"Yes, son."
Derrek was again dazed, looking at her pleasant smile. "Uh…" He drew his gaze back. "I am sorry; I won't be able to sit with you. I am going out."
"Be safe," said Grace.
He nodded in a trance and walked out, thinking he had never seen his mother acting so gently with Declan. He could sense her concern, which bothered him greatly. He wanted to get away from this strange situation and the overwhelming restlessness.
His steps came to a halt once more when he noticed Julia with a young boy beside the fountain. He believed it was Alexander's son. His mood worsened even more with a sudden sense of loneliness. He felt he was an outsider among them. Before Julia could see him, he hopped into his car and drove away.
