Hope

Chapter16

He rubbed his temple. Sliding down a bit. "Not gonna lie that's a bit messed up." I closed my eyes "did he specify it though?"

"Yes I remember it clearly he said Jocelyn and Viktor"

"So let me sum it up, you called me asking how many bodies were found when your house caught on fire and I had said two one male and one female. Jocelyn and Viktor Simmons"

"Yes, Alessandro thought that Jocelyn, as in our mom was the one who died in the fire with Viktor when in actuality our mom died seven years ago and the Jocelyn that actually died in the fire was Viktor's sister"

"Serah This whole confusion is only possible if you're brothers thought that your mom had remarried Viktor." He stated. I pondered over it a bit.

"Of course, they would think that, otherwise there was no reason for me to live with that man my whole life."

"Maybe that's why they didn't take you into custody earlier either"

"That could be possible. They didn't know I was adopted by Viktor."

Beside me, Jason sighed. This gives me a headache. "So you're brothers still believe that they would be attending your mother's funeral as in theirs too and your stepfather"

"But actually," I continued "it's Viktor's funeral and his sisters. "I remember she was there when the house caught fire. There is no way that she got out of there unscathed and alive" I shivered a bit hugging myself a bit more tightly. The house was crumbling down.

"This whole confusion started because Viktor's sister and you're mom had the same name. Right?"

"Yes," I replied feeling completely drained from such a small conversation. Jason sighed. "I really feel bad for you, how come you end up having so many problems and secrets"

I know all of them are being taken to the grave with me. I've never truly felt so sorry for myself, and now that I said it out loud I just realized how true it actually was.

"What do we do now," He asked sitting up straight". I looked up at him his face etched with concern. "We can't tell you're brothers about it since they don't know Viktor is not your stepfather and you'd probably have to tell them about the violence and everything you went through. Which is something"- He let out a breath, one he was holding for a while "Is it something you are ready to talk about?"

I hugged my arms tightly at my elbows hoping the tears won't come down. "No, I whispered it's not. I- I don't think ill ever be"

He looked at me with sympathy and sighed. "Understandable. You've got a second chance at life, I wouldn't have wanted to ruin it either because of the things from the past"

I nodded, thankful that the one person I share everything with is so understandable. However, the hollow black hole in my chest continued to get bigger and darker. There was something even Jason didn't know, something I would never tell him. And that was a secret I was truly taking to my grave with me. 

About an hour or so later We both were done venting our pent-up frustration and were talking about school and stuff. I had missed this, just sitting and having a good time with him. It hadn't been a long time but I had a feeling that one of my brothers would come to get me as it was getting dark pretty soon. Suddenly I remembered the envelope they had given me. I touched my pocket shakily, I had completely forgotten about that thing. 

"Jason, I wanted to tell you something else," I said. He looked at me frowning "What?"

I cleared my throat "Well Leo had given me a letter before I came here, It's ridiculous and shocking at the same time- "I took the envelope out of my pocket "but it's very important apparently" I continued. He examined the piece of paper carefully before taking it from my hand. 

"Well, why don't you open it then?"

I scratched my head "Leo says there might be something upsetting in it, That's not exactly how he phrased it but I believe there might be."

"Didn't he open it before giving it to you?" I shook my head. He delicately placed it back in my hands "It looks old. Like really old, the writing has faded too" He scrunched his nose in confusion "why does it say happy birthday anyway?"

I shrugged "I have no idea" I examined it once again before feeling it, it seemed like there was a card in it, so I don't think it might be that dangerous." They kept it for a long time I can't say for how long but maybe a decade"  

Jason's eyes went wide. "A decade?" He rubbed his face "then there's a high chance that they have already opened it."

I shook my head once again. "I may not know Leo for a long time but I'm sure he would've told me whether he opened it or not"

Jason raised an eyebrow and snorted  "I got a sneak of your brothers and they don't exactly seem the punctual type" I raised an eyebrow at him. what's that supposed to mean? He raised his hands in defense. "I'm joking" He studied my face for a moment and stood up. My eyes followed his movement. "Let's open it" 

"Do you think I should?" I felt dumb 

He rolled his eyes " It is given to you for that purpose and I think there might be nothing dangerous in it" I breathed out. He's right 

It might just be a birthday card or something. I don't think that would upset me much.