Slow Poison

Christopher

For the last two days, we have been wrapped up at Mark's office, planning things and getting my statements written. Mark's attitude has still been cold towards me, but I don't mind because I know he is not doing it on purpose. He is just concerned about his daughter and I know it's natural. I care about Nicole just as much as he does, so I can understand what he is going through.

It's Wednesday afternoon as I help Charlotte and Francis in decorating the Christmas tree. I feel more comfortable being around them now. Since I have been spending a lot of time with them in the last two days, I have started to grow fond of them. And I have even realized that apart from getting into silly fights with each other, they are pretty cool kids. It's fun to have them around. But they get overenthusiastic sometimes for no reason, which might drive you crazy. Anyway, I find them still good. Charlotte seems to be sensible compared to Francis. And she even reminds me of Millie. It makes me sad when I think about Millie. I haven't spoken to her in a long time. I wish I could just call her, but I know I can't. I hope she is doing fine.

Everything seems to be going fine except for one thing. It's the thing that has been troubling me since Sunday. I wonder why Richard hasn't tried calling me in these three days. I know I had informed him before I left for San Diego just to make everything look normal, but it's always his habit to check up on me when I am out. I just hope he isn't suspicious about our plan. Max told me that if something doesn't feel right there, then he would inform me. I haven't received anything from him, so I assume everything is okay.

I take my phone out to check if just in case I've missed anything. I frown when I see a missed call from Colby. I remember getting his call on the day I arrived here. Why do I have so many missed calls from him? Why is he calling me? Maybe Richard has told him to check on me? Or he is planning to get to me? It would be still risky to pick up his calls. I better not do that. I am not sure if I should trust Colby. After all, he belongs from Richard's family. I don't know why but I feel something is not right. I get on alert and remind myself that we need to be quick before all this blows up.

As I am lost in my thoughts, I hear someone say. "Christopher, can you teach me some shoulder workouts? I mean I like your body." I raise an eyebrow at Francis, and he shrugs uncomfortably. "Hey, don't get me wrong. I know you are my sister's boyfriend, and also, I am fucking straight." He shakes his head. "I am just saying you have a great physique."

"You are not bad yourself," I say, looking at his lean but fit body. I am not bulkier either, but I have fairly more muscles than him. But I think he just looks fine for his age.

"Yeah, but I feel like something is missing. Maybe a bit of muscle."

"Why don't you hit a gym?" I say as I reach to hang a bell on the tree. "I am sure your dad goes to one."

"He doesn't let me go with him because he thinks I have better things to do than try to impress girls with my swoon-worthy body." I give him a weird look. "I mean he thinks I should focus my attention on studies more if I am serious about being a lawyer."

I arch a brow at him in amazement and say. "I didn't peg you as someone who would want to be a lawyer."

"And I didn't peg you to be someone working in an insurance company." He jokes, but I clench my jaw and look away from him. My reason for being angry doesn't have to do with what he said. I am just frustrated with myself for making Nicole lie to her family. I wish my life wasn't a burden like it has turned now.

Francis speaks, and I look back at him. "Hey, Christopher. I am sorry for how I behaved on the day you arrived." He sighs apologetically and adds. "You actually are a nice guy."