''You have my word''.
John watched as Old Mr Walters received the bill and took out a wad of one hundred dollar bills to pay for their dinner. John took out his wallet, He took out the three crisp hundred dollar bills and added it to Patricks generous amount.
''No son, dinner was on me. It is only appropriate since I had invited you here'', Patrick spoke in a gentle tone. He genuinely meant well.
''It is only respectful for me to contribute, sir'', John replied coolly,''It can add to the tip for the splendid service received by he waitor tonight''.
Patrick smiled and nodded slightly. He was mosed impressed by John's ethical manor, he was born to be a leader. He knew it from the day he was born. He knew it as he watched him grow up secretly. He di not expect to gain his son-in law so soon, but it was in deed a blessing in disguise.
John smiled at the old man in front of him,he was baffled by the gaze he received from his wrinkled eyes. It was if he
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*The knock was loud in quiet night. It was only eight in the afternoon but John knew that everyone would be gone to bed. The rules had always been lights out at 7h30pm sharp. He also knew that the head mistress would be gone for the day, leaving only the night nanny and janitor who lives in the orphanage. He stood out side patiently waiting for and answer but it was still silent. He picked up the door knocker once more and was about to release it when the door abruptly jerked open. He was greeted by the always smiling Janitor. His face was wrinkled and worn out with age. He was in his mid forties when John was sent to the orphanage,now being in his late sixties almost seventies he was still so warm and humble as before. He was reluctant to let john enter but after a brief moment he opened the door slightly allowing John to squeeze himself in.He watched John with his failing eyesight as John entered in. Closing the door behing John he motioned hi
''Mr Paul, please do not worry about all that, lets just cut this deal. It will be our secret. No one even needs to know I was here''. John said the words slowly letting it sink into the old mans head. He needed that information. He needed to know his past in order to find himself. He watched the old mans face it was unchanged. He could feel that there was something that was holding him back from accepting this deal, all he could do now was hope that this little old man will take the deal. After moments of silence Mr Paul spoke,'' I accept your deal''. Although he accepted the deal, John could still sense the reluctance in his voice. John pulled out his phone and messaged Alex. Arrangements for the transfer was made within minutes. The old mans phone rang and he answered immediately looking at the number on the screen. It was the state care facility. After a brief conversation his lips curled in a smile. His sadness looked like they we
John stared at the pages in front of him. The letter still in hand. He could not believe his eyes. What was really going on here. Is this the reason , Mr Paul was so reluctant? But why? What else is there to know?This information was just straight forward, except the part of letting him out on the street. That was just cold.I have been watched all my life. In secret.I have been shown the cold shoulder on purpose. I was rejected on purpose. Although the truth hurt , it was benificial to him in many ways. All these years he felt broken and alone, was a purpose act for him to gain his independance. Why would they want to hide this from him?John gathered the papers and put the into the folder again.He got up off the floor slowly. His legs were now numb and cold. He jiggled and kicked his legs out a few times to wake it up, trying to be as silent as possible. He looked at the folder onve more before tucking it back into the cabinet. He had read all its contents to the ful
''TEMPORARY STAY''John looked at the words . It triggered his curiousity. He started to read the document.''Alexander Cane Jenkins''''Age 8''''Parents- Mr and Mrs Jenkins of 21 Wallaby close''.''Temporary stay as arranged with Mr and Mrs Smith''.''Mission-befriend John Smith. Create bond of friendship and offer comfort''.''Will be removed once John has adapted, upon instruction from Mr and Mrs Smith''.''Alexander Cane Jenkins, not to be in the system for adoption''.John's eyes were wide as saucers. He just could not believe his eyes. His only best friend was a set up. His only best friend is his personal assistant.He closed the folder between his hands and an envelope fell down between his legs. He leaned over and picked it up.''Omg,someone has been digging through files'', John could here Mrs June panic.''It was about time, June'', Mr Paul put his hand on her shoulder,''You can com
'John, It is time for you to know''These words were like music to his ears. He left the letter on the table and looked into their eyes. There were no more fear, just shame and regret.It was already 2h30 pm. John was now looking at the big grandfather clock at the corner of the room. He knew he didn't have much time. AHe needed to know.''Lets cut to the chase. Time is running out'', John spoke impatiently.They looked at each other and then John.''Son, I want to start by saying sorry. Sorry on behalf of your parents. They did what they did to protect you. We all were just looking out for your best interest. You were the billion dollar baby'', Mr Paul spoke with a distant look in his eyes as if remembering a far off memory.Mrs June touched his hand in reassurance that he was doing the right thing.He continued,'' It all started before you were born. There was a a rift between your father and his brother. Your grandmothe
'This is not all John''John stared in disbelief.Mrs June continued,giving Mr Paul a break.''Mrs Jenkins sent her son Alex to befriend you. You two were inseperable. You needed a friend and so your mother had reached out to her friend , Alex mother, Sarah. They were highschool best friends. They were inseparable just like how you and Alex were. When Alex found out about the whole saga, he made it his mission to help you secretly. He wanted you guys to bond naturally before he told you. You were like a brother to him. And the bond you two shared was that of love and togetherness. He was sad the day he had to go but he vowed to always be there dor you. When he turned eighteen he was let in on the secrets. We all were sworn to secrecy by your parents.We all had to let you lead a normal life, so that we don't raise red flags for Sky''.''Everything is secrecy'', John said rolling his eyes. This really was too much to digest.Soon
''Alex fill us in''.Alex pulled out his ipad and plopped it on the desk briefing everyone on the situation.'' Sky has Mr and Mrs Smith captive. We have cloned her phone. It goes off 2 hours into the drive to wherever she has them captive. The location that it stpps is always the same. The bridge at the harbour. I am guessing they are at sea. She has taken John's wife as well. They are probably holding all three captive at the same location, but we are unsure''.''John's in-laws are tyrants. His father -in-law needs a tight slap and a beating. He left John out on the freeway a week ago. Refuses to even give money for a ransom that does not exist''.''INformation in detail on this ransom issue?'', Head mistress April asked.''We have dealt with it. It was nothing, we found the goons and have them locked away for questioning. They refuse to budge, so we are still working on that matter''.''But don't worry they will crack soon''''The
John woke up the next morning thinking about last nights events replaying it in his head.****LAST NIGHTS EVENTS****I went to the orphanage?Mr Paul looked at John , a distant gaze in his deep sea green eyes as he picked at his pocket taking out a cigarette. John watched him light the cigarette with his shaky hands, drawing in a big pull before blowing out rings of smoke. It was a habit John knew he had for many years. It was roumored to have started after his wife died ten years ago.John did not know what to say or where to start, he opened his mouth to speak but could not find the words. Staring at the man in front of him he decided to let him speak first.''John'',his voice was hoarse but with an edge of warmth,''how have you been my boy?''.John smiled,''I have been well uncle Paul,how have you been?''.''I am well. Can't really complain. I am not getting any younger and the normal aches and pains have been as normal as a ever f
One year later.Patrick Walters had left this world. Adrianna and John had stuck to their word and did not divulge his secret. And in return Patrick Walters had stuck to his.He eventually broke the news to them a week before he could pass away.He had traveled the world with Felicia. He finally took the holiday. He finally spent timw with his wife. He did all the things he wanted to before he closed his eyes. Everyone was heart broken but they now knew that he was safe in the arms of the lord. He had one last and final request and they had honored it.He asked to be buried next to Annie. He knew he could not make amends in this lifetime. But he maybe after death he could.
The lights in the hall went out and everyone gasped. As a blue spot light shone on Adrianna only.The bright light now caught her by surprise. She was startled but held her composure.Although......She felt nervous standing all alone, she looked down and John was no longer in his wheelchair. Alex had also disappeared.She felt scared, her breathing was now frantic and her heart was pounding.Her mind was racing, all the thoughts of losing John flooded her imagination, her hands trembled.She felt she was going to have a nervous breakdown when a song started to play.She was taken out of her frantic mind torture. The song started to soothe her. It was a s
Alex, John and Adrianna now entered the art gallery in the museum. It was huge. Paintings were hung all over the walls. Adrianna absorbed its beauty. Taking it all in. She reached a sunset painting on the wall and froze.She could not help but stare at the name engraved in the bottom right corner.ANNIE WALTERS.Adrianna looked at John mouthing the words thank you. As a tear slipped from her eye she gently dabbed her cheek.This was something to be happyabout. Her mothers painting was in one of the worlds famous museums.She walked around a bit more until the MC took the stage and welcomed them.Adrianna walked to the front of the room where a high table was set up.She did not know what was going on, but she stood listenin
John and Alex arrived at the museum. It was just before 5pm. They place was full of people. He could already see Sierra enjoying the spotlight before she entered. John's parents where already at the venue. They had called to let him know.John looked at the reporters, every journalist is New York was here. He smiled. Today they would get a good story.He lookes at the spotlights highlighting the old museum. It made it look like it was an ancient relic. He knew Adrianna would love it. He loves it. "Alex, thank you. Everything is to the tea. It is better than I imaginedit"." If you think this is fly, wait till you see the inside", Alex chuckled.Alex got of the limousine and waited for the chauffeur to bring John's wheel chair, " do you really have to use this? I mean can't you just walk? You can say u miraculously recovered!!!".
Patrick adorned himself in the finest suit. Black with navy trimmings, a navy tie and a white shirt. He looked handsome for his age. For a dying man he looked happy and healthy. He smiled at himself in the mirror. Felicia was brushing his thinning hair. Today he knew that he would sign over his company to Adrianna. He knew that she was the most suited. She had earned it. Felicia had worn a navy blue dress. It was long sleeved and draped the floor as she walked. Her hair was curled and pinned to one side. And around her neck she wore her wedding jewelry set. A bright blue gem set onto a white gold choker. " You look ravishing my darling", Patrick said as he turned around to look at her. He hated lying to her about his illness but he didn't want anyone's pity. He knew he had just few weeks and after tod
Adrianna reached home after her spa treatment and hair appointment.Her skin glowed like a new born baby. It was soft and supple. Her hair had been put up loosely with curls. A few tendrils of hair fell lightly on her face,framing it. She looked gorgeous. Her make up was done plain but simple.Her eyes had a gold evening glow eye shadow with a hint of glitter.Her rosy red cheeks were powdered and blended. And her lips had a blood red lipstick which brought out her beautiful features.She looked at her nails, they were french tipped with red roses on them.She sat on her bed and applied rose scented lotion on her body. Adrianna changed into the lacey undergarments. They were a white lacey bra with neted tassels and a matching thong. She put on her ba
The doorbell rang and Adrianna answered it,it was the delivery guy. He had a big box and a boquet of roses and a card, all for her. Adrianna signed and took it excitedly, she knew it could only be from John. She opened the card. It was an invitation for a ball in honour o her. She took the box to the room and opened it. Inside was a white silk gown with red roses on the one sleeve, it was gorgeous, Adrianna held it against her and twirled. Her husband had great taste indeed. It had matching glass slippers and matching under garments. Adrianna's face flushed with embarrasment. She picked up the phone and called John,''Thank you, I simply love it''. John smiled to himself at her response, ''You are most welcome''. There was silence before they bid each other good bye. This ball was at 5pm. Adrianna looked the time , it was 10am. She needed to get to a salon and have her hair and make up professionally done. She wa
Two weeks were up and Lady Francesca and Andrew had returned. They arrived at the Walters mansion like a newly wed couple. ''Good morning Father, Good morning mother'', They greeted as they walked through the door. Patrick stood in shock,they were different. They had learned manners. Adrianna was there to welcome them.They hugged her tightly thanking her. Adrianna smiled, they had really changed. Jefferson and Sierra had also arrived and Andrew and his wife embraced them in warm hugs. They all thanked Adrianna. ''The person you need to thank is John. He had done all this to bring us all together as one big happy family'', Adrianna said. ''Let us all surprise him with a visit'', Sierra said. They all agreed and left to the hospital. As they all went into John's room they brought him gifts and were roudy. John looked at them confused. He wondered why they had all come. They dropped gift
Adrianna knew that that this week was going to be the toughest for some of her family members. Jefferson was gone to rehab, Sierra started acting again and Bradley was at work. Lady Francesca and Andrew had gone off to their couples retreat, leaving Michael at the Walters Mansion. Adrianna decided that she would start spending more time with her grandfather. She went to the kitchen and cut fruit slices. She walked out into the garden where she found Patrick sitting on the bench. Adrianna sat down next to him and offered hima fruit slice. Taking a slice of apple he started to talk,'' I don't know why I just could not accept her. She was so innocent and so pure. Humble and kind. Everything we were not,everything my children were not. Everything I had taught them were wrong. I don't know why I denied her space in the family burial plot''. At that moment Adrianna knew he was talking aboy her mother. ''I deeply regret everything,her