Chapter 9
781 Words
Conner came up from behind, tapping Conrad lightly on the shoulder.
“What’s that?” he asked, peering curiously.
“Nothing,” Conrad replied quickly, shoving the folded note deep into his pocket.
“Let’s go home. The driver’s waiting. Dad said we’ll be going to Uncle Smith’s house,” Conner added, his tone bright with excitement.
At that, Conrad’s chest stirred with something unexpected. He thought of Mrs. Laurel Smith—Jeremiah’s mother—how she used to care for them like her own when their mother was still alive. Back then, the Parkers and Smiths lived like one big family. The thought of seeing her again after so long filled him with a rare, genuine warmth.
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Soon, they were home, quickly changed, and made their way downstairs. Their father was already waiting in the car, and without a word, they joined him. The drive was cloaked in silence, broken only by the hum of the engine.
When they arrived at the Smith estate, Mrs. Smith herself came out to greet them. Her face lit up as she wrapped both twins in a tight embrace.
“My boys! Look at you—grown into such fine young men.”
“We’ve missed you so much,” Conrad said softly, meaning every word.
“Way too much,” Conner chimed in, his grin wide. “I thought I’d never get to eat your cooking again.”
Laurel laughed, though her eyes glistened. “Come, come inside. I made your favorites—it’ll be ready soon.”
As she led them in, she threw Mr. Parker a sharp look. “They’ve missed me this much, and yet you never brought them? Shame on you, Parker.”
The warmth inside the house was infectious. When dinner was finally served, everyone sat around the table just as they used to. That was when Jeremiah entered the room, his steps faltering at the sight of the twins.
“Jeremiah,” Mrs. Smith said with a smile, beckoning him. “Come, sit. Join us.”
He moved wordlessly to his seat, though his eyes lingered on Conrad longer than they should have.
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Dinner was filled with chatter, Laurel peppering the boys with questions.
“How have you been? How’s school? Do either of you have a girlfriend yet—or boyfriend?” she asked with a playful grin.
At that, Jeremiah’s ears twitched ever so slightly.
“Nope,” Conner said quickly, waving his hand. “Not me.”
Laurel’s gaze shifted expectantly to Conrad. He hesitated, then smiled faintly. “No.”
“Well, you should,” she teased. “It would make me so happy to meet them. Who knows, maybe one of you will even end up with Jeremiah.”
Everyone laughed at the lighthearted joke, even Conrad—though Jeremiah’s lips lifted in the faintest, almost secret smile that went unnoticed.
---
It was Conner who broke the cheer, turning to his father.
“Dad, let’s just stay here for the weekend, yeah?”
Before Mr. Parker could object, Laurel clapped her hands. “It’s settled. I’ll have one of the guest rooms prepared.”
The mood stayed bright until after dinner, when Mr. Parker stood. “I’ll be heading home.” His gaze settled on Conrad. “Come see me off. I have something to say.”
Conrad’s chest tightened instantly, the happiness draining away. “Okay,” he murmured, rising.
Outside by the car, his father’s expression hardened. The warmth he’d shown inside was gone, replaced by the cold authority Conrad knew too well.
“I’m leaving you and your brother here. Don’t make me regret it. Don’t cause trouble. Understand?”
“Yes, Dad,” Conrad whispered, his voice low.
With that, Mr. Parker climbed into the car, and the driver pulled away, leaving Conrad standing in the cool night, struggling to breathe.
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When he finally returned inside, Laurel called out with her gentle voice.
“Connie—come here. Let me take a good look at you.”
He sat beside her, and she cupped his cheek with a motherly smile.
“You look just like your mother when we were in college. She was quiet, always holding everything inside. Don’t be like her, hm? If you’re going through something, you can tell me.”
“I’m fine, Laur,” Conrad said softly, forcing a small smile. “Besides… I’ve missed you. It feels good to see you again.”
She squeezed his hand warmly before retiring for the night, leaving Conrad to follow a maid toward his guest room.
But on the way down the hall, he stopped abruptly—nearly colliding with Jeremiah
- Writer
