"Declan," I called wearily down the hall so he'd come to the bedroom. I really didn't want to have this conversation in front of a bunch of strangers. I was worried. I knew they'd be coming for me, but I didn't think it'd hit me this hard.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" He rushed over to me to peek at what I was staring out. He read it over and over until it hit him too. He didn't react the way I did; instead he just wrapped me in a hug for support. He wasn't going anywhere, I told myself. "Everything is going to be okay. We knew this was coming. You just have to stay strong, okay?"
"What's done is done." I tried to shrug it off even though I knew it wasn't going to be that easy this time around. It felt like I instantly became paranoid of everyone and everything around me. I tried to call my thoughts and return to my couldn't care less attitude, but I knew it wasn't going to be that simple.
Declan just held me for a moment in a tight embrace. He didn't try to say anything else though. I was thankful for that because I felt like I needed to sort out my own thoughts before dealing with his or anyone else's.
His phone interrupted us and started beeping, which meant he had a new message. He pulled away giving me a look filled with regret. I just nodded telling him I'd be fine, because that was the truth. No one was going to come in and kidnap me in a split second while he stepped away. I was going to be okay, I chanted to myself.
My phone started sounding off . I dreaded another text from one of the Aberwood's, but realized they didn't have access to my new line. There was no way for them to know how to contact me besides bombarding my old line. I picked up the phone and saw that it was Ericson. I wondered how he got my number, but briefly dismissed the thought.
"Hey Charlie, how are you holding up?" Ericson gave me a sympathetic smile when the picture finally focused. I hadn't really expected to hear from Ericson. It was still a pretty awkward situation we were in.
"I'm feeling pretty loved. I got ahold of transcripts from my old line and and feel really popular. Apparently everyone wants to be my friend now." I laughed uncomfortably. If I was going to be apart of this I couldn't cower away from every little thing.
"I can't imagine why," He chuckled before continuing. "Don't put too much thought into it. I'm sure the Aberwood's are exhausting all their resources trying to intimidate you."
"Yeah, Mrs. Aberwood sent me a kind text after the interview saying to watch my back." I got cold chills thinking of the potential threat. I'd grown up privileged. Never in a million years would I have guessed I'd be working for a secret agency to stop terrorists.
"Good, they're threatened. They don't have a leg to stand on right now. They will be swamped for weeks with a media frenzy on top of a massive legal battle, so realistically they don't pose as much of a threat." Ericson reassured me confidently. "But we aren't going to take any risks as far as your safety is concerned. You'll do one more show and then go into hiding."
"Wait, what do you mean one more show? I have to do another interview?" To think I was already under the impression that I was in hiding.
"Yes, headquarters has arranged everything. You'll do an interview and the footage will be released to the highest bidder. They will air the interview and then the rights will be released for anyone to use the interview footage." He explained to me briefly.
"Wait, who would want to buy the footage when it'll be free within a couple days?" I asked as if it was a no brainer.
"Everyone wants to break your story, Charlie. They want the exclusive details first." He explained. It seemed surreal to think that people would pay big money for exclusive about me.
"What's the CDA going to use the money for?" I asked curiously. I really wasn't offended that they were trying to make money off me. After all, those fancy cars and private jets didn't pay for themselves.
"I haven't been briefed on the details. You will receive a portion of the settlement for your cooperation and endangerment though." I hadn't been expecting that as an answer. I assumed the money would be funneled into the organization and budgeted for operations.
I was doing this for my family, my real family, not for the money.
"Wow, that's very generous." I nodded and he smiled. I could tell he was hesitant about saying too much given that he didn't have access to the actual numbers.
"The remainder of the funds will certainly help the CDA fund this operation. Resources can be tight sometimes," He gave a what-can-you-do look and shrugged.
"Well do you happen to know if I'm confined to this house or will I be venturing out into the real world?" I asked eagerly. He hadn't said when my interview would be, so I was left wondering how long I had to prepare myself.
"I don't know how much of the real world you're going to see, but I believe the interview is scheduled for tonight." He informed me. At least they weren't rushing me the headquarters right away.
"I look forward to it," I faked enthusiam.
"Well I better get off here. I'm being summoned. We'll talk soon." He said quickly giving me a slight wave. "Oh, Charlie, before I go. For what it's worth, I'm sorry. I wish I could have been there for you and Talon growing up." His eyes were filled with remorse. My heart broke for him and the pain he had to live with everyday. It wasn't fair that he was old enough to remember, but too young to do anything.
"Ericson, you were just a kid. There was nothing you could've done to make things turn out differently. I forgive you, and I know Talon would too. You shouldn't carry any guilt around on our behalf." I hoped that would help ease his mind a little, but I had a feeling it wouldn't quite work out that way.
"Thank you," He gave a half-hearted smile before ending the video stream.
I was a lot more comfortable talking to Ericson than I had expect to be. I had my doubts that I could ever have the kind of relationship with him that I had had with Talon though. Part of me told me that getting too close would only end badly. After all, I had already lost one brother and that was enough pain to last a life time.
"Hey, I heard you talking on the phone. Is everything okay?" Declan knocked on the door a couple minutes later.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Ericson just wanted to call and see how I was doing with everything." I explained to him and realized I felt better now, like some of the weight had been lifted off my shoulders after talking to him.
"Oh, really?" He seemed kind of surprised that it had been Ericson. "Is it weird for you two being brother and sister, but not knowing anything about each other?"
"I think we're both trying hard to keep an open mind about the situation. There was really nothing either one of us could do to help what was going on." I shrugged. I could have been bitter about Ericson not coming after us sooner, but there was no point. He was family and I didn't want to alienate him for his decisions. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I would have done in his situation.
"He could have though. I mean he's known for what, seventeen years? I know he couldn't do anything at first, but he could have done something once he was old enough." It seemed almost like Declan was attacking Ericson and I couldn't wrap my head around why.
"I kind of get where you're coming from, and I'm sure he carries that guilt around with him, but we can't change the past. I'm sure he had his reasons. We can't control what happens to us. We just have to do the best we can." At this point I was certain Declan go the hint that I wasn't pleased with this conversation.
"I'm sorry, that came out the wrong way. I wasn't trying to put him down like that, or put you out. It's all a lot to take it. I know you're probably drowning in questions. I'm sorry, love." He repeated, but I still remained distant.
"It's all so confusing. I mean, what if Talon was still alive right now? Would I even know I had another brother? Probably not. It's just a huge catch twenty-two when you look at like that." I shrugged feeling kind of defeated.
"It's a lot to process. I just wish there was something I could do for you to help you through this." He looked down sheepishly. I was quiet for a second, so he seemed to take that as his cue to leave. "If you need me I'll be in the other room." He made a hesitant retreat as if he were waiting on me to stop him from leaving. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be left alone or not, but I figured I could use some time to myself.
I decided that since I had some down time that I'd go through Talon's wooden box again, maybe read some of the journal. I had been so desperate for answers that first day that I'd skipped straight to the end, so I decided to dive into the neglected beginning. I had so many questions whirling around in my head. Maybe his journal was the key to getting my answers.
It was a very slow start. The first few pages were generic school boy thoughts. He wrote about what happened to him at school, how he was having trouble with this girl named Lillian, and so on. Frustration grew as I got the overwhelming feeling like this was a complete waste of time.
I put the journal aside vowing to read more later that evening. Right now, I needed to prepare myself for the looming interview. But how? I had no idea what kind of questions they were going to ask. Not that that probably mattered, my answers were probably scripted anyways.
I sunk into my bed thinking maybe a nap was the way to go.