelia Stern suddenly started crying.
"Ophelia, I mean um, mom?" Ulrich asked.
"She's happy," Mr. Stern said now having the phone, "can you come tonight?" he asked, "Odd can stay with us," he said brightly, "well until his place of residence is decided," he added.
"That's great," Ulrich said happily, "oh and there's someone else I'd like you to meet," he said.
Everyone else with Ulrich looked at him quizzically.
"They were both very helpful with me being at this house today," Ulrich continued, "one's Jeremie who helped both me and Odd escape the place where I ended up after being kidnapped," he told his father, "and the other's Yumi, who kindly allowed us to spend the night at her home allowing us to meet Aelita, Mr. Hopper's daughter," he added.
"So you really were held somewhere for all these years," Mr. Stern said softly, "guess that's a dumb statement to make."
"No it's not Dad," Ulrich told him, "oh and I also have to express some thanks to Hiroki who if it hadn't been for his great intuitive thinking, I most likely wouldn't have met Yumi a second time and therefore would never have come to be at her house with Odd and Jeremie.
"Well I thank all of them," Mr. Stern said gratefully, "so who do I speak to first?" he asked.
"Jeremie," Ulrich said and held the phone out to Jeremie.
Jeremie looked at Ulrich incredulously.
"Go ahead," Ulrich urged.
Jeremie carefully took the cell phone.
"Hello Mr. Stern," Jeremie said formally.
"Thank you for helping bring my son back," Mr. Stern thanked him.
"Actually I think Ulrich gives me too much credit," Jeremie said honestly.
"If my son gives you credit it means you deserve it," Mr. Stern told Jeremie, "so where are you staying?" he asked curiously.
"With Mr. Hopper," Jeremie told him.
"Until you meet your parents?" Mr. Stern asked.
The room was filled with uncomfortable silence.
"Mr. Hopper's ready to give me up the moment my parents come," Jeremie decided to say.
"Glad to hear it," Mr. Stern said happily, "I hope you have a great life Jeremie."
"Same to you Mr. Stern," Jeremie responded.
"I'll talk to this Yumi now," Mr. Stern said.
"Okay," Jeremie said and passed the cell to Yumi.
"Um, hello Mr. Stern," Yumi said softly.
"Why what a shy little girl you are," Mr. Stern said sweetly.
Aelita, Jeremie, and Ulrich could barely stifle their laughter.
Yumi glared angrily at them.
"Thank you for housing my son and his friends," Mr. Stern thanked her.
"Your welcome," Yumi responded.
"Me next," Hiroki said grabbing for the phone.
"No," Yumi mouthed in annoyance.
"Let him have it," Ulrich said surprising her, "hey he helped too," he said with a shrug.
Hiroki stuck his tongue at her as he took the cell phone.
"Hi I'm Hiroki," Hiroki said brightly.
"Well hello young man," Mr. Stern said, "I've heard that you've been very helpful."
"Yes I was, I'm a genius," Hiroki declared.
Yumi rolled her eyes.
"Well thank you for helping my son and his friends," Mr. Stern said.
"Your Welcome," Hiroki said happily, "did you miss Ulrich?" he asked suddenly.
Everyone else in the room was socked by Hiroki's question.
"Yes Hiroki I did miss Ulrich," Mr. Stern said, "I'm glad he's finally coming home," he added.
"I'm going to miss him," Hiroki said sounding sad.
"Well I promise to let him visit or call you," Mr. Stern promised.
"Awesome!" Hiroki cried happily.
"I'm glad you're happy Hiroki," Mr. Stern said happily, "and thanks again."
"Your Welcome Mr. Stern," Hiroki said, "goodbye," he said and handed the phone to Ulrich.
"Goodbye," Mr. Stern told Hiroki.
"I guess I'll see you soon Dad," Ulrich said.
"Where were you all this time Ulrich?" Mr. Stern asked him.
"At a place I'd like to forget Dad," Ulrich said honestly, "at a place I'd like to forget."
------
It was nearly 6pm when Mr. Hopper drove up to the hotel. Everyone was crammed in the car. Some even having to sit in someone else's lap.
"We're here," Mr. Hopper announced and parked the car.
"Is this goodbye?" Hiroki asked Ulrich.
"For now buddy," Ulrich said and gave Hiroki a tight hug, "I promise to call."
"I promise to answer," Hiroki responded and hugged Ulrich back.
"I'm going to miss you guys," Odd said, "all of you," he added.
There was a knock on the glass.
Mr. Hopper winded down the window.
"I'm Andre French," Mr. French said formally, "Mr. Stern will be down shortly."
"Do they do anything without you?" Jeremie asked frankly.
"I was sent down to wait for Ulrich Stern and Odd Della Robbia's arrival," Mr. French responded.
Aelia barely controlled a laugh.
Someone got thrown outside for not doing their job, Aelita thought in amusement.
"I'm Ulrich," Ulrich spoke up.
"Odd," Odd said and raised one hand up.
"You've both grown," Mr. French noticed,
"Yeah," Ulrich said.
"Well good evening to all of you," Mr. French said and everyone in the car responded in kind.
"Ahem, hello," a voice said suddenly and everyone turned their attention to the source of the voice.
A tall brown haired adult in a beige business suit now stood close to Mr. French.
The car door opened and out stepped everyone including Odd and Ulrich.
"Dad," Ulrich said and stepped forward.
Mr. Stern immediately grabbed his son and held him in a tight hug.
Ulrich didn't have time to react. He just let his father hug him.
"When Mr. Stern finally let him go Ulrich's feet gently reached back on the ground.
"I can't believe you're actually here," Mr. Stern said as he ran a hand through his hair, "I've gotten back my only son," he said with a small laugh and tears in his eyes.
Odd felt a little left out. But he didn't say anything.
"Yo squirt," someone shouted suddenly.
Everyone except Odd, Hiroki, and Jeremie seemed to recognize the voice.
Ulrich immediately turned to Odd.
"It's Frederick," Ulrich told him.
"My cousin?" Odd asked.
Ulrich nodded.
"Don't you recognize his voice?" Mr. Stern asked, "he's twenty-one now, but you must recognize something in it," he pressed.
Odd looked away.
"Odd's forgotten some stuff Dad," Ulrich told him, "just let him take it all in."
"Forgotten?" Mr. Stern asked concerned.
"Later," Ulrich said.
"What's wrong?" Mr. Stern whispered.
"Later Dad," Ulrich whispered back.
Mr. Stern could pick up on the seriousness in Ulrich's voice and decided to follow his instructions.
"Um Frederick?" Odd asked softly, "Frederick?" he repeated louder.
"Mr. Douglas to you," Mr. Douglas said sharply.
Odd immediately got closer to Ulrich.
"Fred," Mr. Stern immediately reprimanded.
"Hey lay off Mr. S," Frederick said as he got closer, "I'm twenty-one," he pointed out, "the little squirt's gotta learn respect."
"His name is Odd," Jeremie spoke up angrily.
Mr. Douglas looked to see an angry blonde teen glaring at him. The red haired adult grinned and walked over.
"Who are you?" Mr. Douglas asked.
"Jeremie," Jeremie told him.
"Well Jeremie you need to learn respect for your betters," Mr. Douglas told him.
"I already do," Jeremie countered.
Mr. Douglas's face darkened.
"Cute kid, cute," Mr. Douglas said and turned around.
"You're not getting custody of Odd," Ulrich said.
"Who says I want it?" Mr. Douglas countered.
"Fred please," Mr. Stern said.
"I'm not going to disrespect your kid Mr. S," Mr. Douglas said immediately, "I'm just delivering a message from Aunty Anne," he said, "you do remember Aunty Anne, right Odd?" he asked.
Odd held unto Ulrich's shoulder's even tighter.
"He remembers her," Ulrich spoke for Odd.
"Well she says that I can care for Odd while he stays in France," Mr. Douglas revealed, "but it's also come to my attention that she's given partial custody to Mr. Hopper since she's the appointed person to care for dear Odd since his poor parent's death," he added.
"That's correct," Mr. Hooper said.
"Well congratulations," Mr. Douglas said brightly, "you can have him," he said scornfully and started to walk away.
"I won't let a guy like you keep my parent's company," Odd said suddenly.
Mr. Douglas foze.
"I don't care what I have to do," Odd said, "I'll get my education, enter business, learn everything I need," he snarled, "then when I'm ready," he continued, "I'll take my parent's company and boot out stinking pompous rotten ass."
Everyone was shocked by Odd's words.
A pin drop could be heard for miles.
Mr. Douglas turned around.
"You want your parent's company?" Mr. Douglas asked, "to do what, bury it?" he demanded.
"Fred stop it!" Mr. Stern shouted.
"My Dad drove the Douglas legacy down the toilet," Mr. Douglas exploded, "I deserve this company!" he roared.
"It's Odd's parent's company," Jeremie spoke up, "you can't take it away from him."
"My parents must've left me first in line despite my disappearance for a reason," Odd said softly, "I would've left my parents company to you, you know," he said suddenly, "I'm not a business man," he admitted.
"So why not leave it to me then?" Mr. Douglas asked.
"Because you only want my parent's company for it's money," Odd accused.
"What!" Mr. Douglas roared.
"Odd, this has more behind it than you know," Mr. French said seriously.
"Like?" Ulrich demanded.
Mr. Douglas glared at Ulrich.
"I'm glad that I don't remember you," Odd said suddenly.
Everything became dead silent.
"What did you just say?" Mr. Douglas asked.
Odd gulped.
"I don't remember you," Odd said softly.
"How could this happen?" Mr. Douglas asked in disbelief, "you remember Ulrich and his dad," he complained, "I've been with you since the day you were born!" he shouted.
""Don't shout at him!" Aelita shouted back, upset that Odd's own relation would treat him like that.
"Aelita calm down," Mr. Hopper told his daughter.
"Your cousin's been through hell," Jeremie said suddenly, "be glad he's still alive instead of whining about what he can't remember," he told Mr. Douglas.
"What do you remember?" Mr. Douglas asked softly.
"I remember where I lived a little, I remember my parents, I remember Aunty Anne, I remember a Mr. Douglas sort of and that he had a son who's name started with an F…" Odd started to list.
"But how come you remember Ulrich and Mr. Stern over me?" Frederick asked.
"A lot of what's gained has been down by the assistance of Jeremie and I," Ulrich revealed, "I'm certain he'll remember more with a professional."
"You helped him remember?" Mr. Sten asked confused.
"Odd, Jeremie and I were taken by the same type of people," Ulrich revealed, "but Odd got the worst brunt of it," he added.
"Why?" Mr. Douglas asked.
"Sometimes people randomly receive more crap than others," Ulrich told him, "we all were individually unlucky where we were."
"Where was that?" Mr. Stern asked.
"Somewhere bad Dad," Ulrich said, "we can't exactly say where it was," he said carefully.
"Good save, Odd thought in relief.
This conversation is getting too close for comfort, Jeremie thought warily.
"I'm staying with Mr. Hopper until my parents come for me," Jeremie said suddenly, "I hope they'll be as happy as you are Mr. Stern."
"Oh, well," Mr. Stern said taken a back, "I'm certain they'll be very happy tp see you again young man," he said.
"Will I be able to see you again?" Hiroki asked looking at Ulrich.
"Of course," Ulrich said with a smile, "how could I go on without my great bud," he said brightly.
Hiroki smiled. Ulrich laughed and smiled back.
"Well this should make it in the papers by latest day after tomorrow," Mr. French spoke, "thank you Mr. Hopper and of course you kind Ishiyama's for bringing back these fine young men to their families," he thanked them, "I also wish Jeremie the best of luck in finding his family, we all do," he added.
"Thank you," Jeremie said pleasantly surprised by Mr. French's thank you.
"Odd, I'm sorry," Mr. Douglas said suddenly, "I was upset that you only spoke to Mr. Stern and Mr. French," he revealed, "I felt that you should've called me first," he said softly, "I thought you put your family on the back burner, nut I was wrong," he said, "can you forgive me?" he asked Odd.
Odd was surprised by Mr. Douglas's apology.
So was everyone else.
"Um, I guess so," Odd said slowly, "if you're really sorry," he added.
"I am," Mr. Douglas confirmed.
"Um Mr. Hopper," Odd said, "can I spend the night with my cousin?" he asked.
Everyone else including Mr. Douglas was surprised.
"You want to stay around me?" Mr. Douglas asked in surprise.
"I'd like to get to know you," Odd said honestly, "you're family," he said in a small voice.
Mr. Douglas smiled at that.
"Family," Mr. Douglas said reflectively, "must've been a while since you had that."
"My friend's have been my family," Odd said indicating to Jeremie and Ulrich, "and the Hopper's and the Ishiyama's have made me feel right at home," he added.
"Glad we could do that for you," Mr. Hopper told him.
"I promise to take excellent care of him sir," Mr. Douglas declared, "and I'm sorry for the disrespectful behaviour I exhibited earlier," he apologized to everyone.
"I'm certain that they accept," Mr. Stern said enthusiastically.
When pigs fly, Yumi thought.
That guy's bad news, I just know it, Jeremie thought worried about Odd's safety.
He's still a jerk, Aelita thought.
I'm not sure how much I trust this guy. But he's Odd's family, I can't force him to leave his cousin when an emotional connection is established, Mr. Hopper thought.
I don't know about this, Ulrich thought.
When we order pizza on our way back, I want pepperoni with lots of cheese, Hiroki thought.
Hiroki rocked back and fort on his heels.
This Fred guy is screwy, Hiroki suddenly thought in retrospect.
"I hope you keep your promise," Mr. Hopper said, "I'll check on you the day after tomorrow," he told Odd.
"Okay," Odd said and nodded.
"Fine," Mr. Hopper said, "I guess now we say our goodbyes," he said simply, "well goodbye to you Odd, Ulrich, Mr. Stern, Mr. French and Mr. Douglas."
"Um thanks?" Ulrich said even though it sounded more like a question.
"Goodbye Mr. Hopper," Mr. Stern said and gave Mr. Hopper a strong handshake.
"Goodbye," Mr. Douglas said and looked away, "I wish you all a safe journey back."
"Goodbye," Yumi said.
"Bye Odd and Ulrich," Aelita said in a sad voice, "I hope to see you again," she added.
"Count on it," Ulrich grinned and gave her thumbs up.
Aelita giggled.
"I'll call," Odd said humbly.
Everyone else was surprised by Odd's gesture. Everyone except Jeremie.
"We'll be waiting for it," Jeremie said calmly.
Suddenly Odd ran back and hugged Jeremie.
Jeremie was momentarily stunned.
But then he hugged Odd back. Both just stood silently for the next few minutes hugging each other.
When they parted both had tears in their eyes.
Odd started laughing.
Jeremie smiled and allowed a laugh to escape.
"I'll see you again soon," Odd mouthed.
Jeremie nodded.
"Bye," Odd said and walked over to Mr. Douglas.
"Yeah, bye," Jeremie responded.
Mr. Douglas gently put an arm around Odd.
"Good Evening all of you," Mr. French said.
Everyone else responded in kind.
"I thank all of you for helping bring back my son," Mr. Stern said gratefully, "you have no idea how much this means to me," he told them.
"Your Welcome," Mr. Hopper said with a smile, "anyway, we've got to get going," he said and Hiroki groaned, "I'm certain we'll hear from Ulrich and Odd very soon," he added.
"Goodbye Mr. Hopper, kids," Mr. Douglas said.
Only Aelita and Mr. Hopper responded.
Mr. Hopper got in the drivers seat, Yumi, Hiroki and Aelita got in the back. Jeremie headed for the front seat.
"Hey Jeremie," Ulrich said suddenly, "you gonna be alright?" he asked his voice suddenly cracked.
"Yes Ulrich," Jeremie responded but his eyes betrayed him, "I'll miss you both," he said tearfully.
"We'll definitely miss you," Ulrich said.
"Jeremie!" Odd shouted and ran over to him, "don't go!" he cried and held unto Jeremie sobbing.
Jeremie was now crying too.
Ulrich had to swallow hard.
Mr. Stern walked over to the other two crying boys.
"I'll never allow you guys to be too far a part," Mr. Stern told him, "you'll always be able to visit," he added.
"But it's not the same," Jeremie said as he cried, "we were always together," he revealed, "from the day we got out we were together," he continued, "now we're being separated!" he cried and hugged unto Odd as he broke into a fit of sobbing.
Ulrich walked over.
"I know," Ulrich said, nothing else.
Both teens let go of each other and hugged him.
Tears welled in Ulrich's eyes. But he was able to hold them back.
"I'll miss you guys," Ulrich told them, "but we'll see each other again," he declared, "I know it," he said as he hugged them back.
Eventually they all let go and went to their respect parent or guardian.
"Bye," Jeremie said and went into Mr. Hopper's car.
Odd started crying again. This time Mr. Douglas had to catch him as he fell down in a heap. Mr. Douglas held the crying Odd in his arms.
Ulrich gulped and played with the neck of his shirt. Witnessing this was making it harder for him not to cry.
"It's okay to cry Ulrich," Mr. Stern told him suddenly.
"I'm remaining strong for Odd okay," Ulrich whispered to his father in a cracked voice.
Mr. Stern looked at Odd. He quickly understood.
"Okay," Mr. Stern said and squeezed his son's shoulders gently.
When Odd calmed down both he and Ulrich waved to Jeremie until Mr. Hopper's car drove out of sight.
Then both teens turned to each other.
Mr. Douglas still held Odd. Ulrich walked over.
"Guess we won't be hanging out together as planned," Ulrich said to him.
"I promise that you guys will see each other often, very often," Mr. Douglas said immediately.
"Mr. Douglas…" Odd started.
"Call me Fred," Mr. Douglas told him.
"Could you stop trying so hard?" Odd asked surprising everyone, "I know you care already, you don't have to be so desperate."
For a moment there was silence.
Then Ulrich started laughing. Mr. Stern cleared his throat.
Mr. Douglas soon chuckled.
"You were always a funny kid," Mr. Douglas muttered, "guess a part of you is back already," he said and rubbed Odd's hair.
"I know I look different," Odd said, "dark baggy clothes, cropped blonde hair, weighing under 70 pounds and being rather bony," he listed, "I know."
"We'll get your weight back up," Mr. Douglas said his own voice starting to crack, "I'm going to take really good care of you," he promised.
"I know," Odd said happily, "I'm happy to see you again Fred," he said and rested his head on Fred's shoulder, "so very happy," he said sleepily and yawned.
"Um, we better get going," Mr. Stern said suddenly.
"Already?" Odd asked sleepily.
"You better not make a bed of your cousin sleepy head," Ulrich teased.
"I really don't mind," Mr. Douglas said immediately, "I'm being desperate again aren't I?" he asked.
"Yeah," Ulrich said as both Mr. Stern and Odd nodded.
"I have to learn to stop that," Mr. Douglas said with a laugh, "anyway," he said.
"Yes you two should get going," Mr. Stern said, "Goodbye Odd, Fred," he said to them.
"Goodbye Mr. S," Mr. Douglas said happily, "bye Ulrich," he added.
"Bye," Ulrich responded.
"Bye, bye," Odd said sleepily.
Ulrich laughed.
"Bye Odd," Ulrich said.
"Sleep tight," Mr. Stern said to him.
"Yeah," Odd said happily but tiredly.
Mr. Stern, Mr. Douglas, and Ulrich all laughed.
"Bye," Mr. Douglas said and walked away.
"Bye Fred, bye Odd," Ulrich said loudly and waved until they were out of sight.
Soon a car was seen driving off. A red Ferrari.
"Fred always liked fast flashy cars," Mr. Stern commented, "let's get up to the hotel," he said to Ulrich.
"Okay Dad," Ulrich said.
Mr. Stern took Ulrich's hand and led him to the hotel.
They eventually reached the suite where Mr. Stern and his wife stayed.
Mr. Stern knocked.
The door was opened by Mr. French who had left before they did.
"Your wife's waiting for you in the bedroom," Mr. French told Mr. Stern, "hello Ulrich."
"Hi," Ulrich responded.
"Wait inside with Mr. French," Mr. Stern instructed, "I'll go and talk to Ophelia," he said and headed for the bedroom.
Ulrich stood rooted to where he was.
"Come inside Ulrich," Mr. French instructed kindly.
Ulrich looked down the hallway.
Anything can come anytime. That's how me, Odd, and Jeremie survived being on the run. Knowing nothing stayed constant, nowhere was sa…, Ulrich thought.
"Ulrich!" Mr. French cried pulling him back to reality, "come inside," he instructed.
Ulrich stood still for almost two minutes.
"Ulrich?" Ulrich heard Mr. Stern ask from the bedroom, "is everything okay out there?" he asked.
"Um, yes," Ulrich said and stepped inside, "the suite is beautiful."
"Glad you like it," Mr. Stern said approvingly, "Andre keep it down!" he snapped.
"Of course Mr. Stern, I apologize," Mr. French apologized.
Soon it was obvious that Mr. Stern was talking with Ophelia again.
"I'm certain that this must be a stretch for you," Mr. French said, "being back," he added.
"Life is full of stress," Ulrich said frankly.
"Well I hope that being back with your family will alleviate some of that stress," Mr. French said.
"I guess it will help," Ulrich said but he didn't sound confident.
"Your Dad's been waiting since the day you disappeared for your return," Mr. French revealed, "he really missed you," he told Ulrich.
"What if I never came back?" Ulrich asked.
"He'd keep searching for you," Mr. French told him.
Ulrich couldn't take it anymore. He broke down on his knees and started crying.
"I know it must be hard to be back after spending so many years away," Mr. French said with understanding as he knelt and hugged Ulrich.
"I didn't…I didn't…I didn't want it to happen," Ulrich stuttered as he cried, "I tried to obey the rules, really I did."
"Shhh," Mr. French said kindly, "we know the kidnapping wasn't your fault."
"And they hurt Odd, and they lied to Jeremie," Ulrich said as he cried, "made him believe that it was okay because he was taken away much younger than Odd and I." He told Mr. French.
"Do you think my Dad will still want me?" Ulrich asked suddenly, "after he finds out everything?" he asked Mr. French.
"Do you have that little faith in me Ulrich?" Mr. Stern asked suddenly and Ulrich looked to see his Dad and an Asian woman standing to the side, "if you don't believe I can handle it, I'll understand," he told Ulrich, "but don't ever question my interest in you again," he said seriously, you're my son," he said firmly, "nothing will change that."
"Oh Dad," Ulrich said and ran to hug him, "I just don't want you to hate me," he said as he cried.
"Never," Mr. Stern said, "I'll always love you Ulrich," he declared.
"I love you too Dad," Ulrich said, "I love you so much."
Mrs. Ophelia Stern stood to the side and smiled. She couldn't believe that Ulrich was home. Being missing for so many years worried her and sometimes strained her occasionally failing hope.
But now he's here. Ulrich's back and his father's happy. What more could a wife and mother need? Mrs. Ophelia Stern thought.
------
It was 8pm when Mr. Douglas reached his private gated residence. It was actually Odd's parent's mansion but the Della Robia's had him as the next owner until Odd's eighteenth birthday (if Odd returned).
Mr. Douglas stepped out of the car and took Odd out.
"I can walk," Odd said waking up.
"Just let me carry you," Mr. Douglas said kindly, "you've grown so much, I'm not going to be able to do this anymore," he pointed out.
"What did you think when I went missing?" Odd asked him suddenly.
"First I thought you were playing," Mr. Douglas admitted, "but as days went by and they started to turn to weeks, I knew something was wrong."
"I wish…" Odd started but stopped.
"Me too," Mr. Douglas said gently and headed for the massive doors.
"Good Evening Master Douglas," Butler George Stewart said formally as he opened the door, "and good evening young man," he added to Odd.
"Hi," Odd said softly.
"This is someone special," Mr. Douglas told Butler Stewart, "make sure he's cared for and I'll brief you and the staff tomorrow," he said and headed for the stairs.
"Of course Master Douglas," the 5ft 7 middle aged butler said sophisticatedly with his British Accent.
"He's in demand in England and America too," Mr. Douglas said proudly to Odd, "had to pay him extra to move and work here in France," he said excitedly.
Odd didn't share the excitement. He didn't even understand it.
When they reached in front of a white door upstairs, Mr. Douglas paused.
A servant suddenly ran forward with a key. She opened it and curtsied. Then she quickly walked away with her shoulder length dark brown hair bobbing behind her.
Mr. Douglas set Odd down.
"Open it," Mr. Douglas said.
"What?" Odd asked.
"Open the door," Mr. Douglas told him.
"Why?" Odd asked in a small voice.
Mr. Douglas felt slapped.
"Do you think that I'll hurt you?" Mr. Douglas asked Odd, "if you say yes and I'll get you a ride to Mr. Hopper so that you can stay with Jeremie," he told Odd immediately.
"I didn… I didn't mean it like that," Odd stuttered.
Mr. Douglas sighed.
"Sorry," Mr. Douglas apologized, "I'm just being an ass," he said.
"That's okay," Odd said to him, "I think you're used to people doing as they're told," he said with a grin.
After a moment Mr. Douglas looked at Odd incredulously. Then his face showed complete amusement.
"You really are an annoying little snot, you know that?" Mr. Douglas asked with his own grin.
"How can I?" Odd asked, "I don't remember," he said slyly.
"I believe you remember enough," Mr. Douglas said frankly.
"I remember how much rich people love those who run around in their fancy houses," Odd said as he slowly stepped back.
"Nuh uh, we keep this place immaculate," Mr. Douglas told him.
"Then the maid will have to clean up," Odd said mischievously, "can't catch me old man!" he cried and ran off laughing.
"Now who do you think you're calling old man scrawny kid!" Mr. Douglas teased back and chased Odd down the hall.
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I updated five days later, sorry about that. Thank you everyone for reviewing. Oh and those who want Yumi and Ulrich couplings can look forward to my next story 'She can't be Real' (Code Lyoko). It's a fantasy where Ulrich meets a girl in his teens he thought he imagined as a kid.