AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Freeley Clemeth.
That’s all the note from FC says. Finally, I know his name. I only came close to his first name once when I guessed Freeman. I’ve stared at the note every day for six months. The moment I got it, I was tempted to get in my car and drive to Raleigh. After all, that’s where he is now because that’s what the return address says. But the past seven months have been hell. I’ve had my worst bout of anxiety in years and only in the last three weeks have I pulled myself out of it a little bit.
My mind was so messed up, second guessing everything when it came to FC, and I was too chicken to even talk to him about what’s been going on and the sordid thoughts I’ve had. He texts me every other day, still. Hoping I’m doing well and asking for a phone call. Telling me he’s worried about me and if I don’t talk to him soon, he’s driving down here. But it’s been seven months and I’ve yet to see him.
But today, I find myself in front of an apartment door. FC’s apartment. My anxiety clutches my heart and confiscates my lungs, making it a struggle to breathe. But I didn’t drive all this way to chicken out. Just as I lift my hand to knock, a voice down the hall stops me.
“He’s not home.”
I look toward the sound to see an elderly lady at the next apartment over.
“You’re looking for FC? Who are you?” she asks skeptically.
“My name is Idaline.”
The woman smiles and she hobbles over with her cane. Before I can blink, she’s hugging me.
“Oh! I’ve heard so much about you! FC will be tickled pink to see you. He’s at work, honey. I can give you the address; you should go there now. Don’t wait for him here. He needs to know you’ve come to him.” She grabs my hand and squeezes it. “What took you so long, Idaline? That boy has been waiting for you.” She waves a hand in dismissal, dropping my hand. “It doesn’t matter. You need to see him.” She rattles off the name of a business and an address. “Go on. Put it in that phone you’ve got and go see my favorite neighbor.”
A bit stunned, I do as she says. Fifteen minutes later, I pull in front of an automotive repair shop. Should I be disrupting FC at work? The old lady seems to think it would be okay and I’m here now anyway. With a deep breath, I walk into an office off to the side. There’s a woman, who looks a bit younger than me, playing with a baby.
“Hey,” she smiles. “Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for FC.”
Her eyes narrow. “And you are?”
“Idaline McAllister.”
Just like with the old lady, her eyes light up and she smiles. “Come on! My name is Jamie, by the way.” She stands and I follow her to the shop area of the building. “FC!” she shouts. “I need you.”
My heart stutters to a stop when he appears around a truck and walks this way. He doesn’t see me yet. The baby goes nuts, clapping and leaning toward him. FC finally notices me. That handsome, gorgeous smile he always gave me appears.
“Idaline,” he breathes. “You’re here.” I nod in conformation.
“I hate to spoil the moment,” Jamie says, “but your son wants his daddy.”
FC is distracted for a moment as he takes the little boy from her and kisses his cheek, not caring at all that he’s dirty from head to toe. My brain completely stalls on what she said. His son? FC has a son? I don’t understand. And he’s not that little either. Maybe a year old. Oh, god. Is FC still with Lila? He’s had a baby with her?
“Idaline,” FC says, taking a step toward me, but that only makes me take a step back.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you even want me to come?” My eyes are stuck on the little boy who sucks on a pacifier and watches me with interest. “What were you expecting, FC?” I came for nothing. What a fool I am, to think I can come after he told me his name, to think we could finally be together. I swivel on my heels and haul ass out of the shop through one of the big bay doors.
“Idaline! Wait!”
I don’t make it far before FC has caught up to me, grabbing my elbow. He swivels me to face him, his little boy looking a bit perplexed. God, he looks just like FC. A tiny, adorable FC.
FC wipes away one of my tears. “I need to explain everything, but I can’t do that if you leave.” He pulls me against his side and hugs me. “Please don’t leave, Idaline,” he begs with such desperation.
A tiny little hand grabs my hair and I nearly break down because I don’t understand any of this.
“FC!”
