Beautiful Mistake (Mistake #1)

by Laiza Millan

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  Emma snatched her hand away. "You... think so?"

  Drake quickly glanced at her, before looking back at the road. "Emma, let me explain -"

  "No. It's fine." Emma stated; her body turning away from him. She folded her arms and stared out the window. "There's nothing to explain"

  She doesn't need his explanations. She doesn't need this bullshit right now. All that she needs at the moment is to get Aidan. She can't let any distractions get in the way. Even Drake.

  "Please," Drake tried to grab one of her hand, but she wouldn't let him. He cursed himself for being stupid, he should have just lied. "Emma, I'm not really talking to the gang... But I think Richard and Ian are."

  What?

  Emma frowned, her attention back to him. "What do you mean?"

  Drake heavily sighed, "I don't know. I just sometimes have this feeling where Richard and Ian are hiding something from me."

  "And you think them hiding something from you," She said slowly, trying to process his thinking, "means they're in a gang?"

  He rolled his eyes, but groaned. "I don't know. I'm sorry; I'm not thinking straight right now. I just want Aidan back."

  The expression on Emma's face softened. She took one of his hand with both of hers, giving it a tight squeeze. "I know, Drake. Me too."

  "I love you." Drake suddenly said, as he threw a smile at her, "We're almost there."

  "Where are we going anyway?" Emma asked, looking out the window. "What is this secret location you're raving about?"

  She rolled down the window, letting the fresh air hit her face with force. She inhaled deeply, letting some of the new oxygen fill her lungs, as her increasing heart rate wasn't helping. After a few more seconds of inhaling and exhaling, she focused in their surroundings.

  The more they passed housings and buildings, the more she noticed how familiar everything was. Before she could voice her suspicions, Drake parked the car next to a sidewalk that lead to a walking trail.

  Emma eyed the darkened trail with uneasiness. "Drake, what the hell?"

  "Follow the yellow brick road." Drake tried to tease, noticing how stiff she became.

  Damn it, he forgot how frightened she is of the darkness. That's why she always sleeps with a night light, she hates when it's pitch black.

  He looked at the trail and groaned, noticing how completely dark and intimidating it must look for her. Just their luck, the trail lamp is dimmed.

  He unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car, rushing to her side and opening the door for her. When she remained frozen and stoic, he quickly unbuckled her and gathered her in his arms.

  Quietly murmuring in her ear, "it's okay, love. I'm right here, okay? We have to pick up our son. Our son is waiting for us."

  Emma pulled away and stared at him. He could see the confliction in her eyes but the moment he mentioned their son, all of that vanished.

  "Y-yes, you're right." Emma whispered, shakily getting up and closing the car door. "Let's hurry."

  Drake smiled at her, giving her a quick kiss before leading the way. He grabbed her hand first and said, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you, okay?"

  "I know." Emma smiled back, once they reached the entrance. She couldn't help but shiver when they stepped inside.

  "Do you trust me?" Drake asked, wrapping one protective arm around her as they continued.

  "Yes." She answered with no hesitation. "I'm okay now, Drake. But I'll be even better once we find Aidan."

  "We're going to." He whispered, kissing her forehead.

  The shaking in his voice gave away his uneasiness. But Emma couldn't blame him. After all, they're in a creepy walking trail, surrounded by trees on both sides. Not to mention it's freaking night time! These trees blocking the streetlights are definitely not helping. Anything could pop out any minute like those stupid horror movies her and Jenna used to watch.

  But this isn't a horror movie.

  This is real for Emma. "Drake?"

  "Yes, love?" He asked, keeping a watchful eye around them as he led them to the place where he used to go all the time.

  "I -"

  "Aw, isn't this sweet?"

  Emma let out a surprised yell as a deep voice overpowered hers. Drake's arms quickly tightened around her, as he moved his head frantically searching for their interrupter.

  "Where are you?" Drake snapped, ready to rip this motherfucker's head off. "Show yourself now or else I am going to kill you and -"

  "Whoa there," The voice laughed, "Chill buddy, it's just me."

  A dark silhouette merged out from between these two large trees, revealing a young man about their age. He was tall, medium built - not too skinny, yet not too muscular. His brown hair uncombed, and his green eyes kept glancing at her, making her very uncomfortable and angry.

  "Who the hell are you?" Emma snapped, "Where's Aidan?"

  "Sheesh. Hello to you too." He has his hands up in a surrendered position, wearing an easy going grin. "I don't believe we met, by the way." He threw a sly wink at Drake as he dropped his hands. "Dude, you didn't tell me how beautiful your charming woman is."

  "Fuck off." Drake snarled, pushing Emma in back of him.

  However, Emma wouldn't budge. "Where is Aidan?" She repeated, getting increasingly irritated with this man.

  "Oh, the baby?" He asked in a light tone, "Oh, don't worry. He's inside the cave, sleeping -"

  "The cave?" Emma gasped, trying to launch herself at him. However, Drake's arms are preventing her from clawing this guy's eye out. "What cave?! Give us our son back, or so help me I will -"

  "You'll what?" The guy laughed, and mockingly gasped. "Kill me?"

  "I swear," Drake muttered quietly, "We're not fucking playing."

  The guy rolled his eyes, "Oh Drake, you used to be so much fun."

  "Time's changed." Drake spat, "If this is about me, then leave Emma and Aidan alone. Let them go. They have nothing to do with whatever this is."

  "Sure they do." He scoffed, he shot a look at Emma and smirked. "So your name is Emma, huh." He held his hand towards her and grinned, "My name is Jay. You probably remember me, right?"

  "No." Emma slapped his hand away with a revolted expression on her face.

  "Ouch." Jay snickered, "Feisty. Aw, come on! I was the one who," He lifted his hands up to his face, making clicking noises as he started taking pictures with his invisible camera. "You saw me, I believe. By the way, those pictures of you three in the park? They came out beautifully."

  Wait...

  Emma gasped, "You?"

  Jay grinned and mockingly gasped back, placing his hands on his chest. "Me!"

  She wanted to smack herself for being stupid. Of course she didn't recognize him! He was wearing sunglasses!

  That time she was at the park with Drake and Aidan, there was a man inside a car taking pictures of them. She remembered telling Drake, and he just brushed it off thinking and telling her that he was -

  "One of the paparazzi." Emma whispered to herself, her memory that night still fresh in her mind.

  "What?" Jay heard her and made a face, "Hell no, I'm not sleazy like them. I hope not." He ignored Drake's angered threatening movements and looked at his watch. "Anyway, you two must be worried sick. Shall I show you where Aidan is? He is such a good little angel, Emma. You're doing such a beautiful job raising him. Mad props to you."

  He motioned for them to follow him as he turned around and walked away.

  "Drake," Emma murmured suddenly, her clutch tightening as they moved. Her hidden uneasiness was starting to increase as they ventured farther into the trail.

  "Ssshh, love, it's okay." Drake placed comforting kisses on the side of her face, "It's okay, Emma. Trust me; I won't let them hurt you or Aidan."

  After a few more minutes of them walking, climbing through wooden gates, and unpleasant conversations, they finally arrived.

  Jay lead them to an abandoned tunnel where water used to be present, just underneath a short bridge.

  "Not a cave
, but I like to call it that." He lifted his hand up, signaling them to wait. "Red and Blue." His voice echoed as he spoke in the opening of the tunnel.

  "You let my baby go inside there?!" Emma snapped, breathing heavily.

  Poor Aidan! He must be so scared, it's so dark inside!

  "He's asleep." Jay shrugged, "Besides, he was playing with Ian right next to the lake so - Oh, speak of the devil!"

  "Ian?" Drake and Emma's head shot up in alarm at the same time.

  Ian's figure came towards them from their hiding place, carrying a sleeping Aidan in his arms. He tucked the blanket around the baby, as he slowly walked next to Jay.

  Drake couldn't help but stare.

  He knew it!

  He knew there was something odd about Ian! But what the fuck? Sure, he and Ian were never best friends, but he couldn't help but feel that sharp sting of back-stabbing betrayal.

  "Aidan!" Emma cried out wildly, trying to break free from Drake's grasp. "Drake, let me go!"

  "Easy there, baby." Jay chuckled, "I'm not going to just give him away, you know."

  "I'm not your baby." Emma spat in disgust, giving him a disgusted look she could muster.

  "That hurt. Anyway," Jay clapped his hands and gasped, "Before I forget! Drake, I believe there's someone here you want to be reunited with?"

  Drake's attention left Aidan's sleeping face, and back to Jay. "What?" However, he switched his focus to the revealing figure.

  The moment the person he was focused on stepped outside of the tunnel, Drake felt as if all the blood in his face drained. He didn't even hear the surprised gasp coming out of Emma.

  The person was not alone, and it was making her nearly sway on the spot.

  "Father?" Drake croaked, not sure if this was real.

  What the hell...?

  "Melissa Huck?" Emma whispered in a stunned whisper, staring at her own doctor.

  Chapter 25

  .

  What the hell?

  "Melissa? What the hell is going on?" Emma asked, once she found her voice. She could feel her body shaking; not from the cold but from the sudden unsettlement she was feeling. When Melissa didn't answer her, Emma turned to Jay. "What do you guys want from us?"

  "That's cute, still so clueless." Jay laughed in amusement, "Go ask your lover, baby. He should know."

  "I'm not your baby," Emma spat, as she turned to Drake and grasped his hand. "What is he talking about?"

  However Drake couldn't find himself to speak. It felt as if the oxygen was sucked right out of his body as Drake continued to stare at Oscar.

  His father.

  His breathing, conscious, living father.

  Right now, there are literally millions of questions bouncing inside his head; he doesn't know what to think.

  His father is here.

  What the hell...

  He's supposed to be dead...

  "I don't..." He stopped, his throat remained dry as his mind and body continued to process what just happened. He feels empty.

  Confused.

  Hurt.

  Betrayed.

  Not to mention definitely angry, because what the hell is going on?

  He felt paralyzed as he tried to move his gaze away from the sight of the man, tried twitching his fingers yet only numbness greeted him like a friend. Hell, it even felt as if his heartbeat was slowing down causing his breathing to become uneven and heavy.

  "Drake." A soft voice called out to him, trying to lull him back to reality.

  The gentle feeling of a small hand touched his arm, causing his gaze to finally snap away from Oscar and instead landing on a concerned looking Emma.

  "Come back to me," Emma murmured, wrapping an arm around his waist.

  She was just as confused and upset as he was, but the way he remained stoic and quiet frightened her.

  Drake blinked, as if he was finally realizing where he was. He looked back at Oscar before quickly looking back at Emma.

  She gently placed her hand on his cheek, easing him with her comfort. Swallowing hard, he opened his mouth to talk, but no words could spill.

  This is the first time in so long she sees him completely speechless. And it was worrying her.

  Placing her hand on his, Emma turned her attention to Jay, Melissa, and Ian.

  "What is going on?" She repeated quietly, her anger was starting to appear but she tried to remain calm. She looked at Melissa and shook her head, "Answer me! Why are you here?"

  However, Melissa didn't meet her eyes. "Reasons, Miss Collins."

  "Oh, that's right!" Jay clapped, as if he suddenly remembered a thought. "Melissa was your doctor, huh? She was the one who tested you and shit."

  Emma glared at Jay but remained silent. She's afraid that she'll lose her temper and slap him. If she does, who knows what he might do to Aidan.

  Speaking of Aidan... She couldn't help but glance at Ian, who was holding her son. Ian stared back at her, but kept his face blank. The moment she saw Aidan, she could feel her own face crack with emotion.

  Her baby...

  Emma took a step closer to them, her eyes set on her child.

  "Stay where you are, Hun, or else I might accidentally do something to the little one." Jay warned her in a mocking tone. "Drake, control your woman."

  "Fuck you." Drake harshly snapped, "I'm giving you a chance, Jay. Walk away now or else."

  Jay let out an obnoxious laugh, "Or else what? You're going to arrest me? Boo hoo, been there done that."

  Emma continued to keep her eye on Ian and Aidan. At least her baby is unharmed. She felt a surge of relief once more, knowing she could physically see him. If only Ian could just hand him over...

  No.

  Ian was a bloody monster. Suddenly, her relief shimmered into hatred. She made a move towards him, but stopped when Drake's hand squeezed hers tightly; telling her to stop.

  "You asshole." Emma whispered harshly, glaring daggers at Ian. "How could you?"

  "The question is - how could you?" Jay snickered, shaking his head. "I mean, I believe you were the one who said weren't going to give Drakey here a chance, because of all the shit he put you and the kid through."

  He crossed his arms and continued, "Once he shown you some kindness, you immediately went easy on him? All Drake had to do was sweet talk you some bullshit Richard taught him to say and you immediately forgive and forget about the stuff he did to you and the child."

  Emma gritted her teeth, too angry to speak.

  But the moment Jay mentioned Richard, she felt her heart drop. She glanced at Drake, "What does he mean Richard taught you? What does Richard have to do with any of this?"

  "Didn't you know it was Richie Rich who urged Drake to be nicer to you?" Jay continued on, enjoying the confusion on Emma's face.

  "Don't listen to him, Emma." Drake said, placing his hands on either side of her face. He caressed her cheek softly, "Yes, Richard did tell me what I should say, but it was me the whole time who wanted to better myself for you and our son. I was... I thought he wanted to help me-"

  "I trust you." Emma murmured, shaking her head. "It's okay."

  "What I tell you?" Jay laughed, turning to Ian. "Women are so easy. No offense Melissa."

  "Don't talk about Emma like that! Believe me; she definitely didn't go easy on me." Drake had the need to defend Emma, remembering all those times she denied him to see her and their son. "She's got more self-respect than anyone else here!"

  Now that he thought about it, he couldn't have been more proud of her for standing up for herself and Aidan, even if it was against someone like him.

  "So stop making it seem as if she's some riff-raff like your friend, Doctor Whore here!" He motioned towards Melissa, who had the nerve to look offended.

  The whole time, Emma stared at Drake.

  A warm feeling settled in her stomach as Drake continued to defend her. Wow, was this the same man a year ago who kicked her and Aidan out?

  Definitely not. She sees that now. It felt as if her hear
t rate was increasing in an odd pleasant way each time he would glance at her with that fierce look on his face.

  But judging by the satisfied look on Jay's disgusting face, she can tell he was just trying to get a rise out of Drake... And it's working.

  "Drake," She gently pulled on his arm, "Don't let him get to you."

  "Whatever." Jay stood next to Melissa and grinned at her, "At least Melissa was the one who told me you were with child. Once she told me, I sent Richard over to play 'the friend' to keep you lot together. I agree on one thing, you two make it difficult for the poor man."

  He looked at his watch and grimaced, "Where is that man, anyway? He's supposed to be collecting them weed money. Hope he didn't get caught."

  "What?" She whispered harshly; remembering the cannabis bag she saw on Drake's room.

  Jay shrugged, "Well we have to make some money, you know, while he goes around pretending to be your friend."

  She turned to Drake, hoping to see he was just as shocked as she was, but saw he didn't look at all surprised.

  Pretending?

  Richard couldn't possibly be playing them this entire time, could he? Sure, Emma knew he was involved, but this whole time? Since the beginning?

  It was now starting to hit her.

  "Fuck," Drake cursed to himself, though loud enough for her to hear. "I knew this shit was going to happen."

  He could feel the fury growing in him as his thoughts went to his so-called best friend. Why the hell would Richard do this to him? Drake can't recall a time when he betrayed Rich... Never.

  Jay rolled his eyes, "C'mon now. You do know that Melissa and Richard are related right? They're not related by blood, but same thing."

  "What were you going to do?" Emma laughed mockingly, "Have my doctor steal my baby once he was born?"

  "Of course not," Jay scoffed, placing a hand on his chest, looking offended. "That's barbaric! No way, I just needed Melissa to be your doctor, so she can tell me more about you and your records."

  "That is a violation of HIPAA!" Emma roared, turning to Melissa and ignoring the way Drake wrapped his arms around her, in an attempt to calm her down.

  "Like she gives a damn." Jay laughed, looking amused.

  Melissa remained quiet the whole time, though Drake couldn't help but notice the way her hand kept shaking, even if it was only a little.