Ferd don’t forget who your friends are

"The doctor is allowing you to go home tomorrow", dad informed me.

My eyes shifted to Victor who seemed a bit distracted, he didn't waste any time quickly getting up and leaving the room.

He's definitely keeping something from me.

"I thought I told you to lay low", dad sighed as he sat in the chair to the right of my bed. He seemed to think over something for a few moments before he asked.

"Just how much do you remember", he seemed interested to know.

"Up until a year ago", I answered truthfully.

"There's nothing to worry about Julian the doctors say you're just a bit confused right now because of the trauma you received to your head, but everything will be back to normal in under a week. I'll get you discharged from this place tomorrow, but the doctor insists that you stay in bed for the next couple of days. I've already hired a nurse to take care of you?".

His word were enough for me to want to thank God! I couldn't wait to go home.

"Where's mom?", I asked only now realizing that he'd come alone.

The mom I'm referring to here is actually my stepmother but she's the only mother I've ever known, and she's treated me as her own my entire life, so I call her mom because that's what she is to me.

"Her flight gets here in a few hours", he smiled at me and leaned back onto his chair.

My eyes narrowed suspiciously as I took in his countenance. Okay, his smile was definitely a weird one. If I know my dad then he's definitely got something to tell me.

"Okay just tell me!", I rushed out in one breath, and he erupted into laughter.

He drew closer to my bed, "I stopped by the house to pick up some clothes for you earlier and I found your letter of acceptance. It arrived yesterday; I know you don't remember everything we talked about right now so I'll save this discussion for after you regain your memories".

Hold up!

Acceptance letter? Like for a University?

I was too confused to push that conversation any further so instead I just left it alone as he said, when I get better I'll circle back to this discussion.

***************

I was in my room now. My own room in my own house and believe me it was a wonderful feeling after being cooped up in the hospital for the past few days.

There was a knock on the door which startled me because I had told my bodyguards not to let anyone in while I tried to get some rest, which just goes to show you how useful they are.

The door is pushed open and just as I am getting ready to go off on whoever would come in I saw my step mom peep her head inside.

"Mom!", I perked up immediately. A huge smile broke out unto her face.

My heart felt warm as I took in her appearance. She was beautiful and her dark hair was let down the way it usually is.

"Julian honey", she cooed and in mere seconds she was rushing across the room to pull me into a hug.

I laughed as she squeezed me tightly in her arms and placed endless kisses on my head.

"I'm okay Mom!", I tried to reassure her, but she wasn't having it.

"Who could do this to my baby", she asked after she'd pulled away, "you're so sweet honey you would never hurt a fly. I say we make whoever did this pay for what you've had to go through".

"Look mom-" I tried to interrupt but she just continued talking.

"I got your request to file a lawsuit against the monster who hurt you and I just want you to know that it's already underway. I'm suing that boy's family for damages so don't you worry, what was his name again?".

"Lewis?", I offered up.

Mom shook her head in total disapproval, "Even his name is ugly".

"About the lawsuit mother, I don't think it will be necessary anymore I've had time to think, and I changed my mind".

She suddenly stood up, tilting her head as if in confusion, "Son you're not thinking clearly. What happened to you was not an accident, that boy intentionally tried to hurt you and you could have suffered serious brain injury!".

"I understand mother".

"I don't think you do", she shot back and there was a pause before she sits back down on the bed. "Do you know how afraid I was when I got the news?", she asked.

The truth was that I didn't know. I could only remember bits and pieces from the past year, as far as I know Lewis and I were friends or at least on good terms. But then again a whole year is missing from my memory and a lot of things could have happened between that time and now. When I had demanded that lawsuit and restraining order against Lewis I had also thought I was fourteen so it's kinda hard now for me to still stick to that demand. However, if I know Mom and trust me, I do. I know she won't let this go. She would never let anyone hurt me and get away with it.

"Alright mom", I finally said, "do as you see fit, I'd rather we settle for them paying the hospital costs though, there's no reason to bring this matter to court".

She smiled brightly at me as if that much would be enough and just that moment Victor showed up at the door. I didn't fail to notice that he hadn't knocked, not that he ever does.

He cleared his throat and we both turned around to face him, "Julian you have some visitors downstairs", he said before leaving.

"I'll leave you to it then", mom said as she got up. "My flight here was tiring so I'll go take a shower while you talk to your friends".

I was confused, if Lewis and I weren't friends anymore then who was Victor talking about. But with that gap of memories missing I guess I could've made more friends.

Luckily I caught up to him on the stairs but instead of asking him that I decided to clarify a more pressing issue that has been bothering me. We had had a conversation earlier that I still need to continue.

"Victor", I called and he slowed down so I could catch up, "when I asked you earlier, you said that Hydel isn't my body guard anymore and that she was replace by Jason a while ago? So where is he?".

Victor stopped abruptly and spun around to face me.

"Your dad didn't tell you?", His gave morphed into confusion.

Obviously not!

"Tell me what?".

His eyes suddenly looked away and an air of nervousness settled over us, "Your dad fired Jason. Since he was the one responsible for you at the time of the accident".

His words didn't sit well with me even though I didn't remember much about this Jason person. One thing was clear though, this is what Victor must've been trying to hide from me earlier, probably expecting my dad to tell me himself when we were alone at the hospital.

He had continued walking as soon as the words left his mouth while I stood there in both shock and confusion. As I said I didn't exactly remember this Jason dude but why did my dad go as far as to fire him my injuries wasn't his fault. That merit belongs to Lewis.

If I had kept my mouth shut and not mentioned that darn lawsuit before then maybe everyone wouldn't have made it seemed like such a big deal when it really wasn't.

After a second of gathering my thoughts I quickly ran to catch up with Victor again who I caught a glimpse of while he was heading into the living room.

"Victor!", I called as I ran to catch him up, "I don't understand?".

As soon as I entered the huge living room I came to a halt.

Sitting comfortable on our couch was Mario and... Ariadne?