SEVENThe light which had been raised up to my face soon bounced to my feet. At this moment, I saw both men stagger backward in astonishment."Alpha Seven? What are you doing here!" Stuart exclaimed, pointing at me.Tyler was slack-jawed. His eyes were bulging out of the sockets as he regarded me. Soon after, he stuttered, "But... But we just saw you yesterday at the memorial. Why... Why did you... Why did...""No, you didn't see me yesterday, Tyler," I began, taking a step closer. "The person you saw yesterday and have been seeing for the past five years is an impostor.""What!" they exclaimed at the same time.I pointed at myself. "I mean, I am Seven Greywolf, the first son of Luka Greywolf and Dawn Holland. But the person you guys saw at the memorial of my father's passing yesterday was actually an impostor who has been passing off as me for the last five years."In shock, Stuart put his fist into his mouth. His eyes glistened with utter disbelief. I noticed that Tyler gripped his
SEVENA lot of talking was done for the next one hour. Both Stuart and Tyler were shaken up as I gave them further insight into all I had been through in the past few years. On several instances, the usually calm Stuart couldn't help cursing. It wasn't exactly pleasing to the ears, but I put up with it since it was directed at my greatest enemy.Tyler was silent for the most part. However, now, I knew that he no longer disbelieved me. It was almost as if he felt angry with himself for not noticing the discrepancy early enough."Guys, it's not your fault," I said, regarding Tyler. "No point beating yourself up for not noticing soon enough. Actually, I have to hand it to that thief. When he confronted me, it was as if I was staring at a freaking mirror. Since he could clone my face so well, I can only imagine how he cloned my mannerisms and deceived you all with it.""But still..." Stuart said with a regretful look.I waved my hand. "That is all in the past now. Very soon, I will get my
NORAThe fear in my son's voice drove the little bit of drowsiness I had been holding on to since I retired to bed for the night. As I wriggled my right arm which had fallen asleep, I said on the phone, "What's wrong, son?"Robert heaved loudly. "I was out partying when a text came in. I think it's Seven.""What did the text say?" I asked, sitting up. "Why does it worry you so?""Hello, brother. Having fun," Robert said. "That's what the text said."I breathed a sigh of relief. "And why does that worry you?""I think Seven is mad at me. Remember he usually complained about me partying too much. He stopped complaining years ago, but it seems he's about to resume that habit."I did a facepalm. "You are getting worked up over nothing, son. This text doesn't mean anything. Seven isn't mad at you. Maybe he was just trying to check on you. He's so uptight. Clubbing is not his thing.""I know. But it was as if he was present at the club and saw what I was doing. I could feel his ice-hard eye
NORAThe person on the other end let out a deep sigh before saying, "I am afraid the boss can't come to the phone now.""And why is that? Why do you even have his phone?" I asked, my voice impatient."He's currently having a nap. You know how it goes. The medication knocked him out again. I suggest you call him tomorrow morning.""I can't wait until then!" I snapped. "Look, doc. It's really urgent. Wake him up and put him on the phone!"Dr. Longman sighed again. "He's going to be mad at me if I wake him.""I don't care! Just do as I say! Wake him up and tell him I am on the phone. I have got to speak to him tonight."On the other end of the line, Dr. Longman grumbled. I heard him shuffle and stamp his feet for a long time. Then I heard him say in a fearful voice, "Boss, I am so sorry. But your... Your... She wants to speak to you.""Who?" Ratio gruffed in the background and then said, "Nora?""Yes, yes! I told her you were asleep, but she says It's pretty urgent.""Fine, hand it over.
NORAThe phone in my hand almost slipped away the second I heard that question. I quickly pressed the screen on my belly and feigned a smile. "Son, you are still awake? I thought you already went to bed. Is anything the matter? Would you like me to prepare something for you to help you sleep better?""Don't try to change the topic, Mom," Robert said seriously, walking into the bedroom. "Who was that you were talking to on the phone?"A pensive knot went up my throat. I swallowed hard and waved. "It's no one. Just a friend."Robert raised an eyebrow which had two lines in it. "Just a friend, huh? But I just heard you call this "friend" darling? Why is that?"The knot returned to my throat. This time, two sizes bigger than it was a minute ago. Avoiding his eyes, I shrugged. "And why is that a big deal? Us, girls call our friends sweet names, you know."From the corner of my eyes, I noticed that the frown on Robert's face only got deeper. He took two steps towards me. "Don't lie to me, M
WINTER "Munchkin, please eat your vegetables," I said, looking over at my daughter who was seated beside me at the table."Yuck!" Dawn tossed the tiny broccoli on the plate and then pouted. "I don't like it. It tastes like paracetamol!"I couldn't help laughing. "Come on, dearie. It will help me become stronger and healthier. You want to grow into a big girl like Mommy, don't you?"Dawn's eyes lit up. "Did you grow this big because you ate this?"She pointed at the boiled carrot on her plate. "And this too?""Yes, I ate a lot of vegetables. My mommy always cooked them for me when I was still as small as you. Because I didn't toss them around, they made me grow tall and beautiful.""I want to be tall and beautiful too!" Dawn squeaked.Smiling brightly, I patted her head gently. "Then eat your vegetables. If it tastes bitter, just close your eyes and continue chewing."Dawn took in a deep breath. Afterward, she dug her fork into the broccoli and then shut her eyes tightly. I watched a
WINTERDawn gave me a gummy smile. Between her tiny teeth were red particles that hadn't made it through her throat. She raised the glass and took big gulps.Half of her face was hidden behind the glass. However, I noticed the mischief in her eyes. She stopped gulping the juice. But held onto the glass to her mouth."Dawn?" I began, tilting my head when she averted her eyes. "You heard my question, didn't you? Who is Mr. Grey?"Dawn remained silent. Before I could say another word, I heard a chittering sound. It wasn't until I took a closer look at her that I noticed she was tapping her front teeth on the glass."Don't do that. You might hurt yourself." I took the glass from her and returned it to the table.Spinning around at about the same time I sat back down, Dawn reached out to the platter of cupcakes with her soiled little hand. I pulled her back quickly.When she turned to look at me again, her tiny red eyebrows were knitted towards each other. She licked her lips. "Can I have
SEVENA week had passed since my meeting with Stuart and Tyler. Both men had sworn their allegiance to me in my quest to return to where I belonged. While I gave them time to get busy with the plan, I exercised rigorously to make my legs better.And I was already seeing results.As of today, I could now stand and walk with only one crutch. I had gone to the hospital to take the stitches out two days ago. To say that the doctor was pleased to see my improvement was an understatement.The man couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear as he took out the stitches and massaged my legs. I thanked him profusely and promised to pay him for treating me and keeping it a secret.Sweat dripped down my chiseled abs as I got off my exercise mat and went to the fridge in a corner. Uncapping a fresh bottle of water, I gulped down its contents without stopping. I let out a loud grunt, tossing the empty bottle in the trash.I went to the table and picked up my phone. Dialing a number, I pinched the shutter