The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 28

Dor

"You're lying", she manages to get the words out in a whisper. She feels as though someoneis choking her, her throat hurts and her vision is blurred with hot burning tears. She hasthought about it every day for the past seven years. Why Kas has not contacted her orvisited her all these years. She has battled her conflicting thoughts as she has tried to cometo terms with her two main fears. 1. Kas's untimely death and 2. Kas the adult having outgrownthe precious relationship he shared with her as a still growing young boy. Eli Gray iswatching her with an unfathomable expression and she feels his deep grey eyes intent onher face as he continues "He never forgot you Dor. He spoke about you all the time. I enviedthe rare bond that you two shared every time he mentioned you". 

Dor doesn't resist when she feels his hand cover hers comfortingly. She stares at his big but soft hands which look like they haven't done a day of hard labor. "When?", the word leaves her mouth heavily but Eli nods as though he understands. "Six months ago," he gently presses her hand as he continues "He was too ashamed to see you Dor. He was sick all the time and he couldn't really have a great career as such to speak of. The last thing he wanted was you taking care of him again"

"Do you have a recent picture of him"? She feels him look away at her question as thoughhe doesn't want to meet her eyes. "No Dor. I don't. But let me check for you". She nods. Hisface hardens as he leans back and looks at them. "I can't afford you to give you time togrieve over Kas. There is some urgent pressing matters which Kas had entrusted to mebefore he passed and I urgently need your help". An hour later, Eli, Chess and Dor aresipping coffee with Eli having confided everything that has happened since Kas left themseven years ago.
"I first need to find Ma", Kas's Ma, "he quickly corrects himself. Dor glances at Chess andthen looks back at Kas. "Do we really need him"? Kas chuckles at how ferocious she looksand the big beefy Chess actually shifts uncomfortably in his chair. "Dor, I promised Kasseveral things. First find Ma. Second, find where or what happened to Kaya and finally, bringthe Bernard men down. Kas himself told me that I could trust only you and Chess. So, pleaseI need you to forgive Chess. Kas never held Chess responsible. 

". Dor stares broodingly at Chess and then sighs "Okay, if that's what Kas wants". Kas feels a tinge at the way she speaks about Kas in the present tense. He also notices that the sheer relief on Chess's face and the way Chess keeps looking at her. His heart sinks as he realizes that Chess is in love with Dor. "And", she continues, drawing his attention from Chess", I am Dor to Kas. You, Eli Gray, can call me Mrs. D as I am known around here." Kas winks at her and gives her a broad smile "Mrs. D?? No way! Kas called you Dor and I only know Dor." Dor scowls and ignores him and turns to Chess "You call me Mrs. D. Got it?" There is an obedient, "Yes Maám" in response.