CHAPTER 129: FAMILY SECRETS

Marcus welcomed his parents at the door.

They looked pissed and relieved at the same time. His mother's eyes were red from crying. His father's jaw was set tight. But seeing Marcus standing there in one piece made them relax visibly. Still their concern was written across their faces like headlines.

"What happened to your hands?" His mother grabbed Marcus's hands before he could pull them away. She examined them closely, turning them over.

"What is it mom?"

"Look at these calluses. Where did these cuts and bruises come from?"

Marcus felt relief wash over him. She was referencing his hands. Years of hardening in the fields and working with his hands in Valdris had left their marks. Unlike Chicago Marcus's city hands, Valdrian Marcus had farmer's hands. Rough. Scarred. The hands of someone who had actually worked.

Even though they weren't as bad as others in his family they were still noticeable. Things he never looked back on. Things he never cared about anymore were noticed by his mother in seconds. At that moment Marcus understood the weight of his responsibilities.

His plan was to send them away like Mr. Pressley. Lying and maybe deceiving. But he had to reassure them and convince them of his wellbeing. Well as Valdris Marcus he probably wasn't going to be well. But he could talk for Chicago Marcus.

"It's just work mom. Nothing serious. Please sit. I can make you tea or do you want coffee?" He gestured them toward the couch.

But his father's gaze was on Tom and Tyler. The two men were sitting at the kitchen counter, trying to look casual and failing miserably. Tom's massive frame was impossible to miss.

Eventually Tyler got up and welcomed them with a nervous wave. But Tom couldn't speak their language. He just nodded politely.

"Dad he is Tom. He is Tyler's cousin from Bulgaria. He doesn't speak English." Marcus gave a quick glance at both of them, silently begging them to play along.

His father's expression remained suspicious. "Maybe we should go to a cafe or something. We want to talk in private son."

"No no no. It is okay sir you can stay here. I will take my cousin elsewhere." Tyler panicked, practically tripping over himself to stand. He wanted to make up for his mistake of calling Marcus's parents. "I just stayed because I wanted to apologize. I realized it was a mistake calling you. I misread the situation. His ex-employer gave me wrong information and when I tried to connect the dots things weren't there. I made a mistake. I am sorry." He bowed his head deeply.

"What do you mean? Marcus what is going on really?" His dad asked furiously but kind of failed. Marcus had never seen his father actually angry. He always tried to imitate it when he thought anger was needed.

"Son you can tell us everything. These bruises, your life... You were supposed to be a doctor. What are you doing with your life?" His mother squeezed his calloused hands again.

"Mom, dad I don't know how simple situations came to this but I can assure you other than me being fired I am good. I am doing okay." He tried to reassure his parents.

Cutting half the truth he explained his situation with dating his boss's daughter and her father's overprotective nature. "He thinks sending Irene to camps or rehabs will solve the situation but..."

"Will you solve the situation?" His mother asked. Her eyes bored into him.

"I.. I think we can come up with better solutions. Quitting is not a one time thing. It is not a one time decision. It is a journey you have to commit to. There will be bumps and pot holes but it is important to keep going."

"Son I don't know how you got so mature at nineteen but it is a heavy responsibility for your age." His father's tone dimmed down. He leaned back in his chair.

"I know dad. But I can try. I want to try with her."

The conversation kept going for over an hour. Marcus made them tea. He answered their hard questions carefully, giving just enough truth to be believable. When they realized they couldn't make Marcus step down they decided to head back home.

"I wish we could spend more time but we have to get back to the city. Your mother has a shift in the morning. Take care son." His father hugged him tightly. Marcus felt the strength in his father's arms and the love behind it.

His mother, half crying, also hugged him. Her tears wet his shoulder.

When they left Marcus let out a long breath. But the door opened again and Marcus and Irene entered.

"Did it go well? Is everything okay?" Valdris Marcus asked.

"Yeah yeah. They are okay for now. You can see the situation in your head tomorrow. How is Irene? Is she okay?"

"She needs rest."

Irene excused herself to be alone. When Marcus helped her to the bedroom and returned, the door opened once more.

The scene shocked them.

Both Marcus were standing in the living room looking directly at their father.

David Chen stood frozen in the doorway. A bottle of water hung limply in his hand. He must have forgotten it and come back. His eyes bounced between the two identical faces. His mouth opened and closed like a fish.

"Dad," said Marcus.

"Dad," said the other Marcus at the exact same time.

"I couldn't believe when I went... to..." His head was turning constantly between them. "...get... water... I saw another Marcus."

"Dad. I can explain."

"Yeah I can explain. He is just a friend."

"Yeah he is my friend."

"Marcus what is going on? Who is he?" His voice cracked.

Celestine chose that moment to enter the common room. "It was boring to sit in that stupid room." She was cracking her neck as she walked. She noticed the situation and froze. "Uh oh.. busted."

"Marcus! Who is he?" David insisted. His face had gone pale.

"Dad." Marcus sighed a deep breath. There was no way out now. "He is me from another planet."

David Chen stared. Blinked. Stared some more.

"We can't explain here while mom waits. I don't want her to see other Marcus. Please take her. I will tell you everything with a video call," Chicago Marcus said quickly.

"And maybe let mom drive. You can't drive with your head full." Valdris Marcus suggested gently.

David Chen nodded slowly, like a man in a dream. He backed out of the apartment without saying another word.

Marcus made sure to look around and lock the door. No one else was going to enter and make another surprise. He was determined to get at least something from Celestine. Whatever small it was.

"You will give us something or I am not giving Ephus's seed copy." Marcus pressed. His jaw was set.

"Look honey I can maybe deliver a message to your friends at Valdris but other than that I already meddled too much. Just give me my piece and have a guest house on my planet. You know what a guest palace. What do you say huh?" She tried her last shot, spreading her arms invitingly.

"I am assuming you can't hurt us so I will keep it always on me. You can't take it. You have to give us something to help us return."

Tyler tried to smooth the situation. "Maybe there is a way we can find. You are a mighty person. Surely you can find a way to help."

"Look how your friend talks to small scale gods. Take notes." She turned thoughtful. "But as for showing a direction..." She bowed her head.

"What? Tell us." Marcus insisted.

"It will take you time and of course it is not guaranteed. And you will hold onto my seed during that time."

"Just say it already."

"Look. As you noticed Ephus is pulling people for its problems. It is possible this world has gone through something similar in the past."

"What are you saying?"

"Look for where this planet's life exploded. Look for this planet's Earth seed. Maybe...." She shook her head. "I know there are people who are aware. Descendants of two worlders. Maybe they formed some sort of organization. Find them. Only they can help without getting shredded."

"What organization? Who are these people?" Marcus asked with unbelieving eyes.

"I don't know. Terra two worlders and their descendants are useless to me so I didn't investigate them. Just do your own research. As for your Valdris friends I will tell them you are working to get back. Then I am off. And as soon as you pass through I will get my seed." Her face darkened with the last words.