The Last Time We Loved

Chapter 9

Elara

I stared at the school building and forced myself to stay calm, exhaling sharply before walking toward the front desk. “I’m here to see Mrs. Lincoln, I got a call about my sister.”

The secretary nodded. “Office down the hall,” I nodded and followed the direction she had pointed.

I didn’t sleep last night, and I have eaten nothing, I felt tired and exhausted, but I had to stay strong for my mother and Nora.

The office door was half open when I approached it. “Elara Brooks?” the woman asked when she saw me. “Please come in.”

It was the first time coming to Nora’s school in regard to any complain, Nora was always well behaved, so I couldn’t still understand why she acted that way today of all days.

I stepped inside and found Nora sitting across the desk stiffly, her eyes were red when she finally raised her head to meet my gaze, and I could see the tears that instantly clustered in them.

“I didn’t mean to.” Nora whispered. “I swear.”

I almost burst into tears seeing Nora’s large wet eyes looked at me with so much guilt, but I held it in, walked across the room and placed my hand on her knees.

“It’s okay, I’m here, just tell me what happened.” I said softly.

Mrs. Lincoln cleared her throat to draw my attention to her. “Nora was involved in an incident during lunch today.”

I looked up. “What kind of incident?”

“There was a confrontation with another student, voices were raised, a teacher intervened before it became physical.”

I turned to Nora. “What did you say, Nora?” I searched her eyes, Nora has never lied to me, she was always honest, and I believed her every word.

“They were making fun of Mom.” She swallowed hard. “They said she was sick because she didn’t take care of herself, they said… they said I don’t have a father and mom was also going to die.” I clenched my jaw, curling my hand into fist as she continued.

“I told them to stop,” Nora’s tears rolled down her cheek. “They wouldn’t, so I yelled, I told them they don’t know anything, and then I pushed one of them.”

I quickly pulled her into a hug, holding her tight as Nora sobbed into my shoulder. “I’m sorry.” Nora cried. “I didn’t want to get in trouble, I just… I couldn’t let them talk about her like that.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. Of course, Nora had been carrying the same fear I had, but why would anyone say that to a person whose mother is currently at the hospital, that is so cruel.

“Normally,” Mrs. Lincoln spoke again. “This would warrant suspension, but given the circumstances, we’re issuing a warning instead.”

I exhaled shakily, and turned to her. “Thank you.” It was better than suspending her, I knew Nora was first triggered, but right now, I can only be grateful to the administrator, I can’t bear it if Nora gets suspended.

“I will need you to ensure Nora speaks with the school counselor, she’s under a lot of emotional strain.”

“Of course.” I nodded and walked out with Nora when the meeting ended.

Outside, Nora wiped her face with her sleeves. “I’m sorry I made things worse.” She sniffled.

I stopped walking and turned to her. “You didn’t.” I assured her, meeting her eyes. “You were protecting mom, that’s not wrong.”

“But I pushed someone.” Her eyes became wet again, I knew she regretted it.

“I know, and next time, you use your words, or you walk away, you don’t fight, but you also don’t let anyone hurt you.”

Nora nodded slowly. “Is mom really going to be okay?” She asked and I hesitated.

How do I answer? She is in a critical condition and I don’t have money for her hospital surgery, I’ve emptied my account, yet it’s still not enough, and the back won’t let me loan a dime, there was nothing I could do at this point.

I flashed a smile. “Yes.” I quickly held her shoulder, squeezing it tenderly. “Mom is strong, and she’s fighting.”

Nora hugged me again, and I held on, swallowing the lump in my throat, I don’t even believe myself, because from what I’ve observed, I doubt mom is willing to fight through this, but I wanted to believe this lie, I wanted mom to fight.

We reached home and I set Nora’s bag down by the couch. “Go wash your face, then change into something comfortable.” Nora nodded, and dragged her feet toward the bathroom.

I closed the door and leaned against it for a moment, glancing at the screen of my phone, there was no call from Nate, not even a text, he had forgotten, I was sure he had, who wouldn’t when I had given him the attitude for a whole year.

You wouldn’t call me if you were Nate, Elara. I said to myself, rubbing my face with my palm.

I placed my phone on his coat I had left on the couch, before strolling to the kitchen for a glass of water, my stomach grumbled, I was famished, but I have no appetite to eat anything, I feel I would puke if I ingest any meal.

I was halfway through the living room when the doorbell rang. I froze. No one has ever came unannounced, no one ever visit, not even Jacob Adams, and he would be insane to come to my house today.

I quickly turned to the door. “Nora?” I called out softly. “Stay in the bathroom.”

I walked to the door, and pushed it open, but froze, my breath caught in my throat at the person standing in the hallway outside the apartment.

He stood tall, dressed in a dark jacket, hair slightly damped as if he had walked through rain, his expression was unreadable, his eyes were dark, and his gaze met mine

I gasped, instantly recognizing him. It was the last person I expected to see.

The stranger, the man I had kissed at Hayes Global lobby.

How did he find me?