Never Too Late

Chapter Four

"Johanan, breakfast is ready." Johan's mother called outside his door. Slowly, he got up from his bed in the guest room where his parents allowed him to stay before heading down the stairs to the dining room.

The weeks following his reunion with his family had been an overwhelming time for him, from meeting his extended family and many other people to being dragged to different offices and departments as his parents searched for answers to what happened to him. During this time he learned that he was separated from his parents when he was only a year old after he had fallen while playing, and that was how he got the scar behind his right ear. At the hospital, the doctors suspected abuse and called child protective services even though they had no proof of this, and neither he nor his brother had any prior injuries. When he was taken back to the hospital to remove his stitches, a mix-up occurred, and he was mistaken for another child who had died along with his parents in an accident. Only after another year, was the mistake found, but his biological family wasn't contacted, and he was instead put in Foster care.

These discoveries caused an investigation to be launched against the hospital and the Foster home that took him but his parents decided not to sue because they were happy enough with him back home.

Joining his family downstairs, Johan walked by his brother Luke and they mumbled greetings to each other before entering the dining room. They hadn't spoken much since meeting but he guessed that he was feeling just as overwhelmed and shocked as he was.

Once at the table, he noticed that his sister was already seated and smiling happily at him.

"Did you sleep well?" She asked cheerfully. From the very day they'd met, she'd been overly excited about him and didn't seem bothered about having another brother. Her welcoming nature also made him feel a little at ease in this new environment which he greatly appreciated.

As he was nodding to her, he felt his parents' eyes on him, as though they still couldn't believe he was there. They'd been showering him with attention and affection whenever they had the opportunity but he didn't know how to react to it as yet.

"Johanan, did you take your medicine?" His mother asked concerned. "The doctor says you should take them on an empty stomach."

His mother had taken him to the doctor shortly after he returned when she saw how malnourished he looked, and had since then closely monitored his health to ensure he was improving.

Johan nodded again and she smiled before serving him his breakfast.

"To be honest, I prefer to go by Johan." He confessed to her as he looked at his meal.

"Alright, no problem." She agreed happily.

"Did you try on the new clothes we got you?" His father cut in.

"Yes, they fit perfectly," Johan answered.

"I figured you and your brother wore the same size, so picking out things for you was easy." He said, glancing at Luke, who sat silently.

"This is amazing!" Johan's eyes widened as he took a bite of his food, "I've never tasted anything like this before!"

His mother glowed at his compliment, and his father laughed heartily.

"Of course, everything your mother makes is delicious!" His Dad said proudly.

Johan agreed as he continued eating, wasting nothing, much to his mother's delight.

"I'm glad you like it so much. Let me know if you'd like some more." His mother offered while already putting more food on his plate.

Johan smiled faintly when he realized how lucky he had been to be reunited with his parents, although it had taken so many years.

"What's wrong Johan?" His mother asked when she noticed how quiet he became.

"I'm really grateful for all the hospitality you've shown me," Johan said sitting back in his chair before continuing. "But you don't have to do all of this."

"Of course they do!" Rachel said without missing a beat. "We're all happy you're here!"

"I'm very thankful, and I'm glad I finally got to meet everyone, but I think it's time for me to get going," Johan confessed, as he lowered his gaze.

Almost immediately, the energetic atmosphere at the table evaporated and his parents stared at him horrified.

"Johanan... Johan, what do you mean?" His father said putting his cup of coffee down. "You're welcome to stay here for as long as you like."

"I know, but I'm an adult now, and I can't live here forever."

"Nonsense! you don't have to leave just because you're eighteen!" His mother added.

"No, but you don't need to take care of me; I can take care of myself, and I'll be okay."  Johan continued.

"Where will you go?" His father spoke up, concerned by his sudden decision.

"I saw a few job listings posted and the nearest one is just out of town. As soon as I get a job and settle in I'll come visit every now and again." Johan said trying to calm his parents.

"Wait, aren't you supposed to be in the 12th grade Johan?" His sister cut in. "Have you already finished school?"

"I was homeschooled," Johan revealed and his father took the opportunity to ask questions of his own.

"Did you even sit your SATs? Do you have any formal training or certification?" He inquired and Johan realized that this was the first time he had ever seen his father so serious.

"No, but I'll get by," Johan tried to reassure him.

"Why don't you come to school with us, I'm sure you'd like it there." Rachel beamed after coming up with this solution.

"No way!" Luke finally spoke, after sitting silently the whole time. "How would I explain to my friends that I have a twin brother? It would be a nightmare!"

"Luke!" His mother scolded him, "Are your friends more important than your family!?"

"He's right and what's the use? Only around five months are left in the school year." Johan said, considering that going to school at this point in his life probably wouldn't have an impact on him.

"Of course, it matters! You have to think about your future," His mother said rising to her feet.

Johan looked at her sorrowfully because not long ago, he wasn't sure where he would be the next day, and now he was being asked to imagine his life years into the future.

"I'm sorry." He said looking down at his unfinished meal. He hadn't realized that his decision would cause this much turmoil and he regretted telling them so suddenly.

"Before you make up your mind, stay a little longer with us." His mother asked with eyes that spoke of desperation as she tried to hold her composure but Johan could see that she was terrified of losing him again.