The Boy Who Looked Like Him
1022 Words
Adrian was about to get to the door, but he suddenly froze on the spot. His hands clenched, beads of sweat forming on his palms despite the cool air.
"I didn't come all this way to turn back," Adrian said, but found his steps withdrawing.
He didn't know how he was going to approach Nadine. Would she forgive him? Let him see the child that could be his?
How much had she changed? Could she still be the sweet girl that he knew? Well, that wouldn't be possible, not after what he did to her.
There were too many questions that were left unanswered. Was he truly really to learn those answers?
"I can't," he shook his head, turning away from the Cafe. "I'll come here tomorrow. I'm sure she'll be around."
He quickly returned to his car, and started the engine. As he drove off, Clara stepped out of the café. She had seen his car earlier and thought he was coming into their café.
"He left?" she uttered, lifting her brows. "I thought we were going to have a rich customer. Damn it."
Pursing her lips, she went back into the cafeteria, heading straight to counter.
"Nadine, I saw a man just now,” Clara said casually, pouring herself a cup of tea.
“Okay?” Nadine replied, not understanding the significance. "Where did you see him?"
“He was parked across the street, just sitting in his car. I thought he might be a customer, but he never came in.” She replied, blowing off the steam.
Nadine frowned. “That’s strange.”
“Yeah. He looked… intense and handsome. Sharp suit, fancy car. Not the kind of guy you see around here often.” she explained, looking fascinated.
A chill ran down Nadine's spine, but she forced a smile. “Probably just a tourist.”
She had worked here for over a year now, and there were hardly any fancy cars. This place was quite rural, that was her reason for coming.
Clara shrugged, clearly unconvinced. “Maybe.”
As the afternoon wore on, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen.
"Are you taking Liam to the town square later today?" Clara asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"I'm not sure, but let's see how the day goes," Nadine replied with a shaky smile.
__
The soft glow of the hotel lobby greeted Adrian as he stepped inside, his shoes clicking against the polished marble floor. The quaint charm of Seabrook Haven hadn’t prepared him for the understated elegance of this place.
The hotel was a small gem tucked away in this quiet town, its warm lighting and vintage decor a stark contrast to the steel and glass of Manhattan skyscrapers.
As he handed his ID to the receptionist, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the task ahead. He had to talk to Nadine tomorrow, at all cost.
Even if he got cold feet again, he would force himself to meet her.
The receptionist handed him a keycard and smiled politely. “Room 304, sir. Welcome to the Haven.”
Adrian nodded his thanks and headed for the elevator, dragging his small suitcase behind him. The ride to the third floor was silent, but his mind was anything but calm. Thoughts of Nadine consumed him.
Letting out a heavy sigh, he stepped out of the elevator as it opened. He glanced at the room numbers above the door frames and spotted Room 304.
Upon unlocking it, he entered the room. He tossed his bag unto the bed and stepped onto the small balcony attached to his room.
The town square was visible below, bustling with life despite the fading daylight. The setting sun painted the cobblestone streets in hues of gold and crimson, and the air carried the faint smell of saltwater from the nearby harbor
He watched families and couples strolling through the square, their laughter and chatter mingling with the distant cries of seagulls. For a moment, he envied their simplicity, their unburdened lives.
He suddenly spotted something, or rather someone that got his attention.
___
Adrian walked through the passers-by, glancing around for the person he had seen.
"Was I hallucinating or something?" Adrian asked himself, confusion setting in. "I could have sworn—"
His words stuck in his throat when someone bumped into his legs. He lowered his gaze to his feet and gasped at the sight of a boy.
The boy looked a bit scared, but his sharp jawline, thick dark hair, glinting blue eyes caught Adrian's attention.
"Hey," Adrian whispered, helping the boy to his feet. He lowered himself to his level, and asked, "Are you okay?"
Liam sniffled, nodding slowly.
A wave of shock crashed through Adrian. Why did this child look exactly like him, or rather his younger self? The resemblance was uncanny.
"Where is your mother?" Adrian inquired, glancing around.
He looked back at the boy who seemed a bit uneasy with him.
"Why does this kid resemble me? Is he Nadine's son? My son?" Adrian thought, his heart pounding.
"Are you lost?" Adrian asked softly. "Are you looking for your mommy?"
Liam simply stared blankly at him. He didn't know the stranger in front of him, but he somewhat felt safe with him, like he was with Nadine.
"Yes," Liam replied.
"He even sounds like me, Or maybe that's just an exaggeration," Adrian thought, a smile forming on his lips.
"Come with me, I'll help you find your mommy, okay?" Adrian said softly, holding his little hand.
Liam was a bit reluctant to follow him, but eventually did.
"Let me carry you," Adrian said, scooping him into his arms. "Do you want one ice cream while we search for your Mommy? Do you like ice cream?"
Adrian was so eager to please this child even if he didn't know if it was really Nadine's son or not. He didn't even know his name.
"What's your name?" he asked with a soft smile.
Before Liam could answer, Adrian heard a voice behind.
"Liam, there you are!"
"Nadine," Adrian gasped, instantly turning.
- Writer
