From Mystery to Romance

A Xander Chapter: The Truth

"Yes!" Emily and I exclaimed.

We sat down and started filling out some information about her.

Suddenly, Emily pointed out something, "How come North's biological parents have two different last names? Rockie Farmer and Lyla Jackson."

Mr. and Mrs. Sanders and my dad gave each other worried looks.

Then Mrs. Sanders took a deep breath and said, "North's biological parents weren't married. In fact, they were only in college when they got pregnant with North," Mrs. Sanders explained, "They weren't doing well in college and were doing even worse when they had to worry about twins. They were most likely going to stay in college for many more years to come."

"Apparently, Lyla's parents cared more about grades than children. They forced the kids to put North and her sister in for adoption or they will not help them with anything, like buying a house or taking care of their kids. Rockie and Lyla both agreed that it would be better if the girls were put in a better place to be taken care of." Mr. Sanders explained.

Emily and I looked shocked. North's own grandparents gave up North and her twin sister just for some grades?

"Why didn't you ever tell me this?" Emily asked.

"We didn't know if you kids would understand." Mr. Sanders confessed.

Emily blinked, "How are we going to tell North this?"

My dad made a weird face, "You're going to tell North about this?"

"Well, I was planning to. North should know the whole truth about her mother and father. I don't want to give her a sugar-coated story filled with fake happy endings." Emily said in a strict voice.

"Well, if you're going to tell North about this, try to be a bit easy about it to her, alright?" Mr. Sanders told us.

"Oh, we're not telling North anything," I said, "Her parents got some explaining to do."

________________

Emily and I stayed up all night trying to find out more about North's parents and sister.

Then, I got an idea, "Why don't we try to find North's parents on social media?"

Emily looked up from her computer, "Not bad. Not bad at all."

I got my phone and searched for Lyla Jackson on Instagram. 

A bunch of profiles got up. Which one was North's mom?

"Emily, didn't you say North had pictures of  her mom and dad?" I asked.

"Yeah!" Emily smiled but then the smile faded, "Therein North's room though. And she's sleeping."

"Oh," I exclaimed.

But then, Emily got up.

"Where are you going?" I ask.

"North's a pretty heavy sleeper. And I know where the photos are. So all I need to do is sneak in there and grab a couple. When North goes to school tomorrow, I'll put them back." Emily explained.

I wanted to say no, but as much as I did, we needed to find North's family.

Emily was off. After five minutes she came back and handed me a few pictures.

I examined them. North looks more like her dad. The brown hair and medium brown skin gave it away. North's mom had white-blonde hair and lighter skin. She also had crystal blue eyes.

Rockie looked familiar to me. I tried to recall where I saw him, but I couldn't remember him.

I examined the profile pictures and found one that looked pretty similar. Actually, the same.

I looked at Lyla's photos and notice that Rockie wasn't in any of them. Maybe they broke up or something. 

"I think I found North's mom," I told Emily.

 She ran over to me, "Where?"

I showed her the photos, "Yep, we found them."

"Now what?" I ask.

Emily hesitated then said, "Dm her. Ask her if she knows anyone named North Farmer."

"Isn't that a bit of a big step?" I ask.

Emily gave me a look that said 'Do what I say or you'll regret it'. Classic Emily.

I slid into her Dm and wrote:

Xander: Do you know anyone named North Farmer?

There was an immediate answer, "She answered."

Emily looked at the conversation.

Lyla: Who are you and how do you know her?

 Xander: I'm Xander. Our parents are family friends.

"Give her your number. We can call her then." Emily suggested.

I did. And Lyla immediately called

"Hello?" I ask.

"Who are you? Where's North?" The woman said.

"I told you, I'm a family friend of North's parents," I repeat.

"Alright, a family friend. I don't care about that. Where's North?" Lyla yelled.

"At home?" I answered.

"You idiot!" Lyla yelled then said a few curses here and then.

"Wow, wow! Calm down! What else did you want me to tell you?" I ask.

"Which state she is? Which city she's in? Is she even living in America anymore?" Lyla yelled.

"She lives in California and-" I began.

"California? I'm all the way here in New York!" Lyla exclaimed.

"What?" Emily and I said.

"Wait, you need to calm down. Question by question." Emily took the phone from me.

"Who are you?" Lyla said.

"I'm Emily. North's sister." Emily said.

"Does North know that you're calling me?" Lyla asked.

"No, she's sleeping," Emily said. She was so calm while talking, I think it was helping Lyla.

"Well, does she know she's adopted?" Lyla asked.

"Yes," Emily said.

"How about her sister?" She asked.

"She knows that too. All she doesn't know is why you guys gave her up." Emily explained.

"Oh. Well, I need to see her. Can you come to New York?" Lyla suggested.

Emily sighed, "Maybe Xander and I can come and see you, but North should stay here. Especially right now."

"What do you mean I can't see her? I need to see my daughter!" Lyla yelled.

"You will! But not right now. Listen I'll call you a bit tomorrow it's late in California." Emily explained.   

Lyla imminently hung up.

Emily stared at me, "Well, what now?"

I sighed, "Looks like we're going to New York."