Identity

I opened the door immediately. The porridge might get cold. Dad's probably hungry by now.

“Sorry, the porridge is here.” I offered the handbag containing the bowl of porridge.

My presence startled them, it's evident on their faces.

I placed the fruits on the table to free my hand from it, opened the bowl of porridge and went near my father. I placed the bowl in the table and helped dad to lean on the headboard. I went back to the porridge and took a half spoon of it.

“Here you go.” I placed the spoon inside his mouth when he opened it. “That's Daisy's specialty. The one she made when you had a fever. You remembered it? And you didn't ate mom's because it tastes bitter to you.” I laughed a little remembering the scenario

I heard Lincoln cleared a throat so I glanced at him. He must be done with his work already.

“You want fresh apples?” I asked him. “Daisy bought plenty.” I added.

“T-thank you. M-maybe next time. I'll get going now.” he uncomfortably said.

“Okay, you might be taken away though.” I joked a little. I don't know if he got it, but he probably did.

“Silly.” he chuckled and bowed before going out of the room.

I accompanied dad with the porridge. I also had the apple washed and sliced before he ate it. He rested for a bit, not sleeping, just laying down the bed.

“Dad?” I called for his attention

“Yes, darling?” he responded, eyes still closed

“What did you and Lincoln talk about earlier? I heard of it. Are we somehow related to doctor Lincoln?” I asked, there's nothing wrong in asking anyway.

I just need things to be clarified. I might have missed something.

“L-Lincoln?” he stuttered

“Yes.”

He didn't respond on that, filling the room with a deafening silence. Is he hesitant to tell me something? Or is he supposed to tell me something? I also feel anxious about everything. There's something in me that wants to find out the truth. But what truth? I want an assurance from something. This might drive me crazy. I never felt this unsure of something. I want to quit, but from what will I quit of?

“Lily?” finally, dad got the chance to speak again. “I have a story for you. Just a short story. It has been a long time since I told you a story.”

“What is that about, dad?” I asked

“Just listen, I'll ask you a question after it.” he said

“Come on dad! I am not a kid! Just tell me the story already! If I find your question hard to answer, then I'll not answer it.” I complained

“Fine. The story goes like this. There was a girl.” he started. “Her name is Avery.”

“That's a cool name, dad. Is she cool as her name?” I asked

He chuckled at that.

“I'm being serious here. Just listen, will you?” he seriously said

I pouted at that. Can't I make a joke and just let him laugh? I'm making the atmosphere light.

“Fine.” I sounded defeated

“Avery is a pretty little girl. She lives with her handsome father and her gorgeous mother. But one day, Avery discovered something about her identity. She wasn't the real daughter of the couple she treated as her parents. She was the long lost daughter of a Mafia.” he narrated

That's interesting! Imagine being a daughter of a mafia, that's a lot of wealth!

“Where's your question in that, Dad?” I asked

“Here's the question. If you were Avery, will you get mad with the couple you treated as your parents?” he asked

“What will I get mad about, of I was Avery?” I asked back

He's asking me a question answerable by a toddler. If I was Avery, of course I won't be mad!

“About your parents hiding your true identity form you.” he answered

“I won't be mad at them. I'll even thank them for raising me like their real daughter despite their knowledge about my true identity. But of course, I'll be a bit disappointed.” I said

“You will?” he asked

“I will if I was Avery. But I'm Lily for heaven's sake.” I joked again

“Come on.” he chuckled and messed my hair up.

I never had a bonding like this with my Dad. I hope we can be closer to each other after this incident.

“Aren't you going to rest? It's kinda late.” I asked when I opened my phone and knew what time it was already. “I will just be in the cafeteria, eating.”

“Go on and eat now. Please, don't eat by yourself. Call a friend. I'll sleep after you go out.” Dad said

“Are you sure? Are you not feeling pain anymore?” I asked

He just shook his head.

“I'll get going now, Dad. Rest well. I'll be back later.” I bid as I stood up from my seat

I went out the room and sighed. Dad is hiding something from me. He did not answer my question. There's something going on in here. Something that everyone is hesitant on telling me.

I started walking to the cafeteria. I ordered dark chocolate cake and dark coffee. I started eating, spacing out. I can't get over with dad and Lincoln's conversation. Who are they pertaining to?

“We need to tell her everything. I can't keep this secret anymore. I feel sad for her.” Lincoln's voice popped up my head

What secret are they keeping? Or am I just too dumb to not feel anything? Are they keeping a secret from me? If so, what secret? Does it have something to do with dad's storytelling? I don't get it. I can't connect the dots. I can't puzzle out everything.

“Can I eat with you?” my heart skipped a beat when Lincoln suddenly appeared in front of me

“Sure.” I said still shocked

“You're too serious, what are you thinking?” he asked

Will I ask him about it? If I will, will he even tell me the truth? Or will he still lie at me?

“I'm thinking about who I truly am.” I said

I felt him paused a bit. Maybe he was taken aback when I said it.

“W-what do you mean?” he stuttered

“I don't know who I am.” I said and looked directly into the depths of eyes.

Eyes are more honest than anyone's mouth. If only I could ask his eyes, I will. Just so I would know what the truth is.

“You don't?” he asked me

“I don't, but I know you do.” I confidently said, I even stared at him to make myself a but fierce and show him how serious I am. “I want you to answer me honestly.” I added

I saw host throat moved, making evidence to a had swallow.

“Ask me, then.” he said, he looked serious this time. Ready to answer whatever question I will ask

“How are you related to me?” I asked

I saw how his brows furrowed. I don't know what it implies but I know he didn't expect to be asked with that.

“I am not related to you.” he answered

Come on! How many lies will I have to hear before hearing the truth? Am I not that trustworthy? I raised a brow when I remembered something.

“How are you related to my father?” I asked

He was taken aback when I asked him that question. I got him! I probably asked him the right question.

I am not ready for his answers, but my inside are, somehow.

I heard him clear a throat before he uttered words.

“I should not be telling you this, but I think I have the right.” he started. “I am not related to you, but to the person you treat as your parents, I am. I am their only child.”

I guess that answered my question, but that made me want to ask more. What? What did he mean by that? Am I not their real child, rather, he is? And why? Why did all of these happened? Am I the one dad is pertaining to when he told me that story? A Mafia's child? It sounds cringe for me now. I was able to witness this scenario on movies. I did not think of being in this situation. Is this my punishment? Or is this my destiny? I want to cry. I badly want to cry! And just vanish!