Chapter 235: Return Gift
A quick spark of excitement lit up Daniel's eyes, but he played it cool real fast. He grinned and said, "Hey Helen, my mom sent over some veggies for you. She says they're top-notch and super fresh."
"Yeah, they look great," Helen replied, grabbing the bag from Daniel and peeking inside. She motioned for him to come in. "I'll hang onto these. Just baked some bread, and it's pretty decent. Take some back for your mom to try."
Since moving here, the little garden at the old place had been left to fend for itself. I heard Hugh and Emma have been looking after it for us.
Daniel nodded at her words and then plopped down on the sofa, keeping a respectful distance from me.
He shot me a gentle smile, and I awkwardly smiled back.
It hit me that six years had flown by, and we’d gone from being tight to having zilch to say to each other. The vibe was ice-cold.
Saying there was hatred would be overkill; everything had been sorted out ages ago. No grudges left. But I just couldn't get back that feeling of trailing after him without a care, no matter what he did.
Life's a trip; nothing stays the same forever.
Daniel and I had split paths since that party years back.
"I'll be back to regular classes in September," he said, clearing his throat.
"Oh, continuing your studies or starting fresh?"
"I wrapped up last semester's courses and aced the exams. Chatted with my teacher, so no need to start over."
"That's cool."
The awkward silence crept back in, and I grabbed my phone to scroll through the news.
"Jane, I know saying sorry is weak sauce for all the crap my parents and I put you through, but I still gotta say it. I messed up big time in the past, and none of it deserves forgiveness. So, I'm not asking for it, just putting out my apology. If I could rewind time, I’d never pull that stuff again."
I glanced at him, trying to gauge if he was for real. He’d said sorry a bunch of times before, but it was usually just lip service, and then he'd go right back to his old ways. Now he was apologizing again, and I wasn't sure if he meant it.
I stayed quiet and didn't say a word.
"I get it, you don't believe a thing I say anymore, and I don't blame you. I went way too far. Looking back, I was nuts. I'm sorry."
He dropped his head, fiddling with the cushion on the sofa with one hand while the other rested on his leg. His eyes, under those long lashes, were bright and clear, like the Daniel I knew before he turned eighteen.
After all the drama, Daniel had taken a beating both physically and mentally, which kinda toughened him up. Now, he seemed to finally get it and had grown up.
I hoped he really knew where he messed up.
We grew up together, after all. Despite all the crap he put me through, it’d be good if he could change. Being Brad's close relative, I wasn't gonna hold a grudge forever.
He did save my life, right?
Let bygones be bygones.
At that moment, facing Daniel's apology, I made peace with the Daniel of the past six years.
"Alright, I believe you and forgive you," I said, genuinely.
Daniel looked shocked that I was so quick to forgive him this time. He glanced up at me, saw I wasn't kidding, and quickly bought it. He flashed a beautiful smile and said softly, "Thanks, Jane. Even after all the crap I pulled, you still forgive me. Thank you."
His voice had a bit of a tremble.
I smiled, telling him not to be so formal, reminding him we grew up together, after all.
This time, he grinned wide, looking as adorable as ever.
Helen seized the moment and came out with a big bag full of freshly baked bread, still steaming with little droplets of water on the bag.
"Quick, it's fresh out of the oven. Eat it while it's hot; it tastes amazing."
Daniel stood up, took the bag, and politely thanked my mom. "Thanks, Helen. I'll head out now. If you need anything, just give me a shout."
It wasn't until we watched Daniel leave that Helen turned to me. "I don't know what to do with you two. If it weren't for our history, I wouldn't want you to meet. But he did save your life, no matter the reason. I'm grateful for that.
But then he faked being sick to force you to comply, and that made me lose the goodwill I had just regained for him. Your dad and I have talked about avoiding contact with him several times, but Emma often calls me. Daniel also comes over a lot, bringing this or that, always very polite. We can't just turn him away; we have to be decent people. So, I always prepare something for him to take back as a return gift."
"Mom, you're doing the right thing. No matter how we try to mend things, it can't go back to the way it was. Some wounds can't be erased. I don't hold onto the past anymore. Now, I just want to live each day well. Whether we see each other or not, no one can affect me."
Ronan came out of the study and chimed in, "That's my girl. But it's a pity my good daughter is with Brad from the Pitt family. Just thinking about it makes me happy. Why him!"
Thinking about Brad from the Pitt family coming back soon made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy.
What could I do? There were millions of guys in the world, but only Brad had me hooked. The doubts I had about him and Jenny were wiped away by Brad's endless charms. All that was left was my growing affection for him day by day.
After chatting with Helen in the evening, I sensibly headed back to my room before Ronan could tell me to leave.
I didn't know what magic my mom used, but she and my dad had been sweet for over twenty years.
After a shower, I lay in bed reading a novel when Brad sent a video call request. He looked surprised to see me at my parents' house and then said, "Back home so soon? Are you prepping for my return? Looks like my little darling really misses me."
He nailed it, and I felt a bit shy but also happy.
"Yeah, I miss you so much I can't even remember what you look like. Brad, you call me three times a day—is that because you're scared I'll forget what you look like?"
'You thought you were the only one who could tease? I could play that game too.' I smirked to myself.
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