The Disappearance of Valentina Moreno

Chapter 6 ~ Unwelcomed Guest

                 The thermostat on the wall says it’s sixty-eight degrees in the apartment, yet I’m shivering. Moses hands me a hot cup of tea, so I free my arm from the sherpa blanket I’m bundled in and take it from him.

“Thank you.”

“Are you ok?” He squats and presses his fingers to my wrist.

“What are you doing?”

“Just checking your pulse. I’m worried you’ll faint or vomit again.”

“I don’t think there’s anything left to puke.”

“Do you feel dizzy at all?” He presses his hand to my forehead.

“I’m fine. You don’t have to fuss over me.”

“Valerie, of course, I do. What kind of nurse would I be if I didn’t?”

“Oh, God,” Julian huffs from the kitchen. “You guys aren’t going to start some sexy medical role-play. Because I’ll see myself out.”

“Julian!” I snap.

“Tough crowd.” He shrugs. “But on a more serious note, I’m sorry the Youtube made you barf, but you needed to see it.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did.”

“No, I didn’t.” I skyrocket from the couch, and the blanket falls. “What the fuck am I supposed to do with this information!”

“Holy fuck…” Julian’s eyes widen. “Did you really just say fuck? You never say fuck.”

“Julian! Focus, please.”

“Seriously,” he directs at Moses. “She never says that word.”

“See. This is why we argued last night. Because you don’t know when to stop.” 

“Listen, you needed to see the YouTube so we can start finding out the truth.”

“No.” 

“No?”

“This isn’t a game. This is my life.” I swing around and point at the laptop. “And that is a can of worms.”

“Yeah, and don’t you want to know if your dad is really your dad?”

“Stop.” I wave my hands, and my bottom lip starts quivering. “He is my dad.”

“Val…” Julian approaches with baby steps, his hand up in prayer. “I know you know, deep down, this is no longer just coincidence. I know I’m being super calm right now, but I’m worried. If your dad did kidnap you—”

“Stop.” I cover my ears, but he ignores it.

“If he kidnapped you, you’re not safe anywhere near him.”

“How dare you!” I jab my finger at him. “He’s my dad. He would never hurt me.”

“Val—”

“No! You need to stop.”

“Listen,” Moses clears his throat, and I almost forgot he was standing next to me. “This is heavy. Valerie is upset, and you’re upset, so why don’t we all take a step back and drink some tea?”

“I know we just met last night, but even you gotta admit I’m right,” Julian says.

“No, I’m more concerned with Valerie’s mental state.”

“Val,” Julian pivots to address me and only me. “You are the one who said it’s been bothering you how there are zero pictures from childhood. Doesn’t it seem a little convenient it all burned in the fire? Hell, even the fire feels convenient now that I think about it.”