The Nerd and I [Book One]

Chapter Seventeen

[Earl]

I was excited that I can finally go home now but quite afraid because I’m gonna live alone because my uncle’s missing. Dad already sent his men to find him and I’m waiting for the news that he’ll be alright. Even after all the things he did, I can’t bring myself to hate him. He did take care of me for the past 10 years – though he has a special way of taking care of someone.

Edward was driving and was talking on the phone at the same time. Harry was just eating some candies beside Edward and I was quietly sitting down at the back looking out the window.

“I told you he won’t like it. f**k. I hate you.” Edward spat. He threw the phone at Harry and cursed some more.

He suddenly turned the car to the opposite direction of our house. 

“Uh, where are we going?” I asked.

“Home.”

“But you’re going the wrong way.” I said but Edward continued driving.

Harry turned to face me and winked. “Oh, Earl, you’ll finally see how rich you are!”

“Shut up.” Edward cut him off and Harry just pouted.

I was just staring at Harry. “Rich?”

“Yeah, hello, did you forget already? Your dad’s a mob boss, your brother’s a hacker s***h hired gunman and your step-mother’s a millionaire.” Harry recited.

If only I could drop my jaw on the floor, I will.

I was speechless at what he said. Edward’s a hacker? And I have a step-mom? This thing’s getting a bit out of my imagination.

My heart was beating so fast I thought I’m gonna combust.

After an hour of driving, the car finally stopped in front of a gigantic gate. We passed a few towns away from New York.

The gate opened while the men guarding it greeted Edward. He drove towards the porch of the house and we all hopped out of the car.

Edward sighed and threw the keys to one of the men waiting for us at the door. I watched them drove the car probably to the parking lot. Harry was grinning at me all the time.

“So, how do you like your house?” He asked and I gave him a dead stare.

“Let’s go.” Edward said and pulled Harry inside the house. I followed him and gasped when I saw how big the interior was. It was totally different from Matthias’ home. All furniture’s were modern and slick while Matthias’ house was more of an antique type.

I shook my head. Why am I even comparing that?

A woman in a maid uniform approached us. “We arranged sir Earl’s luggage at his room.” She said before bowing and walking away from us.

“Woah. Wait a damn minute.” I said and Edward looked at me like he was expecting my reaction. “Don’t tell me I’m gonna live here now?!”

“Yeah.” Edward shortly answered.

“No freaking way. I mean it’s nice here and all but you can’t expect me to live here just like that? I don’t even know this people.” I demanded in my usual soft voice since I don’t want to create a scene here. That will be impolite.

“Oh come on Earl, you know your dad already.” He reasoned out.

“For like a week.” I said and he shrugged his shoulders.

Edward crossed his arms. “I know that but the old man insisted for you to live here with him and his wife.” He explained.

“I rather live with you than them.” I whispered.

“Earl!” We all turned to look at the stairs and saw dad coming down. He scooped me right in his muscled arms and gave me a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re finally out of the hospital. How are you feeling?”

“Aside from being confused about all of this, I’m feeling fine.” I answered sarcastically and dad’s grin wiped off of his face.

“I’m sorry. I thought that it’ll be good for you to come live here with me and Elizabeth.” He said.

“I don’t even know who Elizabeth is.” I said and Edward gave my dad the ‘I-told-you-so’ look.

“Elizabeth! Come down here and meet Earl!” Dad screamed and after a few seconds, a young woman dressed in formal attire went down the stairs. Her brunette hair was wavy and flowing down her waist and she has a heart-warming smile.

“Oh, I’m so sorry it took so long before I came down. Tim was causing trouble upstairs.” She said to my dad. When she saw me, her face brightened and I immediately blushed under her gaze.

“Is that – Earl?” She asked and dad nodded proudly.

“Yes, the one and only.” He said.

“Hi.” I greeted and gasped when she pulled me in a bear hug.

“Oh how much I long for this to happen, my dear!” She kissed me on the forehead. “Finally you’re here!”

I want to pull back but I was too shy to do it. “T-thanks.”

“Earl this is Elizabeth, my wife. Elizabeth, this is my son, Earl.” Dad introduced and Elizabeth held out her hand to shake mine.

“Now, let’s eat lunch shall we. I prepared it especially for Earl.”

I sat down on the long dining table with Harry beside me.

He nudged my arm and I looked at him. “Isn’t she nice?”

“Huh?” I was busy watching the maid serving the food down on the table.

“I said isn’t your mother nice? Damn, I want someone like her as well.” He whispered.

I looked at Elizabeth who was sitting beside my dad. She was talking to him while giving out a hearty laugh. I guess they look good together. “Yeah, she’s okay.” I mumbled.

I don’t know if I can trust her. What if she does those things what my uncle did to me? What if she’s only treating me nice because she wanted my dad’s approval? I don’t think I can take it anymore if she starts treating me like that again.

I might lose it.

Suddenly, a young boy with bright blonde hair came inside and marched towards me with an angry expression. He looks like someone from one of the English books I’ve read – with those blue eyes of his and pearl-white complexion.

“Uh, yes?” I asked and he stomped his feet.

“That’s my seat!”

I quickly stood up and smiled apologetically at him. “Ah I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

Elizabeth glared at the child. “Timothy, show some manner!”

“But this is my seat, mother!” The kid demanded.

“Just sit beside Earl, Tim.” Dad said and Tim pouted. He grudgingly walked at the chair beside me, huffed and finally sat down.

I blinked and looked at Edward who was busy staring at Harry.

“Timothy, this is Earl, your older brother.”

I stared at Tim. He’s my what?

Timothy glared at me. “He looks like a girl, dad.”

I blushed. “E-eh?”

“Well, he is beautiful.” Elizabeth commented and I turned to her to prove her she was wrong.

Okay, two people said that I’m beautiful which was freaking me out right now. All my life, I lived being bullied by people because I look weird, geeky and boring. I wonder what changed.

Harry grinned at me again. “You’re not wearing your glasses, Earl.” It’s as if he heard what I asked myself.

I blushed and covered my face. I forgot about that.

“So Earl, tell me all about you.” Elizabeth asked as she looked at me with her bright eyes.

I got tensed at her sudden question. “Me?” She nodded and I bit my lips. “Well, there’s nothing much to say…”

I don’t have anything to say about myself and I don’t want to be embarrassed in front of her.

“Oh come on, I know you have a lot of things to say to me. I’ll listen dear.” She smiled and I blushed. I guess she was kind and all but there’s something about her that made me uncomfortable.

I lowered my head. “Uh, I – I like chicken.”

Harry snorted and burst out into laughter while Edward just rolled his eyes. Tim was glaring at me as usual and dad was grinning.

“That was the most entertaining thing you said to us, Earl!” Harry smacked my back.

Elizabeth was laughing as well. “Then, now I know what to cook for you.”

My eyes widened at the sight of new room. There was a huge white bed in the middle, white carpet on the floor and white drawers at the sides of the room. I walked towards the terrace and gasped when I saw how big the lawn was.

“Is this where I will really live?” I asked myself as I sat down on the large white sofa near the huge flat screen hanging on the wall.

I flipped out my BlackBerry and quickly messaged Monique that I’m finally released from the hospital. I sighed again and looked at the things from my old room already arranged. The books I read were already in the shelves.

I need a minute to let all these things sink in. I don’t think I can live a life like this. All I want was a normal one.

I never imagined having a father who’s a mob boss, a step-mother who’s extremely beautiful and a step-brother who practically hates me.

I stared at the BlackBerry I was holding and remembered Matthias. I tried to stop myself from crying whenever I hold my phone. This was the only thing, other than the ring he gave me, that gives me memories that Matthias existed in my life.

Matthias, will I ever see you again? I miss you so much. I felt my eyes watering. I want to see him so bad.

To touch him again, to tell him how much I want to be with him.

Matthias.

I love you.

Six months passed since I started living with my dad, Elizabeth and Timothy. They were nice although Timothy bullies me a lot of times. But even so, I can’t help but to think how cute he was especially when he’s pouting. I always wanted to have a younger brother.

School didn’t change. Justin and his friends were still bullying me but as always, I ignore them and continued living my life like they never existed. Teachers were proud of me because I stayed at the top all the time (not to mention that Matthias was gone so there’s no competition for me, not that I like it). I was still online friends with Monique. We shared a lot of things even though we’re thousand miles away from each other. Mr Lee decided not to make me wear the dress anymore since he saw that I was bullied (thank God for that). As for Adam, we sometimes go out to watch movies, eat outside and just have fun. Matthew and Ralph were always together and Harry said that they’re kind of having mutual feelings for each other. It’s just that Ralph’s ego was getting in the way and Matthew’s constant flirting with him made him shyer to confess his feelings.

I climbed down the stairs and saw the maids cleaning the front porch. A car was parked outside the door.

“Good morning Earl.” Elizabeth greeted me as I came down the stairs.

“Good morning, uhm, are you going somewhere?” I asked her after seeing the car outside.

Elizabeth giggled and ruffled my hair. “Silly child. We are going somewhere.”

“But I’m not ready yet.” I said while tugging my pyjamas.

“I was about to tell you but you came down already. Come, let’s get you change.” She gently pushed me back to my room.

I wish she can stop treating me like a child. She sometimes wants to bathe me which thankfully, dad said was weird.

After taking a bath, I went downstairs to see Timothy still glaring at me. I smiled at him and neared him. “Hey there.”

He was wearing a blue jumpsuit with a little white cap on his head. “Don’t you ‘hey there’. Why’re you going with us?” He asked, his little arms crossed and he looked grumpy.

“I’m not so sure about that.” I whispered and saw dad walking towards us. “Where are we going?”

Dad blinked at me. “You’ll see.”

He ushered us towards the car and quickly drove out of the house. 

Timothy was sitting beside me. He crawled towards me in spite of the seat belt and glared up. “You!”

I looked at him and smile. “Yes what is it?”

He blushed and went to sit on my lap. “This is muchhh better.”

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his small body. “Yeah, much better.”

We arrived at a restaurant I’m not familiar with. The sign says HANIEL. The door was in the middle of a two huge white pillars while there was a podium at the side.

Elizabeth entered the restaurant and we all followed her. We were greeted by what I think was the manager of the restaurant. She smiled at Elizabeth and led us into one of the reserved tables. I was looking around, admiring the bright chandeliers hanging on the ceiling. The tables were covered with white satin sheets while the chairs were covered in red – it’s a good match.

The woman served us the menu and we all sat down.

“Uhm, did I forget something today.” I asked them and Elizabeth and dad just smiled at me.

“You’ll see.” Dad said with a grin.

After eating our lunch, I was ready to go but Elizabeth and dad said that there’s more to come.

My eyes widened when a man came with a round birthday cake in his hands. He put it down on the table and left us.

Happy Birthday Earl

I blinked and blinked and blinked.

“It’s your birthday you silly kid!” Elizabeth declared while dad laughed.

“Don’t tell me you actually forgot that!” Dad said and I was just staring at them.

Tim was excited to see the birthday cake but unlike him, I was dumbfounded.

It’s my birthday today?

It’s July 26 today?

“Oh dear, he’s speechless.” Elizabeth muttered to dad and he just grinned.

“Of course he is.”

Tim looked up at me and scrunched his face. “Earl’s crying! Mother look, Earl’s crying!”

Elizabeth gasped and so did I. I touched my face and indeed, it was wet from tears. I quickly wiped it with my sleeves and blushed.

“I-I’m sorry! It’s just that, it’s been a while since I celebrated my birthday!” I sobbed behind my hand and remembered all those time where I was left alone in the house while waiting for someone to greet me a ‘Happy Birthday’. Only Edward came and gave me gifts once in a while but other than that, no one else remembers it.

That’s why I gave up remembering my own birthday.

Elizabeth came to my side and took my hand away from my eyes. I stared at her, still sobbing like a kid. My face was probably red from embarrassment and my nose was runny. But I couldn’t care less, I’m just so happy someone actually remembers them.

“Thank you…” I mumbled and she hugged me.

“Oh darling, you don’t have to thank us for something like this.” She kissed my head and wiped my tears with her thumb. “I promise you, we’ll always celebrate your birthday. Okay? Don’t cry.” She hugged me again and this time, I returned it.

So this was the feeling of having someone who cares for you.

We pulled back and smiled at me.

Timothy tugged my sleeve and I looked at him. I smiled when he gave me a tissue. “Here, use this Earl.”

I held it and ruffled his head. I can’t resist those big blue eyes of his.

I glanced at dad and saw him smiling proudly at me.

I’m so happy I have a family now. And this time, I know they won’t leave me.

After eating the cake and talking about random things, I excused myself to go to the toilet. Timothy said he wants to come with me so I carried him and went to the comfort room. When we finished, we both came out of the room only to be stopped by a waiter.

“Good evening. Are you Sir Earl Harrison?” He asked with his curt expression and I nodded.

“Yes? Why?” I asked. He bowed in front of me and held out a small box wrapped in a red cloth. There was a white ribbon on it.

“Is this for me?” I asked the waiter and he nodded.

I took it and stared at the box. “Who gave this to you?”

“Sorry sir, but the sender doesn’t want to tell their name.” He answered. “If you’ll excuse me.” He nodded at me and walked away.

“Who’s it from, Earl?” Tim asked.

“I don’t know.” I carefully put Timothy down on the floor and opened the box.

My eyes widened when I saw what was inside. It was a silver pocket watch lying on a red cloth underneath. I picked it up and opened it with my shaking hands.

At the back of the lid of the watch was a date etched on it.

7-23-1990.

Il tuo compleanno.

M.

I snapped my head around and looked for Matthias.

He’s the only one who could give something like this.

Timothy eyed me. “Earl?” I kneeled down in front of him.

“Can you go back to dad and mum?” I asked and he nodded.

“Yesh, but where’re you going?” He asked and I smiled at him.

“Go now.” I pushed him towards their table and ran out of the restaurant. I looked around the whole parking lot, finding that familiar black Hummer. People were giving me weird glances but I ignored them.

No, no, no. He has to be here. I’m sure of it. Matthias was the one who gave me this.

Please, please, let it be Matthias.

Just this once, I want to see Matthias again.

“Sir, are you alright?” The guard that was near the door asked me.

“Have you seen a black Hummer parked here?” I asked trying my best not to pant from excitement.

The guard blinked and smiled. “Oh, I think I saw someone parked a car like that before but they already left just a few minutes ago.”

No.

“Do you know where it went off?” I asked again.

He nodded. “Uh, that way…”

I never finish what he said and ran towards the direction he was saying.

I knew it! I knew it was Matthias. I don’t know how or why but I’m only sure of one thing.

He remembered my birthday.

I ran towards the corner and accidentally knocked down a group of teenagers. I hastily apologized to them and continued running. I don’t care if I’m sweating like a pig. I need to see him.

I saw the black hummer at the road and smiled. That’s Matthias’ car! I’m sure of it.

The stop light turned red and every car from the road stopped. I quickened my pace to catch up to him.

My knees were already weak and my heart feels like it’s about to give up. But I can’t. Not when Matthias’ just a few steps away from me.

Finally, I caught up to his car. I crossed the road and ran to the car. I gasped when I saw the stop light turned green.

No. No. No. No. No.

I jumped in front of the hummer and held out my arms to stop him from going anywhere.

“WAIT!!!”

Everyone from the sidewalks screamed when they saw me approached the speeding car. I shut my eyes and heard the screech of the car and thank God it actually stopped before hitting me right in the face.

The door opened and Matthias came out of the hummer. “You motherfucker – are you that desperate to die – ?!” He stopped yelling when he finally saw my face.

It’s as if time stopped as I stare at his face. “Matthias.” I called and he flinched.

“Fuck.” He was about to enter his car but I stopped him by holding his hand.

Oh God, how I wish time can stop right here, right now.

“Why?” I asked looking up at his face but he’s turning his gaze away from mine.

“Let go.”

“Why did you leave?”

“I said let go.”

“Why did you lie?”

“Let go dammit.”

“Answer me!”

He hissed in anger and pushed me away. “It’s none of your f*****g business!” He hopped inside the driver seat and slammed the door close. I ran towards the other side, opened the door and climbed inside. He glared at me.

“What’re you doing?” Matthias asked. His lips were rigid. It’s like he’s stopping himself from something.

“I won’t leave until you tell me why you did that.” I said glaring at him.

“I’m telling you, it’s none of your business…”

I slapped him hard on the face and he gasped. “You f**k – ”

“Yeah, tell me I’m a fucker. Come on, tell me right now.” I don’t know why I slapped him but a lot of emotions were taking me over and I don’t know how to control it anymore.

We were awakened from our little bubble when the cars behind us simultaneously honk at us. Matthias cursed and stepped on the engine.

“Well shit.”