Ch. 20 : Finding My Way

-x-

Chelsea sighed, setting herself down into a seat and dropping her small luggage to the ground. She didn't think the ships left so early. Nor did she think she would wake up early enough without no one noticing her leave. She was especially getting anxiety attacks of Vaughn figuring out her motives as he had came REALLY late to her house that night.

She was dead beat.

-x-

Vaughn stretched his arms and legs, feeling his tight muscles loosen nicely. He pushed away the blankets and swung his feet to the floor, staring at an empty, bright house. 'Odd…' He thought. 'Where's Crossdresser?' He leaned a bit forward to see that her bedroom door was completely shut, then he turned his attention to the clock hanging up on the wall behind him. It was almost eleven.

He stood up, deciding to believe she was already up working in her fields. Knowing how enthusiastic she is for money, she probably got up extra early as normal. He walked over to her kitchen and saw food already set out on the table. Seeing his name on a post-it, he concluded it was his breakfast. He grabbed the container of food and placed it inside the microwave, heating it up for a minute.

Past the whirring of the microwave, he heard some muffled voices coming from outside. There were two people outside. But he paid no attention to it until he heard the front door open.

"So… we have to take care of the farm for a bit?" Julia asked, her face puzzled.

Natalie followed after. "Yeah, Braden left me a note asking for us to take care of the farm. He said he had to do something, but he really didn't explain much about it. And my brother isn't here so it's just us…"

"Oh… I see.." Julia nodded. "Let's do our best."

Vaughn stared at them. And it was long enough for them to notice him standing there… in his pajamas.

Julia smiled. "Good morning, Vaughn. The cow pajamas Mom bought you really suits you."

"Pfft." Natalie covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter.

Vaughn frowned, ignoring them and taking out his food from the microwave. He removed the lid and found that it was leftovers from last night, curry stew and bread.

"Vaughn, do you know where Braden went to?" Natalie asked, "After all, the last person he was with was you… right?"

Vaughn paused just as he was about to put the spoonful of curry into his mouth, and he turned to look at the two women. "What? He left?"

Julia gave a questioning look at Natalie, then answered Vaughn, "Braden left Natalie a letter. He asked us to take care of the farm, along with you and Elliot." Natalie pulled out the letter out of her pocket and handed it to Vaughn.

It said:

Hey, Natalie.

I need to go somewhere for a while. I hate to ask, but can you and Elliot look after the farm for me? Vaughn is already at my house, so if you need any help, just ask him. I'm sorry for requesting this suddenly, but please help me out. I will try to return as soon as possible.

From,

Braden

Vaughn frowned. She couldn't seriously be thinking… after what happened yesterday… He returned the letter to Natalie and sighed.

"Have an idea where he may be?" Julia asked, reading his expression.

"Probably, knowing him…" Vaughn muttered, returning to his curry. "When is the next ferry coming by?"

Natalie blinked. "Ah, my mom is leaving at three sooo…"

Vaughn looked up at the clock to see it was already ten. "Seems like I still have time to waste…"

"Don't tell me you're leaving too?" Julia crossed her arms. "Elliot isn't here either." Vaughn raised a brow at this, obviously wondering what happened to him.

Natalie sat down on the couch, crossing her legs. "Gramps wanted him to get some shipments way early this morning…" Her eyes then lit up. "I'm guessing he was on the same ship as Braden eh?"

-x-

Elliot's POV

I stretched my arms, leaning forward in my chair. Man, waking up early really isn't my thing. And plus, Grandpa practically shoved me out of bed to the ferry this morning… I wonder what are the shipments he wants me to pick up anyway…

I stood up and began walking around, just to stretch my legs. Instantly, I realized that my balance was really wobbly, probably after sitting so long. And well, it was only inevitable that I'd fall over, which I did, crashing into somebody. (It's sad that I am aware of this.)

I was already sprawled out on the floor, on top of someone… smaller than me. I hurriedly crawled away from him, just to stare at the person with surprise. "Br-Braden?"

He looked up at me and blinked. "Ah, Elliot. What a surprise." He gave me a silly smile. "Good way to wake me up in the morning."

Personally, it was easy to admit that Braden was an easy going guy, also to mention he's obviously popular with the ladies. He was always in a good mood and he works hard too. But there was something about him that made him seem awkward too. And also, I wouldn't say it out loud, but his sudden appearance right after Chelsea's disappearance bothers me a lot too. It was too weird… not right… out of place. (Ah, this always happens whenever I interact with Braden.)

"Ah… Elliot? You there?" I heard his voice and looked to already find him on his feet, extending a hand my way. I accepted, to find myself being hoisted up by smooth strength.

"Ah, sorry about that…" I said, knocking my head a bit. "I think I'm still dozing off."

He laughed a little, nodding. "Same here. This ferry was way too early… How about we go over there?" He nudged his head to the side of the ship. "There's railings over there to lean on. I don't think sitting down will help us…"

"Right." I allowed him to go ahead of me, and he followed suit.

Truthfully, and perhaps instinctively, I've been observing Braden all this time. No, I completely deny the idea of stalking him (like I would follow him to his house and watch him all night; I think not), but whenever I encounter him, whether it be directly or indirectly, things about him pop up and make me think… hard… as they don't make sense.

We were already leaning against the railings, both of us looking at the sea. Suddenly, a flush of memories filled my mind; It was the memory of the sudden storm on this very sea that shipwrecked us to our beginning on Sunny Island… And quickly after that came a big question mark… Where did Chelsea go? And who exactly is Braden? Where did he come from?

I closed my eyes. Ah, great…

"Whoa, Elliot." Braden's voice seemed alarmed. "You're green…"

"I think…" Urgh.. "I think I'm getting…" Ugh… I turned around and bent forward a bit.

"Sea sick?" He finished.

I nodded.

"I don't blame you… After all, it's been a while since you've been out on the sea right?"

I glanced at him from my bent over position to see that he too was also not looking at the sea. He looked pretty pale as well.

He then looked at me and grinned sheepishly. "After experiencing a shipwreck, who wouldn't be rattled to be on top of the vast danger zone again?"

Of course he would know I was shipwrecked, a castaway of the sea before. He's been living on the same island as me once we settled in, so he would know if I had ever left on a voyage after the wreck. But I couldn't help but ask, "And you? Did you also experience a shipwreck?"

"Yeah…" He instantly answered me. He abruptly paused though, getting even more paler. "Ah…"

Again with that awkwardness. It was obvious he was hiding something. Something that I knew my mom and sister already know (and knowing Grandpa, he probably didn't notice since he only cares about quality). It was evident ever since we had first met that there was something off about Braden. How he suddenly appeared… and that Chelsea, who was supposedly taken away by a rescue team, had suddenly disappeared. I can see how that's possible, as there was that time when all those reporters came; they had said Chelsea had come from a rich estate, so that is probable.

But why is it that she was taken by a rescue team, reporters came asking about her disappearance? She was already taken by them, so why would they need to ask about where she could possibly be now? That doesn't make sense. And also, how all the reporters quickly backed off and the appearance of Braden's cousin, Jack? They totally left Braden as if he was nothing to the whole big question.

So there's a big question mark on Chelsea's disappearance and Braden.

"I was on a ship too…" I picked up Braden's voice through all my thinking. "A nice family found me, they had said they were also looking for other in the same shipwreck as well…"

Sounds exactly just like us…

"We came upon Sunny Island. I found it to be a nice place and thought it would be wonderful to stay. The family said they wanted to continue on… I had switched places with that girl." He added. "Her name isn't coming around…"

"Chelsea." I replied. "I'm pretty sure she's the one you're talking about."

He smiled. "Perhaps."

Looking through his eyes… he wasn't lying. That too does not make sense. He clearly isn't lying, but why is it still such a big blur?

I heard him take a breath and he removed his hat, ruffling his hair. Looking at him as a whole, I have to say he's the splitting image of Chelsea; same hair, same eyes, not so sure about body composition, but I think we get the point. As crazy as it sounds, I'm actually convinced that Chelsea is Braden…

"You know, Elliot…" He started softly. "I probably owe a big thanks to you too."

"Hmm? Why is that?"

"I just feel like I need to thank you. You helped me a lot."

I laughed. "How exactly?"

"In a lot of things, like moving in and helping me every so often, but mainly…" He raised his head a little bit. "For not questioning me."

I slowly stood straight against the railing.

He said, "It's obvious that I'm a complete stranger. You don't know anything about me. I know a lot about you. It's clearly unfair. Out of everyone, you're perhaps the most suspicious of me."

Impressive, he nailed it right on the head. "Ah… Don't say that. You make it sound like you've done something bad."

He looked at me. "I have." He then brought up his hands to his face, blowing his breath on it. "Brr… It's getting colder."

I blinked. What a sudden change in subject. I nodded in agreement, also realizing that it was pretty cold out here. "Well, it's almost winter."

"Winter…wow… Time passed by so fast. I'm impressed…"

Impressed? Why impressed? But that's not the point. He totally changed the subject on me. "What did you do?"

"Huh?" He looked at me again, then his eyes widened slightly. "Ah. Sorry… About that…" He paused for a moment, bringing his hands down and stuffing them into the pockets of his jacket. "I realized not too long ago… that I'm actually not a very nice person. Like I said, you truly don't know much about me. And I apologize… for keeping things from you and everyone else." He slowly lifted his head. "As of right now, I can't exactly tell you much about me. I'm sure that makes you uncomfortable to hear."

I studied him, then shook my head. "No, it actually doesn't." Strangely, it's true. "Though I don't know much about you, I can tell… that you aren't a bad person. You are kind to everyone and always look happy. A bad person couldn't be able to pull that off for this long."

"Haha. Elliot, hearing that from you makes me a bit more relaxed now."

I looked down at my feet. Yes, my suspicions of Braden is still large, but he surely isn't a bad person. But was he wary of me this whole time? … "I probably should apologize myself, for making you feel that way."

"Anybody would be suspicious in your stand point. No need to apologize." He said quietly. "I'm sorry, Elliot. I would like to basically tell you everything; I trust you. One day for sure, I'll tell you everything."

I nodded, smiling a bit. "I'm sure you have your reasons for keeping things to yourself." I set a hand on his shoulder. "I trust you too. After all we've been through, how can I not? I can wait. Even if my sister and mother know it already."

He suddenly froze on the spot as I felt his muscles tense in his shoulders. "HEH? How did you know?"

"I didn't know." I said simply. "I just wanted to clarify if my thought was true. And apparently it was. Sorry, Braden." So they were working together. If that's the case, then I'm sure that whatever is going on isn't to grand… or anything to put them in jail. I mean, my mom is involved in this whole fiasco. It can't be that bad.

He now looked downcast. "So even you noticed that too… Yeah, your mom and sister already know the whole story. I'm sorry about that too."

"I don't mind." Really, I don't mind if they know more than me right now. After all, though my ideas aren't solid, I do know that I'm on the right track. "Like I said, I can wait." Even though it's a big mystery, Braden doesn't seem to be up to something bad. After all, it looks like all I could do now is just sit back and watch.

I patted his shoulder thoughtfully. "Don't worry. Even though I don't know much, I trust you. I know you have a fort to hold up and seeing how it looks now, you're seriously working hard. I'm actually very impressed by you too."

He smiled at this. "Thank you, Elliot."

"Also…" I decided to add, my brotherly instincts clicking on. "As much as possible, I want to support you. If you need any help," I smiled, taking back the hand on his shoulder and pointing my thumb to my chest. "I'm always here."

He nodded, his smile growing larger. Now he suddenly began crying (obviously jokingly though). "Aw, Elliot. You are exactly what I wished for in an older brother. I wish Jack and big brother could be like you." He wailed.

Big Brother? "You have a big brother?"

He wagged a finger at me. "I seriously can't say a thing until that 'one day'. Sorry!"

I sighed, leaning back and looking up into the sky. "Braden, you are a great mystery."

"And Detective Elliot won't ever find me out!"

"Oh? You sure about that?" I chuckled at this. Braden isn't a bad guy at all.

-x-

Chelsea's POV

Estate… It was the Estates, right?

"Hm, Braden?" Elliot asked. "Are you going to the Estates?"

"Urr… Yeah."

He nodded. "I guess you would visit here. This is the area for cattle and livestock. I hear they are abundant when it comes to supplying sheep, goats, chicken, and other animals there. Also, Mirabelle and Julia's business gets their animals from the Estates, which is why Vaughn travels here a lot. The headquarters of the animal suppliers is located there."

I blinked at Elliot's unfathomable knowledge. "Wow, Elliot. You're really knowledgeable of things. Very commendable indeed."

He grinned shaking his head. "Ah, credit goes to my Gramps. He's a Spartan when he trains his pupils." I agreed with him there.

The speakers of the ferry turned on informing us that we were soon docking at the Estates. The land was visible now across the water.

I picked up my duffle bag and smiled at Elliot. "Well, I'm stopping here. Gotta go check out some things."

He nodded. "Stay out of trouble, Braden."

I frowned. "Why say that?"

"Because you're obviously a trouble magnet." This was a very blunt (and true) statement.

"Che. We'll see." I laughed and he laughed along with me. "Well, have a safe trip, Elliot."

"Same to you." He said, waving his hand at me as I walked toward the boarding bridge. It hit the dock gently and the ship finally stilled, allowing us passengers to leave the ship.

As I continued down the bridge toward the city… Big city. … Really big city. Dang. That's a huge city that I can't even finish my sentence right now. I'm worried I'll get lost. But that's not the point. I'm here to track down that Melano dude and give him a piece of my mind. Does he really think he can get away with smacking my buns? I THINK NOT. My patootie didn't do anything. Treating me like rubbish… CHE!

And also… about Vaughn…

Flashback…

I just came by for a visit, but it turned out to be more than I expected.

"Please… help Vaughn." Mirabelle said quietly. "I believe you can be a great friend for him."

"Hm? Is something wrong with Vaughn?" I asked.

"…Vaughn… truthfully he isn't related to us." Julia explained. "He's kind and quiet, but…"

Mirabelle rubbed her cold hands. "He still suffers from his past. He has had a hard time with his family, even up until now … well… He ran away… Ran away with his mom."

I learned more about Vaughn that day. The same day Melano came by.

I can see why now… why Vaughn said we're alike.

At least this time… I can do something about it.

-x-

I like Elliot. He's so overlooked in the fan fiction area and I noticed that he was starting to fade out like a ghost in this story. He's simple and not overdone, exactly why I like him. I imagine him to be a smart person, possibly cynical or critical at times (haha), but he's very kind.

Thanks for reading. Thank you to all who reviewed, faved, and alerted.

- Do Jo