Lilith's Awakening Page 16

  “Well, that’s nice of you. Please, come in. Nelly is in her room; she should be out soon.” I wanted Justin to get out of his car and come to the door. When he was close enough, I said, “Hi, Justin. Good to see you. I’m dying to see what you are about to show me.” I looked up at his face and was taken aback by what I saw. “What’s wrong? You look like you just killed a patient of yours.”

  “Well, Viktoria, it may be worse than that. If Nelly had not talked me into it, I would have kept myself out of this, but I hope I that am doing the right thing.”

  “What is it, Justin? What happened?”

  “We’re both under the obligation …” He trailed off and then said, “Viktoria, let’s wait for Nelly.”

  “I could leave,” Michael volunteered. “I can get the files later since this seems like it might be personal.”

  “Don’t leave, Michael,” Justin said. “This is something you should be hearing as well. It concerns Viktoria and maybe the case you’re both working on.”

  “Are you sure, Justin?” Michael then turned to me. “If you want me to leave, I will. You just tell me later.”

  “There she is,” I said to Justin. I put my hand on Michael’s arm. “Stay. I think I know what they are going to tell me. I would like you to stay and hear it. Let me start the conversation; first, Justin, is it about my twins?”

  “Yes, Viktoria, it is. At first, I did not know how this happened, and whatever we tell you, don’t hold anything against Nelly or me. We have tried to keep it to ourselves, but as things were getting worse with Nelly, I decided to tell you; it’s probably the right time.”

  “Yes. Nelly, you’re going to be okay. Just tell me. Last time … well, you know what occurred. I don’t want you to get sick again. Do you want Brandon here with us or would you to rather tell me first?”

  “I don’t think it would be a good idea to have Brandon with us until I tell you what I overheard. We will both need answers from Brandon. Why would he do such an unthinkable thing?”

  “Can someone start talking?” Michael said angrily. “I’m going insane over here trying to figure out what is going on!”

  “My dear,” Nelly said, leading me to the couch and sitting down. “Right before you got pregnant and married, do you remember that Brandon was offered a position out of nowhere? The best position a person could have? He had just completed his internship, but somehow, he managed to get that job. Do you remember that? Then the other case, with the law firm? It was just before you had the twins.”

  “Yes, I do remember. I even talked about it with Michael and Greg. It came up during our investigation of a person who used to be an intern in that firm.”

  “Well, Brandon was practicing some kind of unknown black magic and recruiting people into it—all for his success and power—until they demanded something more than he bargained for. At first, he thought he would have to go through with it.”

  “What was the demand? Nelly, what is it that was so easy and unthinkable that he has done?”

  “I don’t know how to tell you. When I heard what he had done, I could not believe it. At first, I thought it was some kind of sick joke! Brandon could not have done this! It was impossible!”

  “How did you find out about it? Who told you?”

  “Viktoria, I will tell what I know first and then Nelly can tell you the rest. It would be for the best, if it is okay with you. I want you to take a deep breath and take your medicine, Nelly. You don’t look well.”

  Chapter 12

  Twins

  “That night, when the twins were born … you know how crazy it was there,” Doctor Justin said. “There was a baby boy stillborn, and right in the middle of the birth of the twins, I was called for another emergency. That was when I thought my daughter was missing. Brandon told me go to ahead and do what I felt like needed to be done. There was a practitioner who helped you with the birth. I believe her name was Leila. Yes, that was the name Brandon told me. I do remember that very clearly; Brandon was trying to get me out of the room for some reason. However, I did hear the nurse telling Brandon that it was a baby girl and a baby boy. When they took the babies out of the room, I picked them up to take a closer look at them. Nurse Kelly happened to have a camera right then, and I asked her to take a picture of the twins and me, so she did.

  “The next day, I came to see how the twins and you were doing. Right before I could see you, there was an announcement calling me to an emergency. I never got the chance to see you afterward because I was transferred to another state—at Brandon’s request; he said this would be better for my career, running a brand-new hospital by myself. Yes, I took the job, but I did not join them, even though many times I came close to it; what they offered was unbelievable. So, I continuously kept in touch with Nelly, and she told me about what she had overheard. That was when I understood why they were trying to keep me out of it. Nelly and I put the pieces together. If you check the name tags on their wrists, they have your name and their gender.

  “Later that day, I checked the file for the births of twin baby boys, and then I inspected the death of twin baby boys. The file on you and twin boys did not exist.”

  “Justin, what are you telling me?” I asked, not believing what was right in front of me. “How could they lose the file? It has to show me as a patient at least! Who was the female doctor? I do not even remember seeing any female doctors during the birth that night. What did you say her name was? Leila? I believe it was Leila who was trying to keep you away for the kids’ safety. I suppose they would not want you or your family to get hurt over this. That was why they sent you away, Justin.”

  “Together, we have tried to figure out what Brandon has done.”

  “I have a question for you,” Michael said to Doctor Justin from his seat on the chair across from me. “If they are alive, where is the boy? I believe I know where the girl is, but I need to find out about the boy. It’s very important.”

  “I do know where the boy is. He knows who you are. He is a very fine young man.”

  “Where he is? I have to know. I don’t know if I should be mad, angry, or frustrated with you all!” I sighed before I continued, “But I’m glad you told me that they are alive. Just take me to them, Justin, right now. I will deal with Brandon later. I’m convinced what he did was wrong, but we will get over this.”

  “Viktoria, let me call him over. Do you think you’re ready for this right now?”

  “Yes, I am ready. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you and Nelly.” I turned to my mother-in-law. “Nelly, I’m not upset or hurt, so I don’t want you to blame yourself for anything. You had a reason for what you did, I understand. Remember that I love you; I will never be upset with you. I want you to understand.”

  “Oh dear, I don’t know how can I make it up to you. I am full of regret.”

  “I don’t want you to feel that remorsefulness ever. Whatever it is, tell me. How did you find out?”

  “It was your father and mother who told me before their accident, God rest their souls. They knew they wouldn’t be back, so your mom asked me to keep an eye on you and the kids. After all, no matter what age you are, you still need a mother. Your dad told me when things got complicated, I should tell you what I know. He also told me you would understand. I believe your dad had also spoken to Justin as well.”

  Thanks, Babushka! That’s good timing; as I promised, I would never do anything to hurt Nelly’s feelings. I care so much for her, just like I still care for you and Mom, I thought in my head.

  “Michael,” I asked out loud, “can you go pick up Alia and bring her over here?”

  “Justin, can you call … my son … and ask him to meet us over here. Tell him to be careful. What is his name, Justin?”

  “Oh, yes. It’s Damien.” He must have seen the shock on my face, because he continued, “I told you that you have met him, and he did take care of Grand
ma Nelly.”

  “Oh my God! Just the other day, I was thinking about how much he looked like Brandon! The way he stood and spoke—even his eyes are like Brandon’s. But he said his mother was sick.”

  “Yes, Viktoria, his adoptive mother. She passed away the day before.”

  “Nevertheless, how am I going to explain to him about us? I don’t know; do you think he will reject us? What happens if he doesn’t want to see me? If he thinks—”

  “Viktoria, calm down. He knows everything, so don’t worry. His adoptive parents told him, and he has been waiting for me to call him. He knows. We’ll be having these discussions with him.”

  “I have a question,” Michael said to me. “What am I hearing? Are these the twins we have been looking for? Isn’t, perhaps, Alia your girl?”

  “Yes, yes, Michael, go get Alia and call Greg. Tell him what is going on; he has to be here. Don’t worry; you have protection with you. I see Babushka and Gabriellele.” Once he left to get Alia, I turned to everyone else. “I am sure Alia knows about this too. That is why Brandon was there watching her, and then when he saw Damien, he looked like he’d seen a ghost. Brandon did not want me to find out.” I picked up my phone. “My dear Brandon,” I said sarcastically as I dialed his number, “you’re about to have the worst nightmare you’ve ever had.”

  “Hi, honey,” I said when he picked up. “I know you’re busy; I won’t take up much of your time. It’s just that Justin is here to see how Nelly is doing, and we were talking about you. We remembered your birthday is in two days, so we decided to celebrate tonight. It’s Friday, and everyone is free, so what do you think?”

  “That’s okay with me. If Mom is feeling better, then why not? But, honey, I will be an hour late. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah, that’s fine. We’ll meet you at your favorite restaurant then. I have a surprise for you as well.” Then I hung up.

  “Justin, call your wife. We’re all going out tonight to celebrate Brandon’s birthday, even though it’s in two days. I want to give him an early birthday present. The best ever: his kids! What do you think, Nelly? Would you say that is the best present?”

  “Viktoria, are you okay? I’m concerned about you. It would be the best birthday gift, but instead of you getting mad at him, you’re acting as if nothing has happened.”

  “Nelly, lately, what has been going on with our family? We do not need more drama; I think we’ve had our share of it. We need to be happy and thankful. I did find my children. I have grieved for them for twenty-seven years. Thanks to Leila and my power-loving husband, my kids are alive today.”

  Justin then got a call from Damien. He was at the front door. I asked Justin to open the door, since I was nervous as well as anguished. I did not know what to say or how to react. But at the same time, my heart was pounding, and I wanted to hold him. He was my baby, and I had not seen him in twenty-seven years, or at least as my son!

  As he was walking in, I watched him and admired the man he had become. Furthermore, I whispered to Leila, “Thank you for what you have done for me.” I was sure she heard me.

  Leila would not let him out of her sight. I believe I heard her saying, “It was my pleasure.”

  Damien approached me, just looked at me, and said, “It has been a long time. The day I saw you in the hospital, I wanted to tell you, but I could not because I was not allowed to. Until today.”

  “Yes, I understand. I’m sorry we’ve been kept apart from each other. I am so pleased they did; otherwise, you would not be alive today. I am convinced Leila did her best to keep you and your sister alive.”

  “My sister? You mean Alia? You know about her too? How did you find out?”

  “One day, I decided to do an out-of-body experience—I am sure you already know yourself. I followed Brandon, and I saw him a block away. At the comer of the street was Alia. He was observing her. An unknown person was telling Brandon to leave her alone. He was putting her in danger by being there. At first, I did not recognize the person, and then Babushka said, ‘That is Quirel, the jinn watching over Alia’ and then it clicked.”

  As I finished telling Damien the story, Greg and Alia walked in. Looking at her face, I saw Alia was relieved and calm. I saw Greg approach at the same time as they did. Everything was happening so fast; I wanted to pinch myself and hoped it was not some sort of setup again.

  I heard Gabriellele and Azalea say, “Viktoria, this is not a setup or dream. Be confident of that; we are by the steps, and your father is next to us. Take a look.” And when I did, I saw them there.

  “I believe everyone knows why we’re all here. I, firstly, express gratitude to Nelly and Justin for bringing this to my understanding and thank Leila for keeping them safe. As you all know, the twins I supposedly lost during birth and the next day were apparently saved by Leila. I don’t want to go into details; I am sure most of you know why and how. I want everyone to meet me at Brandon’s favorite restaurant, Charlie’s, this evening to surprise Brandon and celebrate his birthday.

  “As of midnight tonight, we have important projects to finish off. We have to rearrange Lilith’s, her friend Samuel’s, and the jinns’ plans.”

  Greg and Michael looked over at me, confused. Greg said, “Does this mean our search is over? We are actually able to save the rest.”

  “Yes, Greg, all this time, what we have been through … and it was right under our noses. Whatever has taken place, there was a reason for it, as Babushka always says. Only one thing left, Michael, why did you call me that first night? You said something about feeling Gabriellele’s presence. How did you?”

  “Well, I want to be honest. It was what Gabriellele had in her hand: a small piece of paper that said, ‘Please call Viktoria.’ Then she had your business card.”

  “Do you think I’m going to fall for that? Why didn’t you mention that at the beginning of this case?”

  “Well, I did not want you to freak out. I knew Brandon would have tried to stop you if I mentioned that.”

  “Well, we’ll see what he’s going to do tonight at the restaurant. I cannot wait to see his reaction, and the best part will be at midnight. I know I can rely on you guys. I will need your help. Also, I believe Carmella will be joining us with her baby. She knew my identity.”

  “Viktoria, you mean it’s almost over? I won’t believe it until it’s past midnight. How are you doing? I cannot believe you have taken it so calmly after all these years.”

  “I don’t know, Greg. I feel happy! I just want to go somewhere and scream as loud as I can to show my happiness as well my frustration.”

  “You know what? You should go to your favorite place by the beach and get that out of you. You can scream as much as you want to. Let the anger out. You need to do this; take our advice. Go on; you look like you need it.”

  “No, I cannot yet. The children should be coming in an hour. I need to be here to explain this to them. I don’t expect that they will ever comprehend, but I will try without any misapprehension in future. In fact, I should have Brandon do the explaining. How could he explain it to them?

  “By looking at Grandma Nelly’s face. She looks likes she is apprehensive, as well as happy. I do feel terrible how she has continued to carry this burden for so long; it must have been immeasurable. It’s very puzzling but delightful also. I’m concerned about the rest of the children; hopefully, the kids won’t have a hard time understanding, and they will welcome their brother and sister. Alia and Damien, come to me.” When they did, Doctor Justin turned to me. I said, “They’re so understanding, and they’re trying to ease my pain. They even made a joke. I know they are special kids just by looking at them.”

  It was time to pick the children up from school; I requested that Damien and Alia stay over until I came back with Lacey and Cameron.

  When I went to Lacey’s school, she seemed concerned. She just jumped in and asked, “Mom, why did Micha
el come and pick up Mrs. Adams from school? Is everything all right?”

  “Yes, Lacey, it is. You know better; there is nothing kept from you, right?”

  “Right, Mom. So if that’s true, then what has been going on? Nana and Babushka told me. When I confronted Mrs. Adams and said that she could be my sister, Mrs. Adams said, ‘Wait until it is clarified by your mother.’”

  “How long you have known, Lacey? I believe Babushka and Nana have lots of trust in you. Is there anything else that they mentioned about this matter?”

  “Babushka has mentioned something about Mrs. Adams also having a twin brother. So that means that I have another brother!”

  “I am so proud of you, Lacey! You have known all this time, and yet you kept it a secret. How do you feel about this matter and about your father’s involvement in this? Did this issue bother you at all?”

  “No, not really, because Babushka said that what Dad did was for everybody’s benefit. Otherwise, the twins would have been dead by now. He also told me how special they are. Babushka said that they deserve special siblings like us.”

  “Well, honey, I hope the rest of them will understand like you. This was easier than I thought.”

  “Mom, I know Melisa does understand as well, considering that Babushka told us at the same time, but I do not know how Cameron will take it.”

  “Wait, what was that? What did you say about Melisa? You mean Melisa can sense Babushka’s presence as well? Why, I did not recognize that! Since when?”

  “Melisa only talks to Babushka. Nana said it’s because she does not like contact with the other side, and she is blocking it. Babushka guided her in how to communicate with him.”

  “Babushka! I know you can hear me. I have not expressed my gratitude to you so frequently, but for what you have done with my kids … I am so lucky to have parents like you and Mom. Okay, Lacey, here we are. I do not want you to mention anything to Cameron, understand? I want your father to explain it to him slowly. You know he is a very sensitive little boy.”