A Syndrom of Neurotic Insecurity

Chapter 5 : Waiting and Confess

Aiden looked relieved to see him when she opened the door.

No, more than relieved, he notieced as she let him in. She seemed glad. He couldn't remember a time when his presence made someone happy.

- I tried to call them, he said while taking off his jacket. I guess they have forgot their phone somewhere.

- No, I don't think so.

She led him into the kitchen, where she started making some thea. Rafe leaned against the kitchen counter.

- You really have no idea what they're doing ?

She shrugged.

- I told you. I thought they were gone shopping.

- I mean : now that you know they're not, Aiden. You're their sister. You should know something.

She glanced at him hesitantly, and he knew. The teenage girl suspected the same thing as he did. That was why she was so reluctant to give him details in her texts. He snorted, shaking his head.

- They have a trail, haven't they ?

Aiden froze and turned her gaze towards him.

- And why am I not informed of this ? He continued, anger growing in his chest.

She frowned, clearly discomforted by the thought of him getting upset with her.

- There may be another reason, she suggested, rising her hands to calm him.

- Like what ? He asked dryly.

- Well they're Drake, remember ? For all we know, they broke down somewhere there's no network connexion, or they could have been arrested. Jeez ! They could even have fall in hole !

He elevated his eyebrow.

- And none of this involved a trail they would have followed ? You can't fall in hole by doing shopping !

The young girl rested a hand on her hip.

- I just said this one in jest, crétin. Look, I really don't think this has anything to do with our Avery stuff.

- What is it about, then ?

Her features lost all traces of impertinence and irritation.

- Well, they didn't tell anything to me. So it may have something to do with their mother. You know ? Since the starting point of our research is her legacy.

They remained silent for a moment, gazing at each other. Eventually, Rafe took in a sharp breath, then nodded.

- Okay. Okay, I'm gonna give you the bennefit of the doubt.

- How very magnanimous of you, she mumbled in a disconcerting Nathan-like way.

- But, he said as though he hadn't heard her, I intend to confront them face to face, so I hope you don't mind if I stay until they return.

To tell the truth, he didn't care if he bothered her or not. If the brothers Drake were up to something behind his back, he had the right to know. And the right to stay.

- Be my guest, Aiden replied ironically.

She then poured herself a cup of thea into which she added a spoonful of honey. Raising the mug to her lips, she muttered :

- If you want some, you can have a cup.

That must be as polite as she can get. He took a mug and helped himself some steaming thea, then joined Aiden in the living-room. Oddly, she had barely drink. He took a sip, and winced.