Never Too Late

Chapter Thirty Three

"Alright, here we are," Johan said hopping out of his car and going to the passenger side before opening the door. "This is my home." He had just come back from picking up Liz after telling his family he was bringing her over but he couldn't help feeling flustered because he knew they would have a lot of questions about her.

"You've really been living the good life haven't you?" Liz remarked with a soft giggle. He was happy at least with her being comfortable, which he should've expected since she had a carefree personality.

"I guess so," he said taking her arm. "My family can't wait to meet you."

"You don't need to hold my hand, I'm coming." Liz pouted and teased which made him feel a bubble of happiness in his chest unexpectedly. As he gazed at her again, her green summer dress, brown nail polish, and pink soft lipstick all spoke of her feminine charm. He hadn't told her his parents thought they were dating but she had come ready to play the role of a doting girlfriend.

"You look great by the way," he said, noting how quick-witted she was. "Let's go inside." Even if their relationship was a lie, she was still one of the people he held dearest in his life.

They went in together and he watched as Liz's eyes widened when she saw the fine artwork and luxurious furniture that decorated the house. She immediately took off her sandals and felt the carpet before exclaiming with glee that it was the softest thing she had ever felt. Johan smiled warmly and nodded; this was the same reaction he had when he felt it for the first time although he said nothing. Having so little growing up, it was the small things like this that made his day, though his family wouldn't understand, but Liz could which made him even happier.

"Johan, you're back," Luke said, coming down the stairs and into the living room while looking at his phone.

"Yeah, I brought my girlfriend with me." He said bringing Liz's presence to his attention.

"Oh, sorry, I just remembered you said you were going to pick her up," Luke said, flustered. "Hi, I'm Luke."

Liz shook his hand and smiled but her eyes spoke of mischief. "Wow, you were right Johan. He does look exactly like you." She said looking him over.

"Yeah, we're twins after all," Luke said matter-of-factly.

"Oh, I wonder if that means everything is the same." She said with a mischievous smirk.

"Wha..." Luke began but trailed off when he realized what she was alluding to. His face immediately blazed red, and he turned away, embarrassed, but Liz couldn't help laughing.

"Johan, you're back!" His mom called as she and his dad came from the backyard together. Upon noticing Liz, Johan could tell from their eyes that they seemed a little surprised, but they greeted her nonetheless and exchanged pleasantries.

"So, you're the elusive girlfriend Johan has been hiding from us all along." His mother asked after they were all seated in the living room.

"Yeah, I'm happy that I'm finally meeting you both," Liz said warmly.

"It's Liz right?" His mother began. "Is that short for Elizabeth?"

"Eliza," She said warmly. "But I prefer Liz,"

"Okay, Liz. Welcome to our home," Johan's mother said greeting her again.

"May I ask how long you two have been dating?" Johan's father cut in and Johan could tell he knew something was amiss.

"About two years on and off," Liz answered smoothly.

"Oh, so you two were in foster care together then?" His mother guessed but Liz shook her head.

"Nope, we were from different foster homes." Liz shrugged but his parents seemed confused.

"So how did you meet our son?" His mom continued.

"Oh, from a friend of a friend," Liz said offhandedly but his parents seemed even more confused.

"Mom, Dad, aren't we going to have dinner?" Johan cut in and they nodded before leaving for the dining room.

Once dinner was served, they all sat together, including Luke and Rachel, who both seemed even more curious than their parents.

"So Liz, where do you go to school?" Rachel asked as she observed her guest closely.

"I don't go to school," She said before twirling her fork with spaghetti. "I haven't for a couple of years now."

"I'm sorry but how old are you?" Johan's dad asked with a look of suspicion.

"She's -" Johan began.

"I'm around 19," She cut him off before taking a mouthful of food. His father continued to eye her suspiciously but Luke chimed in.

"So, tell me, has my brother always been a buzzkill?" Luke joked and Johan glared at him.

"Well, I suppose, but life does that to everyone eventually, doesn't it?" She shrugged.

Johan could tell his family was confused by her non-specific answers and nonchalant attitude but he was used to it and found it endearing.

"I'm glad you were able to come, don't mind my family's curiosity." His mother chimed in and made light of the situation. "We care a lot about Johan and we're just curious to know more about you two."

"I understand, Johan was never the talkative type. When I met him, he was a bit shy and well guarded, but he had a big heart and a kind soul.

"That's so sweet," Rachel remarked and Liz nodded.

"I'm really happy that life finally dealt him a good hand," Liz said before she smiled sadly. "He deserves it."

"It wasn't all us, Johan also played a role in how well his life is going now." His father added proudly. "He's the top of his class and he's the star of his baseball team."

"Yes, Johan has told me all about it, and I must say, although I knew he was really book smart, I never expected him to be involved in sports. You know since he has coordination problems from being blind in one eye." Liz remarked nonchalantly.

At her words, almost everyone at the table froze and looked over at Johan, then back at her.

"Wait, I'm sorry but I think I heard you incorrectly. Did you say Johan is blind in one eye?" Hanna, Johan's mother asked, rising to her feet.

"Yeah, he is. You guys didn't know?" Liz said surprised as she took in the expression of everyone at the table.

"Johan, is this true?" His father asked alarmed as his mother shook her head in disbelief.

Johan observed that his entire family was now watching him anxiously and he lowered his head.

"Yeah, I am." He confessed.

The color drained from his mother's face as she stared at him but his father and siblings sat with their mouths hanging open.

"What!? How is that possible? Your eyes look fine!" His mother said before getting up and going closer to him to get a better look. "I took you to the doctor the morning after you came here!"

Johan shrugged in silence, his chest felt heavy, and he didn't know what to say, but his family surrounded him.

"Why didn't you say anything?" His father asked with a voice full of devastation. "Are you really blind!?"

"Not fully," Johan murmured.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know Johan hadn't said anything." Liz spoke up, "I've known for years so I thought he'd already told you."

"Years? How long has it been this way!?" Luke said in shock and confusion.

"Which eye is it? Are you really not seeing anything?" Rachel added.

Johan remained silent, suffocated by questions, and not even Liz's concerned arm on his shoulder could free him from the dread he felt.