Untangling Strings

Chapter Twenty-Five

I wasn't aware that I drifted into sleep after lying my tired body, heart, and soul on my bed. The continuous knock on my door brought back my spirit into reality and I slowly opened my eyes. The entire room was dark. I checked on my clock and it was past my dinner time, my brother' already home by this hour. My chaotic brain got distracted by the continuous knocking on my door.

"Just a sec," I nearly shouted. I remind myself that I would refuse my parents' invitation to dinner even if my stomach's growling, just because of my so-called pride. It's the only thing I have in possession right now.

I opened the door and to my surprise there was a chair where a tray of food was placed, together with a note that says, "Eat. You skipped lunch." Who else would it be other than my imperious brother. I can tell with the stroke of each letter and the authoritative choice of words.

I grabbed the tray and shut the door. I was staring at the food for a couple of minutes, at war with my stomach and pride. It ended with me eating only half of the food, keeping the other half for the satisfaction of my pride. I carried the tray outside my door, placing it back where it was. I heard footsteps coming up the stairs which made me immediately banged my door closed. I stood behind my door, trying to sense the presence of whoever it was, but in my mind, I am certain it is Gab. The person on the other side of my door cleared his throat, "Sweets, don't you like the food?" My eyeballs nearly popped out and I held my mouth as I gasped. It was dad. I opened the door and smiled at him sheepishly, "Actually, I'm not yet done eating." I grabbed the tray, "Thanks, dad. Tell mom the food is scrumptious." Then I closed the door.

Idiot! I can't believe I have become a certified idiot.

But I'm really hungry. So, whatever. Dad will surely understand the way I just acted out.

Wait, but the note. It was definitely Gab's penmanship. Or maybe I'm just seeing things differently because I'm hungry.

GABRIEL'S POV

I was well-oriented by dad regarding the hide and never seek game my sister initiated. The way dad spoke to me left me with no choice other than to cooperate. I wanted to argue, I know my point will make its way to my dad's understanding, but I refused the moment he pulled the 'we want her here' card. Everyone does want her here. I badly want her here.

The day I learned everything she's been through back at the big city, I felt like I failed as her brother. It was more than what I feared. I could've done something for her, but instead I chose to give my attention to my work and books which are my escape in the fucked-up relationship my wife and I had which Hope didn't know about.

Avery and I never stayed at the same roof awake and our longest conversation didn't last a minute. She'd rather give her time to work and sleep than spend it with me. It all started when she had a miscarriage and a week later, we found out she has a thyroid disease which could put her condition to high risk if she ever gets pregnant again. She didn't even give us a chance to talk about it. She just created a horrible distance and wall between us. During that time, I felt like the days were longer, and the only missing thing was a divorce paper.

When I saw my sister for what seemed to be the first time in ages back at Phillis, I felt hope that everything would be alright. That was Hope for me, my sister, my bringer of hope and light when darkness takes over. But the moment I studied her while she was sitting across from me, I knew something's not right— her eyes do not twinkle anymore, her smile seemed to be a mask, and she's distant like a complete stranger. My precious gem made my shattered heart break into a million more pieces.

I promised myself that I would do anything for Hope and give her my attention during her stay. The day we got home, Avery went home late which she usually does, but it surprised me when she sat on the edge of the bed and cried.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked her, but the only response was a sob.

"Avery, I'm asking you what's wrong? Work problem?"

She lifted her head and our eyes met. We held each other's gaze quite long for the first time in two years. "You know that I am impatient, Avery. I won't ask the same question for the third time."

"You are not impatient with everyone, Gab. Your sister is the exception."

"And your point is? You're crying because I'm patient with Hope?"

"No! I missed you. You never said goodbye to me before you left. I was waiting for you the first night. I wouldn't know about your convention if not because of mom."

"Avery, you never talked to me. Never said a single word. Never got interested in what I do. Never cared where I am."

She bowed down her head, continuously sobbed while fidgeting her fingers, "I don't want to lose you, Gab. Please. I'm sorry. Just please don't leave me."

I deeply sighed upon hearing her words and massaged my temple. "Avery, you know our marriage is sinking, right? And I have been the only one trying to fix it. Honestly, I am on the verge of giving up. The way you're treating me is depressing." I tried to be calm and avoid choking on my own words as I gathered all my strength to keep my tears.

"I know. And I said I'm sorry, okay? Can't you give me another chance? We could still save our marriage, Gab. The days you're not here made me feel how it's like losing you, like literally not having you in my life. And I can't. Mom and dad saw how I suffered." She moved closer to me and grabbed my hand, "Please, honey? I promise, everything will be okay between us."

I was about to say my stand on the argument when she threw herself to me and our lips met. Our body may have been distant for a long time, but it seemed to clearly remember the rhythm we shared. That was the night I had my wife back— the Avery I knew, loved, and married.

The next day, I decided to take her on a date at her favorite place in the city. Our relationship felt brand new. We got home late, everyone's asleep except for mom who wouldn't close her eyes until everyone's home. I bet my dad would join her if he doesn't have a crazy work schedule.

I greeted my mom with my usual kiss on her forehead, then went straight to the kitchen for a glass of water when I noticed three muffins on the bar island. "Mom, is this for me?", words cme out nearly like a shout.

"Lower your voice, your dad and sister are sleeping. Yes, that's for you," a smile slowly drew to my face. I never say no to muffins, especially mom's. "...from Hope." The smile that hasn't completely made its way up immediately faded. My sister. I remember I promised myself I'd give her time.

"We dropped by your clinic, and it was closed. She said she'll have it for herself, but ended up putting it there instead."

I was silent.