Fatal Alliances: Chapter 40
Not wasting another minute, Adrian went out the door. God, I hoped Finny was alright. I followed him to the drawing-room where Barney was. Vandermir stopped and turned towards me with a thoughtful look.
“Take care of her.” He told Barney.
With that, he walked out of the house and met Ricardo already outside. Take care of me? Wow, well that just screwed with what was left of my independence. Did he really just expect me to wait here until he gets back? I know Adrian by now, he wouldn’t be the type of guy that would call and keep me updated on what was happening. And if he was busy he would probably just ignore my call. Twenty minutes after they left, I went up to Barney with a desperate look.
“Barney, maybe we should go to the hospital.”
“What? But Adrian said-” He began with a protest.
“I know what he said, don’t worry, I’ll handle him.”
“No Julie, I can’t. You’re my responsibility now. I- I can’t just-“
“And I completely understand, but please. I want to meet Finny.”
“But-“
“Please. You don’t understand, Finny was the only person that treated me like his own when I got involved in this madness. He stood by me and took care of me even though I’ve been bratty and ungrateful. He never judged me, Barney. He’s like a brother to me. Don’t you think it’s only humane for me to meet him?” I pleaded, “And isn’t he your friend, too? Don’t you have some kind of duty towards him?”
Somehow, I was able to convince him into taking me to the hospital. Even though I knew the poor guy was probably terrified of being scolded by Adrian, I assured him that I would handle it. I hope I know how to. And besides, Adrian told Barney to take care of me. He didn’t say where he had to do it. That was a loophole, right? Upon arriving at the hospital, I hurriedly rushed to the receptionist desk to inquire about where Finny would be. Barney on the other hand was still outside trying to keep up. Gosh, that guy was slow. Or probably I was just a little too fast? Quickly taking the room number, I headed to the room. Adrian sat at the chair next to Finny who was lying on the bed asleep. Vandermir surprisingly sounded pained and mournful as he spoke to the sleeping Finneas.
“Don’t be such an idiot, next time kid,” Adrian said softly, “You promised we’d be with each other till the end. Family, remember? We have each other.”
Wow, that was a side of Adrian I never thought I’d see. He almost seemed as if he cared. Right now I wasn’t going to just barge in. I knew it would probably make him mad that I heard what he just said. Taking a deep breath, I waited until a few seconds passed and knocked on the door lightly. Walking in, Vandermir’s expression was exactly as I pictured it would be. Annoyed, annoyed at the fact that I somehow convinced Barney into bringing me here.
“You somehow always tend to get your way, Greene.” He sighed as I sat at the chair opposite him on the other side of the bed.
Finny looked so calm, so peaceful at the moment it was hard to even tell that he was in any sort of accident. “How is he?” I asked in concern.
“Nothing serious, he just needs rest.”
“Ohh,” I smiled feeling a bit relieved. Silence drew over us yet my mind was racing with questions. I really wanted to find out about Adrian’s relationship with Finny. I knew there was more than what he told me. But at the same time, I didn’t want to sound pushy. Taking a chance, I dared myself to ask Vandermir, “So, how long did you know Finny?”
“Didn’t I tell you this already?”
“You told me he was like a brother to you, but what I don’t understand is that you treat Donnie and Ricardo like your brothers, but somehow you treat Finneas slightly different. You care for him a bit more, is it because he’s younger than you and the others?”
“You think too much, Miss Greene,” Adrian stated with a soft laugh.
“I’m just curious.”
“Have you ever given it a thought that your curiosity keeps putting you in danger?” He asked, leaning back casually on his chair and checking his phone.
“What’s so dangerous about asking you a question? I mean, finding out about you isn’t going to kill me, is it?” I teased.
“No, but getting involved with me might.”
“I’m already involved with you Adrian, whether I like it or not.”
“And do you?” He asked wickedly arching an eyebrow with a soft smirk playing at the edge of his lips.
“You know, I asked you a question about Finny.” I stated trying to change the topic, “You said he’s like your brother but-“
“He is my brother.”
“What?”
“When my parents died, his family took me in. We’re non-biological, but legally brothers.”
“But what about Ricardo’s family, why didn’t they-“
“My family was very close with Finny’s and everyone agreed it was in my best interest to stay with Finny’s family.”
“Oh,” I replied.
“Have you contented yourself now?”
“Very much.” I graciously smiled.
So that’s what Finny was so afraid of telling me? Wow, that was odd. Suddenly, he shifted himself on the bed turning his head as if he was having a nightmare.
“Finny?” I panicked as I held his hand, “Adrian, what’s wrong with him?”
He was muttering something, softly and so very quickly, ‘I saw her. She’s alive. Melissa’s alive. I – I she- I saw…’ And just like that he slipped back into a peaceful sleep.
“It must’ve been the medication they gave him,” Adrian stated looking a bit stunned by Finny’s words.
“Melissa?” I asked, “Who’s that?”
“She’s no one.”
“But-“
“Just forget it, Greene, she’s dead. Finny must’ve been heavy on the meds, or having a nightmare.”
“But Adrian-“
“Damn it! Why are you so persistent?” He raised his voice.
Why was he so rude to me? He didn’t have to speak to me like that. I heard him give a sigh as I turned away from him.
“She’s his sister.” He suddenly stated as his phone then began to ring.
Taking the call and walking to the side of the room, I felt a bit dazed. Did he just say Finny’s sister? He said she was dead but, I saw her. She was alive. She was in the Floris hotel that day, I saw her walk past me. Oh my God, what was happening? I thought they probably knew she was alive, I had no idea they thought she was dead. When I saw her, I thought back on how Finny had told me he lost her. I assumed that he probably lost her, as in she ran away, I didn’t think they thought she was dead. There was a knock on the door, Barney suddenly entered as Vandermir went out of the room on his phone.
“You should be in the Olympics.” Barney sighed while dusting sand off his clothes, “You run too fast and you had no idea what I went through on the way here.”
Sitting on the chair where Adrian sat, he took out a pack of jellybeans and began eating, “Want some?” He offered.
“No thank you.” I smiled, trying to figure out all the possible ways of what could have happened with Finny’s sister that would cause everyone to think she’s dead. Nothing made sense anymore.
I had to tell Adrian about this. Would he even believe me though? No, of course, he would. Why wouldn’t he? Although, I would have to tell him I saw the album in his room at the hotel. But didn’t he already know that? Somehow, I had a feeling that he did. Or maybe I could be wrong? Maybe I could be mistaken about the girl I saw at the Floris hotel. I mean, it could be possible that the girl I saw probably had a strong resemblance to Finny’s sister. That was possible, wasn’t it? It didn’t have to be his sister. But why would Finny just say that he saw her alive? No, I couldn’t be mistaken then. It probably really was his sister.
Rubbing my eyelids, I tried to push away all those thoughts. I’ll wait for Adrian to come back and then tell him about it. He’ll have to believe me. At least try to. I looked at the door to see if he was anywhere near outside when I suddenly saw someone staring into the small window on the door.
A girl. Oh my God. Finny’s sister? Just in that minute, she left. No, no I was probably imagining things. That’s couldn’t be real. It was probably just in my head. God, I was losing it. But what if I wasn’t? Shooting up from my seat, I ran out the door only to catch a glimpse of a girl running around the corner. No, it wasn’t in my head.
“Wait!” I yelled going after her and dodging the individuals in my way.
Struggling to catch up with her through a swarm of people at the front entrance, I looked around the car park outside, only to see her going into a car with a man at the driver’s seat. And as swift and smooth as that, they drove off. What the heck was that about? One thing for sure is that Finny’s sister is alive. And I didn’t need anyone else to tell me that. I needed to speak with Vandermir now. Turning around, I accidentally bumped into a man, causing him to spill his drink.
“Oh gosh, I’m sorry.” I apologized.
“It’s alright, dear.” The man smiled and picked the cup back up to throw it in the bin.
Something about that man seemed to stand out, he was odd. Probably the manner in which he walked, it was smooth and natural. Maybe it was because of his fine attire. Or maybe it was because of the fact that he seemed like an aged man, yet not that old. Still, he kept himself in such a graceful manner I was a bit impressed. His crisp dark suit and neatly combed dirty blonde hair seemed so very unique and suited only for him.
“I’m so clumsy, let me buy you another drink.” I offered, feeling very guilty about what I did.
“No need, I’m quite satisfied now. Very delighted I’ve met you.” He said gazing down upon me as if he was reading into my soul.
“Huh?”
“You helped me cut down on that cup of caffeine miss, the least I could do is thank you.”
“Oh.”
“Addiction is such a terrible thing, don’t you agree?”
“Well, I guess it isn’t healthy.” I nervously replied.
The man gave me a smile but for some reason, his deep blue eyes seemed to stand out a bit more. “I should leave, do take care of yourself, dear.” He finished and walked off.
Something about that man just seemed so odd.
No, stop getting distracted, Greene. Just get to Adrian.
Collecting my scattered thoughts, I took a deep breath and entered back the hospital where I saw Vandermir walking back into Finny’s room.
“Adrian!” I called rushing up to him, nearly skidding on the floor but he managed to keep me up.
“Stop running as if you’re a child.”
“We have to talk.”
“How many times do you want to do that?” He asked, creasing his eyebrows in irritation.
Gosh, I hated his mood swings.
“It’s about Finny’s sister.” I began.
“Damn it, Greene, didn’t we talk about this already?”
“I know but you have to listen to me. Finny was telling the truth, she’s alive.”
“Are you insane?” Adrian harshly asked me, “This isn’t a joke.”
“I know it isn’t, Adrian! I’m not lying to you. You have to believe me!”
“Calm down, you’re creating a scene.” He said as he pulled me to the side with him.
“I saw her. She was here, but she left. I couldn’t get to her.”
His smoldering grey eyes hooked onto mine violently with a warning. He still thought I was making up a story?
“Why would I lie to you, Adrian?” I asked almost in a whisper, “Is it so hard to believe me?”
For some reason, it hurt that he didn’t believe me. I wasn’t lying to him, what would I get by doing that anyway? Didn’t he trust me? My voice broke when I spoke to him, “You don’t trust me because I’m Rocillie’s daughter?”
“No, Juliet.” He replied with a sigh, almost a bit regretful, “It’s not that.”
“Then why are you acting this way towards me? You’ve never been like this before.”
“You’re misunderstanding me.”
“Am I?” I asked in disbelief.
“Yes, you are. And it’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just that when you tell me that a person I thought was dead all these years is now alive, it’s a bit of a shock to me.” He stated.
It was strange to hear Adrian admit being caught off guard, but maybe he’s right. I mean, I would react the same way if I was in his position. No, scratch that. I wouldn’t, regarding the whole Michael Bronte being dead and was still alive situation. But that was just me. Vandermir was a bit hesitant when I told him what happened, but nevertheless, he never made me feel like a lunatic who was lying to him. I’d have expected him to talk more about it, but instead, he just told me to ‘brush it off’. What the heck was that about? Did he really expect me to just forget that and pretend that nothing just happened? Is that how he gets through life? By ‘brushing it off’? Hell, he was insane.
I almost forgot that Finny’s sister was the one I saw in the picture holding hands with Adrian. Maybe she was his girlfriend? She had to be, the way she looked at him. Oh God, I felt so uneasy at the moment. I somehow felt a tiny sting inside me thinking about her, it ached through my body, and at the pit of my stomach I felt sick. No, I shouldn’t feel like that. I should be happy for him, shouldn’t I? I mean, maybe she was the only one that would break down the walls Adrian built around him, someone that would love him and someone whom he would love. Shouldn’t I be glad to hear that? I had nothing to do with the man, even though he did kiss me- twice. The first time was just to spite me and the second, maybe he was drunk? I mean, he was drinking wasn’t he?
No, just forget him, Julie. Don’t get so attached to Adrian, you’ll only get hurt. You’ll only hurt yourself. You don’t want that pain. That’s why you avoided being with anyone all these years, to avoid the pain.
I slept in the couch inside the room where Finny was for the entire night since Adrian had no intention of going home until Finny woke up. And Ricardo and Barney weren’t going anywhere either, so it just left me with no options as well. Besides, if I even had a choice of going back to the house to stay alone, then I’d rather not. As beautiful as it may have been, I was terrified of being left alone and now that I knew about Adrian’s father’s torture room, I was absolutely fine just staying at the hospital. As I woke up, I went to Finny’s side to see him now opening his eyes.
“Hi, Julie.” He breathed in a pained, raspy voice.
I had no words to express how I felt at the moment. “Hi, Finny.” I smiled brushing his hair out of his face, “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” He sighed as he tried to sit himself up.
“What are you doing? Aren’t you hurt?” I panicked.
“I’m fine, really.”
“But-“
“You worry too much.” He said with a soft laugh.
I missed his laugh, his cheery and kind-hearted personality. This boy sitting in front of me was just such a wonderful person. I almost wished everyone could be like him. Maybe then the world would be a much more peaceful place. Convincing him to have something to eat and drink, I went out of the room to find the others. Where were they anyway? Turning another corner, I saw Ricardo, Adrian, and Barney with a strange-looking man. I probably shouldn’t have intruded in their conversation, but when the man looked at me and started approaching, it was hard not to turn around and leave.
“I hope you all do attend.” The man stated as I quietly stood next to Vandermir, “You wouldn’t want what happened to Mr. Harrison to happen to someone else you care about.”
What? What was going on? Was this man threatening us? Just like that, he walked away as Ricardo closed the card he had in his hand.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“An invitation,” Barney stated.
“To what?”
Adrian rummaged his hand through his hair, almost in frustration, “A dinner party at Rocillie’s place tonight.”
“What?”
“We’ll have to attend, Adrian,” Ricardo said to him, “The matter’s slipping out of our control. We don’t have a choice.”
As I would have imagined, those words didn’t sit too nicely with Vandermir. His eyes were fiery in madness and his hair tousled. This was absolutely not a moment to piss him off unless you wanted a death wish. Everything about him right now spelt ‘run away’ with his tightened jawline, clenched fist, creased eyebrows, and serious frown. Things were definitely not going his way and that aggravated him. A lot.
“There you are!” Finny’s voice suddenly echoed from behind.
“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be resting.” Ricardo stated
“Gosh, you guys are so motherly.” He laughed as he limped towards us, “I think I should walk a bit, I don’t like lying like a log all the time. So, what’d I miss?”
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