Would Esme being alive bring new hope to her heart or would it rip it open and leave her at the bottom once more? Because that was something I never wanted to witness again.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” The nickname he gave me the first time we met brought me out of my head in an instant, my head snapping in his direction.
“Good morning.” I said, but my smile was weak. I was sure it held more sadness than joy.
“Are you okay?”
“No.”
“Why?” He sat up, immediately wrapping his arm around me.
“I feel like a terrible person. What if it’s my fault that Esme wanted to leave? What if I’m the worst oldest sister to have ever existed?” I felt like a fool speaking those words, because deep inside, I knew that none of them were true.
“I’m sure there is a good explanation to why she chose this path. But never ever blame yourself for it.” He reassured me, and it made me feel warm.
“I want to go home to my mom.” Tears were prickling in the corner of my eyes.
“Of course, sweetheart.”
—
As we arrived home, two days and nights had passed. And I could no longer wait to be held by her.
Knocking on the wooden door, only a few seconds passed before it swinged open. And there she stood, shock all over her face as she couldn’t believe that I was finally back. But there was something else lingering behind it too, but I didn’t understand what it was.
“Oh, Genevieve. Where have you been?” Tears were running down her cheeks in an instant and it was hard forcing myself to not feel bad, even though that was exactly how I felt.
“Hi.” My tone was gentle.
“Never leave like that again. Never.” She dragged me in for another hug.
But just as I was about to tell her everything, her focus abruptly shifted to Ector.
“Why do I recognize you?”
It was easy to see the confusion and nervousness spreading on Ector’s face. His hand was scratching the back of his head and he could barely look her in the eyes.
“Look at me.” She ordered, and he did as she said.
For a few moments, she was quiet, until she spoke again. “I know you. Your name is Ector. Son of Ivelle.”
I looked at him in confusion as he looked at my mother.
“What?” We spoke at the same time, identical facial expressions plastered on both of our faces.
“I think we have a lot to talk about, come in.”
And so, we followed her inside. We sat down around the light wooden kitchen table and mom placed cups filled with tea before us. Then, she let us know all about the friendship with Ivelle, Ector’s mother.
Bonus spicy chapter (43)
Dear close family, this is where Genevieve and Ector’s story will be ending for you. For everyone else, please enjoy.
Genevieve
Two weeks later
“So this is where you’ve been living for the past years?” I ask him in awe, my eyes locked on the small lonely house surrounded by green moss.
