Secrets

3 - Discover

I woke to an empty house. Having brushed my teeth and showered, I went to the kitchen and made myself breakfast.

I repeated the same words in my head.

Eat. Pack. Run.

Don't worry Aria, I'm coming for you.

My phone rang. Slapping my hand on the phone which was on the counter, I picked up the call.

"Sir, are you sure you want to do this?"

I pursed my lips. Is he really asking me that question? Is he stupid or does he have a death wish?

Getting frustrated, I let out an annoyed sigh. "Yes."

My assistant remained silent. "My apologies, sir. I shouldn't have questioned your decisions."

Good.

Clicking my tongue to the roof of my mouth, I asked Trevor, "Are the tickets ready?" Knowing what I meant, he replied with a certainty.

"Yes. You shall be leaving the country at 22:00. First class seats as you've mentioned."

Nodding my head, I said, "Thank you."

"Sir, I sincerely hope you find her. If by any means I've offended you by saying that, I do apologise."

My breath hitched. I am afraid of losing you, Aria.

"Right. Please make sure my flight will be as planned, thank you. Good bye." I hung up.

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Everything was the same, with or without her.

I pressed the doorbell.

"Adonis! What a surprise to have you here! Well come on in," Mrs Mendler eagerly ushered me into the house and pulled me in for a hug.

Her hug was tight, but not the suffocating kind. It felt like she was depending on me because she was hurting. Too deeply. And I could do nothing to help her.

The house was a homely one even after all these years, with floral wallpaper and comfortable looking couches. My favourite was the fireplace.

I looked over to it, and saw flashes of Aria standing there, smiling at me brightly. No, no, no. I was hallucinating.

"Are you all right, son?"

Mrs Mendler squeezed my shoulder when she realised that I had stood rooted to the ground. Shaking my head, I forced a grin which probably came out as a slight grimace.

I turned towards her and babbled, "May I go to her room?"

The whole situation was taking a toll on her because I saw her muscles twitching feebly when the words came out.

Giving me a distressed smile, she said, "Sure. Of course you can! I'll give you your usual drink." Then, she disappeared into the kitchen.

Two steps at a time, I climbed the wooden staircase.

I entered Aria's room and her fruity scent filled my lungs. Oh, how much I've missed this smell...

Roaming her table, her bed, classic wardrobe and everywhere, I tried to find anything. Anything that she left that would lead me to her. As I skimmed through the papers on her table, I saw a golden cursive handwriting. Carefully, I pulled it out from the stack.

I'm sorry, I tried.

It was vague.

Quickly rummaging her drawers, I found a diary. This might be what I was looking for. Things she kept and wrote that would let me into her inside world, the world she managed to lock everyone out of. Even me.

I flickered the page to the most recent one.

02/03/2015

Dear Diary,

I saw him today. He didn't notice me. Again. Even if I tried so hard to capture his attention. Nothing worked because he is clearly attracted to her. They are a perfect match. Everyone thinks so. Mum and Dad too. He stayed for dinner and only had eyes for her. Why is it so difficult for me to get what I want? And yet, she always gets them easily compared to the effort I put in for something. I don't understand. No one understands how it feels like to be shunned and be in the dark.

Depressed,

Bunny.

I sat on her bed. She liked someone. And he didn't like her back. Why didn't she tell me? I liked her, yes, but I could've supported her. I felt like I was stabbed in the heart repeatedly.

Breathe, Adonis.

Who could the 'she' have been? He stayed for dinner, the girl must have been here...

Ava.

It was all clear now. He liked Ava.

I stood up and grabbed a few pieces of paper that could help me with my search.

Shutting the door, I skipped down the stairs and saw Mrs Mendler sitting on a couch, sipping her tea. I settled down next to her. "Took you long enough."

I laughed and reached out for my orange juice. "Thank you for the drink. Do you mind if I asked you a few questions?"

"Go ahead."

"Was there a guy who came over for dinner recently? You know, before Aria..."

Sucking in a breath, she replied, "Yes, if you meant Xander. In fact, we even approved of him as Ava's boyfriend."

I quirked my eyebrow. "Who is he, exactly?"

"Why, are you interested in men, my dear?"

I choked on my juice. Mrs Mendler let out a hearty laugh which echoed throughout the house. Even the domestic helpers came out to check on us. Waving then off happily, she continued, "I was joking. Xander is a nice boy. Why do you ask?"

I couldn't let her know. I shook my head. "Who would you choose, Mrs Mendler? Aria or Ava?"

Her gaze shifted to meet mine. After a few seconds, she told me, "I don't understand, Adonis. I love them both the same. But I... Well Ava has always been the daughter I favoured more..."

That explained it. The insecurities, the hate for Ava Aria sometimes developed.

Jealousy.

A strong word.

And just knowing Aria, she wasn't someone who simply got jealous over a matter. She was a fighter.

I attempted a small smile. "Mrs Mendler, if it helps, I really want you to know that I'll be finding Aria. I'm leaving tonight."

"Where to?"

"London. Not faraway from here."

Nodding, she led me to the front door. "Call if you need assistance. Her father and I will be here for you."

"Oh and Mrs Mendler? Promise me that you won't tell anyone. When my parents ask, tell them the truth but not where I went. Thank you."

Tears swelled in her eyes. "Please do find her, Adonis. You might be the last hope we have."

"I will."

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Longest chapter up till now. Hope you loved it. Please do recommend this story to your friends & followers! Thank you so much for reading this.