Puppet Under Strings (unOrdinary)

Episode 14

William turned towards him, which John looked away. Well, that's no surprise. He's had one hell of a life. Being tested on as an experiment when he was younger, betrayed several times, and was close to death because of his mother.

"Ah, I'm sorry, John. That was inappropriate of me..." William said. "Should I stop?"

"No. I'm fine. You can keep going." he kept his head down, covering his eyes with his bangs.

William sighed, but continued just as John said. "Things were going fine. They really were. But one day, Vanessa made a choice that would soon ruin us all...

~~~Flashback~~~

William's POV

Outside The Doe Residence...

Hm. I wonder what Nessa wants to talk to me about. Usually she'd just say something inside the house in the living room. It must be super important.

I saw her walk out from the door. "Ah, Nessa! There you are!"

"Hi, William. You got my message?" she asked.

"Yeah." I replied. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Well, it's-"

"Ah, there you are!" a small voice interrupted.

I turned to see my little son run out the door.

"John! Did you follow me here?" I questioned him. "You should be in your room sleeping!"

"But it's only 8:30! Besides, you told me that you would read me a bedtime story tonight! Are you really going to go back on your word like that? You told me lying is bad!"

Damn, this kid is good. Where did he learn to act smart around people?

"John, sweetie. Daddy and I are having a conversation right now." I saw Vanessa put a hand on his shoulder and smile. "Could you be a good boy for Mommy and wait a bit for your story?"

Hm. It's not like her to act like that. Normally, if we're having a conversation, she doesn't mind John overhearing it and lets him listen in.

"Okay, Mommy!" John ran back to the door and opened it. Then, he turned to me and pointed with his middle and index finger out, glaring. "Daddy, you better not be lying! Or else!"

The door shut.

"Geez, that boy..." I scratched the back of my head and sighed. "When did I ever teach him to speak like that? He's only five for goodness sake."

"Heh. He surely takes after you." Vanessa snickered.

I looked her in the eye with a serious face. "So, what did you want to talk about? It's not like you to want to have such a private conversation. There's something bigger that I'm missing here, is there?"

She dropped her smile and paused. "You're right."

"You see, William. A long while ago, I met with some members of Ember."

"What!?" I jumped back in surprise. "When? Never mind that! For how long?!"

"Around the time when John was born. I'm sorry for not telling you." I could see her head drop down and a frown on her face.

I put a head to my head. Shit. "You should've told me sooner, Nessa. Those people are criminals. They're specifically known for taking out high tiers! For crying out loud, your life is at risk!"