Francisca's eyes narrowed, her voice tinged with concern. "Timothy, I don't know what's gotten into you". Don't you think asking Nelly to come to the city with you is a big step to take? "You know Susan won't let Nelly come to the city without a fight." She really cares for Nelly.
Timothy raised an eyebrow, his biceps bulging as he lifted the dumbbell. "Auntie, but I can't leave all my plans behind just to come and see Nelly". "Bringing her to the city would be a great idea."
Francisca sighed, feeling exhausted by the drama unfolding before her. "Susan called this morning, worried about Nelly". Asking If something must have happened between the two of you, I told her what you said... and I must say, "she didn't take it very well."
Timothy wiped the sweat from his forehead, his expression unyielding. "Well, that's none of my business, Auntie". I've done my part, and now it's her time to do hers. "Let's see if she really likes me as she claims."
As he turned back to continue his workout, Francisca grasped his hand, her eyes pleading. "Timothy, please," I know you must have been upset by how things played out these past few days, but please don't take it out on Nelly and her mom. "They're good people."
Timothy's gaze softened slightly, but his jaw remained set. "I'm just trying to do what's best, Auntie."
I sat in the living room, aimlessly flipping through channels, trying to distract myself from the uncomfortable silence between my mom and me. It had been hours since our argument this morning, and the tension was palpable. We hadn't spoken a word to each other since then. The argument had started when my mom found out about Timothy's offer for me. She was furious. I have never seen her this upset. I hope she will speak to me. My mom couldn't understand why I was considering moving to the city, and I couldn't understand why I was being so determined to convince her.
As I switched channels, my mind kept wandering back to the conversation. I tried to talk to her again, but she was avoiding me. It hurt to see her like this, and I didn't know how to make things right.
Just then, my mom walked into the living room, her eyes red from crying. "Nelly, we need to talk," she said, her voice soft but firm.
I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. Maybe now we can finally resolve this and move forward. "What do you want to say, Mom?" I asked, trying to sound calm.
My mom took a deep breath before speaking. "I just want you to be safe, Nelly". Every caring mother would do the same. "Can't you see that?"
"Mom, I know you want me to be safe, and I appreciate that," I said, trying to calm her down. "But you should trust me well enough to know I'll take good care of myself."
My mom's sobs subsided, and she looked at me with tears streaming down her face. "Nelly, I do trust you, but I don't trust Timothy". "He's not good for you, sweetie." "I know you think that, Mom, but I need to do this". "I need to see what's out there for me," I said, trying to reassure her.
"But why with Timothy"? "Why can't you go with someone else?" she asked, her voice cracking.
"Because Timothy is offering me an opportunity I can't pass up, Mom". And I care about him. "I want to get to know him better," I said, trying to be honest.
My mom shook her head, her eyes filled with worry. "Nelly, you're playing with fire". Timothy's not what he seems. Please, reconsider."
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Mom, I'll be fine". I promise. And if things don't work out, I'll go back home. But please, don't worry. "I need to do this."
My mom looked at me for a long time, her eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt. But I stood firm, trying to convey my determination.
Finally, she nodded, though her eyes still shone with tears. "Okay, Nelly". I trust you.
"That means you still have today before you leave for the city, right?" Susan said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm going to miss my baby so much," she added, tears welling up in her eyes as she struggled to come to terms with the thought of her child leaving. She said and hugged Nelly. "Mom, please don't cry". Nelly said, hugging her mom back.
Just then Emma's eyes welled up with tears as she approached me, her voice trembling. "So it's true, you're really leaving?", her words laced with hurt and betrayal.
I tried to explain, but Emma cut me off, her voice rising. "No, Nelly, that's not fair". How could you make such a huge decision without even telling me? "I had to find out this way, by overhearing your conversation with Mom."
I felt a pang of guilt and regret, seeing the pain in Emma's eyes. We were more than just friends; we were sisters, connected by a bond that went beyond words.
"Please, Emma, understand." I tried to say, but my voice cracked as I broke down in tears.
Emma's expression softened, and she pulled me into a tight hug. "How could you do this to me, Nelly"? "To us?" she whispered, her voice muffled by my shoulder.
I sobbed uncontrollably, feeling the weight of my decision bearing down on me. I had hurt the two people I loved most in the world, and I didn't know how to make it right.
"I'm so sorry, Emma," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I was scared to tell you, scared of hurting you and Mom". "I didn't know how to do it without causing pain."
Emma held me at arm's length, her eyes searching mine. "You should have trusted me, Nelly". Trusted us. "We're in this together, always.".
But promise me one thing: if things get weird, or you feel uncomfortable, "you'll come back home". Don't let Timothy pressure you into doing anything you're not comfortable with. "You have the right to say no, and don't let him guilt-trip you into doing something that doesn't feel right."
I nodded, taking her words to heart. "I won't, Emma". I promise."
My mom's expression turned gentle. "Nelly, always remember your self-worth". You are worthy of love, respect, and happiness. "Don't let anyone, including Timothy, make you feel otherwise."
I nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. "I will, Mom". "I know my worth."
My mom smiled. "Good". And always remember, I'm here for you and Emma, no matter what. "If you ever need a reminder of your worth, just come to us."
Thank you mom, thank you, Emma. I love you both so much. Nelly said, a tear in her eyes.
Emma opened her arms, and I fell into them, tears streaming down my face. My mom joined in, wrapping her arms around both of us.
The three of us stood there, holding each other tightly, as we let our emotions wash over us. It was a moment of raw honesty, of vulnerability, and of love. And at that moment, I knew that no matter what lay ahead, I could face it with my mom and Emma by my side.
As we stood there, holding each other tightly, Emma suddenly broke the hug and suggested, "Okay", instead of being all sad and asking all these questions, why don't we spend this moment doing something fun together? "Let's make everybody happy and excited!"
My mom and I looked at each other, and then back at Emma, surprised by her sudden change in tone.
"What did you have in mind, Emma?" my mom asked, a hint of a smile on her face.
Emma's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let's have a movie marathon", Nelly's favorite movie, and we'd make some popcorn and ice cream. "We could even set up a cozy movie theater in the living room!" I couldn't help but laugh at Emma's enthusiasm. "That sounds like so much fun."
My mom nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "That's a great idea, Emma". "Let's do it!"
And just like that, the mood in the room shifted. We went from tears and sadness to laughter and excitement. We spent the rest of the day watching movies, eating snacks, and enjoying each other's company. It was the perfect way to spend our last day together before I left for the city.
I stormed into the house, exhausted from a long day of inspecting the new hotel's progress. The maids greeted me with a nod as I passed them, but I barely acknowledged them, my mind preoccupied with the tasks ahead. I trudged up the stairs to my office, needing to sign some documents before calling it a day. The soft glow of the lamp on my desk was a welcoming sight, and I sank into my chair, letting out a deep sigh.
As I searched through the papers on my desk, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence. "Hey, man," Alex said on the other line, his voice laced with amusement.
"What do you want"? "Miss me already?" I replied, smirking. I leaned back in my chair, cradling the phone against my ear.
"Well, get yourself up here, or do you want to stay there forever?" Alex retorted, his tone playful but firm. I chuckled, feeling a hint of frustration. I had been looking forward to a quiet evening, but Alex's call had other plans.
"Nah, I'll be back first thing tomorrow morning," I assured him, trying to placate him.
As I spoke, a nagging thought crept into my mind - Nelly still hadn't made up her mind. My mind began to boil with frustration, and I felt a surge of anger. Why was it taking her so long?
"So, how did the event go?" Timothy asked, welcoming a distraction from my thoughts.
"Great, man". Bella was there, throwing herself at every rich guy in sight. I guess she got invited by one of her flings. "I'm glad she didn't recognize me," I replied, rolling my eyes. I had no interest in Bella's antics.
"Who's Bella again?" I asked, confused. I had met so many people at the club, but Bella didn't ring a bell.
"Oh yeah, the chick from the club," Alex said nonchalantly. I shook my head, still unsure who he was talking about.
"I don't know her," I admitted, feeling a bit disconnected from the conversation.
"Alright then, see you tomorrow," Alex said, wrapping up the call. "And hey, Tim, tell Miss Auntie Francisca to bake one of her lovely pies for me, and send my regards to her, okay?"
"Will do," Timothy replied, and I could almost hear him smiling because he knew I was far from doing that.
With that, Alex ended the call, leaving me to my thoughts. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Why was I feeling so angry? And what if Nelly declined my offer? A pang of sadness shot through me at the thought. I had been so sure she would jump at the chance she got.
I rested my head on the chair, feeling the weight of tomorrow's uncertainties. I needed Nelly's answer, and I needed it now. The waiting game was wearing thin on my patience.
The night was quiet, with a gentle breeze that seemed to carry a hint of sadness. I was lying on a makeshift bed in the living room, thinking about the life I had lived in this town. Tomorrow would be the end of the 48 hours Timothy had given me to make a decision, and I knew that my life would change forever.
As I looked up at the stars, I thought about all the memories I had made here. I remembered the happy times, the sad times, and all the moments in between. I thought about Emma and my mom, who were sleeping peacefully beside me, unaware of the turmoil I was feeling.
I reached for my phone and dialed Timothy's number. My heart was racing as I waited for him to answer. When he did, I took a deep breath and told him that I had made my decision. "I'll come with you to the city," I said, my voice shaking slightly.
Timothy's response was brief. "Alright, meet me here tomorrow morning." And with that, the line went dead.
I lay there in the darkness, wondering if I had made the right choice. Was this really the life I wanted? I thought about all the what-ifs and maybes, but deep down, I knew that I had to try.
I turned to look at Emma and my mom, who were still sleeping peacefully. I felt a pang of sadness, knowing that I might be leaving them behind. But I also knew that I had to follow my heart, no matter where it might lead.
As I lay there, I felt the weight of my decision settling in. Tomorrow will be a new beginning, one that will bring its own set of challenges and uncertainties. But for now, I just lay there, surrounded by the quiet of the night, and let my thoughts consume me.