Chapter 16: Chapter 16

CLAIRE WAS holding Zack’s hand while they were walking in the mall. She can see how happy the little boy is. Nana Amy and brother Romeo, plus 2 bodyguards maintaining their distance were also with them.

She is not used to having bodyguards but she understands that Blaire was just taking precautions because of what happened before. Anyway they are maintaining their distance, so she was just okay with it.

She also found out that Nana Amy and brother Romeo were a married couple and they have been serving the Castillejos since they were young. Well, nobody told her about it but she’s just trying to get information based on what she’s hearing from the people in the mansion.

She’s glad that she was able to buy some clothes she can wear comfortably unlike those dresses that Blaire’s real wife has.

Now she brought Zack in the toy section and his reaction was priceless.

“Mommy, there’s a lot of toys here! It’s so cool here!” The little boy exclaimed.

She smiled at him and nodded. Though, she was too late to realize that unlike his father, he cannot buy anything that he likes. There was grandma Celest’s medication that she needs to take good care of. And she does not have any idea on how to explain that to a 5 years old kid.

“Mommy, I just want one of these toys.” It was as if Zack understood.

She smiled at him sweetly. “Okay honey, what is that toy then?” Maybe, one toy will not hurt her budget.

“That one mommy.” He pointed to a small set of toys for a basketball game. It has a small ball and small basketball court intended for a kid like him. And it was actually on sale!

This little boy was really smart. “Good choice Zacky. Good choice.” She can’t help but smile. “Okay, let’s buy it then.”

“Yehey!” Zack clapped and jumped for joy. Then he turned to Nana Amy and brother Romeo. “Did you hear that Nana? Brother Romeo? Mommy is going to buy me that toy.” He said proudly, it is as if it was the first time that her mother will buy her a gift.

“That was the first time, boy.” Brother Romeo said while beaming at Zack. Confirming what she thought. Then the old man looked at her awkwardly. “I’m sorry Mrs. Castillejo, I did not mean---”

“It’s okay brother Romeo, you are just telling the truth. And please call me Claire.” She said smiling.

The old man looked at him. He seemed surprised. Then he looked at Nana Amy and they both shrugged their shoulders.

Minutes later, she decided to bring Zack to the arcade. The bodyguards took their stuff so that they could play properly.

“This is so cool mommy!” Zack said while they are shooting zombies on the screen.

“Definitely cool honey!” She beamed at him.

They tried lots of games and they also rode in bumper cars. They really enjoyed it. While Nana Amy and brother Romeo just settled on eyeing on them and that was just okay for her, she can’t blame them anyway.

After the arcade, they went into a restaurant and ordered some food. She let Nana Amy and brother Romeo decide what they want to eat and she also convinced the bodyguards to eat. Again the old lady and the old man looked at each other, still can’t believe that she was doing all these.

Claire was still eating when she caught a glimpse of a man in a cap. She furrowed her forehead and tried to recall when she last saw that man. She remembered seeing the man when she bought a cotton candy for Zack the moment they entered the mall. And she also recalled seeing him in the arcade!

Her instinct was telling her that this is far from being coincidental. Then she remembered Blaire and Nana Amy’s story about Zack being kidnapped. Suddenly she felt weird and it seemed that somebody was watching their every move!

She looked at the two bodyguards, then to Zack, Nana Amy and brother Romeo, they were still enjoying their food.

“Mommy, where are we going after this?” Zack asked.

“Honey, is it okay if we go back home after eating?” She saw him get sad for a bit. If not only for that man that he saw they will stay a little bit longer. “Let’s just set up your basketball court in your bedroom, what about that?” She said.

Zack's face lights up again. “Okay mommy, I will love that.” He replied.

Honestly she really got worried now and she knows that if her instinct was right, the only safe thing to do is to go back to the mansion. She can’t afford to put Zack in danger under her watch. She looked at Nana Amy and she saw her looking at her as well. She smiled at her softly trying to look calm. The old lady just looked away and finished her food. Again she reminded herself that her hostility got nothing to do with her, it’s for Blaire’s real wife.

When they all finished their meals, they immediately went to the basement where the van was parked. Claire became more alert this time. She let them get inside the van first before getting inside.

It was her turn to get inside the van when she saw the man in a cap again standing one car apart from their van. She froze. Their eyes met, she felt weird when he smiled and nodded. As if giving her the impression that he was just an ordinary man. Suddenly she felt nervous. The man then turned to the car in front of him, unlocked it and got in the car and drove away.

“Mommy?”

She got into her senses when she heard Zack calling her. “Yes honey, coming.” She said and got inside the van.