HIDING BEHIND THE SHADOWS

Chapter 2 - Do we have Visitors

I know someone was there in the shadows… I turned my flashlight in my cellphone and stepped in the shadows when Nana called “Aaron the wind is too strong son, it’s not safe out there, will check it out in the morning” I took a few steps more when the wind starts blowing again and rains starts to pour.

I rushed inside the house and Nana locked the doors behind me.  “You shouldn’t be outside when it’s dark. You know it’s not safe…” she said “Do you still believe in the old saying Nana?” I asked.  “It’s not an old saying Aaron and you knew better than that” Nana spoke, a sign of annoyance in her voice “…whatever it is that you knew when you were still young stays the same son” she said  “ but I’m older now Nana, I can take care of myself and Jessie…” she looked in watery eyes, she feels the emptiness that I have had, she swallowed the lump in her throat and shakes her head “Dinner’s ready son… have some food in your stomach I made your favorite” she said

“But how did you knew, I was coming?” I asked her

“Your Dad had called me… he knows you were coming over” she said

“But how did he know?” I asked her hoping to find a hint how my Dad knew this is where I’m heading.

She just smiled at me and said, “He is your dad Aaron, he might not be expressive on how he cares for you but you are his only son, he knows you better than anyone else and he loves you more than you ever know” by that he left me lost for words. I could not argue with her. She’s Dads’ sister, if there’s anyone who knew dad better or more than mom does, its’ Nana.

Nana went to the kitchen and began to set the table, fresh vegetable salad and chicken soup and pasta.  It’s my favorite. Now I’m here behind the shadows of the busy life in the city. Behind the shadows of immense competition in the business world, and back to the past where the shadows has given me the comfort in being alone somewhere in the midst of the burdens of my family.

But who am I to judge my parents, they have their own reasons for whatever happened to them in the past.  I can’t blame my mom for leaving… “Your mom called…” Nana interrupted the array of thoughts that came into my mind… a sour expression on her face. “You know she wants you to be in the city by dinner tomorrow night with K-kris-” “Kirsten..” I said flatly. By then she never asked for more details, she knows what I meant. “Do me a favor son, I’m old and I can’t stand with your mom anymore… “ she’s right she knows my mom will never stop till she gets what she wants. I let out a sigh of despair “but you can fix your old cottage in the woods if you want to be alone for a while… your mom won’t go there as we all know”

Surprised by her words… I stand up to my chair and hug her from behind “Thanks Nana… you know I love you… and I always will” she then turn around cups my face and said “Just be happy son… now come help me with the dishes so that we can rest tomorrow will be a long day”

I helped Nana do the dishes, finished up everything in the kitchen… before goings upstairs to my old bedroom and I decided to have a quick shower before I go off to bed.  I was in the shower when I heard a loud crashing sound downstairs. I grabbed my towel to check it out… and was about to go down the stairs when I heard whispers, the door squeaks open and close again.  I stepped tiptoeing on the stairs only to meet by silence in the living room.  I was about to go through the front door when Nana speaks from behind me “what is it son?” I startled not knowing Nana was behind all along, watching my every move.

“I heard whispers like somebody is talking…do we have visitors?” I asked Nana trying to speak as lightly as I could, hoping nobody can hear me except Nana.

She lightly smiled and said “No. Who would have come here in the middle of the stormy night…” Nana said  “I was going to check on you if you have everything you need in your room” she added.

“I thought I heard somebody came in the front door” I insisted and again step forward towards the door “Can I come and check the doors just to be sure?”

But Nana shook her head, she almost laughed at me this time, she pushed me lightly towards the stairs “No need son, I locked the doors a few minutes ago. Just go and have some rest… don’t forget we have plans for tomorrow”

Yes I remembered, we do have plans for tomorrow.  Even if I would insists on checking what’s happening, Nana would not let me.  When it comes to what she believes, nobody wins with her. I grew up with Nana always around me, taking care of me, I always respected her.  She was the woman I knew who stands up to what she believe what is right and I know she would always mean what she says.

“Okay Nana. Goodnight then” I said giving up. I know I could never win over Nana’s reasoning. She might be old and slow but she still my Nana who took care of me and never let anyone hurt me when I was little. Not even my mom.

I went back to my room, changed put my boxers on and throw myself to bed. I had to face a big day ahead in the morning. I have no time to worry about the life that I left in Boston. All I felt was excitement for the next day.  I hope to find her in the cottage. I really do.