-No sweetheart, this is a picture of a boy I knew when I was younger. He was my only friend.

When in truth that boy, had been my first love.

We would share our life stories with each other, our likes and dislikes, our wants for the future. You name it. We had so much in common, and I just grew to love him.

Then I was adopted and never knew what became of him.

-But that looks just like daddy - Nicole looks at me adamantly.

-Can you show me what you mean?

She grabs my hand and leads me to the door, opening it, as quietly as she can.

She peaks her little head out and looks around. When she's sure the coast is clear she tugs my hand to follow along. She leads to down the hall to the last set of doors, double doors.

She lets go of my hand and puts her finger to her lips to give me the 'be quiet" notion.

I nod and she opens the door peaking in at first. When she sees the room is empty, she grabs me hand and yanks me in the room, closing the door behind us.

-Daddy doesn't like anyone in his study room. -She signs

I nod at her again and follow her around Hika's desk. She points to a box on one of the shelves holding a few books and a copper globe. She can't reach it so I point at the box to confirm, that's what she wants. She nods and I pluck it off the shelf and hand it to her. She opens the lid and pulls out a set of keys.

You sly little girl - I think to myself with a smirk.

She puts the key into the bottom drawer of the desk and unlocks it. Pulling the drawer open, my eyes widen in disbelief.

There in the drawer, is my favorite picture, that hung in my safe room. It was a picture I had sketched and lightly painted of my first love, Chikao.

She lifts the picture and pulls out a small photograph of none other then Chikao himself. In the photo he was the same age I had last seen him, and there sat in the background, another boy, reading his book.

Me.

-Nicole, what's your daddy's name? - I sign with trembling hands and tears stinging my eyes

-Everyone calls daddy Hika, but his real name is Japanese. Chikao.

It hits me like a brick. Tears are falling and I can't stop them.

We got to get out of this room. I can't break down here. I wipe my tears and smile at Nicole.

I put the photo back and close the drawer relocking it. I take the box from Nicole and set the keys inside. Placing the box back on the shelf, making sure I put it in the exact same spot, I grab her hand and leave the room.

We make our way back to other room, and I sit down on the couch. So many thoughts are running through my head.

Hika is Chikao.

He saved me from the boys when we were young and he saved me from James.

He must've figured out whom I was, then why not just tell me?

Why bring me here and make me think I was a hostage?

I'd have come willingly!

Is this some game for me to figure out?

Screw this, I'm not with the games but if that's what this is...

Let's play.

Nicole had gone back to coloring another picture while I sat there in thought.

I had an idea.

I tapped Nicole on the shoulder and she looks up at me.

-Do you want to play a game?

She sits up quickly, with excitment in her eyes, she nods her head.

-Let's pick up our things first and I'll tell you the rules.

Nicole grabs all the art supplies and just dumps them in the tub, with no organization in mind.

I pick up my drawing and shove it in between the cushions of the couch. Nicole grabs her school books and darts out the room. She comes rushing back in and grabs the tub and waddles out of the room. I hear her little, heavy steps rushing back to the room. She shuts the door behind her and jumps on the couch.

-What are the rules?

-Ok, I want to play hide and seek with daddy. You can't tell him anything about where I hide.

She bounces up and down with a huge smile.

-If daddy finds me, I'll dress up with you and we can play princess tea party.

BUT.. if daddy can't find me you have to play pirates with me.

-Daddy bought me the prettiest dress last month and I haven't worn it yet. I hope daddy finds you, but I promise I wont tell.

I held out my pinky, and she linked it with hers.

**

Meanwhile,

Hika heads home from another run in with a few amatuer drug dealers trying to infiltrate one of his territories.

This was a common occurence that always left him frustrated. He wanted the lands, he was given by his mentor, to be clean and drug free. The same way his mentor had wanted things to be, and Hika would let it be known to those that crossed that line, they would never cross it again.

The driver pulls in to the gates and stops near the front door. He lets himself out of the car and heads inside.

He takes off his shoes, dons his house slippers, and walks towards the kitchen.

There he finds Anna and Nicole.

Nicole smiles at him and blows him a kiss. Anna on the other hand has this worrisome look on her face.

Hika walks over to place a kiss on Nicoles forehead. Looking at Anna he nudges his head in the direction of the other room, and she follows Hika out.

"What's going on?" Hika asks with his tone low.

"Please forgive me, sir, but the boy hasn't been in his room for over an hour. We have the men searching the grounds."

***

I've been huntched in this position for quite awhile. Every so often stretching my legs and bringing them back in.

Hika's men have opened the door to this room twice but never found me.

I can hear them outside searching for me as well.

I must've picked a really good spot.

A few moments pass and I can hear heavy footsteps, no doubt in my mind, it's Hika.

He walks passed the study, heading to the other room, to search for me.

When I hear his steps approaching the room I'm hiding in, I cover my mouth in an attempt to steady my breathing.

He opens the door, turns on the light, and walks in. I hear him shut the door and let out a heavy sigh.

He walks closer to where I'm hidden, under the desk, in his study.

He rolls the chair out and sits down heavily, the chair let out a squeak as he leans back with his eyes closed.

He sets arm on the chairs armrest and leans his head on his hand.

He's swings the chair to where I can now see his face. His eyes are still closed.

I stay still, as quiet as possible, I don't even think I'm breathing.

He opens his eyes, just in the slightest bit, and they meet mine.

Shit!

I let out the tinniest gasp. Hika lundges for me and yanks me by the arm out from under the desk.

I lean back on the edge and Hika's right in my face.

"Do you have any idea how worried I was!? I've looked for you everywhere!" Hika says through gritted teeth.

I just stare. My eyes wandering over his features. My heart is beating so fast and hard, I'm sure Hika can hear it.

So, it's really you. You've gotten much more handsome. Heavens! I've missed you! -I think to myself as I gaze at him.

I say nothing.

Nothing at all.

Instead, I lean foreward, and kiss him.