The Ties that Binds Us

Chapter 21 "Madrid"

“Did you know that the apartment’s done?” I asked him while we were having dinner. He stared at me impassively as he chewed on his food.

“Yes. Why?” He raised an eyebrow at me.

“Well, since it’s done, I’d like to go back. I’ve been staying here too long.”

“But—“ His eyes widened a bit, the green of his eyes getting darker. His face showed anxiety and worry. “You don’t have to. You can always stay here.” Is he asking me to move in with him? What? Too early!

“No. I have my own apartment Luke. I’d like to move in tomorrow.” He raised his hands up, surrendering to what I want.

“Fine. Just—keep security with you at all times okay?” he shrugged his shoulders exasperated. “And I’ll visit you to check up on you. Your mother—she’s very elusive.”

“Okay. You can have dinner with me every night if you like.” I gave him a shy smile and continued eating my dinner.

“I’d love that Syd.” We finished dinner and retired on the couch. He was reading a book regarding oncology while I was watching a movie on the flat screen.

“Mr. Graham, we’d like to talk you about some urgent matter.” Alex looked ashen and worried standing beside the breakfast bar. Luke closed the book he was reading and put it down on the coffee table in front of us. He led Alex to this study and Adam who was right behind them. Adam gave me a smile but it doesn’t touch his ears. He also looked worried. Once they were all inside, I heard Luke shouting.

“What!” At once, I stood turned off the TV and approached Luke’s study. I heard Adam murmur something to Luke but I was too far away to hear clearly. “Are they okay?”

“What happened?” I peaked through the threshold of his study and regarded the three of them closely. Adam’s face was drained of blood and so was Alex’s.

“I’ll tell you later Sydney. Go wait for me in the living room.”

“No. Tell me. Now.” He shrugged his shoulders. He walked towards his desk and sat down behind it.

“Syd, something happened in Madrid.”

“What? Something happened to papa and abuela?”

“There was a break in. Nothing was lost or broken though. Your abuela is a little shaken up, but she’s okay. Apparently security has been slacking off. We’ve replaced them. Don’t panic.”

“Don’t panic? Are you kidding me? Luke if something happened to them—“ Suddenly unwelcomed tears were threatening to fall. I felt my knees going weak, my hands turning cold and my face turning pale. My heart wanted to escape my mouth as panic hits me. Luke dialed a number on his cellphone as he stood by his window.

“Syd, I have your papa on the line.” I immediately grabbed the phone from his hand.

“Papa! Are you okay? Abuela? Is she okay?”

“Calm down querida. We’re both okay. Luke has replaced our security here. Clearly the former were incompetent and lazy.”

“Are you sure you’re both okay? I’m going to book a flight now!”

“We’re both okay querida. You don’t need to go here. You have work there and we both can manage.” I knew my papa was trying to sound calm, but I knew there was something more.

“No. I’m booking a flight now.”

“If it makes you feel any better querida.”

“Okay. I have to go papa. I’m going to pack my things.”