HYBRIDS (l.p.)

Chapter 17 // Lost Boy

I pass by the Australians, giving them a friendly wave hello as they laugh away seated at an outside cafe table. I often think of the friend they still so full heartedly want to find. I decide to head off to the public library and do a bit of research within the city directory.

"Hmm, I don't have much info on this lad." I speak softly to myself. "Michael." I type. "Around 18 or 19 from Australia. East origin."

The page takes a while to load before a list of 'MICHAEL's pop up. I sift through the names before finding a Michael Clifford, 19 living on the West side of the city.

"No way!" I beam to myself. "The lads are going to be so excited."

I jot down his information before setting out to the west. I was going to be sure this was lad number 4 before I told the others of my find.

I catch a bus, gathering a handful of stares as I migrate to the back of the vehicle. The trip is a bit long, but my adrenaline and optimism have me far too excited to care. I get off the bus a block away from the apartment as I check the slip of paper for correct whereabouts. I round the corner, granting the building into view. It's average and many people sit outside smoking and laughing away.

I clear my throat, approaching the mundanes gathering their attention.

"Hi." I smile. "Can anyone point me in the direction of Michael Clifford?"

An older gentleman repeats his name before looking to his wife. She turns to me with an unwavering smile.

"Third floor, dear. Fourth door on the right."

"Thank you." I smile once more, heading into the open door.

I opt for the steps, clearing two at a time. I reach the third floor, met with a hallway filled the cries of an infant child. I meet the fourth door and knock promptly. I take a step back hearing the quiet fumbling of someone rushing to the door. The door swings open violently presenting a white haired boy with a prominent eyebrow piercing staring back at me.

"Can--can I help you?" His accent rings.

I smile, fumbling over my words. "Michael?"

He looks about before back to me. "Yeah? Who wants to know?"

I grin, knowing how happy the Aussies will be once I've explain my discovery.

"My name is Sam and well, do you think I could come in?"

Michael looks at me skeptical, nervously running his hand through his hair.

I skim his thoughts, laughing lightly at his 'my apartment is a mess and I didn't shave today' ramblings.

"I only ask for a moment of your time, please."

He sighs. "Come on in." He offers. "Don't mind the mess, I uh, wasn't expecting company. Actually I never do."

"It's no problem. I came unannounced, hardly appropriate."

He smiles. "So, are you from the city or something? I know I'm behind a month but I called--"

"No, no." I stop him. "I'm here because someone asked me to find you. Well, not just one person. Luke--"

"What did you say?" He quickly zips.

"Luke and Ashton and Calum."

I can visibly see these names are shaking him.

"They are alive?" He croaks.

"Yes Michael, and they have been looking for you."

He laughs in disbelief. "I can't fucking believe this."