It's been a week since the meeting with Jason and my Dad, and tonight we're having the dreaded family dinner. I get dressed in very similar clothing to what I wore to the meeting, and stop by Damon's to let him know that I'm leaving. He tells me to call him if there are any issues. I assure him that I will, and make my way down to my bullet proof car. (Damon took the news of who I was really well, and thankfully understood my decision not to tell anyone 100%. However, he's a big believer in the power of a family, and asked me to allow my family to at least be a part of my life. Though true to his character he said that I was in total control, and he would back me no matter what I decided.)
I pull into my Dad's already crowded driveway, but before I get out of my vehicle I make a quick phone call. "Is everything ready?" I ask the guy on the other end of the phone. He responds yes.
"Good give me one hour then I want you go make your move. Understood?"
"Yes. " "Good text me from the burner phone you just answered when the job's done, and then ditch it. "
"Understood" With his final word I hang up the phone, and make my way inside.
No one notices me as I step inside. They're all too busy questioning my Dad about why they're all there. It gives me a chance to survey the room. Along with my Dad and Jason there's a crowded room there. There's my Mom, Julian, Molly, Carly, Joss, Avery, Dante, Lulu, Michael, Sam, Lucas and Brad.
"Why did you insist we all come here Sonny?" I hear my Mom say in an annoyed tone. God she hasn't changed one bit. I resist the urge to roll my eyes, and decide to end the questions. "Because of me Mom. "I say in a clipped tone, as everyone relocates their focus onto me. Everyone looks shocked, hurt, but happy all at the same time. The room is dead quiet as people stare at me. After a few moments my phone begins to ring bellyaching the silence. Without even glancing at the phone I answer it in front of all. "Speak. " I say with a cold demanding voice. The second I hear the voice on the other end it immediately softens. It's Ethan who I reconnected with about a year ago. Except he pursued me for a change, and we've been together for over 6 months now. "I just got to Port Charles love, and I used the key you gave me to get in your... our apartment. Where are you?" A smile slips when he corrected his words to our apartment. Since he had just agreed to move back to Port Charles and move in with me a few days ago. "I'm at my Dad's, but Damon is across the hall. Keep him company until I get back."
"Can do. I love you. "
"Love you too. "I respond and hang up the phone, and return to a very brief silence. "Kristina?" My Mom says. Her eyes filled with tears. "Yeah, " I say with no emotions behind my words. "The one and only." For the next half an hour I answer question after question in the same cold clipped manner. Answers of course with obvious modifications to elude any criminal activity. "Can we eat now?" I ask my Dad after what felt like the hundredth question. "Of course. " He says, and gestures for everyone to go to the dining room, and take a seat at the table.
3 My Dad is saying grace as I get the text message I've been waiting for. For the first time that evening I start small talk with someone effectively attracting everyone's attention.
"Brad how have you been?" He chokes on his drink of water and responds. "I've been good? "He says almost questioning himself.
"And Wiley?"
"Also good. " I leave the room silent for a moment, and then I speak. "Do you remember Nelle?" I ask casually as I take a drink. "O- of course." He says nervously. "Did you know that she managed to break out of the metal facility she was sent to a couple of months ago?" "Yeah everyone knows that." Michael says. I keep my focus on Brad.
"Interestingly enough she tried to seek help from an associate of mine... who sent her to me. " "You know where she is?" Michael asks, but again I stay focused on Brad. "Did you know that she was willing to exchange anything she could for me to forget that I saw her.
"You let her walk away?" Michael asks frustrated at this point, but again I stay focused on Brad. "Did you know that I have a contact in the child services department, and a social worker and police officer just confiscated Wiley from Bobbie's custody." Brad Stays really quiet, and it's Lucas that asks the angered question while everyone else watches in confusion. "Why would they do that?" Lucas asks frustration oozing from his voice. "Because Wiley's really Jonah... isn't that right Brad. "I say in a deadly tone not a questioning one. His tears are the only confirmation everyone needs.
"My son's still alive?" Michael asks, and I finally acknowledge him. "Yeah Nelle ran into Brad right after Wiley died, and decided that she had one last way to punish you. " He jumps up from the table, bends down to hug me, and says "I have to get to my son. " Then practically sprints to his car. While everyone else continues to stare at me. I take one last drink, and rise from my seat. I walk over to my Dad who stands as well. "I should get going. " I tell him. He nods in understanding, and gives me a hug goodbye. Before pulling away he whispers in my ear "Thank you for being a good sister." I shrug and reply,
"Just because I wasn't here for him doesn't mean I wasn't here for him. " With that I pull away, exit the house, and make my way back to my car. Without even a goodbye to anyone else.