chapter 28
A/N: Happy weekend, guys! If you want an update on Monday, just drop 100 comments. Enjoy:)
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CHRISTINE's POV
We were on our way to the company that morning when I thought of dropping by at the Mexican food truck. I suddenly wanted to eat some burritos again but at the same time, I wanted to check if the kid came today.
Jace went to New York once again so Viper was with me.
"It's already 8:30 am. I was expecting to see the kid here since you promised to buy him some food the other day, but he never came back. I guess that kid was only fooling around that time that's why he did that." Viper commented and then cluck his tongue.
"I don't think so." His eyebrows creased and then looked at me.
"Really? How did you know?"
"I just feel it. I can tell if someone is just messing around, especially when it's a kid." I answered certainly.
"Well, I don't really have that much experience with kids so I can't tell the difference." He chuckled and then raked his fingers through his hair. I couldn't help but smile. These past few days that Viper had been guarding me, I could tell that he's a nice guy.
He's not the talkative type of a person but I feel comfortable around him for some reason. Yes, he looked like a rough guy and kinda intimidating but I knew that he has a soft heart.
"Wait for me here. I'll just buy some burritos and then we'll go." I instructed. He nodded his head.
"Okay, Mrs. Montejo. I guess, you really love burritos, huh? We've been coming here everyday." I could sense the amusement in his voice.
"Well, it never was my favorite before. I just suddenly realized that it's actually delicious." I answered and that made him chuckle. I then walked toward the food truck while Viper remained a couple of meters away from me.
I mentally shook my head in amusement because his eyes were focused on me as he looked around from time to time. Now I understood why Jace entrusted me to him.
While I was waiting for them to prepare my order, I couldn't help but to feel disappointed but worried at the same time while looking around me. The kid didn't come either today.
"Here's your order, Miss." I was pulled out of my reverie when I heard the voice of the vendor. I smiled and then took my order from him.
"Thank you." I was about to go back to the car when I noticed something. I heard some whispering on the left side of the food truck. My forehead crinkled. Someone was hiding there. I slowly approached it just to be surprised when I saw two kids, hiding at the side of the food truck while whispering to each other.
The older boy was the one I saw before but he wasn't alone this time. He was with a smaller boy. I gasped as my heart thumped faster when those electric blue eyes met my gaze. For some reason, my eyes got glued on the little boy who was staring back at me with his little eyebrows knitted together.
For some reason, I felt like the time stopped and everything went silent around us.
"She's the one I told you before, Neo." The older boy told him but the younger boy looked unconvinced as he threw me a suspicious glance. He was the youngest boy among the kids on the picture that I saw the other day and I couldn't be wrong about that.
He was cute on his picture, but he was cuter in person. Even though he didn't even smile, that didn't mar his cuteness.
I decided to speak. "Hello. I'm glad you came today. What happened to you these past few days? Why didn't you come back here?" I asked the older boy softly. He looked at the younger boy once again before answering.
"B-Because I couldn't go out."
"Really? Why?" Both of them looked at each other again meaningfully, as if their eyes were talking to each other.
"Because our parents didn't allow me to go out." His voice was almost inaudible as if he was uncomfortable of the topic. I looked at the younger boy again. I couldn't understand what I was feeling while staring at him.
An invisible force was drawing me closer to him. My heart was overwhelmed with unknown emotion. My eyes watered as if I couldn't control my feelings.
I cleared my throat and then tried my best not to be emotional in front of them. Maybe I was feeling this way because I feel sorry for them. I carefully observed them from head to toe, looking for any indication that they're being mistreated or something.
Their clothes were both old and baggy. The hem of the shirt of the older boy was even beginning to get tattered. I couldn't understand why they looked orphan and have been through a lot when they're living in such a big house.
"So, your parents finally allowed you to come here today?" I asked.
"Why do you keep on asking questions?" I was surprised when the younger boy suddenly spoke. He still had that suspicious look on his face while staring at me. I could tell that he doesn't trust me.
"Neo! Don't talk to her like that! She's the one who gave me the food the other day. She's a nice person." The older boy rebuked before he looked at me.
"I'm sorry, Miss. He doesn't trust strangers easily that's why he talks like that." That made me smile. The younger boy looked like he was around 4 years old, but he talks matured already. The type that doesn't fall into deception easily.
"That's good. Don't just trust strangers nor even talk to one because it's dangerous. Anyway, what are your names?"
"But you're a stranger, right?" The younger boy said which made me smile. I was about to answer him when the older boy interrupted me.
"I am Cade, Miss." He said but the younger boy remained quiet.
"Hey, she's asking your name." Cade whispered to his brother.
"Why would I tell her my name? We shouldn't be talking to her, right?" He whispered back.
"I told you, that she gave me food the other day, right? Don't worry because she's a nice person." The younger boy stared at me as if he was trying to see if I was indeed a nice person.
I couldn't help but to stare at him too. He really felt and looked familiar to me. Staring at him was making my heart beat weirdly. His cheeks were reddish as if he just finished running and he looked so cute. I noticed that they're both sweating as well.
Suddenly, I had the urge to touch him. I couldn't hold back myself. I was so drawn to him and it felt weird.
"My name is Neo. And you are?" Instead of answering, my hand raised as if it has a life of its own and touched Neo's cheek. The kid's forehead wrinkled as he took a step backwards. That pulled me back to reality. I pulled back my hand and then forced a smile.
He looked uncomfortable with my touch. He really doesn't trust me at all. I couldn't help but to wonder what happened to him that he seemed like he doesn't trust people easily. At such a young age, he's already elusive.
"My name is Christine Montejo. It's nice meeting you, Cade and Neo." I then released a breath. "Anyway, do you want something to eat? It's my treat." I then offered. Both of the boys' face brightened up upon hearing that. They nodded their heads vigorously.
I could see the excitement on their faces, especially Neo but he was trying his best to hide it. His face softened and he looked so adorable. Those tantalizing eyes of his seemed to be sparkling. Looks like he forgot that he doesn't trust me yet for a moment.
"So, which one do you want to eat?". I asked them while we were in front of the food truck, looking at their menus. Cade chose quésadilla.
"What about you, Neo?" I asked him because he was quietly looking at the pictures of food in front of him as if he was trying to figure out which one looked the best.
"I want the one you gave Cade before."
"Burrito?" His eyebrows knitted together as if he didn't know what burrito was.
"This one?" I asked again, pointing at the picture and he nodded his head. I ordered their preferred food and then ordered some for their siblings too. They looked so happy while eating the food that they ordered.
We sat at one of the four tables in front of the food truck. I asked Viper if he wanted some too but he declined. He just remained at the parking lot while looking at our direction.
While watching Neo and Cade eat with gusto, I noticed that they looked like they were so hungry judging by how fast they were eating.
"Hey, eat slowly, guys. You might get choke on your food." Cade beamed and then swallowed the food in his mouth before answering.
"Sorry, Miss Christine. We haven't eaten yet. We were so hungry."
"You mean, you haven't eaten breakfast yet?"
"No. We haven't had anything since last night." Neo answered and my heart sank. I suddenly remembered what Cade said when the first time I met him. He said that he and his siblings haven't had any food since the night before that day.
"What? How come? Where are your parents? Didn't they cook for you?" I couldn't help but ask. They suddenly stop eating and looked at each other.
"Cade, Neo. Tell me the truth. You can trust me. Don't worry, I won't tell it to anyone." I tried to convince them. Cade was about to answer when his eyes widened when he saw a car passed by.
"Miss Christine, we need to go." He sounded nervous as he got off the chair. "We need to go, Neo. Faster!" Neo got off the chair as well. Their faces paled.
"Hey, guys. What happened? You seem scared." I asked them worriedly.
"Our parents have arrived. See you again, Miss Christine." Cade answered before they ran away. I stood up from my chair while following them with my gaze. Then, to my surprise, Neo suddenly stopped running and then looked at me with a smile on his handsome face.
"Burrito is my favorite now. Thank you, Miss!" He said before he followed his brother. I clutched my chest because it pounded weirdly again upon hearing what Neo said. While looking at his back, I had the urge to follow him and stop him from leaving. I felt like if I didn't do that, I would regret it.
I took a step forward, planning to follow them when someone spoke behind me.
"Mrs. Montejo, your phone is ringing." It was Viper. I didn't notice him standing behind me and I didn't hear the ringing of my phone.
With trembling hands, I fished out my phone from the inside of my bag and checked who the caller was. It was my EA. I forgot that I had a scheduled meeting with Mr. David at 9 am. She's surely calling about that.
I groaned inwardly and then looked at the direction where Neo and Cade went to, but I couldn't get a glimpse of them anymore.
I heaved a sigh and then answered the call.
"Hello. Tell Mr. David that I'm on my way. Thank you." I said before my EA could even talk.
"Copy, Ma'am." I ended the call and then drew a deep breath. I walked toward the car like I wasn't myself. I kept on thinking about Cade and Neo, especially Neo. He looked like the kind of kid who doesn't warm up to anyone that easily but before he left, he actually smiled at me and said thank you.
Seeing his smile made my heart swell. I wanted to shout in frustration. I couldn't understand why I'm feeling this way. Is it because while staring at Neo, I couldn't help but to remember my son?
Yes. I didn't want to accept before but the first time I saw Neo's picture, I suddenly remembered my beloved JC. They have the same electric blue eyes. I bit my lower lip as to prevent myself from crying while remembering about my son.
"If I didn't know that Jace don't have a brother, I would surely think that that kid was his little brother." I furrowed upon hearing what Viper said. We were now in the car on our way to the company.
"What do you mean? Who are you referring to?"
"Haven't you seen Montejo's childhood picture yet? That kid looks like a younger version of him. I mean, the younger boy." I went silent. Now, finally understood why Neo looked familiar...
"I can't believe it. Their resemblance is really striking." Viper continued talking and then threw me a glance. "I only managed to get a glimpse of his eyes but for some reason, you're the first one that came into my mind when I saw those eyes of his."
I chuckled humorlessly. "Maybe because I was in front of you that time." I tried to sound amused, but my mind was already wondering somewhere else. The face of Neo was all I could think about and it's crazy.
That day, I tried to concentrate on my work, but I couldn't help but to think about Neo and Cade. There were many questions inside my head about them, especially about Neo, but I couldn't find any answer.
JACE's POV
When my meeting with the bosses ended, I went out of ET VINDEX'S headquarters right away. I didn't know what happened to Jinn, but he was absent at the meeting.
I was about to go to the airport to fly to Houston when I received a call from him, telling me that he wanted to talk to me about something. We couldn't talk the other day too because he was busy with that woman.
I drove to his place. When he opened the door, I entered and then looked around. He was only wearing his shorts.
"What are you looking for?" He asked while we were walking towards his study room. The corner of my lips lifted.
"Well, I'm just wondering if your woman is here. I don't want to interrupt your hot session like the other day." I answered sarcastically.
"Well, you don't have to worry. She's asleep right now." My eyebrows raised at him. A woman was actually still in his house. That's a shocking news for me. Jinn never allowed any woman to come to his house let alone sleep there.
I wanted to know about their relationship, but I didn't want to sound intrusive. I'll just wait for Jinn to tell me something. I just hope that he already found the one because he's been through a lot too.
"Okay. That's good then." He opened the door of his study room and we entered inside. I sat on the chair at the table while Jinn took a bottle of liquor and then opened it. He then brought out two glasses and gave me the other one.
He poured some into his glass before he did the same to mine. I thanked him and then took a sip on my drink.
"So, how's your relationship with your wife now?" He began casually as he sat on the swivel chair. My forehead wrinkled.
"Why do you ask? When did you become interested with my married life?" I couldn't help but to be sarcastic again. He smirked.
"Well, I'm just asking because I can finally see the difference in you right now compared to these past three years." My jaw flexed.
"You didn't call me here to talk about my relationship with my wife, Jinn, so spill it out already. Just tell me what I need to know." I said as I began to get impatient. He let out a small laugh.
"Impatient as ever, huh?" I gave him a sharp glare.
"Okay, okay. Don't stare at me like that." He then drank his drink in one gulp before staring at me intently as if he wasn't sure where he would begin.
Then, after a couple of seconds, he finally spoke.
"I'll answer you question the other day." I swallowed hard. I felt like he was about to say something unexpected.
"Do you remember the second in command of the Hama Group that I caught?" He asked. I nodded my head in response.
"What's that person got to do with all this?" He paused for a couple of seconds before answering.
"I told you that I had something very important to you that you're willing to cost your own life just to take it back, right?"
"Yes, and I'm dying to know the answer! Don't delay it any further because I'm getting impatient here!" I hissed in frustration. He went silent again and that made me irritated than I already was. I gulped down my drink before standing up.
"Damn. I just wasted my time here." I said, pissed off. I strode towards the door and was about to open it when Jinn finally spoke.
"That man said that your son is alive." I felt like my whole body freeze upon hearing that that I couldn't react right away. The beating of my heart became fast as the past replayed inside my head. The screams and sobs of my wife while calling our son's name. My heart ached.
I mentally shook my head and gathered myself together. My jaw clenched tightly and looked at him.
"Don't you dare joke about my son, Jinn. You know me when I get mad and you don't want to see that side of me now." I warned him through gritted teeth.
"Do you really think that I called you here just to joke around? You know me better than that, bud." He poured alcohol into his glass once again before continuing. "I tortured that man until he couldn't take it anymore and spilled all the beans. Imagine my surprise when he told me about your son. Unfortunately, he doesn't know where he is because their big boss was the one who took him."
My heart raced hearing all that. I wanted to say something, anything but it seemed like I lost the capability to speak anymore. I was overwhelmed of the news. My eyes watered.
"I planned to look for your son myself and when I manage to find him, I would've asked you to come back to ET VINDEX in return but unfortunately, I couldn't track who their boss is. This person is so good in hiding and I'm not pleased at all."
My hands balled into fists. "What do you want me to do now?"
"For now, I just want you to destroy the Alta Hama Group. This group is associated with the Horeeya not to mention equally dangerous."
"Aren't you worried that now that you told me this, I would turn down this mission and just focus on finding my son?" The corner of his lips lifted.
"I already thought about that but the interesting fact is; you're about to go after the leader of the Alta Hama Group. If you managed to destroy that guy, you will do a favor to our organization and the most important thing is, you'll finally know what really happened to your son; If he's really alive or not." I met his gaze.
"I don't know what your real motive is why do you want me to handle that group, but I don't care about that anymore. Thank you because you informed me this. Honestly, I didn't expect you to be this generous for you to tell me this information that you extracted from that guy." I said with an almost inaudible voice.
He smirked. "Don't thank me yet, Montejo. For now, I just hope that your son is really alive." I nodded my head before walking out of his study room like I wasn't myself.
I wanted to feel happy but what if that guy who told Jinn that information was just lying to him? I mentally shook my head. No! Jinn is too smart for anyone to lead him by the nose!
I looked at the sky upon exiting Jinn's house. The sun was bright and the sky was blue. It was as if it's a sign that everything will be alright.
"JC, son. I really hope that you're still with us because your mommy and I will surely get heartbroken again if you're not. Your mommy will not be able to handle it for sure so please, wherever you are, hang in there. Daddy will find the truth." I mumbled as my eyes brimmed with tears.
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What do you think? Is it true that JC is still alive?
Do you think Jinn has a hidden agenda?
Who do you think are Neo and Cade? What do you think is the reason why they suddenly ran away when they saw the car of their parents?
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