In search for the origins

Part 4

I stayed in silence for a long time. It was not that I didn't believe Allen when he said he wasn't hiding anything else from me, but...after all I had known in the last day, I had my reasons to doubt of everyone and everything. I knew it could be unfair, but just couldn't help it.

"I think I know what you're thinking, and it doesn't surprise me. Anyway, you can trust me, we have told you everything we know. When I said you would probably need Sue's support, I meant we don't know what we'll find out in Billlings. All this happened fourteen years ago, and you were born seventeen years ago...your mother can be gone, or have another family, or..."

" Or dead, you mean? I don't want to think about that now, maybe I'm being a fool, but... I'm sorry for doubting you and Jess, you're the only ones I trust completely."

"It doesn't matter. Your life has changed completely with all this, and it's normal you have this kind of doubts. But, you and May can always count on Jess and me, don't ever forget it... I have to go to the garage to take a look at my new car, wanna help me?"

"Sure!"

The car was a real good one. A bright red Chevy Impala. I hadn't seen it before in their garage, so I thought they had just bought it. I stayed admiring it for some minutes.

"Why don't you go on a ride with it? You're looking forward to it, aren't you?"and he handled me the keys. "After all, it is yours."

"What? No, this is too much, Allen, really. I can't accept it."

"Nonsense. To be true, I got it at a very good price. We were expecting you were eighteen to give it to you as a birthday present, but this is a moment as good as any other."

I was gratefully shocked. That was the best birthday present I could expect, even if it wasn't my day yet. I hugged Allen and then saw May and Jess were there too, a wide smile in their faces

"You knew it?"

"More or less, yes. I knew they wanted to give it to you, but not when.. Well, aren't you giving me a ride in it? But don't worry, it doesn't have to be a long one, I guess you'll be willing to show it to Sue." May winked at me. I was still speechless, admiring the car."Hey, wake up! Or do you want me to drive it?"

"No way! Ok, let's go!"

It was a real pleasure, driving that car...it had a soft gear change, and it was sure a good looking one. I drove for almost an hour, without a determined direction...just to enjoy and get to know my car. My first one. As many other boys do, I had expected it were my father the one who gave me my first driving lessons. But it had been Allen. As a matter of fact, in almost every important occasion in my life till then, he and Jess had always been there.

"One penny for your thoughts..."

"Nah, they cost way too much."

"I'm not so sure about that...Hey, enjoy the car now ok? And by the way, stop right there. I can go home by bus, and I guess you want to have another passenger here..."

"I can't deny that, but I'll take you home, just in case, you know."

"There is no need, really. Have fun and see you at home. Bye!"

I saw the bus coming, and it stopped just infront Jess and Allen's house, so there was np danger my foster parents tried something again. May went out of the car and I drove to Sue's place. She was surprised when she saw me coming with such a beautiful car.

"You like it? It's my first birthday present this year, Allen and Jess have given it to me in advance."

"Aren't you the lucky one? What a present! Listen, I have to tell you something...your...mother came to see me, a while ago. She does regret a lot not having told you about the adoption, and well...also about the way your father behaved when you were a kid. She wants to talk to you, to both of you."

I was even more furious now, for having involved Sue in that mess.

"Sure she does, but that does not change a thing. I am seventeen now. She could have talked to me since I was eleven, and she didn't. How can I believe in her now? And the circumstances of my adoption...God! Sorry, but I can not forgive it. Not for the moment, anyway...Listen, we are going to Billings, and will try to find out something about my real mother. If you want to come...I'd like you came, really."

"When are you leaving? I think I'll can manage to convince my folks to let me go."

"As soon as spring holidays begin, in a couple of days.. Try to arrange it...please. I will need you by my side."

"Well, I guess May will be, and Allen and Jess can play the chaperone role in case you don't behave, so I suppose my folks will let me go. Anyway, I'll tell you sure tonight. I have to ask them." 

"Okay, but try to be as convincing as you always are."

I took her home and then went back to Allen and Jess's place. I had really enjoyed my ride with the car, and was in a really good mood.

"Hi! How was your ride? "

"Terrific! I think I'm in love with my car.  And I told Sue to come with us to Billings, she said she'd probably do."

"Good! It is not a leisure trip, but we can have some fun anyway..." May clapped her hands enthusiastically.

"I've talked to Harriet, guys. She will be pleased in helping us tomorrow. I told her just a small part of the plan, enough to pique her interest anyway."

"Oh my, I think we'll have plenty of time to take all our things!"