A Silver Anniversary

Entry #12

I arrived at her house late at night. If I had to guess it was about 1 am or so. I was tired. My eyes couldn't stay open even if I tried. As soon as I got to her house, I hopped out the truck and banged on the door. All the lights were off in the house, and I didn't see any cars in the driveway. Someone had to be there, I just know it. I kept banging on the door until a bunch of light washed over me. Headlights? I looked at the car that came up the driveway, but I couldn't see inside. 3 people exited the car. "Cameron," A female voice asked. After my eyes finished focusing, I could see it was Melissa, my sister, and her family. She approached me and didn't say a word. She just stared. "Melissa," I stated. Her husband, Derrick, came to her side. Their daughter, Allison, joined them shortly after.

"What are you doing here," Melissa asked. "I need something," I respond. She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Of course, you do," She sighed. "I thought I told you to stay away, Cameron. I don't want you rubbing off on my daughter." I didn't know how to respond. Did she actually tell me to stay away? She went and unlocked the door. Her and Derrick went inside, while Allison just stood there watching me. "Are you my Uncle Cameron," She asked. I nodded. She smiled then hugged my leg. God, it felt weird to have someone hug me. I can't remember the last time someone even hugged me. My mind grew foggier the longer I stood there. "Uncle Cameron?" I snapped back to reality and looked down at her. "What are you doing here?" I knelt down to her level and said, "Your mom has something that's mine and I need it back." Of course, I didn't even know if she had it or not, but she knows something. "Then let's go get it back" She exclaimed. She grabbed my hand and dragged me into the house. "Mommy! Uncle Cameron wants his stuff back!" Melissa stared at me then ripped Allison's hand out of mine. "What are you doing going around like you own the place!? You show up to my house at 1am and now you're asking for things!? What could you possibly think I have of yours," She yelled. I put my hands in my pockets and cleared my throat. "My birth certificate," I stated. She grew pale. Derrick came and put an arm around her. "Mother didn't keep it in the house after she died. Trust me I would know. She told you everything. So where is it?" She sent Allison off with Derrick and cleared her throat. "Why do you think I would have that," She asked.

"Mother trusted you. I know you took some stuff after she died."

"Even if I did have it, which I'm not saying I do, why do you need it?"

"I need to know the truth."

"About what?"

"About me. You were right. These murders are happening because of me, and I need to know why. So just please."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I promised mother- "

"Mother is dead, Melissa! And a whole lot more people are going to die if I don't figure out what's going on! If you don't give me that birth certificate, their blood is on your hands!" I didn't even realize I was in her face at this point. My mind was clear as day as I shouted. It felt good. Years of bottled-up emotions finally released. She sighed and went into another room. I stood there for a second to collect my thoughts. She came back with a box labeled "Cameron."

"Here." she said while placing it on the table. "You want answers? There you go." I approached the box. It looked like it hadn't been opened once since it was taped shut. I took out my pocketknife. My hands shook as I stared at the box. Melissa put her hands on mine before taking the knife from me and opening the box herself. She closed the knife and handed it back to me. "You might want to sit down for this." She spoke. I took a seat as she pulled out a stack of documents. First thing I saw on top was my birth certificate. "Name: Rivera, Malakai" I stared at it for what felt like hours. Who the hell is Malakai and why is his birth certificate with my stuff? I pulled out another birth certificate. This time I knew it was mine. "Name: Daniels, Cameron" I analyzed my birth certificate over and over to see if there was any kind of clue. Nothing. "Cameron," Melissa stated. "Look at them both."

I did exactly that. I put them side by side and compared. Everything matched up except the names. I was confused. Did I have a twin or something? I looked up at my sister and just stared. She knew I was confused. She sat in the chair next to me and took both certificates. "Cameron. I think I know why this has something to do with you," She stated. "When you were a baby, you were adopted by mom and dad." Adopted? Why didn't anyone tell me I was adopted? "Mother was a nurse that aided your birth mother. After you were born and your birth father stepped out for a second, your birth mother knew she wasn't going to make it. She begged mother to take you and keep you away from your birth father, so that's what she did. Of course, there was tons of legal business she had to deal with, but she got it sorted out before your 2nd birthday." She slid me Malakai's birth certificate and grabbed my hand. "So, you're saying I'm not your brother," I asked. "Not by blood, no." She responded. "Cameron, I wanted to tell you I really did, but mother was scared for your safety."

I felt tears roll down my cheeks. I was right. My whole life HAD been a lie. "If you truly want to solve this case. I would start with your dad." She said before standing up. "You can stay the night. Collect your thoughts before you leave tomorrow. Just... Be careful." She left the room. I took everything out of the box and analyzed every single picture and document I could find. This case really does involve me, doesn't it? I need to get back to the station and get my thoughts together. I packed everything up and a singular letter fell out of a folder. How come I didn't notice this before. I opened it. The handwriting was beautiful, but I didn't recognize it. It gave me a safe feeling, like whoever wrote this put their entire heart and soul into it. I didn't dare to read it. I couldn't. Not yet. I put it in my pocket then put the box in my truck. I had to go. I couldn't stay here. Last thing I want to do is put my "family" in danger.