Poseidon's Secret Son

Chapter 5-- Swimming

‘’Jackson!’’ Daphney rushed into the store but fell silent on Chandler who was currently drenched on the ground and rubbing his head, wincing at the slight pressure. ‘’What happened?’’

‘’The tap burst and-‘’

‘’Never mind that. We need to talk.’’ She grabbed my arm and practically dragged me from the ground beside the injured boy, pulling me with all her might to the back of the store and closing the door on Alex’s confused face.

‘’What’s going on Daphney?’’

‘’He knows, Jackson.’’ She paced the small space under the stairs, wearing down a path on the wooden floor.

‘’What?’’ I whispered, staring blankly at her worried features.

‘’He knows.’’ Stopping for mere seconds, her eyes fell on mine before pacing again, running her fingers through her dark hair that looked like she had spent hours doing the same action over and over again, her dishevelled usual attire barely buttoned and her red nails chewed to oblivion.

My body went rigid as my mind raced through possibilities of what could happen. Scenarios of how he found out and how he would react were racing past my eyes as quick as a race car rounds a track, the screeching of tires replaced by the quick beats of my heart and the scuffling of Daphney’s black suede platform wedges.

‘’How?’’ I barely found my voice.

‘’He decided to do his rounds a little more thoroughly with his bad feeling and extended his rounds to the cell and I couldn’t stop him but we knew this was going to happen sooner or later. I was hoping for later but we get what we’re dealt, Jackson.’’ Her pacing now halted and he hands reached for my cheeks where she stared into my eyes searching for fear that was clearly present. ‘’We’ll be fine Jackson. I promise we’ll be fine.’’ She kissed my forehead, her eyes travelling towards the door and then back to me.

‘’What do we do now?’’

‘’We can’t do much. He hasn’t suspected me yet but he’s furious. I’ve never seen him so angry or frantic. He can’t very well send search parties all over the sea for you which is a blessing for us but I won’t be surprised if he brings in a bounty hunter.’’

‘’And what will I do then?’’

‘’I’ll tell you if he’s getting close to finding out anything about you. I won’t let him take you back. I promised you freedom and I will deliver. Do you remember the night I helped you escape?’’

I couldn’t remember that night well. It was like my mind split in half and ripped in ways unimaginable at even thinking about that night let alone recalling the events of it. I could only remember a soul reaping pain and thoughts of my mother. Everything else was static.

‘’I told you about the future I saw for you. I didn’t see a fate clouded by your father. I saw land, trees, grass, people; people who will prove to be everything you will fight for to keep with you. It’s going to be a hard road but a road that you will take to be where I have seen you.’’

‘’Can you tell me anything else?’’

‘’No, sweetie you know how it works. I only get bits and pieces but just know that the end result is worth it.’’ Her smile brightened and the pure affection in her eyes shone as bright as the sun did outside the store.

‘’Is there something you’re not telling me?’’

‘’No, sweetie.’’ She nudged my shoulder then her face turned serious. ‘’Now, what happened to Chandler? I have a feeling that a tap just didn’t suddenly burst. ’’