I was tired, exhausted from the long day, but now I am devastated by Eve's outbursts. My brain stopped working for a few seconds, and my mind went blank when Eve spoke in anger nonstop.
Only one word, alone, alone, repeated in my mind. I was desperate to make him notice my existence, and I wanted to correct him: you were not alone. I am there with you, but the words were stuck in my throat. I tried my best to force them out of me, but I just couldn't manage to utter them.
I was in shock throughout his one-way shouting, and one word after another was taking time to register in my mind. His anger, his seething, his glare, and, for the first time, his harsh tone forced me to shut everything in me. I crumbled where I stood. His words, one after another, were a huge blow, and still now, I couldn't recover. He jabbed me where it hurt badly, and his target was my heart. One jab after another, non-stop.
He is not alone; I shouted the words inside but didn't voice them, at least in his absence. I am there for him, and where was I when he needed me most, playing? ' I will be there for you'—those are the words I wanted to tell him so badly when he was shouting at me.
His tears finally broke something in me. He snapped, and my whole body surrendered at that. He was crying in front of me, and I didn't wipe his tears. I was never with him when he needed me most, not before, not now, at least.
When we started dating, he agreed to all my conditions with closed eyes. He didn't argue even once, always going along with how I wanted. He never complained about anything, and with my attitude, I have pushed so much. Still, he smiled as if nothing happened, nor did things affect him.
He never liked hiding our relationship and was patient. I was always afraid of coming out as a cover-up; I tagged Freya along with us, and he was ok. She was always there, and he never complained. Hardly did he get angry about anything; yeah, when I didn't remember his favorite things, then he would lightly scold me but never drag it out.
He was too good in a relationship, so much so that I stopped minding him or giving preference to him most of the time. I never felt like he needed something from me; he was happy, and I bought it. So many times, I made him wait because Freya was always late for everything. I never texted him about being late nor apologized. At the beginning, I pointed to Freya as the reason; later on, I stopped that too.
She was a third wheel, and he dealt with it. There was hardly any privacy, and when we were alone, we were busy exploring our desires. If I think about it, in those days, he didn't ask for anything; not even once did he push me to confess my feelings, at least in front of our families. He was patient with me throughout those years, and I liked it. No fighting, no chaos, no force; things were at peace, and I wanted it. I pushed it; I pushed everything with full force; I stretched our relationship, experimenting with how far it could go, and things broke in half.
He left without a word, and it took me all these years to realize it was because of me. I was never there for him, not even once. I had a chance when his mom visited the doctor, and I had to ruin it. For fucking what? Freya was fucking busy on that day. I should have come back, as I handed Hazel over to her nanny—no, I didn't, because Hazel was the big deal. I didn't even remember to go back to the hospital. Wow, that's something.
I ruined it completely this time, for better, I guess. I was absent in my own relationship.
I collapsed on the floor, feeling utterly lost for the first time. How could I be so ignorant? After being in a relationship, how can I ignore my partner throughout our relationship? How can I be so blind?
Eve was waiting for me; he was waiting for me to notice, for me to realize his existence in the relationship. He was patient enough and waited for years, and I never noticed him. I never took the initiative in our relationship; I was afraid, and I lived in constant fear throughout our relationship. He was there with me as my silent support, standing by my side, and I never noticed that, either.
I pulled back my hair in frustration and shouted Eve's name at the top of my lungs. What should I do now? It's too late, and he already hinted at that when he stopped me from entering his home. That was the damn clue, and he was done with me.
I lay on the floor, exhausted. My cell started ringing, but I didn't bother to check it. I need to come up with something, but what can I possibly do now? I am thoroughly fucked up. I sighed, closing my eyes, and all I could see was Eve's smile and his tears, which shattered my heart. Eve, I breathed his name. I never dated for a reason, blaming him for leaving me without bidding goodbye.
We didn't break up; he just stopped being by my side, and I made him tired as I took my sweet time acknowledging our relationship. He was worn out from being in a relationship with me and gave up on me for good.
I should leave him for good. He deserves someone better than me, who would fight and stay with him in good and bad times. Yeah, I should do that, and I don't know what I am going to do without him. My eyes felt drowsy, exhaustion finally hitting me, and I gave in. Silas, there is no future for you without Eve; you'd better get your shit together. I murmured before drifting.
The next day, I was at the door of Eve's place, as usual, without informing him. I was afraid he would say no to my visit, and I wanted to see his mother so badly. After hearing the news, how can I not visit her? I am a big red flag in her eyes, and I have given enough reason for her son to reject me, but I couldn't stay at my flat. I couldn't.
"Good morning, Silas." Mrs. Miles greeted me with a broad smile and eyed the parcel that I carried. "Hi, Mrs. Miles, sorry for yesterday; something came up." She nodded, not questioning anything. "Saying sorry and breakfast as a small compensation." She chuckled. "It wasn't necessary, Silas; you are running a big company; I can understand." Only if she knows, and I hope Eve has not shared anything about yesterday. I cleared my throat, and she opened the door widely for me.
"I will arrange the table; you can go and freshen up," I informed Mrs. Miles. Politely in return, she nodded and walked to her room. I walked into the kitchen, looking for things. I was shuffling the cupboard when I heard Eve's voice. "What are you doing here?" I gulped at his clipped, sharp tone. "Hey, good morning." He rolled his eyes at that. Right. "Breakfast. I will come with the plates; have a seat at the table." He groaned and walked out of the kitchen. I exhaled a breath that I was holding. Thank God he didn't kick me out; that's something.
Eve and I sat at the table in silence, and Mrs. Miles, Emma, joined us. She took the initiative to serve the food, and my eyes were darting to the food and Eve, who was scrolling through his phone. "Eve, keep that thing aside." He obliged, and we started eating in silence. Only Emma was talking to Eve, and Eve nodded and grunted throughout the whole breakfast. This is going to be a hell of a task.
After finishing breakfast, the three of us walked out. "I will drop you." "No need." He didn't waste a second. "It's on my way, Eve," I tried to convince him. "Oh god, both of you, just go, Eve." Emma shooed Eve, and reluctantly he walked to the car.
"You are not sending me any parcel at lunchtime." Once again, the words came out sharp. I started the car, and we both buckled up. "Instead, shall we go for lunch?" I offered, and his head immediately jerked toward me, glaring. "No, I will have it in the cafeteria." I didn't argue with that. "Ok, I will pick you up in the evening. Don't get angry if I show up." I stated and clenched my hand into a fist. "What do you think you are doing?" "My routine." He gritted his teeth at that. "When the hell does picking me up become your damn business?" "That's what boyfriends do." I tried to humor the situation. "Silas." He glared, and I sighed at that. "Please calm down, Eve. Let me drive you whenever it's possible for me. I have a hectic day ahead." I pleaded with him, and I knew it worked on him. He calmed down, not uttering a thing, but he wanted to ask about my schedule. A light chuckle escaped, and I sighed in contentment.
After dropping Eve, I drove to the company. Freya was constantly calling me as I parked the car. I dialed her number. "Silas." She cheered, and I held the cell to my ear. "Yes," I answered her. "Why are you not picking up my call from yesterday?" "I have a life, and I am busy with that," I grunted, and the call went silent. "I was worried, Silas." I groaned at that. "I am not a small kid, and I can take care of myself." My answer was clipped. "Is everything ok with you?" "Better than never, trust me." She sighed at that. "About Hazel's birthday, I was thinking we should do shopping together." She spoke so slowly, and I almost missed the hint. "What's there to shop for? Everything is taken care of by event management." I was perplexed. "For me, Silas, and also for you." "Don't worry about me, and you can go shopping with Liam. I am busy." "What? Why?" "Because you are dating Liam, in case you have forgotten." "No, I mean, why can't you take me?" "Because I am busy, Freya. I have a meeting. Bye." I disconnected the call before she could respond. I should have done this long before. I need to see someone break in front of me to realize something. How pathetic.
I stopped the car at Eve's company and texted him. The reply was immediate: he would be late by half an hour. I replied to him with "ok" and leaned on the seat.
There was a tap on the window, which disturbed my slumber. I can't believe I slept in the car. I immediately unlocked the door, and Eve entered. "You look thoroughly drained." He grunted the words. "You look like a flower blooming." I mocked him; he looked no better than me. "You could have slept in your flat, Silas." He was angry. "And miss picking you up." I smiled at that, and he groaned as he leaned on the seat.
I started the car, and Eve closed his eyes. I let him. For only 10 minutes, he rested and yawned louder. I laughed at that. "Any news from the doctor?" I know it is a sore topic, but I need to be in the loop at least now. "No, he will call me once he gets the report." I nodded at that. "Do you want to take a second opinion? I can look into expertise in this field." "No, I trust him, and he already took a second opinion." I nodded, not pressing more on it. "If you want, just let me know." He nodded. "My mom hates going through the same thing, so no, it's better to wait for the result." I nodded at that.
I parked the car in front of his place, and Eve didn't walk out immediately. "You are tired as hell." I smiled at that. "I can manage," I replied to him, and he sighed. "Do you want to come in for dinner or snacks?" "What about sleeping?" "Don't push it, Silas." "You know I need to sleep more than anything at the moment." He groaned. "Come in." He walked out, and I tailed him.
Emma opened the door with a smile. "Well, hello, boys. Dinner is almost ready. You are joining us, right, Silas?" Before I could respond, Even beat me. "Yes, Mom, he is sleeping too. He looks wrecked," he answered Emma as he entered. "That's kind of you, thank you." He rolled his eyes, gesturing for me to follow him.
****************
It was almost 12 days, and I was waiting for Dr Parker's call. Silas would check in, enquiring about it. I was surprised to see changes in his behaviour. His constant presence in my life is calming me, and my mom would always be extra cheerful around him, which annoys me to my core. If we are only two of us in the house, she hardly comes out of her room. If she comes out, she will be in front of the TV. She tries to persuade me to watch along with her, which I deny most of the time. I hate her for being so cheerful in Silas's presence.
The doctor called and informed me to visit him that evening. I don't know why I immediately called Silas. As he answered, I rambled. "The doctor called, and I have to meet him this evening." "We will go together." That was a statement, which surprised me. I didn't argue; by replying to him as ok, I disconnected the call. That was such a small thing, but his immediate reaction made my stomach flutter.
Silas was waiting for me, and I hoped in by greeting him. The ride was silent, and I was anxious about the result.
I greeted the doctor as I entered and clenched my hands tighter under the table. Silas took my hand under the table and held it tighter, assuring me, and my heart skipped a beat.
The doctor was silent, studying the file, and I didn't know what he was doing till now. "Well, Everett, it's confirmed she has liver cancer, but nothing to worry about. It's in its initial stage; with surgery she will be fine, in no time." Sweat started to form on my forehead, and my heart stopped at that. What if the surgery didn't go well? What if something happens to her on the operating table? What if she leaves me to follow her husband? What if she couldn't make it?
"We have surgery scheduled in two days." I exhaled a sharp, shuddering breath upon hearing his words. "We can't delay, and the doctor has given an appointment. He is busy; we can't postpone." I nodded, not uttering a word. "When should we admit her?" Silas asked her. "Tomorrow, we need to run a few tests." "We will then." He answered, pressing my hand once again. "The insurance will cover part of the cost. A few medicines are costly, and the insurance is not going to cover that." My head jerked at that. "But I pay a good premium for this purpose," I shouted at the doctor, as if he had the answer. "No problem, full payment will be made tomorrow," Silas said, and I didn't like it. I wanted to protest, but in front of the doctor, I didn't want to create a scene. The doctor nodded and informed me about the procedure and the tests they were going to conduct.
I walked out of his cabin, in a daze. The whole way, till we reached the car, Silas held my hand, and I only noticed when we were near the car parking lot. "Silas, about the payment." I was cut off mid-sentence. "You will repay me in instalments when it's possible for you. Health is wealth." He spoke in a sharp tone, and I didn't utter a word at that. "Please don't show that face to her; she will be more upset than the news." "There are all negative thoughts that are beating one another." I exhaled a breath as I spoke. "She is a strong woman, and we will be together to support her. Please wipe that emotion from your face. Shall I take you on a long drive?" That sounds really good, so I nodded at him.
I let the steam blow out of my body as the air hit my face, and I hummed, placing my head on the window. I should be stronger; I murmured the words. She will not leave me to deal with the world alone. She is stronger; she will recover from the cancer; she is a fighter. I heaved as the car parked on the side of the road. A hand wrapped around me, and I leaned back into it. "Don't worry." He whispered in my ear. "I will be there this time." His words were so soothing, and I dissolved in them. "Be stronger for your mom." I nodded at that. A shuddering breath left me as he kissed my neck. "We should head back; she will be waiting." I wanted more, but I didn't say that out loud. I have some dignity left in me to beg for anything from him. He chuckled as he saw me, giving a knowing look. I groaned and averted my face from him.
My mom was on the couch munching popcorn and watching TV. Silas left us alone and walked to my room. I didn't hide anything from her, as it was presented to me by the doctor, exactly as I explained to her. She nodded wherever it was required and also continued her TV show. "Dinner is on the table; I had already." She informed me as I got up from the couch and was still too focused on the show. For love of God, sometimes I hate her.
"So, how did it go?" "Too good," I grunted, and he chuckled. "Dinner." "Starving." Was his answer, and I was also on the same page for something else, entirely.
We lay side by side on the bed after having dinner. I don't know why my mind was full of dirty things. Is it a coping mechanism or what? I tried to make sense of it when my mind was completely taking a U-turn from the situation I am in. Silas pulled further into him. Oh boy, he was testing me. His two fingers started playing on the hem of my shorts instead of groaning a low moan left me. He chuckled at that. His hand moved further, and I didn't stop him. I want more of what he wants to offer me. I sighed in contentment when the climax hit me, and I leaned too close to him. "I want to give you more, but it's not the right time and place." He whispered in my ear, and I hummed in exhaustion. "Sleep now." He kissed my hair, and once again, I nodded and dozed off.
The next day, we arrived at the hospital, and Silas handled everything. He didn't let me get involved in anything and made sure I was glued to my mom's side. In a VIP ward, she was admitted, and I glared at Silas, who rolled his eyes in return. Not only that, but he also took extra room for us besides hers. I didn't bother to argue with him; one thing was that it was a hospital, and two, my mom needed my full attention.
It was the day of surgery, and I was panicking like hell. As the nurses were taking her to the operating theatre, I hugged her tightly. "Alright, alright, don't suffocate me to death." I groaned and broke the hug, and Silas laughed beside me. Silas kissed her forehead and whispered something. I was in too much of a daze to hear anything.
As she entered the theatre, I slumped on the chair, and Silas sat beside me. Silas was busy typing something, which was a good thing, as I needed to be in my own thoughts for the moment. His cell started ringing, and he glared at the caller ID. He walked a little bit farther and answered the call. I knew who it was, and I was waiting for the routine to hit me. He disconnected the call and walked to me. "I will be back; can you manage for an hour or so?" I nodded, like always. "My assistant will be here; ask him anything if you want, ok?" Once again, I nodded. He approached me and kissed my forehead. "I will be back." He spoke, pressing every word, watching me intently, as if he meant it. I nodded when his firmness hit my nervous system. These words felt and hit different; there was firmness and a promise that he was sure he would keep it. By pecking my cheeks, he walked toward the exit, instructing his assistant on something.
Once again, I was left alone, but this time, it was welcoming and promising. I liked this feeling so much, so that it scared me to hell. If he didn't keep his promise like before, then what? History repeating, that's it. All my life revolves around him, however he wants and whatever he wants. What about me and my wants? What about everything that's going on between us? What about us? In the past, I walked out for good. What now? How can I walk out? Most importantly, where can I go?
"Do you want anything, Mr Miles?" His assistant's words snapped me out of the theories that were running through my head. "No," I informed him with a polite smile. He nodded his head and went back to take his place. My eyes fell on the red light that was still on, and I sighed.
****************
"Please tell me, is she my daughter or yours?" I spoke louder, in irritation. "Excuse me." Freya's eyes went wide as she saw my face fuming. "My voice was loud and fucking clear." Once again, I spoke louder and way harsher. It's fucking time to end her shit. "And why the hell were you calling me back-to-back?" I glared at her, and she gulped. "Silas, you were not answering my call; it's been days, and I was worried." I groaned at that. "Stop worrying about me and start to worry about your damn life," I shouted, and Liam chuckled.
"What happened to you? Why are you talking like that to me?" "Because you are pushing my button." I snapped at her. "Why do I need to pick up your daughter from her friend's place?" "I thought you could spend some time with her, and she missed you." "Don't play that card." I barked at her. "Don't fucking play that card. I love her, no denying that, and I am only godfather, not father, for fuck's sake." She was clearly taken aback and started crying. Like it had any effect on me. "Enough is enough, Freya, I mean it," I spoke to her, voice slow and threatening. "I have my life, and I have my priorities that I should take care of." Her eyes went wide at that, but she wiped that immediately. "Work this shit out, Freya, and I fucking mean it." I glared at her. "On and off, shit should stop; it's high time." I seethed the words. "Give Liam a chance before it's too late. I won't wipe your tears if you ever come to me, mark my words." I gave her one final warning before turning my attention to Liam, who immediately stood from the chair.
"Do you love Freya?" He immediately nodded, no hesitation there. "Hazel?" "I love my daughter so much, but it's hard to bond when Freya is around." I can't believe he just said that. He is trying his best; I always knew. "Will you give her one last chance?" "I am ever ready, but she is not on the same page." He spoke in a sad voice. "Maybe we are not meant to be together." He sighed in resignation. "But for our daughter, I can try to work this out, but she should also try from her heart." I nodded in understanding. "If this didn't work out, contact me. I will make sure Hazel ends up with you." I informed him firmly. "You can't do that." Freya immediately spoke with a glare. "Sweetheart, watch me. You are turning toxic, and Hazel has witnessed enough of your shit. Either you try with him or lose your daughter." I challenged her. "You know your dad cannot stop me. Before I think of going against him, he will back off." She immediately averted her face from mine.
We stayed in silence, pondering our thoughts. "Stop calling me unnecessarily." I thought about it; now that sounds terrible. "No, stop calling for good. If anything, tell Liam; if he will contact me." Her eyes went wide at that. She is acting as if her world has collapsed. "Silas, please, I won't bother you; don't say such a thing." "I never thought this day would come, but it has. I need to concentrate more on my personal life, and you're disrupting it with your presence." That was a slap in her face. "I am no saint because I unintentionally went along with you." I watched her face, the one that I would believe and depend on most. "You knew what you were doing." That was a statement, and she went completely silent at that. "You could have stopped me from getting hurt and hurting Eve the most." I clenched my hand, hardly holding back. "You could have been an angel in my life, but instead you chose to be a devil." I spat the words. "Nothing mattered to you, not me, not even our long friendship. You are selfish as hell and self-centred. Played with my damn life." I shouted the words, and she took a step back instantly. "You could have woken me up from my stupidity; you could have encouraged me to come out; you could have made me aware of how Eve was feeling the whole time." I closed my eyes, not letting any tears flow in front of her.
"You wrote the script around us, how you wanted and took advantage of me," I spoke slowly; each word hurt a lot, stabbing at my heart. This whole thing is highlighting my stupidity. "You knew how I felt about Eve, Freya, from the beginning; you knew. I was stupid and blind, but you weren't. You could have opened my eyes." I took a sharp breath, thinking about the past. "You could have made me realise the things so Eve would never disappear from me, but you didn't." I exhaled. "I kept you on top of everyone, but you stabbed me at every step. It's high time, and I can't deal with you anymore." Freya ran toward me and held my hand. "Please, Silas, I am sorry. Please, I am sorry; forgive me." I pulled my hand from her hold and distanced myself. "I always loved you, Silas. I couldn't see you getting close to anyone else. I am sorry." I chuckled at that. "Clearly, you should have backed off when things didn't work out between us." I gave her a pointed look. "Why did you keep your pregnancy?" I had kept everything; enough. It was time for answers. She was biting her lip. "Well?" I probed. "I, I, I don't want to abort my pregnancy." "That's bullshit, right?" I chuckled as I said that. "You never wanted a kid, and you kept the pregnancy once you confirmed its gender. I wonder why?" Liam chuckled, shaking his head, and I glared at her. "I liked kids so much, especially if it's a girl; that's all you care about, right? Seriously, Freya?" I couldn't stand her anymore.
"Loving is not a crime." She shouted, her bloody nerve. "Using someone, playing with another life and bringing a life for your own benefit is more than a crime," I shouted at her, and she flinched at that. I turned toward Liam and spoke. "Do you still want to give this shit a chance?" I really like this guy, and his patience level is amazing. "Yeah, one final chance, that's it, and then I am done for good." I nodded at him, feeling pity. Love could push so much from a person, for sure. "Well, you have done enough damage, so I am controlling the damage by blocking you," I stated, without an ounce of pity or concern for our friendship. "Liam will call me if it's necessary," I added. "I will be in Hazel's life whenever it's necessary and only on important occasions, along with Even," I smirked as I watched her shocked expression. "I almost lost him for the second time, but now, no more chances." I gave her one last threatening stare before turning toward Liam. "Your business is yours; I don't intervene, but when it comes to Hazel, I will." He nodded at that. "Work this shit out or else; be ready for single parenting," I stated firmly; he nodded at that. "Good, call me if things need my genuine attention." With that, I walked out without turning back.
It's almost 3 hours; Silas has not returned, nor is the red light off. I groaned, remembering my stupidity and my mom in the ICU. Don't think about him; it's not the right time. I muttered still as the minutes passed; grunts and groans were leaving my mouth.
"Sorry, I am late." Silas sat beside me, breathing heavily. I masked my surprise immediately and replied to him as ok. "Did you have anything?" I shook my head, and he got up from the chair and dragged me along with him. I didn't protest, as I was feeling hungry, and his grip on my hand was way tighter than before, implying something.
After hours of waiting, the doctor came out of the operating theatre and informed us that the surgery was successful, and I sighed in relief. My mom was unconscious and was shifted to the normal ward. It was already late at night, so Silas dragged me to the extra room that he booked for sleeping. I was so drained. As Silas wrapped his hand around my waist, kissed my hair and murmured, " Sleep." For the first time, I felt at peace; no more fear was lurking, no second thoughts, and my thoughts were at bay, not revolving around what if. I dozed off contentedly.
Silas woke me the next morning. "Common, let's head home; Mom will wake by the time we return." I hummed, taking a step but halted at the same second in shock. I repeated his sentence; he said Mom, not my mom, just mom. "What happened?" Silas watched me with those worried eyes, and trust me, I want to swim in those. So many things are happening at once; I don't know how I am going to survive. "Nothing," I replied to him meekly, too afraid of what; I don't know, but I felt a little shy.
A week later, my mom was discharged. She had completely recovered from cancer, and that assurance from the doctor made me cry. I cried my heart out in the doctor's cabin, and Silas was by my side the whole time.
After getting discharged from the hospital, we were finally home at peace. However, the chaos started; cleaning, food, and everything fell on me and Silas's shoulders. We shared it, but I ended up doing most of the work. He was busy; balancing work and house chores was hard. I was used to this, but he wasn't, and I knew that.
A week passed after my mom's surgery, and we took our mom for a routine checkup with the doctor. The doctor took her to the room to conduct some tests, so Silas and I went to the cafeteria to get something. We spent almost an hour, and then we returned. The doctor and my mom were in his cabin talking about something.
The door was slightly ajar, and we both could hear their conversation. "The guy with your son terrifies me." The doctor spoke, and I knitted my eyebrows, and Silas chuckled slowly. "I wanted to tell your son that I would make the remaining payment for the surgery, but the guy beat me." My mom scoffed at that. "Won't you date me? You promised." And I was taken aback by that, and Silas was too. "You were my doctor, and I was in critical condition, and you want me to risk my life more by rejecting you." The doctor rolled his eyes. "As if you have rejected me the first time. Give me a break, Emma?" They both went silent at that. "You are not getting any younger, lady." He taunted, and my mom gasped at that. "Your son is in good hands, and you know I like him as my own. What more do you need? Don't tell me you are still hung up?" She pouted at that. "No." "Then what?" "Let me recover fully and come back to my usual old version, Emma." "You know I don't care about your look or anything else, other than you. I like your old version." He spoke slowly. "Excuse me." She stood up from the chair. "One more time I hear you calling me old, trust me, I would shove something in your mouth." She glared, and he was a little bit frightened. "Ok, ok lady, calm down." And we entered.
The doctor looked surprised, but my mom was still glaring at him to mind us. "Let's go, Mom." "Yeah, we should. He is getting on my nerves." She barged out of the cabin without turning back, and the doctor sighed at that. "She is hard to deal with." He eyed us as he spoke, and I only nodded in return. "Everything is perfect about her health." He added further, and again, I nodded. We thanked him and tailed our mom.
*****************
"We should meet our family as a dating couple," Silas said out of the blue, while having a beer on the couch. I almost spit it out. "Oh, are we a couple?" I mockingly questioned him. "If you have second thoughts, you better wipe that off." "You never asked me to be anything to you; you didn't take me on a damn date and didn't do any couply things." "We will go on a date whenever we want, but that doesn't signify anything because we are couples and dating." I rolled my eyes at that. "When?" "This weekend." I hummed at that. "They know about us; don't look so tense." Somehow, it eased me. "Apparently, they always knew about us and were waiting for me to open up about us, but I didn't." He was sad, and I pressed our hands together. He smiled at that. "Don't worry, they love you." I smiled this time.
My mom told both Silas and me about the doctor. She also accepted his proposal, and they started to date. I am not worried about her now, because I know she is in better hands.
So much happened in a span of two months. We are close with Liam; the three of us hang out whenever we can. Eve grunts and groans in response about Freya, and I didn't encourage him to be friends with her or anything. Apparently, Freya is trying hard to work on her relationship with Liam, and Liam is still in shock over it. Freya changed completely around him; her tone and her behaviour improved a lot, and yeah, Liam is still digesting it. Freya tried her best to work things out between us, but once it's broken, it can't be repaired. I trusted her with my life, but she took advantage of it and misled me. I know I can't accuse her alone, as I was equally responsible for everything that happened, but she was my best friend. I chose her, I trusted her, and I blindly followed her, but in return, she stabbed me. I couldn't forgive her for what she had done to me. Liam never voiced his opinion on this matter, stayed neutral, and whenever we are together, we avoid the topic.
Eve and I entered the home while Emma was watching TV on the couch with popcorn. She smiled at us as we entered. We both freshened up and were at the dining table. We started to have dinner while discussing our day.
After having dinner, we sat on the couch. "Well, it's been a while. I was thinking about something," Emma said slowly. "You should move out." We were both taken aback by that; especially Eve's eyes went wide. "What?" He shouted, and I gulped. "Why should I move out?" He spoke angrily, and Emma was calm as hell. "Because I am done being a mama bear." She spoke so calmly, and I almost wanted to chuckle at that. "And you are turning 26, for god's sake." She glared at him. "I am dating. What more reasons do you want?" She finished the sentence, and Eve was still in shock. "I am not getting it. Why the hell should I move out?" "Should I repeat the sentence?" Eve glared at her. "So sudden, where can I go?" "That's your business." Wow, I was surprised by her answer, and Eve was in shock. "Excuse me, I am paying the damn rent too." "Well, stop paying then." That was smooth. "Why are you doing this?" "Because I want to be free, and it's high time you should move out." "Why all of a sudden?" "Hey, it wasn't a sudden decision. I was thinking about it for the past two days." He groaned, and I leaned back, not having the guts to intervene.
"Is this your idea or your partner's?" She sighed at that. "Don't bring the poor guy. He doesn't know anything." "Then why?" "Eve, we need space." He coughed at that. "You mean, you need space." "Well, I am not getting any younger, and neither are you." He glared at her. "So, yeah, pack your things. It's the weekend; you have enough time to shift the things." He gave his full attention to his mom. He was shocked and stunned on the spot. "What? What is wrong with you, woman?" "I am in love, baby, once again. Like you, I am not leaving the guy till death." She stated proudly, and Eve averted his eyes, coughing. I am not an idiot, and I know why she is doing this.
Slowly, I rose from my seat and crouched on my knees in front of Emma. She watched my every move, not in shock. "I am sorry." I slowly spoke the words, meeting her eyes. "I should have asked for your forgiveness long before. I am really sorry for what I have done to Eve." She looked straight into me, reading my soul. "I didn't even ask Eve's forgiveness, but he forgave me- at least I think so- but I know I don't deserve his forgiveness." I continued remembering everything that happened. "I hurt him so much in the past, and you both had to deal with my shitty behavior after having so much on your plate." I took her hands in mine and continued. "Please accept me from the heart and give me a chance. I won't ruin this." I pleaded, and she started crying. "Please forgive me, and I won't repeat my mistake. Eve is all I wanted, and don't worry, I will take care of him." Her breath shuddered, and I started to cry along with her. "I love him so much that I never thought of anyone else other than him," I added, remembering my disastrous dates in the past. "He is my everything. I might have realised lately, but I am holding on to this time tightly, never letting him go." I exhaled a harsh breath. "I am sorry I pushed him so much, made him go through so much, and you had to deal with the aftereffects." She wiped my tears along with hers. "He is good-hand; please trust me." She nodded and hugged me tightly. "I know." She whispered, and I felt such relief at hearing her words.
We broke the hug and stayed silent. I faced Eve and spoke. "Move in with me." He rolled his eyes, wiping his tears. "Please." "It's too soon." His voice cracked as he spoke, shaky, and I chuckled. "It's not. It's been years, actually. There was a gap, but still, it's been years since we've known each other well. Please move in with me." He sighed. "We should take things slowly." "We will." "No, I mean for now, I will rent a place." I cut him off. "No, no renting business. We will take things slowly by staying together." He deflated when he sensed firmness in my voice.
"That's settled then, pack your things tomorrow." Emma chirped in. "You can't wait to kick me out." He grunted the words. "Well, I am in love." He groaned at that, and I chuckled.
"You are kicking me out." I leaned on the door, watching Silas, who was instructing the carers about the language. "It's high time; as I said, I am done being a mama bear. I have a life and my man." I groaned at her. She is giving priority to the doctor over me. "You are welcome whenever you want. When you are in a mess too, I will wipe your tears like always." I sighed at that. "Do you think I will?" We both watched Silas at that. "No, you won't. He has made a mistake, and he learned from it. I trust him." I nodded at that, smiling.
Silas approached us once the luggage was packed up. "Well, all done." I nodded at that. "Are you planning to move in with the doctor?" Silas questioned my mom with all seriousness, and I chuckled at that. "As he got to know about Even, he is making all moves." She gushed the words, and I rolled my eyes; Silas smiled at her fondly. "Well, you are always welcome; there will always be room for you." Once again, seriousness laced his voice. "Whenever you want to vent out, too." I smiled at that, and she groaned. "That was my line to my son." "That won't be necessary." It was a promise, and he spoke each word by staring at her intently, and my mom nodded. Her eyes glistened with tears. "You guys better get going." We both nodded at that.
I hugged my mom tightly, thanking her for everything she has done, and she hugged me back, filled with warmth. Silas hugged her, murmured something to her, and she nodded, thanking him.
We started walking toward the car, holding hands. One last time, I turned and gave her a broad, assuring smile, which she returned.
THE END.