My dad is a Musician

Chapter 8

I managed to sneak back in somehow. I am glad dad didn't notice it this time.

I took my tablet and started to search for Carter's family. I got a lot of information regarding their background. The parents don't look the same as Zack. Is he really adopted? What happened to him?

As I scrolled through the internet, I found pictures of Zack from three years ago. The couple seemed glad to have adopted a kid.

Nyla Carter, the mother, had brown hair with blue eyes while her husband, Nile, had golden hair with brown eyes. There's no way they are related to Zack. I checked the news from eight years ago. They had the same hair and eye colour. Then could it be that Zack got adopted after running away?

But I remember us running away a year ago together. How are his photos of the past three years available? This… this is just so… complicated.

And even if it had been three years since we ran away, why is it that I have the memory of being abused together and then directly the memories of the past year. What happened? What am I missing?

I heard a knock on the door.

What am I missing?

"Leon? Are you back?" It was dad's voice. He sounded anxious.

What am I missing? My abuser…

My dad suddenly burst into the room, and I immediately jumped up from the bed. His unexpected entrance surprised me. Why? Why now?

"What?" I asked, my heart racing.

"Leon Daniel Lafelle," he said with a stern tone. I flinched at the use of my full name, my hands instinctively clutching my t-shirt. It was clear that I was in for some serious trouble.

"Follow me," he commanded, and I obediently got up from the bed, trailing behind him.

We entered his room, and he gestured for me to sit on his bed. I was scared but, I complied. He retrieved his tablet from the side desk and began manipulating it. Then, he turned the tablet toward me.

It is footage from the security camera at our front door, clearly showing me sneaking out of the house. I hadn't even realised we had a camera installed outside.

"I just installed it after your first adventure in the forest," Dad began, explaining his actions. He looked at me expectantly, his eyes searching for an explanation.

"Dad," I began hesitantly, unsure of how to express myself. "How do I even explain?"

"Try," he urged gently, moving closer to me. His hands reached for my cheeks, lifting my face to meet his. Our foreheads touched, and he continued, "Your dad is tired, Leon. Please don't do it again. I can't handle it."

Hearing those words tore my heart. I knew I had to tell him everything, but where do I even begin?

No, I can't tell him. There are too many questions. I need to talk to Zack first, get some clarity on what's happening. What happened to me during those two lost years? Why can't I remember?

I am dreaded. But for now, I can't share this with Dad. I need to know more, understand the whole picture. When I've figured it out, I promise myself, I'll tell him everything.

"Sorry," I began, my voice choked with emotion, "I can't tell you right now."

Dad responded by placing a gentle kiss on my forehead and pulling me into a warm hug. He whispered, "I understand, Leon. But promise me, no more sneaking out. We're a team, and we need to act like one."

I nodded through my tears. "Yes."

"I love you, and I always will, no matter what," he reassured me.

"I love you too," I managed to say, my voice wavering.

"Remember, you can always talk to me about anything," he said softly.

"I definitely will," I promised.

At that moment, I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. It felt like a weight had been lifted, knowing that my dad was there for me, no matter what secrets I held. But another weight of secrets ate me up. I never realised relationships can be this… harsh.

What exactly happened? Why did I lose my memories? I just know I was abused again somewhere because dad found me in a bad situation. But who abused and what happened to him? I need to talk with Zack about this soon.

I suddenly felt a hand put on my head. I looked up. It was my dad. He smiled a bit. He looks sad though… I know. I am the reason.

"You want me to make you something different?" He asked. His tone is gentle. But he sounds exhausted.

"No…" I don't want to trouble him.

"You have been playing with your food for the past one hour. Want me to reheat it?"

"I am not hungry." I said getting up. I should go to my room and think about it calmly. I won't be able to do anything else otherwise.

"Leon?"

"I am sorry! I can't!" The emotions just creeped inside me again. The guilt of not saying, the embarrassment of not remembering and the anger of not knowing. All these just squashed together and the uncertainty of what will happen now. It sank my heart and I felt like crying again. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I couldn't stop it. The worst is that I have to continue dealing with it. I wonder… When will this end?

I looked up at dad. He felt hurt. "I… I am really sorry…hic…" I said to him, I can't help it. I can't help crying. I can't do anything. This helplessness is poison.

I felt my dad slipping his hands under my armpits and lifting me up, bringing me closer to his chest. I wrapped my arms around his neck, seeking comfort, as he gently stroked my head, soothing me in his embrace.

"Things happen, Leo. It's alright."

"Yes..." I replied, my voice trembling as I sniffed.

I wonder… When will this end? When will I finally be able to be at peace. When?