Chapter 6

©S A F I E  

CHAPTER 6 

ELLE 

I was bored like crazy.  

I lied down on the floor, my thoughts and emotions in a turmoil. I really miss him and the way my hormones raged on, doesn't help me at all. I pulled at my hair and turn so that I am facing the balcony, the view of the beautiful Sunday morning trying to cheer me up but failing. I push myself up so that I am sitting.

I've been in my studio for quite an hour now since I woke up, eating my cheerios with Nutella as I stare at the empty canvas. I couldn't seem to find the inspiration to paint or focus or even be creative.  

All because I miss him. 

He is still not here. He has promised to be back last night but it was one of his funny schemes, a prank as I like to call it. he loves playing with my feelings and I don't understand the reason behind it. I thought he will be true to his words but he did not even care to explain to me. He's on the other side of the world doing God knows what; left me here floating and cold. He didn't even bother to send me a text or even call me or send Taylor to my aid.  

I did try to call him a few times and it just directed me to his voicemail with his very sexy voice saying: 'Gabriel West. I am quite busy at the moment, please leave a message'. 

It's quite disappointing that my effort in preparing a dish for him last night is wasted. He didn't even bother to make time for a call and tell me a sorry excuse, better than ignoring me and receiving no reply from him at all.  

With pure and utter disappointment, I push myself off the floor and covered my canvas with some cloth. Strutting out of the room, I was surprised when the phone buzz on my pocket. I pulled it out in an instant expecting that it was Gabe but I was mistaken.  

It's Neola. 

'Hey, are u free?' I raised an eyebrow at her words.

'Yes, Y?' I typed back as I descend the stairs. It didn't take long before the phone buzz back in my pocket and I take it out to unlock it.

'I'm heading over to your house'. My eyes almost bulge out of their sockets as I read her message. I recover after a minute, typing back, 'Seriously, like right now?!' 

'Yep ;) '

I didn't even have the chance to finish descending the stairs when the doorbell rings. I hastily made my way down to the threshold and yank the door open, startled when I was knocked over by the female version of my husband.  

They look the same; Same blue eyes, perky nose, stubborn chin and auburn hair, though her features are much softer than that of my husband. 

"Neola!" I shrieked as she tightens her hug, "I can't--breathe" I stated, trying to push her off me. She hugs like a boa constrictor, I'm finding it hard to stay on my feet while she holds unto me like that.

"Oh, sorry..." She smiled at me, tucking her hair on the back of her ear as she blushes in embarrassment. 

I gave her an accusing look, "Can you please remind me again why you are here? I don't recall you stating that you'll come barging in early this morning. And also, you told me that you have a lot to do...Tailor for Bethany, pass your new gown design to Carle, deliver the flowers - am I correct?" I asked, putting my hands on my hips, enjoying that she was looking a little bit more nervous than she did when she just arrived. 

"You're right but, hey! Quit acting like my mother, Elle." She pulls my hand off my hips and kisses my cheek, knowing exactly what she should do. The cheeky girl. "I'm here to check on you as requested by...by my brother." She nodded her head as though she is reassuring herself, not really talking to me as she cast her eyes down on the floor, a vacant look on her eyes. She bites her lip and shrugs a shoulder as she stares at me. "I'm sorry, Elle. He put me to it."

"So, you're my babysitter now? I thought you promise me that you'll only serve me yesterday because you are not doing anything; because you are bored-or I didn't know better until now." I trained my eyes at her as she bites her lips, her cheeks now red of embarrassment. 

Looking up at me behind her eyelashes, I pointed an accusing finger at her. "Did you accompany me yesterday because it is an order from your brother?" She sighs once again, holding her hands up as she stands there, guilt plastered on her face. 

"It is. But hey...I also wanted to catch up with you. It's not like I got many chances to spend time with you because I just arrived from London a week ago. The last time I saw you were at your wedding which is a year ago- and yesterday at the café of course-but it doesn't make up with the lost time. I consider you my sister now which made me quite guilty for not exerting much effort of spending time with you." She huffed, shrugging her shoulders, " I didn't even get to celebrate with you on your first anniversary, no proper gift or anything." She said, her voice breaking as she continues to bite her lip. 

"Forgive me if I allow myself to be used by my brother. He ordered me around like his employee but, believe me: This is the first time that he asks a favour from me. I swear. It was rare, like a raindrop on the desert and for this time, he did ask me to take you out, just so you won't be alone..." 

"So he thought about these things now? Not a week ago? Or maybe two days after he left? He doesn't even message or call me, Neo. What is it with him and his secrets." I was startled when she guided me in the living room and have me sit on a couch. I gave her a sigh, and she smiles, "Okay. I'll let you past because you confessed the truth. That blasted brother of yours, you wait until he gets back here. I'll give him a piece of my mind."

"Hey! You are stressing out again. Don't do this to yourself, please. It's really bad for you and the baby..." 

"God, the baby! Does he know about the baby?" Neola stared at me and held her hands up, her expression surprised. "Nope. Not my place to break the news to him. It's up to you to tell him." I breathe a sigh of relief and unknowingly, my hand move down on their own accord, caressing my tummy.  

I muttered a 'thank you' and we just sat there- looking at the television which is not even turned on. It was only when her phone rang that she suddenly turn to me again and smiled, "Now, it's time to start our day out. Come, Ryan is already waiting." She stands and offered me her hand. 

"Who is Ryan? Is he your boyfriend?" She pulled me up the couch, hiding her face as she blushes, her eyes wipe, "Nope! He.is.not. He is Joe's nephew, in case you didn't know." she stated, her face still red as she opens the door for me. 

"Wait, who the hell is Joe?!"

Now I'm confused. 

Neola rolled her eyes as we walk down the driveway, her boots clicking as she walks beside me. I look down at my simple white shirt and faded jeans, feeling a little bit underdress as I stand next to Neola - I should've asked a couple of minutes so I can dress up and pull on something nicer than my normal clothes.

"That's Taylor's first name. Taylor is simply their surname," Neola said to me as she signals to the classy guy who is holding out the door for us to a sleek black limo.  

So, should I now call Taylor as Joe?  

"DOLLAR, DOLLAR, baby!" Neola screams as she got inside, flashing me a smirk that is very much like my husband's.

I am glad to be out of the house, out of the claws of the city that never sleeps. We are going to spend the day out away from all these, just like Neo stated it.  

As for Ryan Taylor, he is a silent guy. Barely speaking, barely moving aside from the fact that he needs to ask Neo, occasionally, about where we are going to go. He's tall like Joe but not as bulky as him. Ryan is thin, only slightly build and also, he wears eyeglasses. He almost looks like that guy from Harry Potter

I jerked from my seat when the limo stopped in front of a shop. Ryan opened the door for us as Neo stepped out, ushering me so that she was leading me to enter the shop. It was small and has cream painted walls but the fact that it was littered with their products made it almost impossible for me to see the real wall. Against the cramped surrounding, I couldn't help but smile. It was warm and cosy and really felt homey inside.

The shop sells different kinds of jewellery, furniture, clothes. Anything that is antique and is fairly beautiful in the human eyes. It was like a shrine of objects that once was dear to their owners but have lost its charm, making it end up in this place. I glance around, thrilled by the different artworks I am seeing - the owner must have a keen eye to collect such bizarre things. There are so many of them that captured my attention: body shaped vases, glass-blown flowers, cherubim with colourful wings and dozens of trinkets.

I am enthralled by the different accessories that sat on the velvet cases. I draw near it and gasp as I see what is inside. One is a simple leather bracelet with an engraved drawing of wings which can actually be split. One is larger as the other was smaller. It reminds me of Gabe and also the little bean inside of me. It will be perfect for them. I smiled and proceed to pay for it though after paying, another thing caught my attention, which is a flute. 

I stared at it for a while losing myself in a memory that has once hunted my dreams.

*Flashback * 

“Papa, play my song. Play it, please!" I scream at the man who is sat by the piano. His face hidden by a shadow as his hands expertly glided through the keys. The notes form into a rhythm until a melody was made and soon, another tune pipe in. It was thinner and soft - almost encouraging me to dance the lessons I learnt from ballet. 

I look up to see a boy smiling down at me, his eyes green like mine though he has blonde hair. He places the metallic tube on his lips and blows through the hole again, accompanying the sound made by the piano as I dance around the room, the ceiling so high up that I wonder why the clouds are not on it yet. 

I was once a naive five-year-old who only knows about the simple things in life such as ice creams tasted better when they are cold and never to question your mistress when she teaches ballet.

I can feel a smile tugging at my lips as the melody made me twirl and I landed down on my legs, perfecting a split. There's a cheer coming from the man and the boy that has the same features as me. we had a lot of fun not until we were interrupted by a voice... 

"Jacob dear, come down now; Ela fetch your brother. Dinner is ready!" 

* end of flashback *

I was startled when someone touches my elbow and in a moment, I was back at the situation at hand. "Are you okay, miss ?" The very healthy woman beside me asked as she held unto my elbow. I touched my forehead and felt the dizzy spell leaving me. I was glad that she held me or else I already have collapsed.  

Why did I have that flashback? Is it because of the flute?

I haven't had any flashbacks since I was six. I don't really know when it did stop. Right after I was taken by the Greene's my life has drastically changed; I get lesser nightmares, good grooming and the best foods I can ever taste. I'm just thankful that my nightmares had stopped or I will still be buried in my misery which I cannot really remember the reason behind. The Greene's have chosen not to tell me about my past and I haven't really dwell on it much because I already have a good life, but as I turn to look at the flute, I realize that my past is yet to be unravelled. It has to.

I turn my head down and wipe my forehead, breathing through my nose so I won't puke. 

I was about to answer the woman when Neo pokes her head out of one of the shelf, a couple of books tightly clutch in her hands as she smiled, "There you are! I thought you are already swallowed by the spirit in that vase..." she stated pointing at the vase beside me when she recognizes the healthy woman holding me by the arm "Oh! Hey there, Genova." 

"Neola - mica! So, she was the girl you are talking about...the one that your brother had married." Genova released my arm as she began to inspect my face, giving me a yellow smile, showing all her teeth, "I apologize I didn't even recognize you, maybe it's because of that unfamiliar glow. You're very pale when I saw you at your wedding. But now look at you, you're very beautiful." She pinched my cheek which made me blush, embarrassed of getting such appraisal from someone I am not even familiar with. "You're pregnant, am I right?" She stated, looking at me in the eye. 

"How-" I answered only to be interrupted by her as she paces around me, her fingers touching my cheek lightly

"Girl, I know it. All women can see that by just looking at you. I doubt that your man won't be prouder than he already is. Maybe he's already bragging about you pregnant and--" 

"Actually, Genova...I'm going to get some lunch now. Elle here was so hungry that's why she kind of slips from our world to hers, so if you'll excuse us. I'll just see you tomorrow at the wedding. Don't worry, I'm going to bring the kit you requested from me and it is of free charge. your welcome!" Neo stated, not giving any chance for Genova to interrupt her as she pulled me out of the shop. 

I am thankful that I can control myself enough to hold the tears for a minute before the door closes us in the limo. I sob at Neo's shoulder as the tears flow. I don't know why I'm crying. Is it because Gabe doesn't know about the baby growing inside my womb or about the flashback I don't expect I would have by just looking at the flute? 

Thinking about the incident alone made me dizzy. 

We pulled up in front of an Italian restaurant and Neo ordered for us while I wait in the car. She decided that a take out would be a better choice considering the situation I have. Ryan drove us back to Fairfield, back to the manor. He was silent, not even looking at me and I am glad for he didn't ask the reason why I am acting like a crybaby.  

I opened the door to the manor, delighted because now, I feel safe. I'm inside the comfort of Gabe's compound even though he's not here. I remain standing by the threshold while Neola darted up the stairs to retrieve whatever she needed. Ryan moves silently, carrying our take-outs inside the living room just as Neola told him.

I was suddenly pulled, Neola leads me to one of the sofas and pushed me down it. She sets the pillow and the blanket on the couch and searches through the rack of movies besides the speaker holding out a couple of movies I can choose with. Wanting to cheer us up, I pick, legally blonde's and watch Neo roll her eyes at me. 

Ryan opens the box and leaves us to it, disappearing by the kitchen. I happily popped some pizza inside my mouth and my stomach cheered as it receives some of the pasta. "You liked it! Must be the Italian side of you." I whispered down at my tummy before I eat again. Neola occasionally snorted as she tried to hold her laugh in, making me laugh harder. 

After finishing the movie, she chooses another one, and another until I doze off. 

I am not sure but I can swear on a couple of Tenners that I heard her say goodbye to me as I drift off to sleep. But the most heart-stopping moment here is that I felt Gabe's presence in the room as soon as Neo left. 

I can smell his cologne and as his hands touched my bare shoulder, making me shiver. I peek through my eyelashes and felt his head brush my cheeks before he kissed my forehead, his lips lingering on top of it. Then, he did the most unexpected thing I never thought he would do - He carried me up from the couch and to the stairs, leading us back to my room.  

He laid me down the bed and after a while, my side dipped as he lies down next to me, stretching his limbs before he collected me on his arms. I am afraid to move but I should not be stiff enough to make him suspicious, finding out that I am not really asleep. I breathe in his scent and let out a breath, thankful that he is here, next to me, cuddling me in just like how I have yearned for years. But then these feelings are short-lived because now, I do not know how I'm going to say to him that I'm pregnant with his child and that it is not a prank. 

Whether he would believe me or not, it is up to him but one thing is for sure - I can give him the proof sooner than later. 

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