Finding Love

Chapter 13: The Truth About Michel's Past

"I can't help but notice how different your sons' looks are," I said to Lisa during the carriage ride to the market. The boys had chosen to take the horses and had raced off ages ago, hooting and screaming like animals.

"That's because Michel isn't actually my son."

My eyes widened and I looked at her expectantly, waiting for an explanation.

"Michel and Jack have known each other since their childhood. When Michel was around 5 years old, his mother passed away. It was such a sad affair. Unable to cope with her loss, Michel's dad disappeared and no one has ever heard from him since. I decided to step in and take care of Michel until he returned but he never came back. It was horrible, to leave your own son like that. Finally, after years of waiting I just stopped, and he's been living here ever since."

Her eyes had watered slightly as she recounted the tale in a monotonous voice. My heart ached at the thought of Michel being abandoned at such a young age. He'd disguised his pain so well, never once showing it to me or anyone else. It was almost difficult to connect the child she'd described and the Michel I saw everyday. I looked up at Lisa, whose hands were clutched tightly in her lap as she fought to rein in her tears.

"At least Michel has you," I said in a soft voice. She turned to me with a small smile before wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close for a tight hug. Her embrace was gentle but provided security and comfort. I felt a few tears of my own fall down my cheeks as I realized just how much I'd missed a motherly hug.

It took another 5 minutes for us to reach the market square. It was crowded with people and shop vendors selling everything from fruits to expensive laces. Unfortunately, the boys were nowhere to be seen. After stepping off the carriage, the 2 of us glanced around but they were nowhere in sight.

"I told them to wait here," said Lisa sounding slightly worried.

"BOO!"

I shrieked and spun around to find Michel and Jack bent over their knees laughing. Michel looked like he was close to crying with laughter but Jack looked slightly apologetic as he looked up at me.

"It was his idea," Jack said pointing his finger at Michel who raised his hands in surrender with a smirk on his face. The smirk quickly vanished when Lisa began to scold them and I watched in amusement as she forced the 2 boys to apologize to me. After both of them apologized, Michel gave me a small wink and I lightly punched his arm before we continued on our way.