Things Don't Add Up

Rin

After looking through the family photo albums, I decided that I needed to learn more about Rin's parents. However, I wasn't sure how to go about finding more information about them. I could ask Parker, but he is busy. I also don't want to make him uncomfortable by suggesting that his family is hiding something. Gah, being considerate of others' feelings before doing something is really annoying. If I were back in my world, I wouldn't care about anyone and wouldn't even be in this situation in the first place. I find it hilarious that I care more about the future of Rin's life than I did my own. Ha, anyway, I need to figure this out as soon as possible, so Rin can take his body back. I have a feeling he is still inside somewhere, waiting to come out. I hope I'm right. I really do. 

When Parker suggested that I come to the gym, I wasn't sure if I should go, but now that I'm here… I really shouldn't have come. 

"RIN! Come on, just one more set, and then you can be done. You have such skinny arms! How did you even manage to pin Parker? I don't believe either of you. There is no way Rin was able to keep up with Parker, let alone take him down! HAHAHA!!" Josie snorts as he spots me while I lift weights. 

Josie is a trainer. He went to college to be a physical therapist but dropped out after his parents kicked him out. Josie seems to be the talkative type. I'm just trying to catch my breath. Rin, dude, you are really out of shape. 

"Fuck, Josie, are you trying to kill me!?! If I do anymore, my arms are going to fall off. Have mercy, please!" I beg. 

I look over at Parker, who seems to be enjoying my pain so much he is laughing his ass off. I glare at Parker with "I'll kill you" eyes, and Parker runs off into the break room. 

"Hey, Josie, can we talk for a second?" I ask as I wipe sweat from my face with a towel. 

"Sure, what's up?" Josie passes me my water bottle and sits next to me on the workout bench. 

"How much do you know about Parker and I's family?" I say as I glance over towards the break room. 

I hope Parker won't come back anytime soon. 

"Honestly, just the basic stuff. Where you guys lived, how you were orphaned, and how you went to live with your aunt and uncle. You never really opened up to me about your family. I always got the feeling I was your escape. So, I never wanted to bring anything up that might take away your safe space." Josie looks me in the eyes and smiles. 

Geez, I can see why Rin dated you, Josie. What a freaking sweetheart. Rin must have been going through a lot if he chose to leave someone like him. What a fool. Damn fool. 

"I want to be able to see more of the neighborhood. Just let me go and get it. Please!" I beg Parker. 

Parker has been treating me with kid gloves about the weirdest things. He really doesn't want me to go around the city without him. 

"You don't even know where you are going. The restaurant is near the government buildings, so it gets hectic this time of day. What if you get lost? We can have the food delivered." Parker says with a stern voice. 

I want to tell him that it's because it's near the government buildings that I want to go to the restaurant. If I can get some more information about Rin's and Parker's parents, it might help me find out why Rin is in Dalmane illegally. 

"How will I ever learn my way if you never let me go out!?! I'm going! Stop throwing a fit and place the order! Josie and I are starving!" I snap. 

Parker looks like I just broke his favorite toy. What a giant man-child. 

"Fine, but you better not get lost!" Parker says as he starts ordering the food. 

"Yeah, I know! I won't get lost! I have a damn smartphone! Stop babying me! You are younger than me." I shout after Parker, who is walking away. 

I flip him off as he turns his back to me! SHITHEAD! After our late-night gaming session, Parker and I got closer. It almost feels like he is actually my cousin. Not that I know what that feels like in the first place.

After Parker placed the order and told us the time for pickup, I decided to leave earlier than I needed to. I told Parker and Josie it was, so I could look around a bit, but I am actually heading to the city hall to look up old records on my parents. I know what they did for a living before they died, but I want to learn more about the time before Rin was born. I tried looking for things on the internet, but there wasn't much other than articles about their murders. I know that I probably won't be able to get much, considering there is a lot of red tape and hoops to jump through. However, I am hoping I will come up with something. I walk into the lobby of the city hall and walk to the reception desk. An older woman greeted me with a warm smile. 

"Hello, how may I help you today?". I smile back, 

"Hi, I have been trying to learn more about my parents since before I was born. They passed away when I was young, so I want to find out anything that will help me get closer to them." I lay it thick, hoping that she will be swayed to help me more. 

"Aw, well, let's see what we can do. What are your parents' names and dates of birth?" She asks while typing something on the computer. 

"Aaron Reese Grace, date of birth 10/10/1973, and Masie Lynn Grace's maiden name is Whells, date of birth 07/03/1975," I say. 

I hope I remember that right. I only glanced at it once. 

"Are you Rin?" She asked. 

I nod in reply. 

"Can I see your photo I.D.? Just to keep track of who is requesting information for safety reasons." She says with a smile. 

I handed her my I.D., and she copied the information into the computer. 

After a short while, she begins talking again. 

"There isn't much that is public information, but I can also give you request forms to invoke the Right to Information Act. It's a more lengthy process, but you will get more information that isn't public. Would you like me to print what I have and give you the request forms?" I nod again and smile. 

"That would be great! Thank you!" I say a little too excitedly. 

She chuckles and walks over to the printer. She came back with a manila folder full of papers and handed it over to me. 

"I hope this helps, dear. Please don't hesitate to come back if you need help with anything else." She smiles. 

"Thank you. Have a great day." I say as I turn to leave. 

As I left the city hall, I noticed a very fancy hotel across the street. It is truly stunning. However, the fountain in front of the city hall is much more impressive. Whoever designed it was a genius. I started walking towards the restaurant when I heard someone yelling. I turned around and saw that it was Prince Jay. What the fuck is he doing? Why is he chasing after me? And why is he by himself?

"Hey, Prince Jay. What are you doing here? And why are you alone? Did you forget that you are a target for assassination?" I say. 

I bet he ran away from Anon. 

"I'm fine. Anon and his sister are with me. They are waiting across the street. What are you doing here? What's in the folder?" 

Oh, right. They told me Anon had a little sister. I need to avoid talking about the folder. I don't want him to know I am still investigating Rin's past. I don't know if I am even allowed to. 

"Oh, then how come you are here chasing after me?" I say, hoping he will move on. 

"I didn't get a chance to talk to you before you left. I heard Anon's side of things. I wanted to hear yours, too." He says with a confused look. 

I wonder how much Anon told him. Anon made it very clear that I was to stay away from him. I need to get out of this fast. 

"Anon's side and mine are the same. There isn't anything that needs to be explained. I don't think it's very polite to leave your friends waiting. I need to get back to Parker, too. He is waiting at the gym for me. Have a good evening, Your Highness." I say as I fake a smile. 

I bow and leave Prince Jay behind. I really want to explain to you too. I want to be able to tell you everything I learned. I want to tell you about my day, and I want to hear about yours. I don't belong by your side anymore. This is for the best. He will forget about me soon enough.