The Hidden Truth

Chapter One: The Forgotten Souls

Sitting in my car, I dialed the same number for the eighth time. The Commencement Ceremony drones on in the background with the president calling out names for the students to walk across the stage and collect their degrees. When the fourth ring goes by unanswered, I snap my phone shut, wondering how I could have been so stupid. I sigh, slipping the phone back into the glove box and locking it before returning to the football field where the ceremony now in full swing, is taking place. 

I discreetly take my seat next to Kenneth O’Shea who then leans over and whispers, “I take it you didn't get a hold of anyone?”

I shake my head. I assume he read my expression despite my best efforts to conceal the fear. The kid always reads me like an open book. That's more than I can say about my supposed best friend who knows nothing about me or my family.

Kenneth and I grew up in the same neighborhood and went to corresponding schools. We even played together when we were younger, so it's no surprise that we ended up at the same University despite our different career paths.

I researched the company I planned to work for and chose to move ahead into the management field while adding the companies four major languages to the ever-increasing workload over the last few years. As a result, it stretched my goal from four years to six years. But in the end, I’m satisfied with my accomplishments. I'm confident that my specialized skills in strategic management will make me the greatest asset to Jose’s Textile since my father’s time at the company.

Kenneth, on the other hand, followed in his father's footsteps - the medical field. In high school,  he mentioned that his family wanted to open their own clinic specializing in the more ‘superior’ aspect of the world. His family is what we in my community call believers. They are the ones that have faith in the ever-growing phenomenon occurring in nature. Of course, that information is strictly between us. However, I have supported them in their endeavors and volunteered myself many times for his experiments and will continue to do so when called upon.

“So, what are your plans after this?”

He should know by now not to ask that question but alas, I say, “You know where my loyalty is.”

“Yeah I know,” I could sense the disappointment in his words, but he goes on to include, “Just so you know, if you need me, I'll be there.”

Before I can reply, the president calls my name. I head towards the stage to collect my Master’s Degree in Business Administration - in short, my MBA. That was the last time I saw Kenneth. In fact, it's been exactly one year and three months since our last communication. 

During that time, I secured a job at Jose’s Textile as a janitor. Working for the same man whom I believe was responsible for my family's fate. Although I have no proof, I still feel as if Jose Ramirez is somehow connected to my parent’s demise. Yet here I remain, following his absurd orders while I continue trying to get in touch with Justice. I need to know where my siblings are even if it means I risk losing everything I’ve worked so hard for in the process while I hunt him down for the information.

More months slip by and still no answer. Finally at the end of my shift on Sunday, I walk into my boss’s office refusing to accept anything less than a ‘yes’. I knew long ago when I took this job that it didn't come with a vacation package or even a health care plan, but I accepted it as a way to find out more about this man and hopefully put my grudge against him to rest.

“Jose, I've been at this company for well over a year now! I deserve a few days off a month!”

“Ha! You knew when I hired you that you'd be working seven days a week.”

“Please sir, can’t you spare me a few days of rest.”

“You know, I like you. You are one of the only people in this company that doesn't question what I ask of you and I admire that. So, I'm going to return the favor. I won’t inquiry the reason you need the time off for. However, I will grant you a week to do whatever it is you need the days off for, and I expect you back here ready to work by the following Monday morning.”