Chapter Eight :No going back
Becky and Whitney, of course, now lived together. Becky recounted her recent encounter with Francis.
"Did he think I would want to stay there with him, leaving you behind? That would make me a terrible mother," she said.
"I told him exactly how you felt. But he remained adamant," she shrugged.
"How do you mean 'adamant'? Is he going to force me to live with him?"
"I don't know. I challenged him to name any fond memories you shared together."
"So, what did he say?" Whitney asked eagerly.
"He racked his brain, but nothing came to mind."
"I thought he would at least mention my tenth birthday."
"No, he didn't. He must have forgotten," her mother explained.
"Didn't he see it as a fond memory?"
"He must have been thinking of something else."
The room fell silent. A few seconds later, tears streamed down Becky's face.
"What's wrong, Mom?" Whitney noticed the tears.
"This is too much… it's alright, Mom!" Whitney tried to comfort her.
But the tears kept flowing, and a streak formed down Becky's cheek. She grew moody and refused to say more. Moments later, Whitney's eyes welled up, and she began to sob.
"Mom, I know what you're thinking. I know you've had enough from him," she said slowly. "I promise you peace of mind, but… won't you be lonely? I feel like you shouldn't divorce Dad," she sighed.
"Hmm. Whitney, if you were in my shoes, what would you have done?" Becky asked wearily. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief from her handbag and stood up to wash her face in the bathroom. Whitney, still uneasy, pulled out a mirror and checked her reflection. Dissatisfied, she also went to freshen up.
They reunited in the living room.
"What are his plans now?" Whitney asked.
"I don't know. How would I?"
"I've called him several times, but the line's never connected."
"What does that suggest?" Becky asked.
"I really don't know."
"I'll check on him in two days," Whitney added.
"Are you planning to live with him?"
"No, no. I just think he shouldn't be completely abandoned. Right, Mom?"
"My mind is made up. There's no going back on my decision."
Whitney's phone rang. It was Debbie, who said she was already on her way. Minutes later, she arrived.
"It's good you're here," Whitney told her. "I just told Mom I plan to check on Dad in two days. But that seems too far away."
"So what are you thinking?" Debbie asked.
"Maybe you could come with me?"
"That's a great idea. Are you ready now?" Debbie was excited.
A few minutes later, they were on their way. But when they arrived at Francis's apartment, they discovered he no longer lived there.
Later that day, Whitney returned home and broke the news.
"I'm not surprised," Becky said.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"How do you mean, Mom?"
"He must have gone to reconnect with Angel."
"Are you sure?" Whitney asked emphatically.
"Sure."
"Why didn't you tell me earlier? I just wasted my time and energy."
"Sorry. You might not have listened or believed me if I had told you."
"Now what's the next step?"
"Next step? Should I go check him in a lion's den? Are you planning to go there? That's too risky."
"Mom, wait a minute. Who's the lion you're referring to?"
"Angel, of course."
"Oh, that devil called Angel. Then my dad must've been hypnotized. Simple," Whitney frowned.
"Exactly."
"You still want to check up on him?"
"No, of course not. I've heard about Angel. She's a devil incarnate. Mom, I want to call the police and take this to court."
"No, no. It's of no use. Your dad is gone—gone for good."
The next day, Becky went shopping nearby. To her surprise, she saw Francis. He didn't see her, though. He was with Joe, one of his well-known friends.
Joe had known the late Janet well and was close to Francis. It wasn't hard for Becky to conclude that Joe and Francis were two of a kind. She suspected Joe might have even introduced Angel to Francis. Becky had no interest in interacting with either of them and waited until they left before coming out.
Back home, she shared what happened with Whitney.
"Guess who I saw at the shopping complex."
"Really? I'm not good at guessing," Whitney grinned, eager.
"Okay, I saw your dad."
"My dad?" Whitney was shocked. "At the shopping mall or on the street? Was he with Angel?"
"No, no. It was just him and Joe. Do you remember Joe?"
"Yes, I do. Did he look okay?"
"I can't say. I tried to avoid them."
"Oh really? I thought he and Angel would be parading the streets together."
"I thought so too. But what business did he have with Joe? I'm guessing something shady."
Whitney wasn't comfortable with the topic. Becky noticed and changed the subject. Whitney tried to recall what she knew about Joe but wasn't sure.
"Mom, I think it's high time Dad separated himself from anyone who might land him in trouble."
"No one is putting him in trouble. He is the trouble."
"Hmm."
"You don't remember the role Joe played in his life?"
"Not really. Maybe faintly I do."
"Alright. I'll remind you. But does it even matter now? The damage is done. Can it be undone?"
"No," Whitney murmured.
"Exactly. No point dwelling on the past. Let's forget Joe and your dad's story. Okay?"
"Well… I might still miss my dad."
"The choice is yours."
As time went on, Francis could no longer justify staying in his apartment. He shared his predicament with his friends, especially Joe, who encouraged him to relocate. They believed a new environment would give him a better chance at rebuilding his career. Options like New York, Texas, Washington, and even China were considered.
But often, when he was alone, his past haunted him. He experienced frequent nightmares, with no one around to console him.
His most recent nightmare was terrifying. An old, ugly woman appeared and demanded, "Who's the rightful owner of all these dead chickens? They are too many to count ! " Then, she suddenly cut off the heads of two live chickens and drank the blood like water.
Though brief, the nightmare jolted him awake. He screamed as he woke.