Our Deep End | ✔️

CHAPTER 37

Christian's POV

Ever since last night at Elle's, I could not get the words of Esme's mom out of my head. She was looking for her birth parents? The idea alone feels like a game changer.

I recall my fathers words clearly, from my accidental eavesdropping that set this entire thing off.

"Apparently she's been in contact with the adoption agency demanding answers. I don't know what this means, but it doesn't look good, Marc."

This is basically the confirmation I've been looking for desperately.

One would think that this sudden bit of clarity would be a good thing, however it only left me with a gut wrenching feeling. One that didn't allow me to get too much sleep. I kept tossing and turning, anxiously pondering what could be. It's one thing to have a feeling about something, but there's absolutely nothing that can prepare you for it actually being true. I feel confused, dumb founded and simply stuck but I must continue.

Today is the day Micah agreed to come over and help me sort through the box she took from my house in Brazil...the box that I never got a chance to look through beyond finding the photo. Inevitable nerves fizzle in my stomach as I await her arrival.

Relax, Christian, this is what you came back for, I remind myself. This isn't about me. This is about Esme. She's the one who got the short end of the stick, and I'm the lucky one to be here trying to fit the far fetched pieces together.

It's about two in the afternoon. I didn't end up going to school today to make sure my schedule was clear for Micah. I have no idea how long this will take or what we'll possibly find, so I wanted to play it safe. It also helped that Elle stayed home from school too, because of her road test. With her not being there, I didn't feel too much pressure to maintain my perfect attendance. It wouldn't feel right not seeing her beautiful face in between classes, all while she rushes to give me a kiss before the next. I smile at the thought.

Things between us have been great, better than I could've ever pictured. I find myself at ease with her by my side. I'm so fucking thrilled that she's mine.

Thinking about Elle causes me to miss her, so I decide to give her a call. I know she'll be surprised to hear from me this early in the day because as far as she knows, I'm in school.

I take a seat on the edge of my bed, and press the phone icon next to her contact. I smile at the photo I have set next to her name. It's an off guard picture I took of her when we were out one evening. She wears a huge, genuine smile while her hands frantically rise in attempts to shield herself from the camera. Too late though, I've already captured this gorgeous image, and her gorgeous essence.

The phone rings twice, as it normally does before she answers.

"Hello?" I hear her voice come through. Faint noises of running water in the background come to a halt.

"Hey." I reply, an inevitable smile on my face.

"Where are you? Why aren't you in class?" She questions almost in a concerned way.

"Played hooky."

"Seriously?"

"Nah I'm kidding. I don't feel too good." Was this a lie? Partly. I really don't feel well, just not in the way she assumes.

"Really?" Her voice is pouty. I try my best to visualize her lips curled into a frown. "What's bothering you?"

Good question.

"My stomach." I reply quickly, trying not to seem suspicious. "Must be a bug or something."

"Aw, have you taken any medicine?"