Dead Roses

Secrets

Chapter Nine

London's P.O.V

I lose control of my jaw as it hangs, leaving my mouth wide open. The two words previously spoken floated between the walls of Nyke's blue themed bedroom.

Blue is the color of the sky and sea, it relates to depth and stability. It symbolizes fidelity, confidence, understanding, and reality. Blue is beneficial to the body and mind due to the calming effect it gives off, by slowing down the human metabolism.

As shocked and perplexed I feel in this current moment, I can't help but feel blue subside the mixed feelings. No words are capable of escaping my lips, so Nyke speaks, breaking the silence.

"My biological parents were too young. They wanted me to have the best life possible, even if it meant I wasn't raised by them," he sighed wistfully, picking up a frame that rested on his bedside table. How I hadn't noticed it before will forever confuse me.

"That's them," Nyke smiles sadly as he hands me the wooden picture frame. Two figures stand behind a park with a bright yellow slide in the background, as well as a swing set. I immediately recognized it as the field Nyke and I visited today. To the right, is a petite teen, with the strands of beautiful, dark brown hair falling down her shoulders. It stood out against her pale skin which brightened her pale blue eyes, much like Nyke's. Her small hands were placed on her impregnated stomach which was covered by a floral-patterned sundress. To the left, was a male teen, nearing the same age as Nyke's mother wearing a dark blue wife-beater, and a pair of dark wash denim shorts, a pair of Ray Bans were being played with, in his hands. His eyes are hazel and sparkled in the sunlight which shone above them. Resemblance is visible between Nyke and his father by the way he stared into the distance with his brow furrowed.

"They are gorgeous," I breathlessly say.

"I know," he says as I hand him the picture frame to put back on the bedside table. "I was in the orphanage for ten years. That's where I met Casey. He protected me from everything that would cause me pain. He taught me how to survive and he taught me how to live. He taught me the difference between being awake and alive. I would not be the same Nyke I am today without Casey. He built me up. So when my adoptive parents wanted to adopt me, I wouldn't let them have me without Casey. So as Casey's documents were being signed, I didn't take the chance to have freedom. I waited for him so we could escape together," Nyke tells me. I hear the pain in his voice, and also the complete joy and happiness.

"What are your adoptive parents like?" I ask him.

"I told you like a week ago," Nyke rolls his eyes, but he looks as if he wants to share, "my mom, she's beautiful, much like someone I know. She can cook, and she loves her Oreos," my heart skips a beat when he mentions the Oreos. "My dad is funny, articulate but a bit of an introvert, much like myself."

"Do you have any pictures of them?" I ponder.

"What's the point in having pictures of people you see every day?" he answers me with a question. I guess he's right.

"So when the memory is forgotten-"

"Memories are never forgotten. They just aren't remembered. They are misplaced for a while and then are reminisced. Never forgotten," he cuts me off being absolutely correct again.

"Do you have anything else to share?" I wonder, feeling intrigued and willing to learn the dark side of Nyke.

"When you share more with me, I'll be more open. For now, keep your secrets. Do whatever makes you feel safe." Nyke left his room, leaving me to think as he made us lasagne.