Chapter 7

"So, that was what happened. And by the look you are giving me now, I assumed you don't recognize anyone by that name..."

Gale had explained to Ben and Molly about his relationship with Meryl and how it slowly broke apart even before the engagement. He had explained to them that he treated Meryl badly and how she deserves someone who can cherish her fully. He was not that person. He tried but he couldn't.

At first, Ben and Molly thought that the one who suggested to end the engagement was Gale. They were unmistakably disappointed that Gale chose to pursue someone who most likely doesn’t exist over Meryl who has been there for him and helped him to assemble his life after the accident. But when Gale told them it was Meryl who wanted it and suggested it; they were baffled. Gale told them that Meryl chose this and if she never asks to end their engagement they probably still have engaged up until now. And Gale had tried to stop it but in the end, he relented and let her go.

"I still don't get it... You and Meryl..." Molly whispered, gaze blank.

Gale sighed and leaned back to the chair he had been sitting in for the last 30 minutes. He doesn't need to be reminded how nonsensical his logic is. He knew choosing to search Ava Shelley instead of saving his engagement with Meryl was a crazy and foolish decision.

"Help me understand. So, you are currently looking for Ava Shelley just because you always said her name in your dreams?" Ben prompted.

"Yes. I know it's insane and doesn't make sense in the slightest but-"

Ben cut in. "I don't judge you, not just yet. I want to understand your reasoning on this. Why?"

Why? Gale never asked this question to himself before. Part of him will say it's because of Meryl – she had asked him to look for Ava because she believes Ava is real. But another part of him knew, that wasn't the only reason.

"Curiosity," Gale answered, and Ben raised his brow skeptically. "I want to know why she's the only one that came back to me after I lost everything. I never dream about my parents or my siblings. It's only her. She couldn't possibly only my imagination. Recently, I asked my friend who specialized in psychology about my dreams. She told me that it was possible my dreams were pieces of my memories. And what I did about 2 years ago; repressing them with hypnosis was a futile attempt. The psychiatrist who did it warned me about the possibility of these dreams I had were actual memories that got conjoined with imagination. They are trying to surfacing. I didn't listen to him. My goal at that moment was to make Meryl feel safe in our relationship but in the end, she and I realized that it might be true that those are memories and we just let them. But when I told her about them; she would be sad and jealous. I always assured her that Ava wasn't real – but we both know that was a lie because deep down I believe Ava is real just like Meryl believes she's real."

Gale stopped a few moments but the couple seated in front of him didn't say a word. They wait patiently for him to continue.

"I thought maybe the dreams would stop at some point. But they didn't and I didn't pay enough attention to what Meryl felt. I neglected her. I didn't let her in. I hid the dreams from her as much as I could. Little did I know that she actually realized how frequently those dreams came to me and I only tell her I dreamed of Ava twice or thrice a month. That morning back in April was her limit point and she couldn't take it any longer. We had an argument, we yelled at each other and then we just knew it won't work. But now, we're back being friends."

Everyone in the room fell silent after Gale finished with what he had to say. Ben look straight into Gale's eyes most of the time but he kept his mouth shut. His face was serious when he finally spoke. "If she's real; what are you gonna do?"

Gale shrugged. He honestly doesn't know.

"It's like you're gambling with life and you already lost the prize." Ben continued.

"Ben..." Molly tried to calm him.

"Molly, it's okay," Gale interjected with a weak smile.

"I just don't see the point here," Ben stood up and starts pacing around the living room. "You let go of Meryl, and looking for someone you don't even know exists. You said it yourself you only heard a name. How would you plan on finding her just by a name? Not to mention the name is so common. There could be hundreds or thousands of Ava Shelleys all around Canada! God knows how many Ava Shelleys around the world."

"That was before," Gale murmured.

"What?" Ben turned around to face Gale.

"That was before the last dream I had," Gale said and averted his eyes firmly on Ben's. "I saw her. Not her face, but her hair. She has red hair. And I-I still remember her voice. At least now I can narrow down the search to redheads only." He said while looking at Molly. He remembered the sound of the woman's voice in Molly's call from two days ago. He wanted to ask whether she's a redhead or not.

"Well, I know a few women with red hair." Molly prompted.

Gale almost utters the question that already laid in the tip of his tongue but was cut in by Ben.

"Yeah, like that would help. Is there any of those women named Ava Shelley, hun?" Ben asked mockingly. Molly shook her head. "There! It's like looking for a needle in the hay."

Gale rolled his eyes. "Listen, Ben. I'm not a kid. I know what I'm doing."

"Well, you certainly don't know what a priority is!" Ben replied sharply. "If you know; you wouldn't leave Meryl."

"How's that so? Hurting her feelings is definitely not my priority, Ben. She's too important to me, and I'm done hurting her."

"And this Ava Shelley is important enough to you that you're willing to break up with Meryl? Make it makes sense! If she's that important then why no one knows about her?"

"I thought you'd know!"

"You heard me; I don't!"

"Boys!" Molly cut the argument. "This conversation doesn't need to be this way. Ben, what has got into you? Why are you so riled up about the broken engagement? Gale and Meryl are adults, and I think their decision is for the best, and they know it. Gale – I will appreciate it if you lower your voice while at my house." She finished while glaring at the two men.

Gale groaned. He couldn't understand why Ben reacts the way he did. Yes, breaking up with Meryl was not his proudest moment in life, but it was necessary. Why can't Ben understand?

"Okay, I'm sorry," Ben suddenly said and then sighed. "I just feel bad for Meryl. She was always there for you when you were in your lowest point."

"Believe me, I wish I can take all the hurt she had to endure because of me." Gale countered.

The living room was again filled with silence as every person stopped talking and think. Gale didn't expect the conversation about his relationship with Meryl and about Ava Shelley could lead to a heated argument.

On the other hand, Ben felt guilty for lashing out at Gale. He was supposed to be supporting him as the last family he has, but he ended up scolding him like he was a teenager. Of course, Gale and Meryl knew what they were doing. They had lasted for 3 years, and it ended on their mutual decision that it was for the best for both of them – especially Meryl, if she's the one that got hurt more. She deserves all the happiness and love in this world and if Gale couldn't give it to her, then he simply wasn't the right person for Meryl.

"I'm sorry too," Gale chimed.

"Come here," Ben instructed and Gale obeyed. They hug each other in a brotherly way.

When they let go, Ben noticed how sad Gale look. "So, Ava Shelley... I take back what I said. She must be important to you. How can we help?" Ben said.

Gale smiled at him even though it didn't reach his eyes.