Annabel felt the physical weight of her promise to Victoria. In the wing of the mansion that was now hers, she sat on the edge of the big strange bed. As he guided her to the room Carson's touch had served as a silent source of solace. Despite its beauty, the room felt chilly like a gilded cage that was about to close. The tiny screen of her phone, a lighthouse of the world beyond these walls, was what Annabel reached for. She hovered her thumb over the call button as she saw Fred's contact name. She needed to hear his voice, she knew he was a friend she could rely on. She put the phone to her ear and pressed the button. The call went straight to his voicemail even though it had connected. “This is Fred.”He spoke in an overly upbeat tone “Leave a message and I'll get back to you.” It sounded like a betrayal. She didn't leave a message before hanging up. She gave it another go. No response. A third attempt was made. The outcome was the same.She felt a knot of anxiety tighten.“W
“I… want to go with you.” Annabel said, her voice piercing the quiet tension with a gentle confident murmur. Carson's face lit up with relief. With a firm comforting squeeze he assured her of his support. “Are you sure?We can do this tomorrow.” She straightened her back and said “No.This is what we'll do now. We'll work together on it.”He didn't dispute. For the first time in a long time he just smiled, a sincere appreciative smile. They turned away from the opulent entrance hall and started to walk after exchanging glances and making a silent pledge of support. Their slow, rhythmic footsteps reverberated on the marble as they got closer to the library. The woman who had caused so much of their past suffering was getting closer to them with every step. The library was a large quiet room. The double doors were open allowing a small amount of warm buttery light to enter the foyer. They pushed them open.The smell of old paper and polished wood filled the air making it feel heavy.
Holding Annabell’s hand Carson's touch was firm and comforting. They made their way to the mansion door by walking up the cobblestone path. His hand exuded warmth despite the cool air. Without a sound, the enormous doors opened. He moved aside to let her in first. The marble floors in the grand foyer shone in the soft light from the chandeliers which were dimly lit. Their footsteps were the only sound to break the dense silence. Without letting go of her hand, he guided her through the foyer. She gave him a quick glance following the lines of weariness on his face. She had never seen him appear older, different and somehow more genuine before. An unguarded vulnerability had taken the place of the carefree exterior. They stopped in the center of the foyer. His intense gaze turned to her. In a low whisper he said “I'm so sorry Ana. For everything… I sincerely apologize. For not defending you, for allowing my mom to rule me and then to cause you pain.”Annabel's throat constricted.
Fred turned the ignition key. With a steady low purr that filled the night's silence the engine roared to life. He shifted into reverse and backed out of the long immaculate driveway slowly. In his rearview mirror, the mansion, a symbol of riches and authority, grew smaller. With the streetlights fading into specks of light, he turned left onto the main road.Even though the city was asleep, his mind was racing with ideas and feelings. He made an effort to concentrate on the road, the well-known curves and the deserted streets. However, his mind kept returning to her. He remembered her standing in front of the car, her face lit by the porch light, a look of resolve replacing the tears. He remembered her in Carson's arms, her head resting on his chest and her hands encircling his waist. There was a tiny unwanted stab of jealousy that he felt. Deep inside, he pushed it down and stored everything he didn't want to feel. He had to be her friend. Just that. The silence in the car was d
Annabel jerk from the hug. Her eyes widened in surprise Carson was there. He stood at the mansions entrance. He was straight and motionless. His face was illuminated by the light from the porch lamps. He was looking directly at him. Annabel's ribs were pounded by her heart. Carson started to move. He walked slowly. His appearance was one of weariness. But he was staring at Annabel. A faint hesitant smile appeared on his face. Annabel got down from the car . She stood in front of the car. Carson continued to move. He came to a halt in front of her. He said nothing. His eyes were filled with a pain she recognized as he simply gazed at her. a pain of regret. a feeling of fear, a hurt caused by love. He held up his hand slowly. He followed the contour of her cheek with his fingers. It was a kind tender touch. He drew her in close after that. His arms encircled her. He gave her a tight embrace. “I’m so sorry.” Gesaid in an embrace. “I love you so much, babe.”Annabel wrapped her arm
Annabel's hands felt heavy with the folded paper. She took it from Fred with trembling fingers. The handwriting was hurried almost frantic and it was a note. She felt a shock when she saw Carson's handwriting. Her nostrils caught. Slowly as though it might break she unfolded the paper. Initially the words were hazy. After that they became clear. Dear Annabel Please listen. I apologize. I was mistaken. I was an idiot. I ought to have pursued you and told my mother to burn in hell. But I didn't. I didnt realize I already had everything but I was terrified of losing it all. The most significant aspect of my life was already gone. I need you. I need you to help me do this. Please come back. I'm going to fix it. I'll defend you. I'll defend us. You are everything to me Annabel. You're my home. Come back to me please. Always yours Carson. Annabel's vision became hazy. Tears came hot and different than before. Not of suffering but of an agonizing mixture of relief and grief. Her tea