The Plot

Chapter 20

He turned to her and raised a brow, "Yes?"

"Uh... Do you know where my phone is?" She left his room so fast that she didn't remember to find it.

"It's on the bedside table."

"Thanks. Thank you for this," She pointed at the plate. "As well."

"You're welcome." He entered the kitchen then left with a six pack of beer. Is he leaving? She wondered. It didn't take long to get an answer. She heard him shut the front door and lock it. Then, his Jeep started up. She made a dash to the nearest window to see whether or not her ears were playing tricks. They weren't.

There he was, reversing out the driveway whilst the guard held the gate open for him. She watched until his car was out of site. She didn't bother to fuss. She won't think of asking him his whereabouts. According to him, it's none of her business. She went back to the table and had a tasty breakfast in silence.

After eating and washing dishes, she went to his room to get her phone. Sure enough, as soon as the door opened her phone was there sitting on the nightstand.

How did I not see it earlier?

She took it and checked the time.

11 'o'clock

She noticed a text and checked it.

Husband
I'll be at Adrían for the rest of the day. Bye.

She definitely wasn't expecting that.

Me
Ok, take care.

Well that was considerate of him.

•~•~•

In the crowded house, Gabriella hustled to serve the guests. She shared the drinks then returned to join her mother. Family and friends of Leon gathered at David's parents' house. Although she was saddened that her family reunited for a tragic occasion, she was glad to see them.

"Gabby," Her mother called as she came through the backdoor. She raised her head.

"Where is Paula? "

She shrugged, "I don't know. Probably in the backyard."

Veronica nodded, "Alright, I'll check."

Gabriella agreed. With a sigh, she leaned against the wall and swirled the juice around in her cup.

Veronica stepped closer; she held Gabriella's face to inspect her. "Are you alright sweetheart?"

A strained smile crossed her features, she was anything but alright. Trouble was on all sides for her. She wasn't sure how much more she could handle without a break. "Yes mom, I'm alright. I'm just a bit gloomy. Tomorrow is the last day I'll get to see uncle Leon then he'll be gone for good. And there's nothing I can do to change that." Tears fell from her eyes.
"It's okay." Veronica hugged her. She pulled away and dried Gabriella's tears. "This is surreal to all of us Gabby. No one would've guessed he would leave life that way but, it's the way of life. It'll hurt like crazy now but one day it will get better."

They talked for some time before her mother left. Wanting nothing else but to be alone, she walked to the balcony to clear her head. She unlocked her phone and found a movie to watch; at least something to distract her thoughts.

"Good night Gabriella. I'm leaving now. " She turned around; it was Paula.

"Alright. I can give you a ride to the hotel." Gabriella took Andrew's car keys from her pocket, ready to go with Paula.

She fixed her bag strap on her shoulder. "That's okay dear, a taxi is waiting outside for me."

"Oh okay." Bummed out, she stuffed into her pocket. "Send me a text when you reach the hotel. And tell Martin and Emmy I said good night."

A meek smile crossed Paula's features. "I will. It's a pity I had to leave them with their babysitter. They had a fun day out. When it was time to come here they were sound asleep."

Gabriella lifted her shoulder in a shrug, "Oh well. I'll see them tomorrow."

"Yeah... See you later Gabby." Paula waved goodbye and walked down the driveway to a waiting taxi. Poor woman. She bargain for this kind of burden when she planned her trip.

"You too aunt Paula, bye." She watched the taxi driver into the distance then returned inside the house.

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