Unspoken Fears

Chapter 2 ~ Lasting Roots

                                                                                     Oxford, 1963

Once I got to Oxford, I settled in the crummy hotel Erik had given me the address too. I had a few days to kill between then and when I was to leave for the United States. Erik hadn't given me any idea of how long I'd have to wait for him once I got to the United States and I had no way of contacting him. I would just have to show up at the hotel on the right day and pray he did too.

That left me waking up on my third full day in Oxford. Alone.

I always have. I always will. He told me, and he meant it. He wouldn't lie to me.

I closed my eyes more against the memories than the gray morning light.

Holding on to Erik's hands as hard as I could. They ripped us apart from each other. I screamed. I rubbed my eyes like that's all it would take to blot away the haunting past. Erik was my older brother by just couple of years. But somehow those years meant more than age. He became my protector, and teacher, my whole family.

Too much responsibility for someone who was just a child as well, but... the world is unfair.

I threw the covers off the bed and stood up. I wasn't going to spend another day waiting around doing nothing. I dressed quickly, grabbed a warm jacket and my bag, and locked my door behind me. I didn't pass anyone on my way out and didn't look at the man behind the front counter.

Once out in the misty morning my determination faltered. Sure, I was out, but now what? I chose a direction at random and only paused when I came across an open store and bought a roll and an apple for breakfast. I ate as I walked until I came to Oxford University. A steady stream of pedestrians went in, and a sign boasted of a new professor reading a paper on a human mutation gene.

I threw my trash away, and followed them into an auditorium.

Erik had taught me almost everything I knew and I was satisfied with my level of education. Sort of. Walking up to the tan building stretching out as if with open arms to welcome anyone who wanted to learn...

Maybe once we get settled, wherever we end up, I can take some classes. There is always more to learn, after all. I gripped my leather messenger bag strap in my hands and went into the auditorium, eyes wide trying to absorb anything I could however I could.

A found an empty seat and settled next to a young blonde woman, her arms crossed, her face expressionless. She offered me a half smile. "Here for the big speech?" She asked in her obviously American accent.

"Yes, I'm always looking to learn. Are you a student here?" I asked and unbuttoned my coat.

She shook her head. "I only came here for Charles, my brother."

I smiled. "You must be very close to your brother." It was a relief to find another sibling relationship that seemed so close. Erik and I were close, and we only had each other, but from what I gathered in meeting people, most people didn't have as solid a relationship with their siblings.