"Don't give me that pity look!", I said.
"Do I have a place in your heart?", I asked.
He looked away and up to me, "I've no answer to your query."
"I take that as no," I said.
"Come on, we're going home." he said.
"You still want to go back to your family? You're the most foolish man ever!" I exclaimed.
"The foolish and a male who doesn't deserve to be called a man", he said.
"I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention."
"Why don't we switch off from your palace? If you want, we can stay here", I said.
"Your cabin simply needs some touch-ups", I said.
"Don't bring up those memories." he said.
"How about other locations? We need a quiet place to carry out our plan," I said.
"What plan?" he asked.
"Finding your little family"
"I can't even find them" he said in despair.
"Perhaps I can. What if you guys reunited through me?" I said with a smile.
"Nice to hear. I'll consider it."
We strode away, leaving the red dress burning to ashes.
"My old shirt", his hand on the steering wheel.
"I didn't pack any clothes, do you mind?" I asked.
"Not at all."
"Has she worn this shirt before?"
"She's a fan of my white shirt. When she first arrived, she rummaged through my clothes, slipped the white shirt on her body."
"Since then, I've had a passion for collecting white shirts"
"I don't see any white shirts in your closet," I said.
"She took it all to our future home," he said.
"Can we visit the place?" I asked with hope.
"Not now, Sarah. I can't. The incident is still ingrained in my mind."
"Okay"
"Are you going to work today?"
"I take days off. Do you want to go somewhere?"
"Likely"
"Need a companion?"
"Nah, I'm with Chelsea"
All eyes turned to us as we entered Abrams's palace. The ladies continued to scan me from head to toe.
"Oh, Luke, where were you last night? Why didn't you return home?", said Delores. She put on a melancholy face.
He cast his hand around my waist. "Can't we have our private time? Do I have to ask your permission to hang out with my wife?", said Luke.
"We didn't mean it that way. We just worried and waited for you all night", said Reggie.
"Since when do you get worried?", I asked.
"You seem fresh, like someone who had a nice night's sleep", I said.
"Ladies, would you be quiet! Let them rest", said Silas.
"Take him to the room. I'll see you at lunch", said Silas.
As the flashback tale played in my head, I fixed my attention on Silas.
No kind-hearted humans live in this residence. I'm ashamed that I ever regard him as different from others. How can they live in peace, after what they did to their child?! I COULD SLAP THAT FAKE ANGELS FACE!
His brothers, Scott, Shane, and Seth! The Bastards! I wanna smack them in the face, and throw this wicked family in prison!
Why does a good person have to be surrounded by awful people like them?!
"Sarah.. Sarah" Luke
I'm startled.
"Why are you staring at us? Do we have anything on our faces?", Silas smiled.
"Yeah, you all appear different than before. You're not what I thought you were", I said.
Luke pressed my waist. Silas raised his eyebrows, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Since our trip last night, I've noticed how people talk about the nice deeds you do for poor people. They genuinely admire your family.", I said.
Silas grinned widely, "It's nothing. We enjoy helping those in need."
"Why don't you run for president? It gives you more authority to assist many others", I said.
He chuckled.
"Furthermore, people would elevate you to the throne if you had a lower-class daughter-in-law", I put my innocent face.
"What are you getting at?", Seth narrowed his eyes.
"The president's seat?" I said.
"Seth, you and your skeptical mind" Silas laughed.
"I appreciate your suggestion. But, I prefer to govern without the presidential seat."
"The government works for me", Silas smirked.
"You're Incredible! It makes sense why my dad chose you to be my father-in-law", I said.
"That's how smart people work", he said.
"Had a wonderful chat with you, dad. If you excuse us", I said.
"Please" said Silas.
"Hmm, I noticed some odd words", said Seth.
"What do you think? Shane the smart ass", asked Seth
"Apparently not. If she finds out, Abrams will be crushed", said Shane.
"It'd be better if Luke married a lower-class woman", said Scott.
"Snapped out of those thoughts, don't dwell on the past!", said Silas.
He locked the door.
"I enjoyed the scene. You're the right person to muddle their mind", he said.
"Such a nice game, you should join me", I said.
"Thanks, I'm a much more plain-spoken person."
"That's why you get caught."
"I can't pretend to be someone else."
"Good traits about you as well"
He smiled as he turned to face me.
"Why?" I asked.
"I had a gentle girlfriend and a tough wife", he said.
He disappeared into the bathroom. I reached for his phone on the nightstand as he switched on the shower.
"Up for a double date?", I texted Jack.
"I'm in. Where?" said Jack.
"At noon on Hot and Spicy"
I deleted the message. I reinserted his phone.
I made my way into the restaurant. I booked a VIP table and ordered the meal.
Jack and Emma started in. "Sarah?"
"Take a seat", I said.
They looked lost, as they observed me sitting alone.
"We haven't seen each other in a while. How are you doing?", I said.
"We're fine", said Emma
"Where's Luke?", asked Jack.
The food came.
"We eat first", I said.
"What's going on, Sarah? Is Luke okay?", Inquired Jack
"Why don't we talk after lunch?", I said.
They stared at me strangely.
"Yummy! Do you like the dish?", I said.
"We do", said Emma.
"You don't mind me ordering your food, do you?", I said.
"So we don't take much time," I said.
"Absolutely not, we're cool really.", said Emma.
After lunch, Jack stated, "I'm off to the restroom."
"Luke is resting, he won't take your call", I said.
He halted. I smiled at him.
"I...
"Sit down, Jack. Let's talk" I said.
Jack and Emma exchanged glances.
He got back in his chair, "What's the matter, Sarah? You're acting weird."
"Luke told me everything", I said.
"Pardon?"
"Isabella" I said.
They were taken aback when I mentioned her name.
"Did he tell you? Literally everything?", asked Jack.
I nod.
"You're not even mad at all?", asked Jack.
I shook my head, "People have a past."
"Now I understand the rush of my marriage," I said.
"They prevent past events" said Jack.
"We know Isabella", said Emma.
"You know her well", I said.
"We apologize", said Jack.
"Don't, it's your duty as his best friend", I said.
"I cherish you as his best friend. Thanks for being there", I said.
"I failed him, Sarah", said Jack.
"Don't beat yourself up, some things have to happen", I advised.
"And Emma, I miss your phony birthday party", I said.
She blushed, "Wonderful memories."
"I feel terrible since she believed it to be true," said Emma.
"Sometimes lies are necessary to do better things", I said.
"I'll get to the point. I came to ask for your help," I said.
"What do you need? We're willing to assist you", asked Jack.
"We have to find Isabella and her family," I said.
"They're nowhere to be found, only Abrams knows their whereabouts", said Jack.
"Jack, you're brilliant at your devious plans, maybe if you? It's the only way to bring Luke to Isabella and their baby", I said.
"Their child?!" Jack was shocked.
"Isabella was pregnant?!", said Emma
"Yeah, they are expecting a baby", I said.
"They learned it the night of their wedding", I said.
"Do The Abrams know?", asked Jack.
"Fortunately not," I said.
"Thank god! I couldn't imagine what they would do if they knew she was pregnant", said Jack.
"Poor Luke, he doesn't lose his woman, also his child", said Emma.
"Sarah, we'll search for them. I'll find a way. The plan can only be executed by you. They got me on their list", said Jack.
"Do you think Luke should be a part of this?" I asked.
"Yes, we can't leave him in the dark", said Jack.
"Don't you guys have a role for me? I want to help him too." said Emma.
"I've one. The following bogus birthday party" said Jack.
"Shut up"
"Where should we meet if either of us has a plan?" I asked.
"Our house", said Jack.
"Who told Luke about this?" I asked.
"Why don't you?", said Emma.
"Wouldn't it be better if Jack did it?" I said.
"No Sarah, you should speak to him. Make sure no one overhears you", said Jack.
"Deal", I said
We got to our feet and shook hands, "I'm always concerned about what will happen if you find out. I'm scared your dad would hurt him"
I smiled. "My dad is not Abrams. This matter is off the record."
"It surprises us, you would react this way. We're amazed by your demeanor," said Emma.
"He has been through hell, he deserves nothing but happiness" I said.
"Anyway, it was nice meeting you two again. See you soon, guys" I said.
"Until later, Sarah," said Jack.
We split into our vehicles. The notification bell chimes before I start the engine.
I took my phone out of my bag.
"Girl! How was last night? I want full details!", typed Chelsea
"Everything changed" I said.
"I told you! Witch Chelsea never wrong" she said.
"I'm eager to see you, girl!" she said.
"Not now honey" I said.
"I get it, are you still naked on the bed?"
"Yep"
"That man has a lot of energy, doesn't he? You're the luckiest woman in the world," she said.
Not me, but her. I'm a Ms. nobody to him.
"Lol, bye"
"See you when you're free", she said.
I wish I could pour it all out to you.
I reached home.
"Sarah, I didn't see you at lunch", said Silas.
I still can't believe he was the main cause of his son's downfall. Now he acts like a genuine person.
"I'm sorry dad, my friend is in the city, we kinda"
"It's fine, everything doesn't need an explanation", said Silas.
"Where's Luke?" he asked.
"He's dozing off," I said.
"Oh, he wasn't with you?"
"He was worn out, so I refused to invite him," I said.
"Right. Bring him some food, he might be hungry," he said.
"I already purchased Luke's favorite food, so there's no need."
"My son is fortunate to have you", said Silas.
Not fortunate enough to have you as his parents!
"Thanks, dad"
When I entered the room, I discovered Luke had woken up. He rubbed his eyes.
"Hey, how was your day?" said Luke.
"Pretty decent. Umm, I bought your favorite food," I said.
I displayed the paper bag to him.
He rolled out of bed, he snuffled, "The smell just brightened my day."
He ate the food while lounging on the couch.
"Want some?", he asked
"Nah, I'm full"
"Then, why do you keep looking at me?" he asked.
"Err, I must confess something to you."
"Go on"
"After you finish your meal" I said.
(A moment later)
"Done, what do you want to say?", he put the food waste back in and threw it in the trash can.
"Speak up", he cracked the water bottle.
"I'm not meeting Chelsea", I said.
His eyes were set on me, as the water streamed through his throat.
"But with Jack and Emma. We talked about you", I said.
He drained the water and put the bottle aside.
"About me?"
"We intend to locate Isabella once more", I said.
"How?", he drew up to me.
"We'll figure it out. Want to join us?" I asked.
"I'll do everything it takes to find Isabella," he said.
"Awesome! The more the merrier. I'll inform Jack"
"No. We meet them in person as soon as we have an idea.", said Luke.
"Or if you've got a plan, we can go straight to Jack's place."
"I don't know where to begin, my head is blank right now", said Luke.
"And... Can I get a spare room?" I said.
"For what? You don't like my room?" he asked.
"I like your room. I opined that it would be preferable if we slept in a different bed", he said.
"Are you sure? You'll miss my touch", he smirked.
"It's better if I don't get my hopes up", I said.
"Sorry"
"You won't stay in the spare room. It's next to my parents' room."., he giggled.
"Gosh. What about your study room? Isn't it huge? You could give me some space for the mattress", I said.
"Take as much as you want", he stroked my head.
"How do we get the mattress to your room?" I asked.
"I've got one in my closet. I'll go grab it."
He emerged from his walk-in closet carrying a mattress to his study room.
"Where do you want to place the mattress?" he asked.
"In the corner"
I put white sheets on my new mat. I took my pillow, bolster, and blanket and placed them on my new bed.
"My new room is ready!"
I said to Luke. He leaned against the glass gazing at me.
"If you'd like, we can share a bed without me touching you. Or I can sleep on the couch", he said.
I smiled. "One day, we will go our separate ways. Soon you'll be reunited with Isabella, and I moved away."
He gave me a long look before pulling me to his chest.
The moment will come when his warmth fades from my body. He'll be in the arms of his woman, forever.