The Lifeguard

Chapter 22

Sunny afternon, I run far and fast. I pushed myself, thinking if I run longer, I can get away from everything. I thought I could leave my problems behind even for a while. I wanted to be stress-free. Just nothing in mind, and only thinking about how heavy my feet are, how my throat makes a wheezing sound, how much sweat is falling down, and the loud pounding of my heart.

I jogged back to the hotel, slowly and steadily. I crouched down, hands on my knees, and breathing fast. 

"Zoe!" I heard someone call my name. I stood up properly, and caught up with my breathing. Jace came over to my spot. "You're soaking from your own sweat. How long did you run?"

I rolled my eyes, and wiped my sweat off. "What is it? Is there something I can do for you?"

"Someone is looking for you. He's in the lobby." Jace raised his eyebrows, while giving me a look.

"Who is it? Is it Sean?" My eyes became wider, as I felt excitement. I've been wanting to talk to him lately, but he's avoiding me.

"Are you in trouble?" Jace paused. "W-wait. Sean? No. Why? Are you expecting him today?"

I sighed. "No. I thought he'd finally come by again. Anyway, forget it. Thanks." I patted him on the back. I began walking away from him.

"Did you not hear what I said? A man is waiting for you in the lobby," he repeated, shouting.

"Don't worry about it." I raised my voice for him to hear me. "Thanks." I headed to the lobby. If it wasn't Sean, Mr. Salvador is the only person who would look for me. I got to the lobby where Mr. Salvador was waiting. I approached him, and shook his hand. "Sorry to keep you waiting again. Let's go to the rooftop where no one will disturb us."

Mr. Salvador followed me to the rooftop. When we got there, we sat down on one of the table sets. "I have what you're looking for," he began. Mr. Salvador handed me another folder. It was the same kind he gave me before. "You were right... Connor Dawson is related to Alexander. He is Alexander's little brother. They were adopted by Mikael and Anna when their parents died."

I opened the folder. There are copies of personal informations, such as adoption forms, and certificates. "I-I knew that."

He nods. "Like what Connor told you, their parents really died from a car accident." Mr. Salvador discontinued for a while. He looked at me, like he was about to say something that I cannot take. He sighed. "It was not just an accident."

"What do you mean?"

"Someone set them off to die. Based on the investigation, the break was not working in which caused the crash to take place. Since then, Mikael took them in, and raised the both of them," he explained. Hearing about it came as a shock to me. "It's not just that... Mr. Anderson was a suspect at a point. Many people belived that he caused the accident. It was never proven, and it was shut down."

Now, I don't know what I feel. It was hard for me to believe everything I am hearing right now. How could it be?

"Mr. Dawson worked with Mr. Anderson for a very long time, before you even existed. And days before the accident, Mr. Dawson was thrown out of the company by your father. Many people had witnessed them fight and argue alot of times. This was the reason why your father was a suspect."

My father is not that terrible. He would never hurt anyone. He may not be a great father, but he would never kill someone.

I shook my head. "W-What are you trying to say?" I asked.

"All I'm saying is that there are people who still believes that the accident is on your father's hands. There are no proofs, or facts to prove it. The investigation stopped, and the case was forgotten."

The information that has been revealed hit me like a thunderbolt. My chest tighten, and breathing became diffucult.

What if people are right? What if my own father did kill Connor's parents? What if Connor is using me to get answers? Why is this happening to me? This summer has became a complete torture. I don't want to live in a world filled with vice, and secrets.