Alyssa grinned at Eva as she emerged from the washroom, having heard the interaction between her best friend and her brother. “Why didn’t you ask him about the letter?” she giggled excitedly. Eva blushed at the roots of her hair and shook her head.
“It was a foolish idea and I shouldn’t have listened to you and Skylar.”
“Shouldn’t you be thanking us instead? It’s because of us you could confess your feelings. I know you, Eva. You would rather die of heartbreak than admit to your true feelings,” said Alyssa and Eva smiled at her friend. No one knew her better than Alyssa did.
“It’s better I hadn’t confessed. He doesn’t love me the way I do.”
“He does. Why don’t you win him over? Show him how much you care,” urged her friend.
Eva sighed and smiled, not promising anything. Her nature was totally opposite to that of her friend’s. She couldn’t express her feelings well, having always bottled them up. While they all had someone or the other to open up to, she had no one apart from Alyssa. However, when Alyssa left school at the same time that Alexander left New York, Eva felt lonelier than ever before. Although the rest of the gang tried their best to cheer her up, her life was never the same. She missed Alyssa and Alexander like two sore thumbs. Alyssa returned this year when her dad fell sick and ever since, the two friends caught up with one another whenever they could.
Eva changed into the pajamas she had arrived in and occupied the room next to Alyssa’s. However, even after tossing and turning for an hour, she couldn’t sleep. With Alyssa mentioning the letter, her mind went back to the day Alexander left home five years ago. She remembered everything like it had happened just yesterday. The heartache, the tears, the desperation to stop him from leaving everything.
Flashback Five Years Ago
“Eva, tears won’t help you, girl. Tell him how you feel before he leaves,” urged Skylar as they sat together in the front yard of Skylar's grandparents’ palatial mansion, which was a few steps away from Alyssa’s as well as Sienna’s parents' house. It was their favourite meeting place since Eva wasn’t allowed in Alyssa’s house. Skylar's grandparents were sweet and welcomed the girls with open arms while their housekeeper, Mrs. Jules, kept them happy with her delicious food. There were no strict rules and the girls could be themselves and do whatever they wanted.
“I can’t. He doesn’t care, since he didn’t even tell me he’s leaving.”
Alyssa joined them in a few minutes, muttering curses at her brother. “He didn’t even give me a hug. Just warned me to stay away from guys!” Her eyes fell upon Eva’s unhappy face and she gave her best friend a hug.
“I’m sorry it had to be this way, Eva. I can understand what you’re going through. He’s coming over to meet Caleb, grandpa Phil, and granny Miriam. Why don’t you talk to him when he comes here?” suggested Alyssa, but Eva looked apprehensive and shook her head vigorously. Philip Carnell and Miriam Carnell were Skylar’s grandparents, while Caleb was her older brother. Although he was four years older than Alexander, they were good friends since childhood.
“No, please. I’ll hide. I can’t open my mouth in front of him, let alone confess. He always gets angry whenever I’m around!” said Eva, but clamped her mouth shut at the sight of Alexander approaching the main gates with a backpack slung over his shoulder. “I’ll slip out of the backdoor!” she said nervously, but Skylar caught her hand before she could escape.
“No, Eva. If you don’t tell him, he’ll never know. What if he gets married to someone else? Would you be happy knowing that he could have been yours if you just tried once?” said Skylar.
“I can’t just go up to him and admit that I love him!” said Eva, completely horrified at the thought.
“I have a better idea. Write a love letter to him, and I’ll slip it into his backpack,” said Alyssa. Although most girls were against the idea of their best friend dating their brother, Alyssa was different. She loved Eva and knew that Alexander could never find a better girl than her best friend. Eva’s jaws dropped at the suggestion and she gaped at her best friend.
“Are you serious? I don’t know how to write a love letter!” she gasped. Alexander stormed in through the gates, his eyes hooked upon her. “So, are you celebrating my departure here? Lisa, I was looking for you everywhere. I can’t find my laptop charger. Have you seen it?” demanded Alexander angrily while his eyes constantly wandered over to Eva’s tear-stained face.
“I don’t touch your stuff. Search properly, bro. You should be more responsible now that you’ll be all alone,” scolded Alyssa, while Alexander glared at her with disbelief. Skylar smothered a giggle, but picked up a gift-wrapped box and handed it out to Alexander.
“This is a parting gift from me, Alex. Hope you like it. All the best with your career,” she said. Alexander stared at Eva accusingly for a split second before accepting the gift from Skylar.
“Thank you, Sky. It was so thoughtful of you.” Eva felt guilty for not getting anything for him. She somehow had the feeling that he had expected something from her. Alyssa’s suggestion rang in her ears incessantly. “I’ll meet Caleb and your grandparents before I leave.” He went inside along with his backpack and Alyssa’s plan to dump the love letter inside discreetly went down the drain.
The moment he left, Eva turned to Skylar. “I need paper and a pen to write a letter to him.”
Skylar and Alyssa happily provided her with a piece of paper and a pen. Eva wrote whatever came to her mind. Being inexperienced in such things, she just followed her instincts.
Alexander
I want to say a lot to you before you leave, but I don’t know where to start. I’ve never been good at expressing my feelings.
You are leaving! It’s very difficult to come to terms with the fact that I won’t be able to see you soon. I’m sorry I didn’t get any gift for you. It didn’t cross my mind since all I could think of was how I would live without you now. You’re taking my heart and soul with you.
I have always loved you for a long time and now, with you gone, my life wouldn’t have any meaning. Don’t worry, I expect nothing from you in return. I just wanted you to know that I gave you my heart, willingly and happily. It's the only parting gift I have for you.
Best of luck with everything you do. If you like me even a little, please keep in touch. I will wait every day of my life for your call.
Yours Eva.
With tears glistening in her eyes, Eva folded the paper, thinking of a way to give it to him. She took out a new handcrafted, leather-bound journal she had received from Georgia on her birthday. Slipping the letter inside it, she waited for Alexander to emerge, determined to give it to him herself.
“What’s taking him so long?” asked Alyssa impatiently. “I’m getting hungry waiting for him here.”
“Me too. Let’s check what’s there for lunch,” suggested Skylar, pulling Eva along as well. However, Alexander was nowhere to be seen, so Eva reluctantly went up to Skylar’s bedroom, sulking all the time.
“He’s there in Caleb’s room. Do you want me to slip the letter in his backpack?” asked Alyssa. Eva shook her head. She wanted to give the letter to him herself.
“I’ll give him if I see him.”
There was a knock on the door, and they all turned to see who it was. Eva knew it was Alexander. She could feel his presence outside the door. Maybe he came to see his sister. “Come in,” yelled Skylar.
The door opened and Alexander peered inside, his eyes seeking Eva out. “Lisa, come home. I’m leaving right away. Bye Skylar. Study hard!” he said, glancing at Eva, who sat looking down at her hands. Would he acknowledge her presence at all? How would she ever draw up the courage to hand over the letter to him? Her heart constricted with pain at being ignored again! All her determination to hand the letter over to him crumbled to dust, and she sat dazed, with her head bowed down in defeat, staring at her hands lying on her lap. Maybe he didn’t care enough to even say goodbye to her!
“Bye, you too,” said Skylar cheerfully, while nudging Eva, who had just turned into a statue. Alexander gave Eva a last look and left, without a word, without a goodbye! Alyssa scowled at her best friend, who sat like a statue with tears in her eyes. She snatched the journal with the letter from her hands and rushed after her brother, determined to slip it into his backpack.
Eva broke down after they left, and even Skylar wasn’t able to console her this time.
End Of Flashback
Alexander twisted and turned on his bed, not getting a wink of sleep. He hadn’t expected Eva to grow up so fast into such an irresistible beauty! At eighteen, she was smoking hot, her honey-hued eyes inviting him to drown in her sweetness. Alexander had to try hard to control his urges around her. It was something he had never expected to happen. Being sinfully attracted to his little sister’s best friend should not happen at all! Yet he was helpless and visited her apartment twice already, took her out to dinner even, all in a matter of a day! How pathetic could he get? He closed his eyes, thinking of the torture he would have to go through the next day at home. Why did his parents have to throw a gala party on the occasion of his homecoming? He didn’t have any problems with parties, but it was the guest list he dreaded meeting, especially Beatrix. It would have been so much better if only his and Alyssa’s friends were invited, but that would never happen. They would never invite
Eva caught Alyssa’s hand to stop her from calling her brother, but she didn’t listen to her at all. “Alex will drop you home. My car has a flat tyre.” “I can walk down. It’s no big deal. I’m used to walking,” said Eva, not wanting to bother Alexander. Alexander accepted the call and Eva clamped her mouth shut, her heart racing with excitement. “Bro, can you drop Eva home? I have a flat tyre and she is planning to walk back.” Alexander’s face eased into a smile. It was an involuntary reaction, something he had no control over. “Give me five minutes.” He disconnected the call and took a quick shower. Feeling fresh, he pulled on his clothes and dashed off to drop Eva off. “Was he angry?” asked Eva nervously as they waited for Alexander. “No, he sounded glad.” “I’m sure you’re quite mistaken. Why would he be happy to drop me off? He doesn’t even like me.” Alyssa shook her head with a sly gleam in her eyes. Her brother could fool the world with his arrogance, but not her. She could
Alexander didn’t have an answer to give his mentor, Desmond Rotterdam, and flashed a fake smile at him when they embraced. “Nice to see you back for good, son. I’m eagerly waiting for you to start your training.” “Me too, uncle Desmond. It has been my passion to own a restaurant chain and I can’t wait to start,” said Alexander, too engrossed in his dream topic to give Beatrix a thought. He was extremely ambitious and could do anything to achieve his aspirations, except marry Beatrix, of course. His parents joined them and soon they started having a detailed discussion about the weekend getaway they wanted to go to. Alyssa left the party with her friends, not liking what was going on. Her heart constricted with pain for her best friend, who was oblivious to everything. “Do you really think your brother will marry Beatrix?” asked Skylar, unable to stop herself. “I don’t know what to think of it. I thought he cared about Eva,” said Alyssa with a sigh.“Tell nothing to Eva now. She’ll
I just went to catch hold of Lisa.” Eva nodded, disappointed to hear him. Of course, he had gone to see his sister. How silly of her to ask? “Oh, did you meet her? She didn’t come here.” Alexander nodded, wondering what reason to give her to explain his surprise visit. “Yes, I met her and your entire group. I just came here to check up on you.” Eva didn’t prod further since it was obvious he came here only out of curiosity. The space beside her looked so inviting that Alexander couldn’t resist the temptation to sit with her. Eva’s eyes widened when he joined her on the sofa, his legs almost brushing with hers as he occupied the entire space beside her. His presence filled up the room, the scent of his cologne playing havoc with her senses. “Were you crying, Eva?” His sudden question took her by surprise and when he picked her hand up in his large rough one, Eva’s young heart melted into a puddle. She could only shake her head as her throat felt too choked to utter a single word. W
They all squealed with delight at seeing their friend after years. “How did you know we’re meeting up here?” asked Skylar, as she sprang up from her seat to embrace her friend. “Sienna informed me and here I am,” said Alyssa, as they all hugged her one by one. Eva stood quietly with tears of pure happiness in her eyes as she stared at her friend in disbelief. Was she really here for good? Alyssa at last turned towards her, opening her arms out for a hug. “Aren’t you gonna give me a hug, Eva?” Eva smiled through her tears and went forward, wrapping her best friend in her arms. “I’m so glad to see you, Alyssa.” Alyssa could feel the pain in her voice, although she tried her best to look happy. For the last four years, the few times they had interacted over the phone, Eva had been very secretive about her true feelings. Alyssa had called her the day her brother got engaged, and Eva hadn’t accepted her call for a month. She found out from Sienna that she had stopped taking care of hers
“Who’s there Alex?” purred Beatrix from behind him and he came to his senses and looked away. “Shall we leave?” he asked gruffly, turning away and storming out of the apartment without a word. His indifference hurt Eva, and she slowly emerged from the kitchen after the door closed shut after them. “I’m not going to Phoenix. I'm fine with any other place,” she said, her mood already souring at the interaction. How could Alexander not recognize her at all? Hurt, she picked up her bag and trudged ahead towards the door. The doorbell rang, and Alyssa rushed ahead of her to open it.“You aren’t going anywhere, Eva,” scolded an upset Alyssa while opening the door. Skylar and Hayley barged inside, looking upset and displeased, arguing amongst themselves. “You shouldn’t have said that to him,” scolded Skylar. “I couldn’t top myself. She’s a bitch,” argued Hayley while the other two gaped at them. “I know, but she is Alex’s fiancée,” pointed out Skylar. “I don’t care,” said Hayley with a
“Desmond wants you and Beatrix to plan your wedding, Alex. How long are you planning to wait? Isn’t four years enough?” asked his mom at the dinner table. When his mom invited him and Beatrix over for dinner, he immediately understood his parents’ intentions. He wanted to avoid it but his dad ruled the option out by arriving at his place with Beatrix to get him. So here he was sitting, sandwiched between Beatrix and her dad, with his parents facing him. It was the worst situation ever! “I’m willing to marry him right away, aunt Jodie.” Alexander glared at Beatrix wanting to remind her she had to leave her ways if she genuinely wanted to marry him but with her father sitting right next to him, he couldn’t utter a single word, “I’ve asked you something, Alexander. When do we fix your wedding date?” prodded his mom. “I’m not ready to get married, mom.” “Scratch that. I think he isn’t ready to marry me,” pouted an upset Beatrix. “No one will be ready to marry you, Trixie, if you don’
“I can’t possibly go wearing such a shocking red dress? It's super short, Eva! Hell, no, I’m not wearing this,” wailed Sienna, holding the dress Alyssa had chosen for her. It was deep red with a scooping neckline and a short hemline and Eva was adamant that she wear it. “You don’t have a choice, Sien. Hurry, they’ll be here soon to pick us up.” Eva pulled the deep coffee-colored ruched dress on and stared at her reflection in the mirror. The dress matched her eyes, that were a few shades lighter in comparison. Her milky white skin glowed unlike ever before and she just couldn’t believe that the woman in the mirror was actually her! She grabbed her hair to fix them up in a messy bun when Sienna grabbed hold of her hand. “Let it be. Just curl it a little. You’re looking swooning hot, Eva.” She helped her curl her long hair while Eva helped her with the makeup. The doorbell rang and Eva rushed to open the door since Sienna couldn’t find her favourite perfume. “Sorry girls! Just a minu