TLC (9-13) | ENG

Chapter 9 - Conspiracy

March 2017.

Birgham, Eastland.

James Renauld, a gray-haired middle-aged man, was enjoying his favorite black coffee that morning, accompanied by his faithful wife, Evelyn.

They were talking about their son, Isaac, who in yesterday's Grand Prix earned his first points of the season. They are very proud of their son and continue to pray for their beloved son to be more successful in his career and get everything he dreams of.

The conversation was interrupted when the phone in the living room rang. James got up and answered the phone.

Evelyn was pouring herself coffee when her husband came in carrying the morning paper. "Who called?" she asked.

James pulled up a chair and sat down. "Isaac. He said hello to his mom," he replied.

Evelyn sipped her coffee. "So? He called just to say that?" she asked again. Her brown eyes looked questioning.

"He said he would visit us, next Wednesday," James replied, leafing through the newspaper, looking for an article he found interesting. Not finding what he was looking for, he returned to the first page and saw an article that reviewed yesterday's first Formula Prime Grand Prix, along with a photo, which became the headline of the newspaper. "Hey, there was an article about yesterday's Grand Prix," he said.

"Really?" Evelyn said, shifting her seat, wanting to read the article too.

The article is titled in bold type:

Tight Competition That Never Ends, Glauber vs GT Forrier

Does Jose Rudolpho Alvarez, a five-time FP world champion, feel goosebumps because he was beaten by a talented young racer, Ferris Rutherford?

Alvarez argued it was very difficult to overtake at the Morza circuit, and according to him, Rutherford was having good luck to be able to overtake him. And that's what made him fail to reach the first podium. The 35-year-old racer is determined to give his all and win the world champion position for the sixth time. He did it for Glauber, as his last contribution. Because after this 2017 season, Alvarez decided to retire from the formula racing that made his name...

The article was still long enough to read, but then Evelyn froze when she saw the photos. Photo of Ferris Rutherford lifting the trophy with a cheerful face full of confidence on the podium, as an expression of his victory in the first series. Ferris' face looks so clear in the photo.

"Jim ...!" Evelyn hissed, gripping James' arm tightly.

James turned. "What is it?"

"H-he ...," Evelyn stammered, pointing at the photo of Ferris.

"Oh. He's Ferris Rutherford. The winner! He's the one Isaac told us about, Eve. The person who looked similar to Isaac. I met him once or twice when I accompanied Isaac to the Grand Prix, and sure enough, they do look alike. What do you think?"

"But it's more than that, Jim ...! Jim, could he ...." Evelyn seemed unable to continue what she was saying.

"Why? What's wrong, Eve?"

"Jim, this Ferris is so similar ...! He looks a lot like Isaac ...! C-could it be … could it be that this person is ...."

"Eve, what's wrong with you? Calm down! What exactly do you want to say?" asked James as he calmed his wife.

"James! How can you not get what I mean? Have you forgotten? Don't you remember the big sin we did a long time ago? What have we been looking for for more than twenty years, until we finally gave up?" Evelyn said in a trembling voice.

James was silent for a moment. "B-but Eve … this is impossible. There's no way the person in this photo is him! It couldn't be this coincidence, Eve!"

"Why not? Anything is possible, Jim! And also … my instincts told me, this is him …."

"Eve! Don't rely too much on your intuition alone. There are plenty of people with similar looks in this world, I'm sure. Think about that. Have you ever seen two people who coincidentally look alike? It's just a coincidence, Eve. They both just happen to be alike," said James.

"There's no such thing as coincidence!" she cried. "This Ferris looks a lot like Isaac. Before that, I also thought like you, Jim, that they just happened to look alike. That's because I've never seen him in person. But in this photo, it's clear that this person and our son do look alike. And somehow I'm sure that... That ... duh. You know what I mean, right??"

"Don't get your hopes up, Eve. It's not certain that your guess is right. It's not certain that this Ferris Rutherford ... is ...." It was James' turn who couldn't continue his words.

"The possibility is always there, Jim. Ask Isaac to arrange a meeting with this guy. We'll see if my instincts are wrong, or right. Who do you think Isaac inherited his racing talent from? From your father! And now, there is a person who is the same age and looks like Isaac, and has the same talent too, do you think that is also a coincidence?" asked Evelyn.

James fell silent.

Evelyn held out her cell phone. "Here. Call Isaac now, Jim. Please!" She demanded.

"Eve, but ...." James was confused by the request.

"Why? Why are you hesitating? You don't trust my instincts? I want to meet Ferris so that I can see him in person! So that I can prove that my guess is correct!"

"What should I tell Ike? He must be confused, or suspicious of your curiosity about him... The two of them are just rivals on the circuit, Eve, you understand? They aren't close either. Ike never told me that he was friends with this Ferris, purely as acquaintances, and as rivals. How could he suddenly ask Ferris to meet us? For what reason did we invite him?"

"Convince Ike, we have to meet this Ferris!"

"But how? Do you want me to tell him everything?"

Evelyn looked at her husband but did not answer.

"See? You're doubting yourself, and instead, you wanted me to ask Ike to invite Ferris to meet."

"Maybe it's the time we told Ike everything, Jim ...." Evelyn answered quietly.

James fell silent. "Are you sure?" 

"Yes," Evelyn replied with a nod of certainty. "Think about it, we've wronged Ike because we covered up the truth for over twenty years. He has the right to know, Jim. Isaac will have to know someday. Sooner or later, Isaac will have to know everything."

"Eve," James called. "Calm down. Think about it, the twenty years we've been talking about is living a life of his own. Why did we have to suddenly come and interfere with his life? Just out of curiosity? He'll be disturbed! So, better let it be. If your instincts are right, what are you going to do? We can't come suddenly on him!"

Evelyn stared at her husband in disbelief. "What are you talking about? So you're saying we should just be quiet and cover the truth forever?"

"I mean ... we shouldn't just interfere with people's lives."

"Then you want us to never meet what we're looking for? Is that so? If we do find what we're looking for, Jim, at least we'll have a chance to apologize to him, right? It's not a matter of whether we receive forgiveness or not, that's not important! Indeed, when you think about it, it looks like we are interfering with people's lives, but what can you do? How long do you plan to keep all of this under wraps?"

James fell silent.

"So follow my request. Call Ike now," Evelyn begged again.

Chapter 10 - Injured Athlete

Stamord Bridge Stadium, April 2017.

FA Cup final.

Ferris and his close friends on the GT Forrier team took the time to watch the final soccer match live. The final match between the two big teams from the Eastland Premier League, Brandt versus Larx United, for the FA Cup.

"Does Royce know you are coming today, Fez?" asked Dan, when both teams had entered the field.

Fez nodded. "Of course. By the way, guys. For some reason, I'm still curious about my loss to Alvarez at Nürburwing last Sunday. How could he pressure me before he finally managed to seize my position successfully? Damn it," he muttered.

"Hey, come on. After all, you still get on the podium, right? And you still get points! You realize, while the other racers were very grateful and happy because they were able to score points, let alone get on the podium, you are even getting angry! Not many racers have as much luck as yours ...! You're so f*cking ambitious," said one of his friends.

Fez replied, "Hmm, what happens to the lower half of the board is none of my business! I have to keep getting perfect points! But in reality now? I lost the GP yesterday, and what I got was not perfect points. And because of that, Alvarez's points got closer to mine. Damn."

"What's wrong with the third podium?"

"What's wrong with the third place? You shouldn't ask such a question since in this competitive world we have to be the winner! Bad. Obviously bad. At least for me," said Fez.

"Hey, we're watching soccer live right now! Let’s enjoy this moment. Why are you still bringing up the past? There are still 14 series left for you to show off."

"Yeah, the next series at Goldstone, on our turf. You can 'terrorize' Alvarez back later."

Fez was silent for a moment. "Well ..." Fez said casually. He saw that the two prestigious squads had already taken their respective positions. Royce, his best friend, standing at the forefront of his team, seemed to be taking a breath, calming himself down.

The whistle blows.

The match began, accompanied by boisterous spectators who were so enthusiastic. The two famous teams attacked each other and tried to score goals. After going through a difficult struggle, one of the Larx midfielders managed to strike the ball into Brandt's goal through the midfielder's signature long-range shot in the 38th minute. Larx supporters cheered.

"Wow, 1-0 now," Fez muttered.

But a few minutes before the end of the first half, Royce equalized. Thanks to their good cooperation, Royce's teammate gave Royce a very good pass and Royce passed it perfectly, and outwitted the opponent's goalkeeper. 1-1 standings. Brandt's supporters cheered. The atmosphere in the stadium was heating up.

"It's different if we're present in the stadium. You can feel the tension," said Dan when the referee blew the whistle to mark the end of the first half.

"Of course. You just knew about this, huh?"

"The position is 1-1 now. How about the second half, huh?"

"Brandt definitely wins. I guarantee that."

"Yeah, never doubt Royce."

Fez just smiled hearing his friends chat.

**

The second round begins.

Until the 75th minute, the score of the two equally strong teams remained 1-1. At that time Larx was incessantly carrying out attacks on Brandt. When the attack took place in the penalty box area, the ball that was being carried by Larx was hit by the opponent's hand. The referee blew the whistle and pointed to the penalty spot. Larx supporters simultaneously cheered.

"Oh, man!!"

"Well, if this execution is successful, Royce and the team must work harder," said Fez.

A talented young player from Larx United, who got the chance to take a penalty this time, was already standing there, ready to take a penalty kick.

The whistle blows. The Larx player was silent for a moment, before then taking a swing and kicking the ball straight towards the goal. Goalkeeper Brandt, who had guessed the direction of the ball from the start, bent his body and raised his arms high, trying to reach the ball...

But the ball went past him. The ball that was only inches away from him escaped ... and resulted in a goal. The Larx players ran and cheered in unison. All Larx supporters were also happy.

Only ten minutes left. Brandt was increasingly persistent and fierce, trying to score a goal so that matches could be extended up to 120 minutes.

One of Brandt's players at that time was taking a corner kick, while Royce and other players waited in front of the goal mouth. The ball soared high, and Royce tried to take advantage of the kick with a header. But when he was about to make a jump, the Larx player standing beside him also jumped, and they collided. Royce fell head over heels, overlapping his right shoulder. The match was stopped for a moment, and Royce left the field because he could not bear the pain in his shoulder.

Brandt's supporters were disappointed, as well as worried for Royce. They were afraid that Brandt's game would no longer be sharp after Royce left the field. However, Brandt is a tough team, one of the most solid teams in the Premier League, the hottest league in the world. Royce's absence from the field did not weaken their attack. They stayed sharp and fought hard to equalize at 2-2. But what they are facing now is also a solid team, so their efforts to score goals are not as easy as turning the palm of their hand.

Their hard work ended after the referee blew the long whistle signaling the game was over, and the score remained 2-1 for Larx United. Simultaneously the officials and the entire Larx cast were immersed in joy. Tens of thousands of Larx supporters also dissolved in joy.

"Runner up," said Dan.

"Yeah, poor Royce. Is it true he's injured?"

Fez replied, "Geez, I hope he's all right."

The event continued with the awarding of medals to the team that occupied the runner-up position, which is Brandt. All of Brandt's players were awarded silver medals. The FA Cup trophy handover party was held afterward. Larx's players, coaches, and team officials then drank champagne to celebrate the win.

Royce, who was going back to the locker room with his friends, turned to the audience in the stands, to Fez and his friends, who were as usual in the exclusive tribune, and nodded his head with a smile.

Fez returned Royce's smile and nodded his head back.

"He's still able to smile? I thought he was the type to burn out fast like you, Fez," Dan commented.

Fez replied, "He is not obsessed with winning personally. He plays because this is his hobby and loves soccer. So whether he wins or loses, he's always relaxed. The most important thing is that he has given his all."

"Wow! He's totally different from you! Not like your best friend, you are always obsessed with winning in every GP series! Moreover, in last Sunday's fourth series, you're whining every day just because you only got third place. Isn't it?"

"Yeah ... yeah .... Don't you bring it all up," Fez grumbled.

Chapter 11 - First Love

Hello, my name is Margot Eglantyne Carol Bainbridge, usually called Marg or Margee.

As usual, on Sunday, I was sitting in front of the television screen. I'm paying serious attention to the conversation of the presenters who reviewed the predictions of how the Formula Prime race would go this time, which will start in a few moments. Ah, every time I watch FP racing, I'm always pounding, wishing the best for my champion, Isaac Renauld. I know his car isn't as tough as the other teams ... but I know Isaac is a great fighter type, he won't give up just because his car isn't as fast as the others ... and I always wish him the best!

Once upon a time, when Isaac first won his victory on the Formula Prime stage, I was moved to tears ... and I was so happy because I could see Isaac standing proudly on the podium, holding up his winning trophy high while smiling broadly. He's not only handsome... but also kind, generous, gentle, and... what kind of woman would turn down a man like Isaac?

It's just me who has been stupid all of these years, I never dared to approach him even though I had many opportunities to do so. Ah-ha, you must be wondering why I can say that. Yes, you should know .… Isaac and I used to go to the same school. Since high school, I was in the same class as him and formed my gang group together with our other friends. And I've had a crush on Isaac since I first met him.

Isaac is sweet and warm, smiles a lot, is easy to talk to and discuss with, not emotional ... I've never seen him angry. Moreover, he is handsome, my prince charming. Especially now, as a grown-up man, he looks more mature!

There should have been many opportunities for me to approach Isaac, but for some reason, I never had the courage... I was always filled with hesitation to approach him, even though Isaac's attitude towards me was warm, just like his attitude towards his other friends .... And now I can only regret why I never want to approach him because I realize I still have special feelings for him until now... I can only see him from a distance, from the television screen, and can only hold back my jealousy when saw photos of him with his girlfriend Tanya. Ugh! How could I be so stupid?

I tried to be in a relationship with men several times, but none of them could make me feel the same way I felt for Isaac. Yes, that's right ... It's like my heart has been imprisoned by him for so many years! Why can I never forget Isaac? Day by day my feelings are growing and getting deeper. Why? How much longer should I keep this feeling?

"Hey!!"

I gasped in surprise when Angie came over and tapped me on the shoulder.

Angie is my cousin as well as a member of my and Isaac's high school gang. We both live in the same house since our workplaces are not that far away. She's a sweet cousin, but can also be chatty and annoying at times.

"Angie, you surprised me," I said lazily.

"Do you still support that guy?" She said as she threw her body next to me.

"What do you mean?"

"Yeah, I mean, that one guy. Ikey. I believe you still love Ikey, right? Even though you never wanted to get close to him, why do you still have feelings for him?"

I sighed. "Why are you so nosy? Whether I love him or not, that's none of your business. Moreover, what's wrong with supporting him, he's our friend after all."

"Yeah, none of my business, but I can't stand seeing you being a fool like this. It's been hundreds of times, thousands of times, I've pushed you so that you make a move toward him, he's a nice person, you know it so well! He's that …. I wonder why you never want to approach him. Now he already has a girlfriend, how many years has he been dating Tanya, I think they are going to get married soon, and then you? Still want to be stuck like that, hoping for something you've never pursued?"

Uh ... I'm too lazy to respond to Angie's sarcastic words. So I said nothing.

"Margee," she called.

I'm ignoring her.

"Margee!" Angie nudged me with her elbow.

"Shut up, the race is about to start!" I said finally.

Angie sighed, "Oh you! I got tired of talking to you, I am concerned about you! Why are you like that? Listen, there's something that has made me curious ever since! Your last boyfriend, Jo, I think he's suitable for you, Marg. Jo is quite handsome, cute, easygoing, and already well-established, why did you end up breaking up with him? Didn't you see the expression on Jo's face when you broke up with him? He loves you, Marg! It's obvious! But instead, you broke his heart, and even more expecting the first love that you never fought for! I'm confused by the way you think, Marg! Also, your previous ex, Mike, was your first boyfriend, right? He should be the one very special to you since he was your first man. You just don't know that until now Michael still likes to send messages to me, asking about you. I said why don't you go over to Margee yourself, court her again, but he seems hesitant. Don't you have feelings for him at all? He's a good guy too. On par with Jo! Instead of expecting Ike who never knows how you feel, isn't it better for you to choose between Mike or Jo? They must be happy to welcome you, Marg! Please, I mean, instead of expecting what is uncertain, choose what is certain to accept you, you know. You got me so confused!"

Angie even blurted out the names of my exes. Oh, please shut up.

"I said, mind your own business ...." I said annoyed.

"Uh!!" Angie pinched my arm hard. "Then how come you never watch the FP race live? Today's race at Goldstone, how far is Birgham - Goldstone? Don't tell me you don't have any money. Save some! Then you watch it there, and go meet Ike, he must be happy to see his friends come to support him on his big day. Last year when I and the others watched the grand prix you didn't want to join us anyway."

"Yeah, at that time I didn't have any job, Ngie. Don't you remember?"

"So that's why! Since now you already have one, save up! Go watch Ike, meet up with him in his room then show your most sexy lingerie so you can get his eyes, and his penis- oops, I mean, his heart, of course ...."

What the hell! She knows me, I can never do something like that just to get a man! I glared at Angie, but she grinned. Uffff! Such an annoying cousin!

Chapter 12 - Friend Support

I'm Royce Beauregard.

I was free, and since the FP Grand Prix at that time took place at Goldstone, I decided to accompany Fez to compete. This is the umpteenth time I accompany Fez in the motorhome, and I already know the GT Forrier team members who always warmly welcome my presence.

When I had just arrived at the motorhome, I saw Fez coming out of his dugout, fully clothed. He's ready to race. He immediately smiled as soon as he saw me and greeted me cheerfully. This friend of mine always looks optimistic, cheerful, and enthusiastic, especially in that day's race Fez had the opportunity to start the race from pole position. This is a good thing because it's such a great chance for Fez to win the race. 

"Hey, bro! I'm glad you could make it today. Thanks!" he said.

"Ready for the race, bro?"

"Absolutely! Hey, how's your injured shoulder, does it still hurt?"

I smile. "Much better, Fez. Don't you worry. It's just a small injury."

"Are you sure you're in good condition? The second leg of the Champions League semifinals will be held on Thursday, four days from now. It will be a shame if you are absent, Brandt is on the verge of victory! Especially next month's Euro Cup." Fez said.

"I'm in, Fez. It's just a minor injury, not as bad as you think."

Fez nodded. "Okay then, that's great. Well, Royce, you won't regret coming here, I'm 1000% sure, I DEFINITELY stand on the first podium!"

"Amen, and I'm proud of you."

"That's the way it should be!" Fez smiled broadly. "Alright, I'll leave you now, Royce? It's time. Don't forget to prepare your camera, if my own dear best friend takes a picture of me when I'm successful, it's much more valuable. Okay?"

I laughed lightly. "Relax, I'll find a place so I can take a picture of you from the best angle when you stand on the podium."

"That's cool! Okay, bye, I'll see you later, mate!"

"See you, Fez!"

I watched as Fez got ready, put on his balaclava, and helmet, then climbed into the cockpit. He's talking briefly with one of his team members, then he took his ride outside, heading straight for the first grid.

Fez's tough rival from Glauber's team, Jose Rudolpho Alvarez, is on the fourth grid. There is something special that has caught my attention since yesterday. Isaac Renauld, a racer from the Llinos Purvance team which is a dark horse team, yesterday surprised the world by having recorded the fastest lap, his time record even exceeded Fez's record. But Isaac's fastest time occurred during the second qualifying round. If only he had recorded the best time during the third qualifying round, Isaac would have been in pole position right now! And from the results of yesterday's third qualifying round, Isaac could only occupy third place. But in my opinion, Isaac's achievements nowadays are getting flashier, that person seems to have spurs too, unlike Fez's opinion who always looks down on Isaac. 

I don't know this Isaac Renauld, but because he has a face that is indeed similar to Fez, I can't help but follow his news. I'm wondering how Ferris and Isaac have similar faces, maybe they are brothers or related. While Fez always thought their facial resemblance was just a mere coincidence.

The race started, and Fez started the match very smoothly. He was able to maintain his position until half a lap had passed. This was good, Fez was still at the front, and the more he raced the farther he got with the racers behind him, and if he could maintain that position for the next 60 laps, he would certainly be standing on the first podium as he believed. God bless you, my friend.

But the race was not as smooth as I thought. 15 laps later, the sky turned slightly dark, and soon it started to rain lightly. The team's planned pit stop strategy could change, I told myself. And sure enough, Fez entered the pit stop and immediately replaced his tires with tires for the wet track, just like the other racers did. Luckily Fez was able to successfully return to the track while maintaining his position. Great work, Fez.

There has been a slight change in the temporary driver's position. Fez, still leading the race, and Alvarez, who was in third position before entering the pits, is now in second place. Isaac Renauld had a minor incident while changing his tires, he returned to the track in sixth place. The moments before the pit stop and after it was indeed crucial and determined the position. It was good that Fez did his job extraordinarily.

Lap after lap passed and Fez remained in the lead ... at least until the 58th lap. I saw that Fez seemed to be a little off guard, he passed the corner slightly wide, allowing Alvarez, who had been stalking behind him, to easily overtake Fez. Fez immediately boosted his car and there was a side-by-side scene between Fez and Alvarez, the five-time world champion. The battle between the two racers was won by Alvarez, who smoothly raced to leave Fez in second place. Aha, I'm sure Fez's emotions will be stoked.

On the other side of the track, I saw Isaac Renauld in sixth position slip and enter the gravel. Maybe the track was still slippery because the rain had stopped not long ago, then causing Isaac's car tires to slip .... Luckily the incident didn't hit his car, and as long as his car's engine was running, Isaac was able to continue the race, which only had less than 2 laps left.

Come on Isaac, I'm excited to see your racing spirit, and show your true skills!

There's only one more round left, oh my gosh, I saw Fez being very violently pressing and stalking Alvarez from all directions. Trying to make Alvarez sway so that Fez can overtake Alvarez, reclaiming his position as before. This is a very interesting spectacle. The two top drivers' standings are involved in a battle for the first position, while the race only has one round left.

And ... then the chequered flag is flying with Alvarez remaining at the first position, while Fez is the second. Maybe it's not your day to win this race, Fez. But look at the lap times you've set, they're amazing. The difference between you and Alvarez is only 0.03 seconds apart! For me, you are still a winner.

I followed the team walking to the parc ferme and waited for the arrival of the three racers who managed to stand on the podium of this grand prix.

Fez arrived first at the parc ferme, the team greeted him and cheered him on happily, but Fez just waved goodbye.

Hmm, I see from the look in your eyes, there is a feeling of disappointment and anger. Come on, you're only 0.03 seconds away from Alvarez, but even that doesn't satisfy you. At least say hello to your team who are waiting here. That guy is indeed full of obsessions, and his obsession must come true, if not, he will be in a bad mood for days. Ah, I know him very well.

When I finally saw Fez's face when he appeared on the podium, he looked grouchy and gloomy. But I think I can understand. For 58 laps you were leading the race, but in the end, you didn't win ... of course, it is disappointing.

The celebration on the podium for the three fastest racers that day was over, immediately followed by a press conference. I waited for Fez in the driver's dugout area of ​​the GT Forrier motorhome.

Fez soon approached me, it seemed the press conference was over. But that tired face won't go away for another week, will it, Fez?

"Such a gloomy face." I immediately commented.

Fez threw himself beside me and sighed. "Yeah, bad day."

Then I took out my camera and showed Fez a photo of himself on the podium earlier. "Look, I've kept my promise to take your picture, but what! That sour face instead of a happy face. When else can I take a photo of you standing on the podium?"

Fez brushed aside my camera, it seemed he was reluctant to see his photos. "How can I smile when I made that stupid mistake that made me a loser like this? Shit."

"To err is human! It's normal for everyone to make mistakes bro, and indeed it was Alvarez's fortune who was on time to seize the opportunity that opened in front of him."

Fez glanced at me sarcastically.

"Calm down. You're too obsessed, take it easy. You jumped into this world because of the love of racing, right? If you always act like that, wouldn't you just be burdened?"

"You don't understand, Royce." Fez sighed. "How long have you been friends with me and how long have you understood the ins and outs of this world? Sucks. My points and Alvarez's are one after another. If I always win, at least Alvarez is beneath me, right? This season I have to beat him. You got me? I HAVE TO. Moreover, this fifth series was held here, in my homeland. How could I let my guard down and let that guy overtake me??"

I shook my head and sighed. "Yeah, whatever, Fez. What I can say is be grateful for what you got .... Look at your twin, even though the results of this race weren't as expected, he was still able to celebrate with his team."

Fez frowned. "Who do you mean my twin?"

"Renauld, who looks just like you. I saw him still able to spread a big smile when he got out of the car. Even though he started from third position, and finished in seventh position. His luck is not as good as yours, Fez, but he can still smile. He started from third, and after a pit stop he rejoined in sixth, but then he slipped and was in eighth. Within only one lap he managed to overtake and finally finished in seventh position. Your twin is persistent, right?"

"Stop calling him my twin, damn you. He's nobody to me, I don't know him."

"Okay, okay, fine."

"Well, join us for dinner with the team later, Royce. You're not in any rush to go home, are you? After all, I still want to talk to you a lot after things here are done."

"Alright, with pleasure." I smiled.

Chapter 13 - Odd Request

Still with Royce Beauregard here.

After waiting for a while, the GT Forrier team and I finally headed for a cafe not far from Goldstone. A cafe that seems to have become another basecamp for the GT Forrier team. Upon arrival, another group of visitors came, and after paying attention, well, it appeared to be a group from the Llinos Purvance team, Isaac Renauld's team. 

Wow, the 'twins' will meet here, I said to myself jokingly. Of course, I won't let Fez know what I am thinking of right now. 

The people from the Llinos Purvance team greeted the GT Forrier team in a friendly way and we greeted them back. Luckily the cafe we ​​visited was quite large, so there wouldn't be any significant problems if dozens of people from two-car teams flocked here.

We're eating, drinking, and enjoying the night. The team toasted for the points earned by Fez and Shawn Renan, which was also the result of team collaboration. Meanwhile, Fez was toasting his defeat to Alvarez. Jeez, I thought, while his teammates were celebrating the positives, Fez was celebrating the negatives ... this one guy.

I glanced at Fez who was sitting beside me, he smiled to himself while looking at his cell phone. "What the hell, bro?"

Fez smirked. He looked at me with sparkling eyes and a beaming face, his expression had changed again now. "You'll stop by my place later? Come on, the night is still long, it's time to have fun, my friend."

I frowned, eyeing my best friend suspiciously. "I'm sure you must have called your girlfriend to come over. Ah. Or maybe your FWBs, to accompany you tonight. Isn't it? No, thanks."

Fez laughed. "You! Why do you always refuse to have fun, huh? There will be three hot girls tonight, even though I can easily conquer them alone, but sharing is good, right? Moreover, you are my best friend, why should I have fun alone, while my best friend is frozen in his house! Come on!" Fez punched me in the shoulder. "You take this invitation while I'm being generous!"

I shook my head. "I've never been interested in doing some promiscuous thing like you do, Fez. Please, go ahead, play as hard as you wish, but don't ever invite me."

Fez raised his eyebrows. "Next time, I'll look for a girl who looks like Audrey ... so you're interested. How about that?" he said still with a grin.

"How dare you mention Audrey."

"I'm confused with you, how could you do that? It's been five years, maybe six years, but until now I've never seen you approach a girl again?"

"You know why, Fez, don't bring it up."

"It's not what I mean. Hey Royce, there are billions of women in this world, why don't you go and find one woman who interests you? Audrey is no longer around, just let her go. She'll never come back, that's logical! And you, as a man, must settle down one day, but ... I don't know. You don't seem interested in finding another girl. I'm afraid that after a while you'll change your sexual orientation."

I snorted. "Oh my God, that's impossible. What are you talking about?? I'm normal! Don't compare me to you! I'm currently looking for the right partner, but not in the way you did! Promiscuous. Casual sex with lots of women and then you left. Sorry, I don't like it that way."

Fez grinned widely again. "Sex is too good for me to leave, bro. Sex is beautiful. Women are the most perfect creation. Women are heaven on earth! I love women as I love myself. You know very well how I see women!"

"Yeah, yeah …. Go do your thing."

Fez took a deep breath while saying my name. "Royce, Royce. How come you even refused my invitation to do some pleasure with girls? I wouldn't be surprised if, in the end, your thingy will get rusty ...."

Audrey. Audrey. Why did Fez have to bring up Audrey Wilson? The sweet girl who's been my girlfriend since high school. I loved that girl, and I planned to marry her as soon as she graduated from college. But ... just one year after Audrey was in college, she died because of that goddamn cancer. She left me for good, she's already happy up there in heaven, and I know I must move on. I realized that I still have a life that shouldn't have wasted because her death brought me down. And until now, it's true what Fez said, I've never dated a woman again. That's because I still think of Audrey. I haven't found the right woman to love, like the love I feel for Audrey. I'm living in the past, I know. But for me, love can't be forced.

***

Someone called out to Fez as the others and I prepared to go home. I turned and found Isaac Renauld hurrying toward me and Fez.

"Ah, Ferris. Sorry to hold you back a moment, I have something to ask you," Isaac said. He turned to me, then gave me his hand. "Hi, Royce, how are you?"

I shook his hand warmly. "Fine, thanks. Should I leave you two alone so you guys can talk more freely?" I said, feeling a bit uneasy because maybe Isaac meant to talk to Fez one-on-one.

Isaac laughed lightly. "No need, you just stay here, nothing special."

"What is it?" Fez asked then.

"Look, Fez. Do you have time? I want to make sure when you are free, I want to take you to meet my parents, they seem very curious about the similarities in our faces," said Isaac.

Huh?

I looked at Isaac, who seemed to be uncomfortable after saying that.

"Ah, but ... but that if you don't mind, Fez," Isaac said again.

Fez looked confused. "So, you're saying your parents are curious about me because we look alike? And they want to meet me? That's funny."

Isaac's awkwardness became more and more obvious. "I'm sorry. I know this is an odd request. If it weren't for my parents to ask you this, I wouldn't bother you, Fez."

These two people are indeed very similar. The shape of the face, eyebrows, eyes, nose, and lips. As far as I can remember, after everyone noticed the similarities of these two, I realized Fez had never shaved again. I think Fez himself is aware of the resemblance of his face to Isaac's. Their appearance was so similar that I felt even more certain, these two people must be related to each other, not just a mere coincidence. What's more, I know Fez's family background and its secrets... I'm sure Isaac is the key to answering all of Fez's secrets. But I don't know, maybe it's too soon to come to that conclusion.

Fez smiled. "It's alright. I have spare time tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. It's up to you, just arrange when and where. There's nothing wrong with meeting new people anyway."

"Are you sure??" Isaac smiled broadly. "Thanks, Fez. How about the day after tomorrow, we have lunch at Henry's Cafe?"

Fez raised an eyebrow and nodded. "It's okay."

"Great! I'll see you, Fez, thank you! Royce, can I go first?"

"Bye, Ike," I said.

I turned to Fez who was still silent for a long time watching Isaac's retreating. I could tell he must be thinking of something. "Are our suspicions the same?" I asked then.

"What? What do you think?"

"Everyone agrees that you two look alike. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out that your similarities with him are not just a mere coincidence, but are related to each other. Have you ever thought about that?"

"Yes, you can talk like that because you know the dark secrets of my life. But I never dared to think about the resemblance of my face and that person. Because the more I think the more uneasy I get. And besides, why should I waste my time thinking about such things that aren't important?? He's nobody to me, that's what I believe."

From the look on my best friend's face, I could tell he wasn't happy about agreeing to Isaac's request just now.

"You got pissed off," I commented.

Fez sighed, shaking his head. "Screw it. Don't talk about it anymore. It's time for me to have some fun. You don't want to come with me, Royce?? I'm asking you one last time!" he said while embracing me.

I winced. "No thanks. I will never disturb your fun times."

"Is that so?? Okay, I'll just say hello to those girls, okay?" Fez chuckled, he seemed very satisfied to tease me.