Vanished

Chapter 6

It's been about 10 minutes since Josh left. I've been procrastinating for as long as possible, but I think its time to see who this person is that my mother wants me to meet so badly.

With a huff I get out of my bed reluctantly and walk down the stairs where I hear talking. As I'm walking down the stairs, the only thing I see is the back of a strangers balding head, his muscular form, and his towering height over my 5'3 mother.

As he turns and says my name I immediately put up my defenses. I have no idea who this man is but apparently, he knows me.

With a smile the man says "Hello Bailee. Your mother has told me a lot about you." His words surprisingly having an English accent accompanying them.

Still looking at him suspiciously, I come down the rest of the stairs.

"Mom, who's this?" I ask looking directly at her.

Before she can answer however, the stranger interrupts.

"My name is Ash. It's nice to meet you finally." He answers, giving his hand out for me to shake.

What kind of name is Ash? Does he catch Pokémon too?

I laugh to myself at the thought.

"Nice to meet you too." I reply without sincerity, shaking his hand nonetheless.

I don't understand how my mom has time for a boyfriend. Apparently, he's been around for a while, yet she hasn't had time to talk to me in months. I guess it's not his fault per se, but he's going to have to prove himself a whole damn lot to get in my good graces.

Everything I'm thinking about causes me to forget I'm standing right in front of the subject of those thoughts. Coming back to reality I realize what's been happening.

Awkward silence.

My mom coughs to break the ice and then awkwardly says,

"Well...I'm glad you two finally met. Ash was actually on his way out, that's why we are by the door."

Ash smiles, "Oh right! I have to get to work. I'll call you later baby. Nice meeting you Bailee."

And with that Ash left after giving my mother a kiss on the check and me a wave goodbye. Leaving me and my mom alone in awkward silence, causing me to walk right out the door. She didn't even try to stop me.

Even though I had no planned destination in mind, I should have known I would end up at Buckley's.

Whenever I needed comfort or just peace of mind, that small café was the place my mind always went to first.

This time however, when I stepped into the entrance to the café the environment seemed different. It seemed as though there was a tension in the air that was never present any other time I have entered. Of course, this causes me great discomfort and prompted me to ask Jan if everything was alright.

Walking up to Jan, I see the usual smile on her face. This time however, it seemed slightly forced.

"Hey Jan, is everything okay?" I ask concerned

She looks up at me from making a cup of coffee and smiles genuinely.

"Hey sweetie! We aren't expecting you today." She says, avoiding my question

"I know. I just wanted to come and enjoy the atmosphere, but it seems kind of tense in here."

She looks at me regretfully, "Yeah...we have a visitor coming sometime during the week. Marcos really nervous about it."

I look at her confused.

"What kind of visitor? Is it important?"

She finishes making the coffee and delivers it to one of the tables. Coming back to me and giving me her me her full attention.

"Actually, It's our Grandson."

Huh? Grandson? I didn't even know they had children.

"Grandson? I didn't know you guys have children together." I say surprised.

She looks at me with a stoic face.

"We don't sweetheart. Marco does."

Oh. So that means he has a kid with another woman? But, why have I never seen his child visit before? Or his Grandson? This is such surprising news.

"Oh. I had no idea he had a child. Where is he anyway?"

She chuckles lightly, "Your very curious today aren't you Bailee?"

She doesn't wait for me to answer before she continues.

"He's out buying some new clothes to look a little more put together for when his Grandson comes."

"So, you're working by yourself?" I ask concerned. "Do you need me to help you?"

She smiles, "No that's alright Bailee, I got it. You know it only gets busy on weekdays. Thank you though." She says thankfully.

"Alright, call me if you do though. And tell Marco I said hi"

"I will."

We embrace in a goodbye hug and I'm on my way out.

When I get in my car, I begin thinking.

Why was Marco so nervous about his Grandson visiting anyway?