Untold Secrets

Chapter Eight

It was only the next morning when Michael dared to speak to Father Charles.

He shuffled awkwardly on his feet, resting his hand on the door of one of the guest room in Dr. Park's house, debating whether he should knock or not. The priest had stayed the night there; Michael had been told that it was a way to protect him. They had never won over Shei -they just weakened her incredible strength and hurt her - and now Father Charles had to stay close to make sure nothing would happen to Michael, or to anyone, really.

Michael was confused. He didn't know why, but seeing his birth father after having nightmares about said man just made it all too much. He didn't remember Charles much, sure, but all his dreams indicated that the older man was nothing but a strict, selfish man. A part of him was scared; what if Charles remembered him? What if that was why he was here?

Sighing, Michael braced himself to knock on the wooden door when it opened from the other side. He jumped slightly out of shock, then felt relief when he saw that it was only Father Charles.

"How long were you going to stand there, Michael?" The priest started, smiling softly, making Michael flushed in embarrassment. He was caught red-handed and there was no way to lie out of this.

"Uh, I'm sorry for bothering you, Father." He said the first thing he could think of, which made the older man shake his head.

"You don't have to be so formal, son. Charles will be just fine."

"Charles." Michael tested the word around his tongue. It felt weird to say the name out loud, somehow. "Um, I'm sorry for bothering you, Charles."

The man laughed, his eyes wrinkled and worn. Charles shook his head, "You're a funny man, Michael." Then, Charles took a step back, opening the door wider, "Do come in; I have a feeling you've got something to talk to me about."

"Ah, yes." Michael said, stepping into the room hesitantly.

"Come, now. Have a seat." Michael sat on one of the chairs there, and Charles smiled.  "What is it that you wanted to talk about? Is it about the spirit? If so; don't worry. We'll find a way out of this. It'll be hard to find her now, but she's not as strong as you think she is."

Michael cleared his throat, "Actually, Father, I wanted to ask about something else."

The man's eyes flashed, "Alright. What is it, then? I'll try to help as much as I can."

"OK." Michael nodded his head, then moved his butt on the chair, trying to get as comfortable as he could. He took a deep breath. How was he going to say this? "Do you - do you happen to know me, Charles?"

Charles' eyes narrowed, his smile dropping for a second before it was on his face again, but this time his smile didn't quite reached his eyes. It happened so quickly; Michael thought he was imagining the whole thing.

"What do you mean, Michael?"

Michael shook his head, "I believe you've been told about my... situation, right?"

"The reincarnation? Yes, I have. Daniel has informed me everything; he's a very polite gentleman."

"Yes, but, with all due respect, do you happen to know me? In - in my life then?" Michael asked. Then he added, "Father." But somehow, the way he said it made him feel like he hadn't meant it in a religious context, but like he's genuinely calling out to his father. Charles must have noticed it as well.

The priest' face changed.

Michael held his breath, feeling his heart beat faster now that he was nervous.

Charles blinked his eyes, and adjusted his glasses, pushing the frame to the bridge of his nose. "I see." Charles said.

Michael waited patiently, unsure of what to say. An awkward silence passed through the both of them.