Untangling Strings

Chapter Twenty-Three

I woke up at six, still snuggled next to my mom. I looked at her and she was smiling as if she's holding a fragile little baby in her arms.

"Good morning, sweetie."

As soon as I heard my mom's voice, my mind went crazy thinking about last night. I cannot remember anything. Why didn't I wake up to check on her in the middle of the night? What if something happened and I wasn't aware because I've been stuck at dreamland. "Mom, are you okay?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I? Is something bothering you?"

"I was supposed to wake up and check on you, something might've happened and there I was, useless." I whispered the last word, hoping mom wouldn't hear.

"Hey," she cupped my face in her hands. "Having you beside me all throughout the night had me sleeping well."

"You sure you're not feeling anything... I don't know, unusual? Nothing's hurting?" I really have no clue about all the medical stuff, all I wanted was for my mom to feel better.

She chuckled, "I'm all good."

I nodded and got out of the hospital bed making my way to the bathroom when realization hit my head –I did a hospital sleepover without my toothbrush. Wow.

"What is it?"

I turned to face my mom, "I uh... I- Iforgottobringmytoothbrush."

"Slow down, sweetie. I'm your mom for goodness' sake, no need to be embarrassed. There's a mouthwash in there, it'll do. Go on."

After fixing myself up, I sat beside mom and booked a cab.

"Mom, I'll leave at six thirty. I'm gonna go straight to Alcott's, then I'll see you later at home."

"You're going back home?" her eyes widened, then became visibly watery.

"Mom, don't cry. It might not be good for you."

She playfully smacked me at the back of my head, "You difficult child. I've been waiting for what seemed to be ages for you to say that. C'mere," she pulled me into a hug.

"I'm sorry. I don't want to cause trouble to all of you. I just wanted to figure things out on my own like a real adult."

"I know." She pulled away a little, "Have breakfast before you go."

"I texted Olive, she's the owner of Alcott's. I told her I'll have breakfast there. And besides, I was informed by dad that your son will bring breakfast to you." I looked at my watch, "And it's time for me to leave." I kissed her forehead before standing up.

It took me a good twenty-five-minute ride to reach Alcott's. I walked straight to the kitchen because my tummy has been growling mad.

"Hope! C'mmon, I saved some pancakes and bacon for you."

"Thanks, Olive. Really. I'll miss this place."

I sat on the barstool while she placed a plate of pancakes with chocolate syrup and strawberries, and bacon on the side. She looked me straight in the eye and smiled sadly, "You're leaving?"

"Yeah. I think I need to be home for my mom and dad. I'm afraid that something might happen again and I'm not there." I paused for a second, "This is my second favorite place next to home. This is a great place, Olive."

"I'm glad you felt that way. As one of my favorite guests, you can come here anytime. You are always welcome here, Hope."

"Thanks. By the way, where's Piece?"

"He just walked out of the door and screamed that he'll be back soon. That boy."

As soon as I finished breakfast, I headed up to my room, took a bath, and packed my things. I tried to call Piece but it went straight to voicemail. I'll leave by ten which I thought would be perfect to have some time to talk with Piece, and it would be before my brother came home for lunch. I was scanning the file dad sent to my email so I could plan my day ahead. This is so freaking harder than I thought. But gotta keep the pride up, up, and away.

After a couple of minutes, Piece called me and I asked him if we could meet at the swing which he agreed to.

I was walking downstairs when I heard an unfamiliar screechy voice. She mentioned Piece's name which made me stop on my track.

"Daddy said he'll take care of things, isn't that great? We could get married next month, mon amour!" she squealed which made my eardrum hurt. Wait, did she say get married? What the actual fuck?! Piece never mentioned she had a girlfriend. But what is the meaning of him hugging me, holding my hand, cooking for me, hell, he even kissed me. I snapped back at reality when I heard Piece's voice.

"...talking about? Why are you here in the first place?"

"To take you home, mon amour" the screechy voice answered.

"I already told you that I'll be going back to France next month. There's no need for you to come here."

"But I missed you. Like so much."

"Stop right there."

"Why are you acting weird? Is that how you turn out when you miss me?" I scoffed in disgust hearing her words.

"Look, I have to meet someone right now. We'll talk later."

"Fine. Show me first to your room."

I heard footsteps coming up, yet I cannot move a single part of my body. I know I should turn my heels around, get my bags, and leave. But here I am, frozen. Until I found two faces staring at me.

"Excuse me, can't you see this is a staircase where you cannot just zoned out and you should move because we are passing through."

I clenched my fist. This blonde girl with hot pink lips that matches the color of her bodycon dress which hugs all her curves, falls just a couple of inches down her ass, is getting under my skin that I want to punch her voice box just to never hear her voice again. Now that I feel like I gained control over my body, I crossed my arms across my chest and shifted my body sideways so the bitch could pass.

"Hope," Piece murmured.

I ran downstairs.