CATRIONA
The news Lauren gave me left me totally flabbergasted for a moment before I came back to life.
Lauren, as I told you earlier, I’m not in the mood to tolerate your bitterness.
I’m telling you the truth catriona. I know it’s hard for you to believe me because of our differences. But you have to. Her granddaughter and I know eachother. We went to the same school and I assure that I know her well enough to take you there if that would make you believe me. She said.
“Do you really think i can meet her?” I asked.
“If that’s what you want!
Of course Lauren, I do want to. I replied excitedly. Jayden gently pulled me aside. There is something I must talk to you about. He said.
“Bad news! I asked.
“Um… kind of.”
Can you save it for later? I asked him in full tilt. He tried to hold onto my hand but I swiftly avoided it.
Alright Lauren, lead the way. Her brows furrowed. Her expression got me thinking that maybe she was playing with my emotions.
Catriona, her house isn’t a three minute walk. We need a car. She deadpanned. I looked at both my mates and their cars. I don’t want either of them to come with me. I’m not ready and comfortable to embroil them in my intricated personal matters yet. The thought of them leaving me because of my background ails me so bad. I can’t let that happen now that they mean heaven to me.
I cleared my throat.
Can I talk to both of you? I asked both my men who nodded at the same time.
Out of earshot of Lauren, I stared up at them.
I need to borrow a car from one of you guys. And you two can go back to Vancouver. I will come back once I get what I came for.
“NO…!
They Snapped, startling me. I looked back at Lauren who was talking on the phone looking startled too. She raised her eyes at me.
“Everything okay? She asked.
When did she ever start caring about my wellbeing? I nodded at her.
I came all the way here to stop you from doing what you’re looking for. Jayden exclaimed. What reason do you give? I asked. Jayden, this is about life and death.
And that’s the exact reason I want to stop you. There is nothing you’re going to find. It’s just going to be a waste of time.
“I don’t know how you found out but of all people I expected you to understand me!
Catriona, we have to leave now. Camila has other plans. Lauren called out. Ah, sure. I will borrow Jayden’s car. I said as I scarpered away from their intense glances. I got the keys and handed them to Lauren. She had that disappointed look on her face when I told her we aren’t going with either of them.
I was too deep in thoughts of my confusing and complicated life when Lauren called my name softly. Now she’s scaring me on how she’s acting toward me.
This is not you. I’m not used to this kind of tender treatment from you Lauren. Are you plotting something that will afflict me in the end? I asked.
She silently held the steering wheel tighter… I don’t know where to start from catriona! She went silent again. I know I’ve always been a bitch to you and I don’t expect forgiveness from you even if I ask for it. Cut the shit Lauren. What are you up to? I asked. She cleared her throat. That handsome man you came with…! Is he really your boyfriend? She asked.
What, you didn’t believe in what he said? I asked. She went silent again. Okay, nevermind. What about the second one? God, they’re so hot. She squealed. Do you mind setting me up with one of them? She asked.
They’re both my mine lauren. I avowed.
She scornfully laughed.
That’s a pretty awesome joke.
Who’d believe a low life like you. Bullshit. She muttered.
I heard your incomprehensible bubbling Lauren. I just don’t give a damn fuck about people’s love and heeds anymore, predominantly for my mom’s family. The fact that they’re both in love with me and I with them, is what matters. Those gorgeous men are mine, Lauren. And mine alone. I brimmed as I said the words loudly and proudly, my mind reverted to where we were going.
What felt like forever we arrived at the house. The place was mind blowing compared to where it is located. My heart was beating very fast to my unconventional alternative beliefs. A girl my age-mate was already waiting outside interchanging smiles with Lauren. I was itching to ask Lauren if the girl she brought me to was the right person with the answers I wanted when an older woman and man emerged out of the shrubs holding hands. Lauren went straight to her friend and I followed behind.
You must be that girl my sister always talked about. The woman said already walking over to me. I stopped and turned to her.
I’m glad you’re here. I always wanted to talk to you but didn’t have access to reach you. You are Catriona, right? I nodded. Perfect. Let’s talk inside. She said and I followed her inside.
I’m sure you heard the news about my sister’s death. She said as she offered me a glass of water. Part of me wanted to turn her down and tell her to get to the major point I came for, but her warm hospitality was indeclinable. So I accepted it and gulped the glass dry.
My assumption tells me that you don’t remember me, and surely can’t. You were very tiny that time when my sister brought you to me for the very first time. But look at you now. You’ve grown up into a beautiful woman.
I chucked awkwardly.
First of all, I am sorry about your sister. I would’ve come earlier only if I knew she existed and was part of my life. But I didn’t, not until recently found out the truth that she was the one that took me from the streets and adopted me before handing me to my mom. And that’s the main reason I came all the way here to maybe ask her if she knew who my biological parents are. But… but too bad I’m not the luckiest girl on this planet.
You don’t have to be sorry dear. She was too old already and tired. It was her time.
It must’ve been hard for you to cope up with the news.
Yeah exactly. It’s been ailing me. I replied.
I’m so sorry to hear that. Apparently my sister didn’t know who your parents were. Neither do I. Before my sister gave you to your mom, she and I tried hard to look for your parents several times, until we both got the unforgettable day of our lives. Same day, same time. After failing from our mission of finding your mother, we came back home tired and snoozed off. We saw a very tall man enveloped in pure white. He thanked my sister for taking you in and then warned us to have a limit from knowing you. He thanked my sister again and warned us the second time to unpoke our heads into your business.
“Was that tall man the reason your sister gave me up to my mom?”
Precisely not. Whoever much, we were both very scared of that incident that I advised my sister to take you back on the streets. I saw her demented with worry but she stayed with you hard-headed.
Things started changing completely. What freaked my sister out the most was whoever pissed you faced formidable hurdles. Those who wished you death died. They got bitten by an invisible snake. Those who got bitten by that snake were the only ones who saw it.
The conflict between my sister and her husband became toxic to the scope of divorcing. The main point here is that you don’t have a family. You’re habitually extraordinary Catriona. That’s what my sister told me to tell you. You must’ve known by now by the repeatable incidents that happened around you.
So, long story short. I don’t have parents. I asked.
That’s what we think. She replied.
My advice to you girl is for you to move on with your life. Don’t think about anything and just focus on your life and the family you have now. That’s what your mom and my sister would like to tell you. I know it’s hard but you have to try. At least do it for your mom if you loved her. She sacrificed alot for you girl.
I hope I’ve been helpful?
Yes. Thank you. I replied.
Can I ask you one more question if you don’t mind? I asked.
“Of course.”
Is there a way that I can see that old man too? I have a feeling that he might be connected to my life in one way or the other. I stated.
It’s a possibility. But I don’t want to give you false hopes.
“I have a way, baby! Jayden’s soft voice affirmed.
We both reverted our eyes at the entrance where Jayden, Gabriel, Lauren and her friend stood looking blankly inscrutable.
“Did they hear everything?”