CHAPTER 19

WILLOW’S POV

We all didn’t expect that when Dakota came home, she would have a boy with her. He wore it well and just smiled at us. Dakota, on the other hand, just sat there deep in thought, looking at the boy. Me, Shane and Wendy were just next to Dakota. Ashton, Liam and Kurt were just standing there and, just like us, wondering.

When Dakota came home and she was with him and when we asked why and where she met him, we couldn’t believe what she said. He said he knows Dakota and me, too. I was shocked, but that was because of fear, since this boy might do something bad to us later. I came a little closer to Dakota while she was just looking at the boy, who was now eating.

“Couldn’t he just be lying, Dakota? How did he know us if we do not know ourselves?” I whispered it, enough so that only Dakota could hear. I’m really wondering how, but I’ll also admit that there’s one who lived has a small hope that maybe he knows who we really are.

She looked at me before returning her gaze to the boy. “I don’t know either, but it’s like someone is whispering in my mind and heart, telling me to believe in him. When he said that to me earlier, I feel that he has answered our questions.”

I didn’t answer. I don’t know what’s going on, but what I’m thinking about the most right now is Chef Ivo. This kid can’t live here in the restaurant with us. We might be reprimanded and fired at the same time. Dakota and I have nowhere else to go.

“So, what are your plans for that boy? You know we can’t let that continue to stay here. The government that shelters missing persons, right? Not us,” Ashton said, causing me to feel annoyed. No matter what, it’s no good coming out of his mouth. He always says something that hurts our feelings.

“Don’t mess up, Ashton. We are also wondering how he is.” Liam spoke. It was almost right after Dakota when it arrived earlier. Liam approached the child, who was enjoying the pasta he was eating. “Hi!” he greeted.

The boy looked at him. “Hi!” He still had sauce on his face, so Liam took a tissue to wipe it off. I couldn’t help but smile because of what our friend did.

“Can you tell us what is true? Do you really know Dakota and Willow? Where have you been? Does your family run away?” Liam asked one question after another.

The boy thought for a moment. “Hmm. Let’s just say that someone who loves Miss Dakota sent here me.”

We were all alert. As the child said that, he was serious, as if he was telling the truth. “What is your name? Who are you talking about? Who loves Dakota?”

The boy just looked at Liam. After a while, he smiled. “Can I ask for water? I’m thirsty.”

All of us and it seems like heaven and earth have fallen because we don’t know what to do with it. We are not being answered properly. Wendy moved to give the boy a drink. He also sat down immediately and looked at me. “Do you really not remember anything if you knew him?”

I shook my head immediately. “I really don’t remember anything, Wendy.”

We looked at Ashton as he grabbed a chair and sat across from the boy. “We’re not joking with you. If you don’t answer our questions properly, we will take you to the police. They will lock you up. Do you want that?”

The boy didn’t even show any signs of fear and even drank water. He smiled after rubbing his stomach. “I’m sleepy. Where can I sleep?”

One corner of Ashton’s lips rose, as did one of Ashton’s eyebrows. Look at us in disbelief. “He’s not even afraid of the police? When I was young, I didn’t want my parents to scare me with that!” he said. “I tell you, that cannot sleep or live here with us. It’s too embarrassing for Chef Ivo.” He looked at me and Dakota. “You two, this boy said he knows you, so you are the one to talk to him. He doesn’t seem like he’s going to speak, but I am just running out of patience.” Ashton still sneered.

“Stand there. I’ll be the only one to talk to.” It was Liam who faced the boy again. “Kid, just say your name first. Your full name.”

“Akihiro.”

“Where are you from?”

“I don’t know if you know that place. It’s far from here.” Akihiro yawned even more. “I want to sleep.” He looked at Dakota, then stood up and approached my friend. “Miss Dakota, I’m sleepy.” He even held Dakota’s hand, then pulled slightly.

Dakota hesitated when she looked at us one by one. Until she called Shane. “What shall I do with him?”

“Just Chef Ivo shouldn’t see that here. We all get scolded for sure. Soon he will be here!” Ashton said before turning his back on us and leaving us.

Shane raised both hands. “Just a moment. I wonder what we can do with him.” She took a deep breath. “Akihiro, can you tell us where you’re from? Chef Ivo will scold us for sure when he sees you.”

The boy just looked at them, then yawned. Later he spoke. “Don’t worry. I will not do anything to harm Miss Dakota.” It even raised a hand as if to say that it promised and would fulfill what I said.

There was nothing we could do, so we took Akihiro to our room above the restaurant. Dakota and I both wondered who this kid really was and what he was up to with us. What he can bring us? I leaned behind the door while Dakota quietly put Aki to sleep on Shane’s bed.

“Do you think he’s telling the truth?” I asked her.

Dakota looked at me before she stood up and cautiously stepped closer to me. “I don’t know, Willow. I’m scared, but something tells me in my heart to trust him.”

“We’re the same.”

“Do you feel the same way?” Dakota couldn’t believe it.

I nodded. “Yes, and I’m scared too. I don’t know what role he will play in our lives. Why hasn’t he told us who we really are? Then he told you earlier, he was with his mommy and older brother at the mall. Who is that?”

She didn’t answer me. Even I have no idea what to do. “Willow, what I’m thinking about right now is what will happen if Chef Ivo sees him.”

“That’s another one. You heard what Ashton said earlier. Chef will surely scold us because there is a boy we know, but he can’t help us with our identity,” I said. I also feel frustrated because of what is happening. “Maybe Chef Ivo will get us out of here, Dakota. We have nowhere else to go. You know that.” I held her hand.

I know that she understands me. No one else can understand me because we are in the same situation. I’m only worried about her. I don’t know, but I have a strong feeling that I have a tremendous responsibility when it comes to Dakota. I have no objection to that. I just don’t really know how to do the right thing because I don’t really remember anything.

“I know that. Maybe I’ll just talk to Chef Ivo. Maybe he will understand us if we say what Akihiro said.”

“Do you think he will believe us?” I’m afraid Chef won’t believe us. He’s a very nice person, but I don’t know if he’d be willing to take in someone who I don’t think can cut corners in a restaurant.

“I don’t know,” Dakota said, then looked at the child, who was sleeping peacefully.

I just didn’t move. Maybe I’ll just let Dakota talk to Chef Ivo. Anyway, they are a bit closer than us.