Page 7 of Hannah.
I can hear him chuckling. “Sorry to burst your bubble, princess, but I just picked up your call that quick because I was holding my phone.”
“Of course, of course…” A smile spreads at the corner of my lips, quite surprised that he called me princess. He’s never done that before. “And yes, I’m back home and spending the night at Oma’s.” Before he can even place another word, I add, “Listen, I tried looking up Amelia van Lynden, and nothing came up. It’s like she doesn’t exist. Is there any other way we can find something about her?”
There’s a pause on the other end, and I imagine Johan running a hand through his hair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Give me a minute,” he says finally. “I have a friend who might be able to check a national database for us.”
“Oh, so you really do have spy friends?” I tease, needing a bit of levity to break the tension in my chest.
“Maybe,” he replies with a soft chuckle, the sound easing some of my anxiety. “Call you back in a few.”
I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling as I wait. The silence in the room feels heavy, and I can’t shake the feeling that something important is just out of reach. The ticking of the old clock on the wall seems louder, each second stretching into an eternity. I close my eyes, letting my thoughts drift back to the weekend we just spent together.
A few minutes pass, and my phone rings again. I answer quickly, my heart pounding in anticipation.
“I spoke to my friend,” Johan announces, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of concern. “There’s no Amelia van Lynden showing up in the national database either.”
My jaw drops at his words. “What? That’s impossible.”
“That’s what he told me. Are you sure her last name is Van Lynden?” Johan asks, the question hanging heavy between us.
“Well, that’s the name Oma gave me,” I respond, the doubt creeping into my mind.
“Then there are only two options: either Amelia changed her surname, or your grandma gave you the wrong one,” he suggests, his tone gentle but firm.
I frown, the implications swirling in my mind. “Why would she lie to me?”
“I don’t know, maybe to protect her sister’s identity and avoid you finding out more about her.” His speculation actually makes sense, and I find myself nodding in agreement.
“You know what? Maybe you’re right. Oma has been particularly secretive about this.”
His voice softens, a note of empathy threading through. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be of better help, Hannah. I know this is frustrating.”
“That’s okay, thanks for checking.”
“So, what should we do now?” His voice is a soothing presence in the growing confusion.
“I guess only time will tell,” I reply, feeling a mix of frustration and resolve. “We’ll have to wait and see if Oma decides to tell me more.”
“Alright. Keep me posted, okay?”
“I will. Thanks, Johan.” My tone is softer than I anticipated, my words slower. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Hannah. Sweet dreams.” His tone matches mine, bringing much comfort amid this unfolding mystery.
I set my phone down and look around my mom’s childhood room, the walls still adorned with posters and photos from years gone by. The familiar surroundings offer little comfort as my thoughts churn. I feel a renewed sense of determination. Whatever my grandmother is hiding, I will find out. But for now, all I can do is wait.
TWO YEARS LATER…
2
Hannah
It’simpossible to pinpoint one single emotion I’m feeling as we drive through the countryside of England on our way to the old college town of Cambridge for Freshers’ Week. In the front seats, my parents haven’t said a single word for the past hour, but I can feel the excitement in the air along with my dad’s sharp focus as he keeps his grip tight on the steering wheel, making sure not to forget he’s got to drive on the “wrong side” of the road. I can’t help but chuckle at the serious look on his face, though.
Cambridge. I can’t believe I finally made it.
Mom and Dad aren’t going to say it, but I know that they’re also feeling a little torn up inside. I think all parents do on days like this.
As the miles pass, the landscape changes, from green lands to the enchanting sight of an old town.