TO HAVE AND TO HATE

CHAPTER 27

‘You really need to stop crying Tessa or you will get sick. Please! Everything is going to be okay,’ I say, gently rubbing her back soothingly. I was getting ready to go and meet up with Nico when Tessa barged into my house a couple of minutes ago, saying she was frustrated with how things were moving at her place. She hasn’t said much except that her father has left their house and might be filing for a divorce from her mother.

She’s been crying for thirty minutes straight; I am worried she will be sick if she continues like this. I don’t understand how her father would just pack up and leave the house. Tessa’s parents have been my inspiration for the longest, unlike my own, they are loving and caring not only towards each other but to their daughter as well. Those two have treated me like their own since Tess introduced me to them. I have never seen them fight so this divorce issue comes as a shock to me. I hope they can be able to sort out whatever issues they are having, they are perfect for each other.

‘Please stop crying T. Please.’

‘I honestly don’t understand how we got here, you know. My parents have always been good together. I have always admired what they share, you know I always told myself I wanted to have a marriage like theirs someday but with everything that has been happening, I don’t know if I want that anymore. I feel like my mother has been cheating on my father and he found out that’s why he has left. I don’t know if I will ever forgive her.’

‘Cheating? Mrs. K? No Tessa, your mother would never do that to your father.’

‘Then how do you explain the nights out, the presents she has been receiving and the coming home late? How do you explain that kind of behavior? I am an adult and I am able to read in between the lines.’

‘No. I don’t see Mrs. K as someone who would cheat, she is so perfect. There must be something else going on.’

‘Something like what?’

‘I don’t know but I don’t think it’s cheating.’

‘I don’t know what to believe anymore. I confronted her and she slapped me.’

‘She slapped you? The Mrs. K you are describing right now doesn’t sound like the beautiful woman I have come to love as a mother over the years. Maybe she is just going through something.’

‘I have to get to the bottom of this. I have to save my family Gabby; I can’t have them separate. I don’t want that for us. You see how divorce affects people; I don’t want to have to move from one home to the next.’

‘I will help you find answers. Tell me what you want me to do and I will be here.’

‘Thank you.’

A knock sounds at the door. I rise to my feet knowing it’s Nico even before I open it. He said he would pass by after I canceled our date. The plan was to go to his house and cook lunch for him.

‘Hey babe,’ I say when I open the door. He is balancing a box of pizza in one hand and a bottle of wine in another. Leon is right behind him with flowers and some plastics, I didn’t expect them to be here together.

‘Hey, I thought we should come over and cheer Tessa up.’

I roll my eyes, ‘Tessa won’t be happy to see you guys, you know how she feels about you.’

‘We come in peace babe.’

‘Okay, come in.’

I step aside and usher them in. The minute they walk into the living room, Tessa stands.

‘What are they doing here? I hope you didn’t tell them what’s going on with me Gabby. I only told you because I consider you family, I wouldn’t want false information spreading about my family.’

‘I didn’t tell them anything. I only told this one you were unwell and needed my attention when he called since he wanted to find out if I would make it for lunch. I promise I didn’t say anything.’

‘We come in peace Tessa.’

She looks from Leon to Nico then sits down.

‘I brought you flowers,’ Leon holds out a bouquet of flowers. I look at Tessa and signal for her to just take it. She frowns before she accepts the flowers and says thank you.

‘You are welcome.’

‘So, how are you feeling Tessa?’ Nico asks.

‘I feel better. Maybe I should just go back home.’

‘You don’t have to. They won’t disturb you; I promise.’

‘Please don’t leave. We are not here to harm you. I really like you if you must know Tessa and I hate to see you unwell. I couldn’t stay back when I heard you weren’t too fine, please don’t leave.’

‘Fine.’

‘Pizza? There is also some chocolate and wings in here. I didn’t know what you wanted to eat so I bought a bit of everything.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Let’s watch a movie.’

‘Okay.’

I sit on the same couch as Nico while Leon sits where Tessa is sitting. She shifts uncomfortably and moves a bit further away from him. Atleast, she even allowed him to sit on the same seat with him and got his flowers, baby steps, I guess. Maybe just maybe, things between them will eventually work out.

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EllaB

ForeveryourAugustGirl

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