PERFECT FLAWS

The Meet

Shock.

That was the look awashed on my father's face when he realised I had seen him. I was still stunned, my mind yet to fully comprehend what my eyes had seen.

Dad here? How did he even find us? Mother said we were in a place no one would be able to find us!

“Dad.” I gasped as a feeling of dread chilled my bones, realising that he may not be the only one who has been looking for us, watching us.

If only he knew he had walked right into the den if his enemies and it was only a matter of time before he was captured.

Before we all are captured, or even worse.

I crossed the road, jogging to meet him at the side of the shop he was leaned on, keeping himself hidden in the shadows.

“Tom.” He breathed as I drew close to him.
I never knew how much I had missed him until I saw him up close. He donned an all black outfit of a black leather jacket over a vest with black jeans trousers. Dark sunglasses shielded his eyes and his face was partly hidden underneath a black face cap, making him resemble a modern day undertaker.

A few feet away from him, I spoke.
“Dad, what are you doing here—”

“Shhh!” He silenced me, pulling me to the side as Ola's car sped past us into the distance. My back ached as it made contact with the brick wall.

I groaned, “Ouch.”

Heaving a sigh of relief, Dad turned to face me misty-eyed with a wistful smile on his face.

“Tom.” His voice was shaky as he pulled me into his arms. My hands hung limp at my sides as I stood, stunned. The truth that my father was here with me became more real as his strong arms held me to himself.

Slowly, I wrapped my arms around him.

Hugs were a gesture I wasn't used to but I relished this moment.

“Dad...You're... you're here!” I chuckled happily, breathing in his woody scent.

“So good to see you again, Son.” Dad held my shoulders at arms length.

“Look at you. Growing into a fine young man.”

“You think so?” I snorted, Scratching my overgrown hair. I'd be needing a haircut soon.

“You look years younger with your spy outfit.” I teased him. 

His smile faltered as he took off his face cap and sunglasses, revealing worry lines etched on his forehead and cheeks. His face was pallid with dark circles hanging under his beady, bloodshot eyes. I know I said the outfit made him look younger, but in reality he looked a lot older than I remembered.
 
“I miss you, Tom,” he sighed. “I miss your mum...I miss my family.”

“I miss you too, Dad.” My voice wavered as I replied.

Pain mixed with fury filled my heart as I looked into my father's sad eyes. He looked broken. All this was because of one man.

My family was separated just because one man with blood flowing through his veins was rendered untouchable because of the wealth and power in his possession. I wanted my father back. I wanted my family to be whole again and I wished he didn't have to live in hiding for his safety and ours.

I wished he could come home.

 “I shouldn't be here Tom, but I had to be sure for myself that you were safe.” Said Dad, his eyes darting about, looking out for any suspicious movements or activities. 

“I know.” I shrunk deeper into the shadow cast by the side of the shop. Sure for himself? Did he mean had he sent people to keep watch over us? I had so many questions I needed to ask him.

“I'm still wondering how you found mum and I. ”

“I don't have much time, Tom.” He replied warily, ignoring my last statement. He looked unsettled. 
“Here, write your phone number for me.” He shoved a piece of paper into my hand. 

I fumbled for my pen in by backpack, scribbling my phone number on the wrinkled paper.

“Friday, 7pm. Kerry's Lounge. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

Dad said as he shoved the paper into his pocket.

I was about to tell him that mum would not approve, but he was way ahead of me.

“I already informed your mum. Just thought to tell you myself, and also see how much my boy had grown. ”

A smile spread across his lips.

“But she can't know about our meeting today, Okay?” He added sternly, his blood shot eyes wandering briefly before landing on me again.

I nodded vigorously.

“Bye, dad.” I hugged him fiercely. He patted my back and with a his voice breaking, he replied.

“Bye, son.”

He backed away slowly, giving me a small wave before turning to face the path he was headed. I watching him go, hoping that one day he wouldn't have to leave again.

《《《

I kept Dad's visit secret from mum because dad asked me to, and I knew she'd freak out if she found out. There was a lot on my mind when I got home—My dad, my up-coming exams, the secret activities of Sheilagh and Carol, the Badmus. These thoughts clouded my mind, making it difficult for me to study as I mindlessly flipped through the pages of the past questions I tried answering.

I ate dinner before mum came home, just so she wouldn't have to ask me too many questions if we ate together. She also had the super power of reading my mind and knowing when my mind was disturbed or preoccupied.

I only stepped out of my room when she returned to welcome her. Thankfully, she was aware of my upcoming exams so she didn't bother me for anything.

It was a school night so I tried to sleep early, but to no avail. I tossed and turned, these thoughts keeping me awake. I wasn't sure if I was fully ready for my exams on monday.

I wondered if I really knew my friends and why they were hiding things from me. The few ones I had still kept so many secrets from me.

What if they really didn't see me as their friend and all they felt was pity towards me?

Groaning, I turned to the other side of the bed for the third time.

Chief Seyi Badmus had a lot of skeletons in his closet. How can I get a hold of them? Same with Ola Badmus. All I had were allegations and eye witness reports with no proof.

What good will that do?
It would only bring unnecessary attention to me and my family and we don't need that right now. Sighing, I turned again.

This would definitely be a long night.