The Myth and The Guardian Book II: Christopher

“Austin. Austin!” Joel boomed as he pounded on the bathroom door. “Austin, are you okay?” He asked a few seconds after getting no response.

Austin opened his eyes and gasp for breath. He waited for the pain to flood his body, but there was no pain to come. He knew for a fact that at least a few of his bones had been broken earlier, but he was completely healed by the time he woke.

“Austin! Open this door!” Joel yelled as he continued to pound on the door.

“I’m alright Joel. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” Austin said as he grabbed Joseph’s old clothes and put them on.

He opened the door to exit the bathroom, but Joel entered immediately.

“What happened? I heard the water stop running over an hour ago.” Joel said as he looked around the bathroom.

Austin thought for a moment about telling Joel the truth. He wanted to be honest with him, but he knew Joel would panic from the news. He did not want to put his friend in the situation of helping him or protecting his own family. Austin knew his very presence in the house was dangerous for everyone that lived there.

“Joel, I’m fine. Everything is fine. I just sort of passed out for a moment when I got out of the shower. I had flashbacks, and they took a great deal out of me.” Austin lied successfully.

“Oh, well what happened to the mirror?” Joel asked looking around the bathroom for more damage.

“I guess I hit it or something when I fell. I must have fallen forward first and then to the floor.” Austin said as his stomach tightened from telling another lie.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Joel asked staring at his young friend.

“Yes. I’m okay now. Although I feel I must tell you something.” Austin said slowly.

“Well go ahead. You know you can talk to me about anything.” Joel said in a comforting voice.

“Last night, the two men who were killed, I did it.” Austin said slowly.

“What do you mean you did it?” Joel said hoping he had misunderstood what Austin was trying to say.

“Christopher and I become connected before I drink from the fountain, and it took longer for us to separate this time. The men were trying to give me some drugs and lock me away in the psychiatric ward. He sort of took control and killed them before I could stop it from happening.” Austin confessed slowly.

“Wait, he took control of your body?” Joel asked quickly.

“Yes, and I could not stop him.” Austin admitted with shame in his voice.

“Austin are you telling me that you are wanted for murder?” You killed those men?” Joel asked in a shocked tone of voice.

“Yes, but please understand that it was not me. I would never purposely harm anyone. You must know that by now.” Austin said hoping his friend would understand. “Yes. I know you would never do anything like that. I am just not sure how to react to all of this.” Joel said trying to sound understanding. “Is everything okay now? I mean are you completely yourself again?” Joel asked quickly.

Austin thought for a moment and decided that he had to do what was best for his friend who was already sacrificing too much for his well-being.

“Yes. I am fine. I am not sure why it lasted longer this time, but I seem to be back to normal now.” Austin said hoping his lie was convincing.

“Good, that’s one less thing for us to worry about right now. This murder situation is more than enough for us to have to handle.” Joel said slowly

“I’m sorry Joel, but I had to tell you the truth to let you know how serious it is for you to help me. You could get into serious trouble with the police if you continue to open your home to me. I appreciate the help, but I cannot let you do anymore.” Austin said firmly while hoping telling part of the truth would ease his mind about the secret he was keeping from his friend.

“Austin, I understand completely. All we must do is not mention it. The police officer knew I was there to see a student, but I did not give him any names. I will go back today and ask for someone else who I know is not in the hospital. I told the man that I heard a student was there, and now it will seem as if I was misinformed. I believe that will put an ease to any suspicion there may be.” Joel said in a nervous tone of voice.

“Joel, I cannot let you do that for me. It’s too much to ask of you. You have a family, and they all depend on you.” Austin said trying to control his emotions.

“Austin you’re not asking me to do anything. You’re my friend. I consider you to be my family as much as my own children. Nobody will find out, and everything will be okay.” Joel said trying to sound convincing.

“I am grateful for your affection Joel, but I have made up my mind on the matter. I cannot stay here any longer. I have to get away from here before someone finds out.” Austin replied quickly.

“How about you stay here for a little while? All of Frank and Susan’s money belongs to you now. Once you claim it, you can do whatever you feel is best, but I am asking you to stay. We will figure everything out together. I hope you do not take this the wrong way, but you honestly do not have anybody else right now. Just try it out for the time being.” Joel said in a sincere voice.

Austin took a moment to think. He could not argue with Joel’s logic without being forced to tell him the truth about Christopher and the connection.

“Okay. We will see what happens.” Austin said with great hesitation.

“Great. Austin, I promise I will do everything I can to help you with all of this. You do not have to go through this alone anymore.” Joel said placing a hand on Austin’s shoulder.

“Thanks, Joel. You’re a good person.” Austin said trying to hide what he thought of himself.

“So are you, Austin. What happened to the Andersons, all those other families, and those two men was not your fault. I have never forgotten how you were five years ago. I remember how much you cared about all the people on this planet. You are not a bad person. I can honestly say these words because I know you.” Joel said in a comforting tone of voice.

Austin looked up and forced a smile.

“Thank you. I really needed to hear that.” Austin said in an honest voice.

“It’s true Austin. I know it is. Now, let’s go have some breakfast. The family is looking forward to seeing you.” Joel said trying to hide the fact that he was still worried about his friend.

Austin and Joel walked down the stairs to the kitchen and were greeted by the entire family. Joseph, who was now twenty-one, was bigger than Austin remembered, and he was wearing an extremely well-made suit. Angela looked only a little older and rushed to hug Austin once he entered the kitchen. Amy, who was now twenty, looked completely different from the last time Austin had seen her. She was more beautiful than her mother and had a fit and curvy body. Her hair was shorter, and she was dressed in professional attire as well. Austin felt strange as he stared at her longer than he knew he should, but he could not help but be attracted to her.

“Hello, everyone.” Austin said after Angela released him from her hug.

“Hey dude, how’s it going?” Joseph asked as he stood to shake hands.

“I’m okay. How are you?” Austin said shaking his hand.

“Stressed. Hurt my knee a couple of years ago and decided to become a lawyer. The Pre-Law study load takes a lot out of me. I don’t even have time to work out as much as I’d like to anymore.” Joseph said touching his slightly large stomach and smiling which Austin knew was to hide his embarrassment behind humor.

“Still look like you can run over a defense. “Austin said trying to sound sincere. Joseph smiled and gave him a pat on the back.

“I see you’ve learned how to lie but thank you.” Joseph said.

“Hey, Austin.” Amy said as she walked closer to Austin.

“Hey Amy. You look beautiful like your mom.” Austin said trying to sound more polite than perverted.

“Really? You think so?” She said in a voice that let Austin know it was well rehearsed. She knew she was beautiful, but she seemed to be modest about it.

“Yeah, if I were older and we weren’t practically family. I’d be extremely intimidated by you.” Austin said playfully.

“Wow, he’s learned to be a sweet talker too.” Amy said as she gave him a hug. “Do you still want to be a nurse?” Austin asked quickly to keep his mind from the embrace.

“No, I’ve gained some courage, convinced myself that I am smart enough, and decided to try becoming a doctor. My grades were surprisingly impressive.” She said playfully.

Austin sat down at the table and stared at them all for a moment.

“It’s nice to see all of you again. I hope we can spend some time together before school starts.” Austin said quickly.

They all looked around the room at one another.

“Well, dad made it sound like you would be living with us now.” Joseph said automatically.

“Yeah.” Angela and Amy said together.

“Well, Austin does not know if he wants to stay or not.” Joel said slowly.

“Well, dad where is he going to stay? We’re the only family he...” Joseph let his sentence trail off and looked away out of shame.

“It’s okay Joseph. You can say it and talk about it around me. I’m fine now. Besides, you are right. You guys are the only family I have left.” Austin said in a strong voice.

“Sorry about that Austin. I was just hoping you would live with us this time. We all were.” Joseph said trying to hide his embarrassment.

“I know, and I’m grateful. It’s just in this house. On this street. I’m not sure if...” Austin let his sentence die.

“We understand. Still, if you want to stay, we would all will be happy to have you.” Joel said sincerely.

“So, what’s for breakfast?” Austin asked politely trying to change the subject. “Well, I wasn’t sure what you were used to having. I know Susan was quite the cook...“Angela said but paused and looked around the room at everyone.

“It’s okay. I promise. I’m not going to break if you mention them. If anything, I am glad to be able to talk about them with people who really knew them.” Austin said in a reassuring tone.

“Well, I don’t cook often. We eat out more than we should, but I assure you that I do know how to cook and will fix you whatever you’d like.” Angela said in a chipper tone of voice.

“Please, no special treatment. The normal routine will suffice.” Austin said politely.

“Oh, thank god, I really did not want to risk ruining my outfit.” Angela said immediately.

Everyone laughed loudly for a moment and Austin held his smile for a long as he could. “Everything okay?” Amy asked.

“Yeah, I just haven’t felt part of a family in a long time.” Austin admitted slowly. They all smiled at him, and he felt a sense of peace for the first time in a long time.

“Pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, and eggs.” said Amy as she and her mom walked in the door holding containers of food.

Joseph rushed to the kitchen and grabbed a plate. Austin sat in the living room for a moment and looked out of the window. He stared across the street at the Andersons old house. Joel entered the house and noticed Austin looking at his old home.

“Well, I took care of it. I told the lady I was looking for Brandon Smith, a current student of mine. She assured me that nobody with that name had been admitted into the hospital. The good news is they believed me, and the best news is the police officer was there and heard everything.” Joel said with a smile on his face.

Austin kept staring out of the window and remembered all the special memories he had made in that home.

“Thanks Joel.” he said forcing himself to look away from the house.

“You still miss them, don’t you?” Joel asked his young friend.

“Yes, every day.” Austin confessed slowly.

“It’s okay to miss them, Austin. You know, if you ever want to talk about what happened that night or just talk about them in general, I’m here for you.” Joel said sincerely.

“Yeah, I know Joel. Thanks, but I’m okay for now.” Austin said gratefully.

Austin ate his breakfast and enjoyed the company of the Wilson family. Once everyone had eaten their fill, Austin finished off the rest of the food. He had not realized how hungry he was until he took his first bite of food. The family watched the boy stuff himself with the remaining breakfast food.

“Hungry?” Angela asked with a slight chuckle. Austin chewed the mouth full of food in his mouth and swallowed slowly.

“Yeah, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I felt like I was starving.” Austin said while wiping his mouth.

“Oh, you’re just a growing boy. Joseph used to eat half the refrigerator when he was your age.” Angela said playfully.

“He still does.” Amy said hitting her brother on the stomach.

“Hey, I’m still a growing boy too.” Joseph said playfully.

Austin laughed loudly and cherished the feeling of the family moment he was having with the people who obviously cared for him deeply.

“So, Joel, you never answered my question last night.” Austin said with a grin on his face. “

What did you ask me last night?” Joel said looking at Austin with a confused expression on his face.

“I asked you about Alex. What has she been doing?” Austin asked seriously. Everyone looked around at each other nervously, but nobody said anything for a moment. “Well, maybe you should ask her yourself Austin.” Joel finally answered.

“Okay, well will you give me a ride over there? I’d like to see all of them. Alex, Dr. Farmer, Debra, and their baby. He should be around four years old now huh?” Austin replied cheerfully.

“That’s right. You haven’t heard, have you?” Amy asked slowly.

“Heard what?” Austin asked quickly.

“James and Debra are divorced. They lost Michael a few days after his second birthday. His lungs failed, and he passed away in his sleep. James and Debra took it hard, and their marriage suffered. I suppose they could not look at each other after it happened.” Joel said with sorrow in his voice.

“That’s horrible. How are Joel and Miss Debra doing now? Is Alex doing better? I know she wanted a brother and must have taken the news hard. Has anybody talked to her since it happened?” Austin asked quickly and directly.

“Debra seems to be doing a little better, but James and Alex are not the people they used to be.” Joel said slowly.

“Then take me to her.” Austin replied immediately.

“Now, Austin before you rush off to her, there is something…” Joel tried to say. “Where is she?! I will not ask you again!” Austin yelled to everyone’s surprise as he stood up pounded on the table.

“She’s across the street. She and her mom moved into your old house a couple of years ago.” Joel said cautiously.

Austin knocked on the door with more force than he needed, and there was no response for a moment. He rang the doorbell several times and continued to pound on the door until he finally heard a voice.

“Who is it?” the voice said from the other side of the door.

Austin opened the door handle and walked into the home without hesitation as soon as he heard the voice. Debra was sitting on the sofa in the living room drinking a glass of red wine.

“Excuse me, young man. I do not know appreciate you barging into my home without my permission. I don’t know who you think you are, but I should call...” Debra said before being interrupted.

“Where is she?” Austin said as if he had not heard a word the woman said.

“Who are you looking for? Who are you?” Debra said standing and walking toward the boy she did not recognize.

“Miss, Franklin. I do not have time to catch up. I heard about what happened to your son, and I’m sorry. Now, where is Alex? It’s critical that I speak with her immediately.” Austin said in a passionate voice.

“Austin? Austin Anderson is that really you?” Debra said staring at the young boy standing in her living room.

“Yes. I need to find Alex. Is she okay?” Austin replied quickly.

“Yes. She will be home shortly. Now remember your manners and come say hello to me.” Debra said cheerfully.

Austin hugged the woman quickly and walked over to the sofa to sit and wait for Alex.

“I apologize for my rude behavior and poor manners, but I heard about what happened and had to see her.” Austin confessed slowly.

“No, I understand. She’s fine. We’re all moving on in our own way.” Debra said trying not to think about her son.

“Miss Franklin, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you, James, and Alex had to deal with over the last couple of years.” Austin said sincerely.

“Thank you, Austin. I could say the same to you. James and I helped Joel and his family search for you after we heard about the accident. Where have you been all of these years?” Debra replied. “Oh, well I couldn’t really remember anything for a while. A man found me and took me to a hospital. I was placed in foster care again, and my memory recently made an unexpected return.” Austin lied slowly.

“Oh my god, you poor child. I can only imagine how difficult it was to suffer amnesia again. Were you in the accident? Is that how you lost your memory again?” Debra asked with concern.

“Yeah, I believe so. I still don’t really remember much about the accident. I just remember having a headache and going to the airport. I suppose my mind was trying to run away from what happened. The last thing I remember is collapsing on the plane and waking up in the hospital.” Austin said hoping the woman would believe the lies and stop asking questions.

“That’s amazing. Not what happened to you, but the fact that you got your memory back and came here.” Debra said with a slur which let Austin know she was drunk.

“Yes, I was talking to the psychiatrist at the group home and she was talking to me about her daughter. I asked the woman her daughter’s name to be polite, and she said it was Alex. Suddenly my memory...” Austin lied wishing it were true. “Came back to you and you came here to find her. That’s just the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.” Debra said closing her eyes.

“Doesn’t explain why you’re here, but it is sweet.” said a voice from the hallway. Austin turned around as Alex was entering the living room, and he rushed to hug her. The embrace was long and endearing, and Austin could feel his heart beat growing faster. Alex wrapped her arms around him and Austin could feel her shaking from excitement. “You know exactly why I’m here. I may have lost my memory for a while, but the way I feel for you has never changed.” Austin said as he felt his emotions come rushing back all at once.

“I should leave you two alone to catch up.” Debra said as she watched Alex and Austin.

“Yeah, go sleep it off for a few hours.” Alex said coldly.

“Don’t start with me right now, Alexandre. I don’t feel well.” Debra said to her daughter.

“I wonder why.” Alex replied sharply.

Debra gave her a dirty look and walked up the stairs slowly.

Austin processed the moment and walked over to the sofa while holding Alex’s hands.

“Alex, I am so sorry about your brother.” Austin said looking into her eyes.

“Shut up. I don’t want to talk about him.” She replied quickly.

“You have to talk about it with someone.” Austin said with sympathy in his voice. “No, I don’t. You have no idea what I’ve been through over the past five years. So, don’t come in here and expect everything to be like it was before you left with your family.” Alex said turning her face away from Austin.

“Well I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know these things are difficult to deal with by yourself, and I just wanted you to know that I’m here for you. I wish I could have been around when you needed me, and I hope that you still know how much I...” Austin said allowing his sentence to trail off.

Alex was crying softly, and Austin placed his hand on her shoulder. She placed her hands over her face and continued to sob with her face turned away from him.

“Alex...” Austin whispered as he pulled her towards him and held her.

The last embrace was enough to break down her emotions, and she cried hard into his shirt.

“I thought you were dead!” she cried harder.

“I know, I know. Alex I’m so sorry. I never meant to put you through that.” Austin said trying not to give in to his own tears.

“I thought I had lost you, and then the baby died. My brother is gone, Austin. He was just a baby. Now, mom is drinking and becoming just like my dad, and James is still taking it hard. I tried to help them like you would have, but I didn’t know what to do. God, I didn’t know what to do. You were gone, he died, they split up, and I had no one. I felt all alone while dealing with this by myself.” She said as the crying intensified. “I’m sorry, Alex. It’s all going to be okay. I’ll help you. Please just stop crying. I promise I will find a way to make everything a little better.” Austin said as a few tear drops fell from his eyes.

Alex cried for hours, and Austin never left her side while she released everything that she had bottled up. He held her like his arms could make the pain go away, but he knew how bad she was hurting. She cried and screamed harder into his chest as he held her tighter.

“Why did this happen? What did I do to deserve this? What did my mom do? What did James do? It’s not fair. It’s not fair!” she screamed through the flood of tears. Austin did not know what to say to ease her mind, but he encouraged her to let it all out. He did not know what was going to happen in the future, but he was certain that she needed him. He made a silent promise to himself the moment he realized how bad she was doing to put all of himself into helping her. The way she cried and screamed was enough to make him angry at himself for not being there for her. He could tell that she was not just in emotional pain. Her mind was also in jeopardy of losing the identity of the girl he loved. She had changed for the worse and was doing her best to salvage what little part of her former self that she could. He had to find a way to make things better for her. He had lost all those people that considered him family except the Wilsons, and he knew that he could not lose her too. He could not lose her in anyway at all, or he just might lose the best part of himself along with her.