Enigma

by Aimee Ash

  “Look what you’ve done, Marcus. You’re insane. There’s no way I’m going to allow you to adrenalize Kate; I’m not letting you anywhere near her.” His loud voice made me wince.

  “I’m so sorry. I lost control for a split second. Kate, I’m so sorry. Please wait. I can help you. I’m a doctor.”

  Marcus’s offer was exactly what I needed, but I wasn’t sure if Jack would be selfless enough to back down.

  “Jack, she’s bleeding badly. Let him look at her. Remember that she’s still human,” Seb pleaded, his face full of concern.

  There was a lot of blood, and once Jack saw this, he reluctantly walked over to Marcus and laid me on the steel bed. Its musty odor made me nauseous. Marcus looked at my head before heading over to the tower of drawers. He pulled out each one, found a needle, and then walked over to me.

  Jack stood up, seeing the panic on my face. “What’s that?” he asked.

  “It’s a painkiller, Jack, that’s all. She needs stitches and I don’t want it to hurt her.”

  I felt woozy at the sight of the needle and then everything went black.

  CHAPTER 30

  As I regained consciousness and opened my eyes, I was in Jack’s bed and he was sleeping beside me. My head was sore and I struggled to get comfortable, but lying next to Jack made me feel awkward. Because of my impending adrenalization, I kept waking up throughout the night, having to wipe beads of sweat off my forehead. I must have drifted off to sleep again, but when I awoke, the sun was rising and Jack was gone.

  I jumped in the shower, washed my hair, and wrapped it up in a towel to dry. I brushed my teeth and, wearing only my underwear, I opened the bathroom door to find Seb sitting on Jack’s bed. Knowing that I could lose control at any moment, I ran back into the bathroom. My heart was racing when Seb knocked on the door.

  “Kate, I just want to speak to you alone, just for a moment. Jack went to the beach for a swim; he won’t be back for a while.”

  “Seb, you should go.”

  “I have to know why you agreed to marry Jack. How are you going to get out of that one after the adrenalization?”

  I leaned against the door. With everything else going on, I’d completely forgotten that I was now an engaged woman.

  “If I’d said no, he would have been suspicious. We agreed that I should still act like I’m in love with him. It’s only an act.”

  Seb sighed. “I know, but I think an engagement has taken it too far.”

  I agreed with him, but I was trapped.

  “It’s so hard seeing you with him, Kate. It’s becoming unbearable.”

  “Seb, you have to go. I’m sorry, but in a few days all of this will be over and I’ll be able to break up with Jack.”

  “Please come out of the bathroom. I just want to look at you.”

  “Seb, you know I’m only wearing my underwear.”

  “I know. I just want to look at you so I can lock the image of your beauty away in my mind until I can have you.”

  “I don’t know if I can trust myself.”

  “Please come out.”

  If I was going to expose myself, then I was going to look my best. I removed the towel from my head and ran my fingers through my hair. I adjusted my bra and checked myself in the mirror. I opened the door and Seb was standing in front of me.

  “You’re so sexy.”

  Seb held his hands behind his back and observed every inch of my body. I knew that if he touched me, I was going to lose control. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anybody, but for now, I would have to satisfy myself with only daydreams of us lost in the moment and sharing each other’s aching bodies. Seb sighed and with trembling lips, he turned away and left the room.

  With Seb gone, I got dressed and tried to get myself together emotionally. I walked downstairs, picking up my pace when Jack appeared. He almost knocked me down when he brushed past me at lightning speed.

  “Hello, sleepy head,” he said, smiling. “I’m starving. Let’s get coffee and some breakfast.”

  Marcus, Ethan, and Seb were sitting at the kitchen table. They all held cups of coffee, and three crumb-filled plates sat between them.

  Marcus stood up and offered me his chair. “How’s your head Kate? I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

  “We’ve all agreed to keep our cool from now on.”

  “Well, I’m happy to hear that.”

  Marcus took another chair and sat down. “I haven’t had the chance to properly apologize to you boys. Honestly, I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to make up for my absence. But I at least owe you the truth. I’ll answer whatever questions you want to ask me.”

  Everyone fell silent for a few minutes before Jack spoke.

  “I want to know what my mother was like.”

  Marcus looked sad. “I’d been expecting that question. Your mother was, and still is, the love of my life. She was extraordinary, full of life, and she lived by the motto: to dare is to do. She thrived on anything risky. She didn’t have any fears.” He smiled, remembering his wife.

  “It sounds like she was a lot of fun to be around,” I said.

  “She was fun; her love of life was infectious. She could light up your life in every way. I’d love to see how your mother lives on in you both.”

  Ethan looked a little put out.

  Jack’s eyes lit up. “Maybe—”

  I nudged him with my knee under the table and spilled my coffee. I knew what he was about to say, but I didn’t want him to finish his sentence. I didn’t want a rerun of yesterday. Jack took my hint and stayed quiet.

  “Tell me what you remember about my mother,” Ethan asked.

  “Well, your mother was—”

  “Save it!” Ethan stood up. “She was just a cheap night for you.”

  “No! Your mother was a wonderful woman.”

  “Yes she was, and she deserved to have a respectable partner, but you took that opportunity away from her. After having me, she didn’t trust anyone and spent the rest of her life alone.”

  “Ethan, I’m sorry,” Marcus said.

  “I’m going outside to get some air,” Ethan said, and walked out the back door.

  “I should go after him,” Marcus said.

  “Actually, I think he could use a little space,” Jack suggested.

  Marcus looked embarrassed, but Seb was eager to ask another question.

  “Where do you live?” It was a simple question, but one that we should have all been thinking.

  “Everywhere. I always rent. When you’ve been thirty for the past twenty years, you have to move around before anyone gets suspicious. At the moment, I’m living here. I’m here to help you, to give you whatever you need, for as long as you want me here.”

  I hoped that his statement included helping with the adrenalization.

  “So, you don’t have a home?” Jack asked.

  “No; the only home I ever had was the one I shared with your mother. I still own the house, but haven’t been back there for a few years now. It’s too painful.”

  Jack stared at him. “Be honest: would you have ever come back for us if Jonathan hadn’t died?”

  “Jonathan and I have been in touch for years. Lindsey had no idea. He thought it was best not to upset her and disrupt you boys.”

  “So she has no idea that you’re back?” I asked.

  “No. I haven’t seen her in sixteen years.”

  “Then you should probably leave. After all, this is her house and I doubt she’d want you staying here,” Jack said.

  “I’m happy to stay in a motel. But I’m not going anywhere until I’ve helped you out. It’s what Jonathan wanted.”

  “Who gives a crap about what he wanted? He’s six feet under, where he belongs,” Jack said. “We’re better off without him and we’re better off without you. I’ve heard enough. Come on, Kate. Let’s go.” Jack took my hand and we excused ourselves; Seb followed.

  Jack wanted to walk to the beach, and I obli
ged. Seb got on his bike, waved, and rode past us. I lost myself in the fantasy of wrapping my arms around his waist until Jack waved his hands in front of my face.

  “I wasn’t going to say anything, but I think you should know that when I find my mom, I’ll prove that we’ll be able to have a family. Don’t mention it to anyone.”

  I was completely stunned. “Jack, why are you so persistent about this? What makes you think your mother is alive? Jonathan saw her die.”

  “Jonathan is a liar.”

  “Jack, I don’t want you to be disappointed and end up feeling even more hurt than you do now,” I said.

  “Anyway, we need to get you adrenalized first, and then I can focus on finding her. We can find her together!”

  “There’s something I don’t understand, Jack. If your mother survived after giving birth, why would she leave your father? That doesn’t make sense; they were in love. Why would she leave you and Seb?”

  Jack drew in the sand. He must’ve asked himself the same question over and over again.

  “I don’t know. That’s the part I can’t figure out, but I will.”

  He held me close. I looked down and saw that he had drawn a heart in the sand with our initials inside. The tide came in and Jack blew the water away to stop it from destroying his heart. We stayed at the beach for a while before I made my excuses and Jack walked me home.

  As I opened the front door, Tobias greeted me with a huge smile. Laughter was coming from the kitchen, and I heard Brett talking. Opening the kitchen door, I ran over to him and gave him a huge hug.

  “Brett, it’s so good to see you! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?” I asked, holding him.

  “I’ve been calling the house for days. Tobias kept telling me that you weren’t home. I was starting to think that you were avoiding me.”

  I choked back tears and had to compose myself before I spoke.

  “Avoiding you? Never! I’ve just been busy.”

  “She’s been spending all her time with those boys next door,” my mom said. “She’s hardly been home since we arrived back from our ski trip.”

  “They’re important to me, good friends. You’ll love them, Brett,” I said defensively. My mother looked at me skeptically. “If you ever get to meet them. She never brings either of them to the house.”

  “Mom, you’re so over-dramatic. No one’s ever here anyway.”

  “Well, it’s good to be home. I’m even enjoying you and Mom bickering. But I haven’t seen Heather today.”

  “She’s upstairs resting. She couldn’t come on the trip either, because she was so busy. But at least she’s back for Thanksgiving,” Mom said.

  Brett looked refreshed. I was relieved that he was back and had successfully turned his life around. This time, it had to be for good. With all the excitement of Brett coming home, I almost forgot the reason that I’d come home in the first place. With the holidays here, it was the perfect time for my adrenalization. I’d need to be away for at least a week, possibly two, assuming I survived of course, and had to come up with a convincing story as to why I wouldn’t be home.

  “Mom, Lindsey has invited us to go to Italy. She says it’s an amazing place.”

  “Kate, I just got home,” Brett said.

  “I’m sorry. If I’d known you were coming home, I would’ve never agreed to go.”

  “How long are you planning to be gone?” my mother asked.

  “Two weeks.”

  “How can you just spring this on us?”

  “It’s okay, Mom. Kate didn’t know I was back. But she’d better put some time aside to spend with me when she gets back,” Brett said.

  “Of course I will.” I felt guilty for making promises that I didn’t know if I could keep.

  “Well at least you’re here for our family dinner this evening.”

  “I’m really sorry, Brett, but we’re leaving this afternoon,” I said, trying to sound convincing. I walked away.

  “Well, you’ll have to reschedule. Heather wants us all to be here. She has something important to tell us,” my mother said, grabbing my arm.

  “I can’t stay!” I protested.

  “Come on, Sis! I’m sure you can leave a little later.” Brett looked at me with his big eyes.

  Feeling guilty, I told myself that I at least owed him a dinner; I hadn’t been there much for him lately, so a few more hours wouldn’t hurt.

  “Okay, I’ll come, but only for you, Brett.”

  He smiled at me and I smiled back, shaking my head.

  “Bring Jack too. I want to meet this guy you’re dating.”

  “We’re dating, but it’s not a big deal. Don’t embarrass me.”

  My mother stood up and waltzed over to me, almost tripping on her way. I had no idea why she was glaring at me, and then she grabbed my hand and held it up.

  “Is this an engagement ring?” she shrieked, her eyes almost popping out of their bony sockets.

  “It looks like I’ve missed a lot around here; this guy is a bigger deal than you’re willing to let on,” Brett said, smiling.

  I had stupidly worn my ring without thinking—again.

  “I was going to tell you,” I lied.

  “You aren’t going off to Italy to get married are you? No daughter of mine will get married without her parents present or a huge party,” my mother said sternly, still holding my hand up so she could thoroughly examine my ring.

  “Kate, don’t you think you’re too young to be engaged? How long have you known this guy anyway?” Brett asked.

  I finally managed to pull away my aching arm.

  “No, Mom, we’re just going on a vacation to Italy. We don’t plan on getting married yet.”

  “My little sister is in love. Wow! Heather is going to freak when she finds out you’re engaged before her! You’ve totally stolen her thunder.” Brett burst out laughing.

  “How exciting! I’m going to throw you a huge engagement party to celebrate; I’ll pull out all the stops!”

  My mother was practically jumping up and down with excitement. I had to calm her down, but when there was a party involved, she was unstoppable.

  “No, Mom. We don’t want a big fuss,” I insisted.

  “What? Don’t be ridiculous. Give me two weeks to organize it. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

  I felt my heart racing. “Please, Mom! We don’t want a party,” I pleaded.

  “Nonsense! I’ll have everything ready for when you get back. I hope the belly dancers are free.”

  “Brett, will you talk some sense into her please?” I stared at him, wanting him to back me up, but my mother continued with her suggestions. I could see her mind working overtime.

  “Maybe Jack’s brother could sing at the party again too,” she said. “Brett you can help me organize it all. It’ll give us a chance to spend some time together.”

  “I didn’t know the singer at Dad’s party was Jack’s brother.” Brett looked at me oddly, obviously remembering his comment about the singer flirting with me.

  “Why aren’t you listening to me?” Panic swirled around in my stomach.

  “Let’s discuss it with Jack tonight at dinner,” my mother suggested.

  It was a nightmare coming true. If I’d taken my ring off, none of this would be happening. I felt so annoyed with myself.

  “Your ring looks very expensive,” my mother continued. “He must be wealthier than his family looks.”

  There it was: the start of several insults.

  “Mom, money isn’t everything.”

  “Don’t talk nonsense, Kate. Now, make sure you and your fiancée are here for dinner tonight at six. Don’t be late.”

  With a heavy heart, I left the kitchen and headed up to my bedroom, knowing the adrenalization was once again delayed. I had to go to dinner, but I didn’t have to tell Jack that he was invited. But when I opened my door, I gasped at him lying on my bed.

  “So, an engagement party then,” he said, rolling onto his side.


  “I’m sorry,” I said, sitting beside him.

  “For what? I think it sounds like fun. Why wouldn’t I want to tell everyone that I want to marry you? It’ll be a great opportunity to tell the entire world how much I love you.” His eyes almost melted me. “I’d better go home and get changed for dinner. I’ll be back at six. You’d better pack a fake suitcase for our imaginary vacation.”

  He kissed my cheek and left.

  A short while later, I heard Brett in his bedroom playing his guitar. I walked down the hall and knocked on his door. I wanted to spend time with him and say goodbye, without him realizing, of course.

  Brett opened the door. His guitar was draped around his neck and a pen was wedged between his teeth. I peered around him into the room and saw sheets of paper strewn across the floor, and I knew that he was writing music. I felt relieved that he was able to concentrate and I’d leave knowing that his life was back on track. He removed the pen and smiled. He looked healthy again.

  “Hey, Sis. I was thinking that I could play the guitar at your engagement party. I’ve had a lot of practice over the last few months. It’s actually very therapeutic.” His eyes were alive.

  “Yeah, sure. That would be lovely,” I said, feeling the tears resurfacing.

  He stood at the door, staring at me. “Okay, I’ll see you at dinner. Are you sure everything’s okay?” Brett looked at me oddly. I had to shake off my gloomy mood before he realized something was wrong. I turned around to try and compose myself.

  “I’m fine,” I lied.

  Just as Brett began to close the door, I threw my arms around him with the guitar wedged between us. He hugged me back and I hoped that I hadn’t made him suspicious, but I had to hug him one last time.