As The Mill Grinds

THE MEETING CHAPTER 16

The black sedan pulled up in front of a very exquisite condo coated with white paint, and adorned with wide lawns and an over hanging patio.

The man turned to Zack who was already half way out of the vehicle. "Hey kid! You're gonna need these." He passed Zack a pair of software."

"Hey Adidas! Thanks man and there're just my size." The man gave him a nod and he quickly put them on.

What are you going to say when you see her?"

Zack paused and for a moment. It was as though a dark cloud came over him. "I... I don't know, I" he sighed, but it was not of relief but one filled with grief and guilt.

He thought if it wasn't for his mom's, he shook his head, Mrs. Wellington's deceit, none of this would have happened. How could he admit that he was her son? Too much have happened, so much time had gone by he was now a senior looking forward to entering College. Sigh~

"I guess there isn't much options left right?" He looked at the man and flashed a smile. "I guess this is what they meant by taking the bull by the horns." He stepped out and closed the door.

The man also got out the car, but instead of joining Zack in his quest he leaned back on the hood of the car and watched as Zack jogged across the road.

Zack stood in front of the door with his heart pounding wildly; nothing prepared him for this moment. He wiped his palms along his sweat pants and took deep breaths before pressing the doorbell with a shaky finger.

"Who is it?" Someone shouted from inside. It sounded like Casey. He heard shuffling from behind the door then came the loud screech. "ZACKY!!!"

Zack jumped back startled at the high pitched voice coming from above him. He looked up and saw Casey's bright elated smile shinning down on him from through the top side window. 'Oh boy, I almost forgot about her crushing on me. Well... she's in for a surprise. ' He stepped back when the door opened.

"Hi Zack!" Casey lit up like lights on a Christmas tree.

"Hi"

"Come on in." She beamed.

"Thanks"

Casey led Zack in to sit at the dinner table. "So what or who brought you over here Zack?" Casey asked trying to be coy.

Zack pretended he didn't know what she was referring to. "I came in a car driven by the man outside.

"No no no, not how you got here but who brought you here. Like who,"

"Right...who, the man outside." He pointed back to the door. Casey gave herself a face palm.

"Who was it" Cara came out her room and asked.

"It's Zack." She droaned, less enthusiastic.

"Hey Zack, how are you? Are you here to see Josh? JOSH!!" Cara didn't wait for his reply, she shouted for Josh down the hall.

"Yes Aunt Cara!" Josh came down the hall in a light jog. "Hey Zack!" Josh beamed too when he saw Zack sitting at the dinner table.

Zack never thought he was a household favourite until now. His heart felt overwhelmed that this was his true family, with all the noise and ruckus the excitement alone was ecstatic. Danni came running after his mother with his binki teddy and baby Kate crept after him excitedly. Zack's chest felt as though it would explode.

Everyone including Cara's aunt and uncle watched him. They waited to hear exactly who Zack came to see. Just then Nadine came in his eyes met her's, he was sure his own body would betray him and he would die of cardiac arrest. His heart raced and his palms felt moist, but he stood still and watched as she entered the dining room. For the first time he noticed her smile matched his, the resemblance was uncanny. 'Why didn't I see it before? It is just what Charlie had said. He was right along.'