The Lies I Believed

The Thompsons

"Is everything good?" I asked Sha'Kera.

"What?" She looked at us with fear evident in her eyes. "Yeah..."

"Are you sure? You look a bit...out of it."

"It's nothing. I promise you everything is perfectly normal. It's just...I have to get home."

"Why?" Alex frowned. "Kera, if there's an emergency at home, you don't need to give any excuses. We understand. Family over friends."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure they want you out of here on the next flight back to New York."

Sha'Kera didn't waste anymore time. She apologized profusely and ran off without another word. Alexander and I looked at each other, then at her retreating figure. I'm worried for her, but I'm sure everything is going to be fine. Derek was the one who called her, so I doubt it's a real emergency. He probably doesn't want her around me anymore. Using her kids against her seems like something he'd try to do.

"Well, that definitely wasn't weird," I commented after a long silence. "What do you think that was about?"

"I don't know, but she seemed almost afraid." Alexander rested a cheek on his fist. "You think she'll be up for questions when she lands?"

"Maybe, maybe not. I really hope her kids are okay."

"She has kids?"

"Yeah, three. She's never flown them out here; never really talks about them, unless someone brings them up. Like now."

"I've been away for far too long to keep up with everything you guys have accomplished."

"You're a busy man, AJ. You come around when you can. We all still love you. Better than how Johnathan treats us."

"Oh..."

"Speaking of the jerk, how has he been? I haven't heard from him in a while."

Alexander seemed to forget he was with me. He sat up and his face contorted like Johnathan was someone he'd rather not speak about. I get that, but Natalia doesn't know a thing. Johnathan barely acknowledges their past relationship. It would be a surprise if he suddenly showed back up and pretended everything was fine.

"JJ is...JJ." Alex sighed and took a sip of his drink. "No one knows where he is. I lost contact with him a couple of years ago. Last I heard, he went overseas again. I don't know for what, though. Mom claims he's in the military, but I doubt it."

"I mean, it could happen."

"For JJ, the military is a death sentence. He doesn't follow orders very well. Which is why what happened to you in New York was something we all believe he did on his own accord."

"Everyone knows about that?"

"Mom made sure we knew you were okay. Natalia was a bit devastated, but she got over it. Honestly, I don't think JJ can do anything to get her back. Especially with Ravi in the picture."

"Everyone seems to know him better than me."

"Trust me, we only know what Natalia allows us to know. If my memory precedes me, he's supposed to be back sometime this week."

"With how Nat explained everything, he might not be back until next week."

Alexander stood up and held out his hand. "Shall we go out for lunch, darling?"

"We're playing this game now?" I laughed. "Where to, my love?"

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