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Freeborn: Chapter 32

The Decks and the Road
book 1- Freeborn


The Final Chapters- Chapter 32


Nathan-The moment she turned the corner I recognized her from the funeral.  It puzzled me, but I didn’t have any time to think about it before she made her way back.  She was not herself.  I hadn’t seen her in months, and although I always considered her a pleasant surprise, her face soaked up all the pleasantness.  She stood in the door frame with her back posted up.  I knew something was wrong.
                “Come in. Close the door.”
                “Why’d you let me believe a lie?”  She’d closed the door, but hadn’t come any closer.  We remained about six feet away from each other.  I didn’t know which lie she was referring to.  I’d done everything I could to protect her.  I sat trying to retrace my steps with her, and suddenly I had a slight idea what she might be referring to.  Still, I didn’t assume.  I sat speechless.
                “Are you my father?”  She asked and then turned to face the door.  I could hear her cries.  I tried to go to her, but I was filled with so much guilt and shame.  She should have never found out.  I’d left no room for speculation.  I didn’t even flinch when her mother gave me the news.  I knew I loved her, and I wanted nothing more than to have a child.  She was the secret we both shared separately.  I knew her mother would never tell, and I couldn’t imagine who or what had informed her.  She must have known the answer by the length of my silence, but I had to give her an answer.  I answered her the only way I knew how. 

                “I will always be your father Natalie.”
                “Who is he?  You must know.” 
                “I don’t.  Your mother and I have never spoken about this.  Please don’t go to her.  We’re finally in a good place.”  I walked towards her.
                “So, that’s it.  Just forget about it.”
                “Natalie you’re a Shepherd.  I chose you, and you mean the world to me.”  We held on to each other and I could feel her tears falling on my sleeve. 
                “But I have a sister, and I’m supposed to protect her.”
                “Who’s got into your head?”  I stood afraid that after all I’d forgiven, and given to have a family that I could lose it all.
                “I need you to help me find her.”  Natalie gave no response to my comment.
                “Okay, I’ll see what I can find out, but you mustn’t speak about this to anyone.”  I tried to stop the leak.  I didn’t know exactly what I was committing to, but I didn’t feel as though I had much of a choice.   I pulled a couple tissues from the box on my desk, and handed them to her.  I waited a few moments for her to collect herself, and then led her out.
                “My friend from school is here.  She’s waiting for me in the lobby.”  She sounded more like herself and not so angry.  We took the cut through from the garage into the short hall and through the door on the left that led to the lobby.  I stood behind the checkout counter with all surprise to see Angelo’s daughter.  I remembered her heart shaped frames from earlier that morning.  It reminded me of my first question, and answered it all at once.  I stepped out from behind the counter and approached her.  Before I could get a word out, she’d introduced herself.
“Hello Mr. Shepherd, I’m Radiance Dunbar.”  I offered her my sympathies, but didn’t bother to share my knowledge of her father with her.  Instead, I had become captivated by how much she and Natalie could pass for one another.  It wasn’t in a youthful or cultural way.  It was deeper, and it took me deep into the corners of my mind.  A few moments passed while I’d been led off into my thoughts.  I could see Natalie speaking to me, but I wasn’t registering anything.  Eventually she tugged at my hand, and I returned to the current moment.
“They’re calling for you.”
“Right.  Will you stay until tomorrow?”
“Sorry, we have to get back, but I’ll call you.” 
“Okay, just remember I love you.”  I held her again and then released my grip on her.  I could sense that her life was budding, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to shelter her the way I had.  I also knew from my time as her father that she could be quite determined.  I just stood hoping that her determination wouldn’t tear our family apart.  I watched as they left, and then returned to the garage where I always felt certain.

When I reached the back, I could see several of the guys standing around one of the cars.  It was no ordinary car.  It was all decked and trimmed.  I assumed they were all just drooling, but they were excited to see me and started waving me over.  The hood was up, and a man dressed in black was standing by.  As I approached, I could see that he too was excited to see me. 
                “Hey boss, you gotta see this.”  My lead mechanic raved.  I shook hands with the owner, complimented him on his pride, and then stuck my head under the hood.  Everything was shining. The engine was a beauty.  It was like nothing I’d seen before.  I tried to get as good a look as I could. 
                “I saw the sign.  I figured you were acquainted.”
                “Where’d you get it?”
                “Shepherd Engines—This really cool spot in Miami.  Cost me quite a bit.  Guy name Vance.  I think this is like his third or fourth model.”
                “Vance?  You sure about that?”
                “Hell yeah, done sent a couple of my buddies his way.”
                “Well it sure is a beauty.  Take our card.  Whenever you’re in the area, I can take a look at it.”

                “You bet.”  I brought the hood down on the largest discovery of the day.  I took the short walk to my office and shut the door.  I sat on the corner of my desk with my hands clasped between my legs.  It was not the worst day I’d ever had, but it had become the most unnerving in a long while.  I didn’t know what to consider first; what stood to be lost or what stood to be gained.  I knew it was a day I’d never forget.  It was the day that had begun with a burial and ended with two resurrections.     



Freeborn, a novel
Freeborn

© Grace Call Communications, LLC

Copyright © 2017 by Natisha Renee Williams
All Rights Reserved 
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