Something surprising
Rachel
I woke up that morning with a strangely distressing feeling, a pit in my stomach, and an inability to focus, anxious for something I couldn't even explain. I shared this with Lindsay and Joseph during breakfast, but they tried to convince me that it wasn't indicative of anything extraordinary. I was probably just exhausted after nearly a week of almost complete rest.
I wanted to believe it would just be that and decided to leave my room for a bit, already feeling physically better. I went down to the mansion's TV room, where I chose to distract myself by watching a movie or series. I was surprised to become completely engrossed in a romantic comedy, something very similar to what Sarah liked to watch.
Remembering Sarah squeezed my heart. It had been months since we had a sisterly relationship, and I missed her company and even her advice, previously considered boring and silly, but now seen in a different light. I also thought about the visit I made to Sarah at Kael's house and how I was coolly received by her. Although understandable, it was still painful in the face of the true love and regret I felt for my sister and everything that had happened between us over the years. I understood everything too late.
Perhaps the fact that Enrico had been away from Seattle for days was making me feel needy, and consequently, everything else I was experiencing on that Monday morning. He traveled the day after I accepted his marriage proposal and after our long and revealing conversation.
Enrico was reluctant to travel, afraid of leaving me alone in Seattle. However, such concern was unnecessary, as I wouldn't truly be alone. I had the loyal company of Lindsay and Joseph, people whom I deeply appreciate and who take care of me as if I were part of their own family. Additionally, Enrico had contractual commitments and a crucial season ahead, aiming to win his third Formula One championship that year. I wouldn't forgive myself if, because of me, he neglected his responsibilities as a driver and missed the opportunity to win the championship.
With determination, I encouraged him to take part in the race.
“You need to compete, yes. It's so close to victory! You can't just abandon the team and give up all the hard work everyone has done so far, Enrico.”
He insisted, hugging me tighter.
“I can't leave you here alone, especially when you're going through so much, my love.”
After Lindsay arranged dinner for me and made sure I ate, we were alone again. We talked and clarified everything, dispelling any possible misunderstandings. It was then that Enrico shared details of the next stage of the Formula One circuit and his reluctance to travel at that time. I disagreed firmly.
“I'm not alone in this house” I pointed out the obvious. “I have Joseph and Lindsay. You're not abandoning me here. You need to go to Austin, fulfill your part and win another race. You'll be back on Monday.”
The next day, Enrico went to Austin. Before going to the airport, he visited his mother at the hotel. They talked a lot about the past, but Enrico told me that he didn't feel close to Dorothy and didn't intend to keep in touch with her. I hoped to understand this perspective better when he returned. I didn't intend to change the way he thought, as I didn't have a good relationship with my own family, who preferred to keep their distance from me.
I received an early phone call from Enrico, saying he would arrive in Seattle in a few hours due to a flight delay. Maybe that was the reason for the strange feeling I was experiencing. I was eager to have him by my side again, now that we had understood each other and decided to stay together.
However, my restlessness could be linked to the fact that I hadn't spoken personally with Thompson about not marrying him. So far, this conversation had been only over the phone, and he wasn't happy. He wanted to talk to me in person and come to the mansion. I made it clear that I didn't want visitors in the next few days to avoid him coming to Joseph's house. But I knew I couldn't postpone this conversation forever and I admitted that I was being cowardly in not facing the situation once and for all. It was time to make it clear to Thompson that I wanted to marry another man, the true love of my life and father of my son.
I just didn't want to deal with it while Enrico was away, to avoid conflicts between us. I wanted peace and happiness with the family we were about to build, even though it wasn't yet complete.
Lindsay entered the TV room smiling and greeted me. Even though I didn't understand the reason for her big smile, I smiled back.
"Hi! It looks like something happened... and it seems to be something very good!" I commented casually.
"You have a visitor waiting for you in the living room," Lindsay informed.
I immediately tensed, worried that it was Thompson, even though I had made it clear that I didn't want visitors right now. My smile disappeared. I didn't want to talk to him yet. I needed more time and Enrico's presence.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"Don't worry," Lindsay soothed, widening her smile even more. "It's not Thompson. The person in the room is Sarah."
"Are you sure she came to visit me?" I asked, surprised. "Wasn't she here to see Joseph?"
"No, she didn't come to talk to Joseph," Lindsay explained clearly. "She's here to talk to you."
I had no idea what Sarah could want to talk to me about. All that crossed my mind were pessimistic possibilities. After all, I knew well the trouble I caused with my sister, and the fact that she is now in a wheelchair is largely my fault and my greed.
Regardless of what she intended to discuss, whether it was to yell at me and vent all the frustration she must be holding, I would be there to listen and acknowledge my mistakes. I had long wished to reach out to her, but I vividly remembered my last attempt to contact her and the hostile reception I received.
"And then?" Lindsay insisted, in the face of my hesitation. "Don't you want to see your sister and resolve things between you?"
"I believe she didn't come with that purpose," I confessed partially my fears.
"You'll only know if you go to the room and talk to Sarah, agree?"
"Of course, you're right," I agreed quickly, standing up and smoothing down my floral cotton dress, something comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.
"Go on, girl," Lindsay said with infectious enthusiasm. "She's waiting for you!"
I smiled, or at least tried to, and after taking a deep breath, I decided to find out what Sarah wanted to talk to me about. It was the "moment of truth," and my nerves were on edge as I left the TV room and walked down the hallway leading to the living room, where Lindsay had left Sarah waiting for me a few minutes earlier. Although I had no intention of making my sister wait, I walked slowly, not wanting to risk tripping due to my pregnancy. After all, I had learned my lesson quite well.
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