My Heart Was Wounded Deep
Chapter 80's

Rey's mother glared. "I have nothing to do with this, but right, Mother Lori has already found Via. How do you know?"

" Logan told Jason yesterday morning and Jason called me when I was in the cabin" Rey replied.

" So that's what pisses you off?" ask mother. "The Lori family just wants to have a meeting so we can hear what Via will say."

" And the purpose of the meeting was....?" ask Rey.

" He is worried about us, trying to help us. There's nothing more to lose than us, if Kikan isn't what he's pretending to be."

" Pretending?" Rey shakes. "Forgot that ma'am. We know what Via's gonna say, so what's the point?"

" The fact that He sticks to the story he told seventeen years ago will further strengthen the validity of his statement" his mother said.

" So Lori's mom already told mom that Via's sticking to her story?"

" Yes."

" Well, that might add its validity to you," Rey argued. "For me it just shows what I know, he doesn't want to be blamed."

" At least, we should listen to him. If he's lying, maybe we'll know from his facial expression or attitude." Helen looked at her husband for support.

" At least, listen to him first" the father confirmed.

" He's the only other person in the car, Rey," her mother continued. "The only person who can tell us what happened. I realized Kikan looked good lately, but.." he made a gesture of silence. "Try to follow my opinion on this for a moment. What if he's a con man? What if he really meant to kill Lori?"

" I don't believe that at all" Rey said.

" But what if...?"

" Lori's gone, ma'am, we can't bring her back."

" I totally agree with you!"

" So what's the point of torturing Kikan constantly?"

" Nobody tortured anyone. But do you really want Jason to hug someone like that as his mother?"

Rey has embraced Kikan in a more literal sense, which her parents will soon know. However, acknowledging her romantic relationship now would only hurt her. His parents would believe that his feelings were too affected and he could not judge the woman with a clear mind. "Via can't be honest, ma'am. Not unless she wants Lori's family and others to hate her like they hate Kikan."

" He doesn't even live here anymore. What do you care about that?" mother said.

" Because that anger can lead to prosecution if they report to the police, and it's likely they'll report."

" Oh my God, do you hear yourself? You're accusing Via of doing something almost as scary as hitting Lori. What kind of person blames others for such a terrible event?"

" It happens often, Mom. All time. That's the way to defend yourself."

Helen moved forward. "I still think we should listen to what Via will say. If you're afraid to do it, it'll convince you that you don't want to see the truth."

Rey held back in annoyance. He was frustrated, but could understand why his mother was like that. He could understand why the Lori family and everyone else were like that. That's the problem all along. It makes no sense to do what he has done. "What kind of person is Via now?" ask Rey.

" I don't know. Like I said, I'm not looking for him. The day you got into a fight with Logan, his mother hired a private detective to find Via. That's all I know."

If Via doesn't add to Kikan's plight and tells the truth, Rey's glad she doesn't have to bother paying detectives to look for his tracks.

" So.. will you listen to Via's testimony?" ask mother.

Rey could not refuse. Her mother was right it would only make her seem as if she rejected the truth, and it would not help her convince anyone or anything. "alright. I'll listen. But I want two things in return" Rey said.

" What...?"

" I want to know the detective's phone number. If Lori's family can do a little research before the meeting, I have the same right. And I want Kikan invited. He should be given a chance to defend himself."

" I can give you information about that detective easily. Lori's family sent me one of those emails. But he would absolutely not allow Kikan to be in his house."

" How about here?" father's advice.

Helen pursed her lips. "It seems like it could be."

" Then the problem is solved" Rey said. "When are you going here?"

" They still set the time. I'll tell you at Jason's game tomorrow."

That means he has to act immediately. "Then send me the detective's contact number tonight,"

" It can be" Rey's mother said.

" And just so you know, Kikan's coming to Jason's game tomorrow."

" He's come before" his father replied.

" We're just going to ignore her" her father said so to keep Helen feeling.

"Yes, but this time he'll come with me" Rey said.

Helen stood up." Rey, please don't be with him in public. Please.give me a week. Wait till we talk to Via."

" I told you I'd pick her up." Rey replied.

His mother exchanged a sad look with his father. "Son.." he began to persuade.

" Don't go too far" Rey said. "Jason wants his mother to come."

" Alright," said Helen relented. "But I hope you know what you're doing."

♪

"So?"

Kikan looked up from his place stirring the cooking on the stove. "So what?" reiterate, but there is no mystery about the direction her mother wanted in this talk. Although never admitted, Miss Lis was eager to know the details of Kikan's trip to the cottage, especially after hearing what Rey said last night.

" Is it worth it?" ask Ms. Lis.

" What's the same?"

His mother rolled her eyeballs. "What do you think?"

" I'm having fun."

" With Rey." interrupted Lis's mother.

Kikan shrink the stove fire. "Well, with Rey."

His mother hesitated for a moment. Then he said, "How long did you predict this would last?"

" I don't know" answered Kikan. "I can't predict the future, neither can Mom, so don't give me any more cruel warnings. I'll enjoy it day by day."

" You think he's gonna take you away from all this?" his mother gestured around them, but Kikan knew what he meant was this entire yard. "Is that your dream?" ask her mother again.

" No! I wasn't trying to get him to do anything for me. I love her, okay? Maybe it'll work out for me, and maybe it won't, but I seem to have the hardest heart in the world, because I can't stop loving her."

" He and his family don't like me," Ms. Lis voiced her thoughts. "They'll make you ashamed of your own family."

" I can't speak on their behalf, but... Rey isn't like that."

" It's bullshit!" Lady Lis was heartbroken. "Look at it later. If you start dating her, soon you won't have time for me."