HIDING BEHIND THE SHADOWS

Chapter 1 - The Encounter

Arron’s POV

“Mom! This is my life please listen to me! “I made a loud protest on her plans for an arranged marriage.

“Son Jessie is long gone and nowhere to be found. You can’t spend your whole life waiting for her!” she said, anger is evident on her voice “I’m getting old son, I would support you in any way I can but I want to see you get settled while I’m still here” she added.

I stomped out of my study. “Aaron! I’m doing this for you and our company’s good!” I heard her shout behind my back.  I went to my room to pick some things and rushed outside to where my car was parked.  I saw my mom coming to the door but I start the engine and rushed off. 

I always have a small luggage of my personal belongings in the back of my car, just in case I have emergency meeting outside the country or if I have to stay overnight in the office, or in case this would happen… I mean these when mom would never stop bragging me about marriage and the merger.  Yes the merger.   I met Kirsten Johnson two years ago in a charity ball.  Rich and famous for her own good, but she is not the kind of girl to raise a family. 

She was very outgoing and she loves publicity meaning the general public is her most concern.  She always said “It’s a way to do high earning cosmetic business” the perfect opposite of Jessie.  My thoughts were interrupted by the constant buzzing of my phone. The merger is a disaster I say.

I pick up my phone and dialed John my personal assistants number. I just a few rings he picked up my call “Yes Aaron what is it?” he answered. John speaks to me in all manner he wants to he was my personal assistant and my best friend, we’ve been together since we were in the University.

“I’ll say cover up for me in all my meetings… email me a copy of all the contracts. I’ll send you the final copy thereafter” I told him in a firm voice. “Okay… what is it this time buddy?” he asked “Just want to be alone for a while” my final note “as your best friend can I at least know where to find you?” John being my best friend always wants to know I’d be safe as always. “Not this time John… maybe later” I hang up the call turn off my cellphone focus on my driving.  I drop by the office, called the head to my security and give him my car keys as I call a cab to the airport.

I always make it an option to put my issues with my mom to myself… If there’s anyone I wanted to be with right now it Nana the only person who understands how I feel, who would welcome me in her loving arms and the only person I know who would stand against my mom. She will and will always stand a fight with my mom with no fear.

Arriving at Sta. Barbara Airport, I felt a warm feeling of being home again. After all these years, I still felt this is where I should belong.  This is where I grew up, building my dreams.  I felt the warm welcome of this place.

I was standing on the exit when a man on his fifties was walking on direction.  He was wearing a white cream shirt and gray trousers. A smile plastered on his face. He spoke as he came near me “Mr. Aaron Wesley?” he asked me. I looked at him crossing my brows hoping he would continue himself and he said “I’m Charlie, I was sent by your father”

I closed my eyes, thinking of my Dad Jacob.  He knew where I am… I thought to myself.  Although Dad never stopped my mom from setting me up on dates, but still he supported me in his own way.

“Do you want me to drive for you?” he asked

“No, no need Charlie… I’ll find my way” I said. “After all, it seems that the placed haven’t changed that much” I continued

“Yes sir, the locals have protected their landmarks” he said, he reached for my luggage and walked ahead of me “I’ll show you where I parked your car sir” he said looking back at me, sensing I was not following him.

“Okay… Thank you” I said and started following him

I remembered Dad has mentioned that he still have his old businesses in San Diego, run by his trusted associates and have made it successful after all these years.

We stopped near a red Ferrari just like the one I have in Boston, he opened the drivers’ seat for me and handed me they key.  I looked at him crossing my arm, a sigh deeply at how Dad has prepared for my homecoming.

“Your father has especially chosen this car for you” he said handing me the key motioned me to come in the drivers’ seat. “Thank you, get in and I’ll drop you by where you’re heading” I told him

“Oh no sir, I’ll take the train back to San Diego” he said with a smile said goodbye and left

I sighed in relief knowing Dad still support me in my decision.  I picked up my phone in my pocket and dialed Dad’s number

“Son…” he sighed and kept silent “Dad…. “ I paused feeling the lump in my throat “Thank you…”

I can feel his breathing got heavy… he kept silent for a while and simply said “…you take care son” and ended the call.  Dad and I, after he brought me to Boston, he never said a word about me going back to Sta. Barbara, he never did mentioned to me that he knew that someday, I will be back here where my heart belongs. I stayed away for so long and now…

Here I am in front of our Old house.  “Jessie” I let out a whisper “I’m home… and I’m not leaving this place without you….” I sighed in relief when Nana came out of the front door to welcome me.