The Plot

Chapter 21

Gabriella

A gust of wind rustled the surrounding trees as the overcast sky prepared to rain. An air solemn silence took over as everyone went their separate ways after Leon was laid to to rest.

"Don't worry Gabby," Kirsten said while she hugged Gabriella farewell. "You'll be fine."

"Yeah, with time." She looked just in time to see Andrew waiting by the car, he caught her eyes and hurried her from afar. "Anyway, I have to check on Dad and my grandma at the clinic. Why don't we meet for dinner before you and Mr Robert leave? You haven't been to our house since we moved in."

Kirsten nodded, "Alright, I'll let Robert know."

"Okay. Text me know when you'll be able to come."

"Sure. Be safe. Bye." Gabriella waved her goodbye then rushed to meet Andrew.

The passenger side door closed after Gabriella went in. Moments later, Andrew entered the vehicle and drove them away from the cemetery en route to the clinic her father and grandmother were rushed to.

As if the sad occasion wasn't enough, when her father learned that Paula and her children left for France earlier that morning, it sent him into shock. Paula lied when she said she'd show at the funeral. She sent a text to her mother to let them know she was leaving. Gabriella didn't know how to feel. On one hand, she was angry. But on the other, she felt like Paula wasn't obligated to show up. However she could've left in a better way.

They reached the clinic and found her mother and grandfather in the waiting room.

"Mom."

Veronica turned. "Oh, you're here."

She reached over to hug her mother and grandad, "How are you holding up? Is dad and Grandma doing okay?"

Her mother smiled, "I'm fine. As for David and Nana, their blood pressure were high. They just need to rest and they'll be fine. They went to the Pharmacy to get their medication. They talked with them until David and his mother returned.

•~•~•

Once her father and grandmother returned, the family started to leave to head home. Gabriella stayed behind with Andrew as her family walked to their vehicle. She turned to him. "I think I'll stay a few days with mom. You'll be fine, won't you?"

He shook his head. "No. And is that how we do things now? You just tell me what you want then run off? Gabriella you're not single anymore."

This hypocrite! He seems to have forgotten that he's king for leaving on a whim and doing whatever he felt like without consulting her. At least she was going away to aid her mother.

"Andrew I'm going to help my mom. There's no need to get angry. And must I remind you that you do the same thing?" She hurried to walk ahead of him to meet her parents.

"Wait." He held onto her wrist. "You're leaving with them?"

"Yes."

He raised a brow,"Seriously?"

"Yes." She nodded. "Is there a problem?"

"Gabriella they aren't kids. You act as though they're helpless."

"I know they aren't kids. Why are you bothered?"

"I'm not bothered. I'm just saying, they have a full house right now. What's the point of going there and adding to it."

"Are you saying I'd be a burden?"

"I didn't say that."

"But that's what I'm hearing. Look, all of us had a rough day. The last thing I want to do is argue. And if that is what this conversation is leading to then let's end it and move on."