Entry 69. June 19, 2009.
[x] Head to Trissany and meet with Rose again.
"No, screw you. Dammit... I need to meet with James. I can trust him more than my mother. What's wrong with you? She's more entertaining? WHAT THE HELL? YOU'RE PLAYING WITH ME? WOW..."
Felix is greatly displeased with what he has to do, but he knows he's unable to resist. He gets into his car and heads towards Trissany, knowing full well he'll be missing James' call and a potentially very helpful meeting. To help combat his frustration, he convinces himself James will understand and he can meet with him later. After 30 minutes of driving, Felix calls Melanie on his cell and explains to her what's happening. She's upset and doesn't support the decision, but she understands neither does Felix really.
The phone inside Felix's house rings over and over. James eventually gives up calling and curses in frustration. "What's the problem?" Garet asks. "Felix isn't answering. He's not there. Something's wrong," James answers. He starts pacing and hits the wall. "Damn! We needed to be more aggressive!" he screams. "Well we can't just sit around. Let's go over to his place first and see what's wrong. If he's not there, we can check the Swinson's place," Garet suggests, keeping his clear mind.
"Ugh, this long drive has gotten really old lately," Felix moans; "It's already time for lunch." It's already close to noon by the time Felix drives into Trissany, but he decides to ignore his hunger and head straight for the mall. "This is the last time, I swear," he mutters to himself. He pulls into the Trissany City Mall's parking lot. In the food court, Felix spots Rose waving at him from a table right away. He grits his teeth and walks over to her.
"Wow so quick! I'm honored!" Rose teases.
"This wasn't my decision. Now cut the crap and talk," Felix says in his usual no-nonsense tone.
"You know you really shouldn't treat your mother so poorly..."
"Then perhaps you should stop being a manipulative bi'tch?"
"Hahaha! So are you hungry?"
"I've suddenly lost my appetite."
"Nonsense. I'm going to get something. You should too. We can have a nice chat over a meal."
Felix really just wants to get away from Rose, but breakfast didn't tie him over that well and he can't deny he's hungry. He acquiesces and the two order something to eat. He tries his best to enjoy his meal, but Rose makes that difficult.
"No Melanie today? Did I hurt her feelings?"
"I'm not going to let you get to me."
"You two kissed and made up, right? She didn't leave you, did she?" Rose laughs.
"Yeah, we did make up. Unlike you, I know how to show love and keep a good relationship," Felix bites back.
"Haha. You grew into a good man, my son. I really am sorry for coming between you two."
"I bet. You were probably hoping for it."
"Aww...you don't have to be so cruel. I can't apologize?"
"Sure, whatever."
"I was a good mother, wasn't I? Right, Felix? You love your mommy, right?"
"You
were a good mother. Or I thought so anyway. A good mother doesn't abandon her family and leave nothing more than a stupid note. Now I can see you're clearly insane and heartless."
"Maybe you'll understand someday, Felix. I never stopped loving you for a second."
James knocks on the Legard's front door completely in vain. "He's not here. I'm done wasting time," James says, growing more frustrated. He gets back in the car and Garet drives them to the Swinson's. Melanie answers the door. "Hello again. Glad we found you. Would you happen to know where Felix is?" Garet asks politely. "Huh? He isn't at home?" Melanie answers, feigning ignorance. "No, he ISN'T!" James say, revealing his temper. Unhappy with such a rude response, she slams the door in their faces. "...smooth, James. You are an idiot," Garet says. Unwilling to be defeated so easily, James begins pounding on the door. Garet tries pulling him away, but the damage is already dealt. "GO AWAY NOW! OR I'LL CALL THE COPS ON YOU!" Melanie shouts through the door. Garet hits James to return him to his senses. He gives him a blank look, and then realizes his mistake. "I'm sorry, okay..." James apologizes. Back in their van, James and Garet discuss their next course of action.
"I messed up. I know. You know my temper gets the best of me sometimes."
"Whatever. It's done with now. What do we do? She sounded sincerely surprised to me."
"Then he probably left to meet Rose. Or who knows. Maybe she kidnapped him. We were fools to let him out of our sights."
"You said he told you she lives in Lixmilo. Let's go there and try finding her."
"That's your plan? We should drive four hours to a large city to find a needle in a haystack?"
"So let's sit here and wait. Sound better?"
"...ugh. I don't know what to do, okay? It's so damn frustrating. We need Patrick back."
"Good luck with that. The FBI is on him like a hawk, and he's their prisoner anyway."
Felix and Rose finish their meals and begin walking around the mall together. His paranoia begins rising to the surface as he worries about a trap. Everyone around them suddenly seems suspicious. Rose notices his nervous behavior and laughs.
"You can relax, Felix. I promise I don't have spies. Well, many. Haha."
"Yeah, whatever. You said you had someone I'd want to meet. Let's get to that already."
"Hmmm. So you were interested after all?"
"No. I'm just not a fan of wasting time."
"Fair enough. Haha. I gather you've already heard that man Lizor Calranian has gone missing?"
"...it was you? I KNEW IT!"
"Whoa, whoa. Calm down, Sherlock. I would never do something so dangerous! I'll take that as a yes, though. Hehe."
"What have you done?"
"Nothing, nothing. I have no idea where he is either. We're not friends. In fact, I hate him. Foul, disgusting man. Anyway, I figured he'd be fun bait to lure you down here again."
"...........you."
"Hahahaha! You're so easy, Felix. But please listen! I'm sorry!"
"Wait a second. How would you know I'd know he was gone? How do YOU know he's gone?"
"Hm? What's that?"
"He only went missing yesterday. It's far more likely neither of us would know something like this already."
"I watch the morning news, don't you?"
"Ah, yeah. I had to test you."
"Haha. Okay, Felix. You're so cute~ There really is someone I'd like you to meet, however."
"And who is that?"
"Oscar may seem like an old man, but he actually has a daughter your age. Only a year older, I believe."
"What about her?"
"She attends school here. Have you heard of her perhaps? Maybe seen her on campus? Selest Kurst."
Felix stops. He does know that name. He definitely knows that name. He remembers her from his first year in college. She's a beautiful woman, and Felix certainly agrees. They had a few classes together. He wouldn't admit it to Melanie now, but he actually had developed a little crush on Selest.
"Yes, I've seen her around. I didn't realize the connection. I didn't know or remember Oscar near well enough."
"Haha. Understandable, of course. Have you talked with her before?"
"Only a little. We had some classes together."
"Aww what a pity. She's a fine gal. No matter. You can talk today!"
"What is the meaning of us? How is she involved in any of this?"
"Come on, come on. Hehe. Let's go meet her and you'll find out."
"James Thompson? And Garet Methi?" Nicholas asks casually, cleaning his gun. "Yes, that is them. They should be the last of Patrick's friends. They know more than the two fools I had you take in earlier. It'd be dangerous to leave them out in the open any longer," Chad explains. "I understand," Nicholas responds with a smile.
Rose leads Felix to Linden's. Oscar is standing outside and waves when he spots Rose approaching. "You're late!" he says, laughing. "You know. Stubborn son of mine!" she responds, joining in on the laughter. Felix isn't amused. He's had just about enough of spending time with Rose. "Nice to see you again Felix!" Oscar greets him. "It's not mutual, sorry," Felix replies. At the moment, a strikingly beautiful young woman walks out of the store and wraps her arm around Oscar's shoulders. "Is this him, Daddy?" she asks. "Yes, Selest. This is Felix. I believe you've met him before," he says. "Felix? Felix Legard? How are you doing!?" Selest asks happily. Rose and Oscar walk inside Linden's, clearly implying they want Felix and Selest to catch up in private. She walks over to Felix and gives him a friendly hug.
"Been a while, Felix. How are you?"
"I've been better. I don't much like hanging around my mother."
"Hm? Why's that?"
"Long story."
"...I see. Actually, Felix, I have something I want to tell you."
Selest wraps her arm around Felix's and urges him forward with her. Felix's mind is telling him to push her off right away, but his body is saying something different. He goes along with it and walks with her. They walk arm in arm for a while, until they're a few stores away from Linden's. Selest stops him, leans in close and whispers in his ear, "It's not safe with our parents. Come with me, please. I don't want you to get hurt." Felix looks into her radiant eyes for any clue as to what's going on, but he only sees complete honesty mixed with suffering staring back at him. "Wha...what are you talking about?" he whispers. "Please... I like you, Felix. I overheard them saying terrible things. Let's take this chance and get out of here," Selest begs.
[] Run away with Selest.
[] Refuse and go back to Linden's.
[] Run away by yourself.
What are the voices inside Felix's head telling him to do?
