Back in Hidden Springs

 

Well, Madison and I are done, finished, kaput. 

She went to Lucky Palms to perform at the casino there and because her gig there became permanent decided to take up residence there.
But that's not why we broke up. 

We broke up because Sim Gossip Today published photos of her wildly flirting and cheating with random men.  And two other magazines have even more pictures set to be published, including one of her on the arm of artist Darren Dreamer. 

The one good thing, I guess, to come out of my relationship with Madison -- was Kaydence.  We've enrolled her in Le Fromage Art School (although I didn't want to) because it would be best for her to be away from any legal proceedings that might ensue.  Plus she'll get a quality education in the arts there.  Kady is so smart tho.  She reminds me a lot of my mom, actually, looks-wise.   I couldn't have Kady in this situation at all.  She's completely innocent, had absolutely nothing to do with any of this. 

Because I was in need of a breather, I decided to return to Hidden Springs to check on my dog, Honey, and try once again to locate Kyra. 
In that vein, I ran into the woman Kyra was staying with, the 'runaway princess' Francisca Vanderburg, at a private party. 
"A lot's happened since you've been away," Francisca said succinctly.  I could tell that she kept her upper-class accent.  "My brother got married, lovely woman he wed.  Perfect little princess she is.  They've a son now."
"Where is Kyra?"  I asked.
"In Bridgeport with her new male companion."
New male companion?  Gulp.  I hated the way she said that. 
"Actually, they're not dating, they're just friends.  He's chief of the fire department here.  And he has a teenage son."
Hmm.
"I must say, though, Sebastian, your son is a handsome young chap.  He's got musical gifts like you."
"My son?"
"Yes, your son."
"No, wait, that's impossible.  I wanted Kyra to get a DNA test so that we both can know for sure."

"Sebastian!"  Francisca was impatient.  "You know that's your son!"
Francisca's cell phone began to ring.  "Shouldn't you answer that?" I said to her.
"I'm not worried about that, it's probably my publicist."  Francisca reached over and turned her cell phone's ringer off. 
"I'm sick of you denying my friend's baby.  And I regard Kyra as a friend.  You know good and well Aaron is your son!  And the reason you know he's your son is because you brought yourself back here to look for him."
I thought about telling Francisca about Madison but thought better of it. 
"I never slept with Kyra!"  I protested.  "She wanted to, and I stopped.  I backed out.  And now she's had a kid???"
"You know in your heart that Aaron is your son.  There are some things you just know, without need of any piece of paper.  How could you sit here and deny that gorgeous little boy?  This isn't about you, Sebastian.  Bastards like you are the reason we have so many lost children.  If I were Kyra I'd never speak to you again."
Francisca took a deep breath.  "I'm sorry, you'll have to excuse me.  My stepfather passed away this week," she said matter-of-factly, changing the subject as if she'd never launched her tirade. 
"Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that." 
"It was really a shock.  He's the only father we knew.  My brother and sisters are really taking it hard."
"Your sisters?"  I asked.  "I mean, I knew you had a brother, and he was the crown prince, but I didn't know you had sisters too."
"Twins.  They're much younger than my brother and me."

Francisca introduced me to her half-sisters, Alexandra and Anastasia.  They were young adults and showed every trace of their Smuggsworth education and upper-class upbringing.  We exchanged pleasantries and moved on. 

 

Francisca's cell phone rang again.  "Aren't you going to answer it?"  I insisted.

"No," she replied firmly.  "I'm speaking to the person I want to talk to now."

When Francisca finally left, she dropped a guitar composition book.  It had my father's name on it.   

I haven't decided if I'm going to stay in Hidden Springs for Prince Renauld's funeral.  I've got too much to think about. Maybe I should go to the springs and relax.