CHAPTER 19: THE FATHER AND SON
1493 Words
"You know my mother?" Justin's confused. He looked at me and immediately looked at Louie. "What exactly is going on here?"
"E-Emily is your mother?" Louie also seemed can't believe of what's happening. "Where is she?"
"I don't know. She left me in the woods when I was still a baby." Justin gestures as if he was pointing towards the woods.
Justin is shaking while opening his bag. He pulled out the ripped cloth with a note written in blood. "See? My Mom left me with just this."
Louie's gaze got stuck on the yellow piece of cloth Justin is holding. "H-How old are you?"
"I'm 47. Why everyone is curious about my age?"
Louie just didn't waste time, he used his vampire speed to get closer to Justin and hugged him tightly.
"Hold on a minute... wait..." Justin tried to loosen Louie's hug but he couldn't do anything against the ancient vampire's strength. "H-hey! This is so awkward. You tried to kill me last time, now you're huggin'... I can't breathe!"
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Son." Louie let go of Justin. He coughed, trying to catch some air.
"What's your problem—" Justin seemed just realized what's really happening. "S-Son? What are you talking about?"
"Justin, I-I am your father." He seriously looked in Justin's eyes. I wiped the tears welled in my eyes. I looked at my family. They were also speechless. I can't really deny they're father and son. They have similarities.
"You're my what? Are you kidding me?" Justin looked at me again. I nodded. His gaze went back to Louie. He tried to say something but no words came out from him. "N-no..."
"Justin, I didn't leave your mom intentionally. The SAC were chasing us that time. We hid in a cave and left her when she was about to give birth. I tried looking for some help but the SAC group of vampires saw me. We had a fight and I was badly wounded. I returned to the cave after 3 days but your mom wasn't there anymore," Louie explained. He tried touching Justin again but he couldn't do it.
"The SAC again? They really enjoy ruining my life. They've been hunting me and the group since I was a kid. We moved from one place to another just to avoid them. They attacked our last hide out. They even planted a spy in our group." He brushed his hair using his fingers. "Where's my mother then? What happened to her?"
"I have no idea, Justin. I've been looking for the two of you since then." Louie took the ripped cloth from Justin's hand. "This was the dress she was wearing when the SAC vampires were after us."
"So... you're really my father, huh?" Justin sarcastically replied. "You almost killed me last time."
"I didn't know you're my son, Justin. I am a Vampire Hunter," Louie explained. "I hunt unruly vampires. They ruin families, Justin. They kill innocent people. They even ruined our family."
Justin couldn't respond. He wiped his face with both hands. "You don't expect me to accept you immediately, right?" Justin looked up, it seems he's trying to take things slowly. "I still can't believe this is happening."
"I understand, Justin, but can you give us more time to get to know each other, as father and son?" Louie pleaded.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Come and live with me."
"I can't leave Vlad. He's been there like a real father to me..." Justin exhaled strongly. "Sorry, it wasn't your fault for leaving us."
"Thank you for understanding, Justin." Louie returned the ripped cloth to him. "If you suddenly change your mind, let me know. I am currently staying here."
"You what?" Justin shockingly stared at me.
I nodded again. "Yes, he is."
"Okay, I'm changing my mind. I'm staying here." Justin walked towards the sofa near him and sat comfortably, then he just noticed my family standing and looking at him. Justin stood up slowly. "I'm sorry. I'm Justin." He smiled awkwardly.
"H-hi..." Martha replied. She looked at me as if she can't still believe what's happening.
"Am I welcome here?" Justin asked while scratching the back of his head.
"O-of course... yeah..." I stuttered. "Right, Dad? Uncle?" I also looked at Martha and Anna to ask for back up.
"R-right. Justin's welcome here." Martha looked at my Dad with wide eyes, telling him to speak.
My Dad nodded. "You can stay, Justin. Louie's family is our family, too."
"Cool! I'll tell Vlad about my decision."
"Justin, I hope you don't disclose this hide out to the Rebels," Uncle Fernand warned him.
"You don't need to worry. I would never cause any harm to Vanessa." He looked at me then he winked. I just rolled my eyes. Justin laughed. "I need to go first so I can talk to Vlad. I also need to get my stuff to move in."
I saw Louie's facial expression when he looked at me. Was that sadness? Giving up? Longing? I'm not really sure.
"I will come with you for your safety, Justin. I can't let you go alone. The SAC group is just around looking for half-vampires." Louie took his jacket from the couch.
"I can't show you our hide out," Justin defensively stopped Louie to protect the family he knew all his life.
"You don't have to worry. I will not hurt any of them. You have my word, Son," Louie said in assurance.
"I'm coming, too," I offered my back up. I will not let the two of them leave without any assistance.
"No!" Louie and Justin said in unison. They looked at each other. Silence filled the living room. I can feel the tension between them.
I cleared my throat. "And why not? I am more powerful than what you both think." I crossed my arms, trying to change the mood. I saw Martha at the corner of my eyes, she was giggling! "Why are you laughing?" I asked her using telepathy.
"The father and son are both after you, Rapunzel," she teased.
"Shut up, Mom. Just focus on my Dad," I teased her back. I just rolled my eyes and started walking towards the main door.
I'm not sure how this new set up would change my life, but I hope everything will go smoothly and peacefully.
- Writer
