The Name That Changes Everything
1259 Words
Yulia’s POV
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“Can I get the one with the marshmallows?”
Noah was leaning over the counter so much that I had to hold the back of his jacket to prevent him tipping over.
“You have to wait,” I said. “They haven’t even asked yet.”
“But I already know what I want,” he replied seriously, then peered up at the man behind the counter. “Do you have the big ones?”
The man stopped. He stood very tall. Too tall. Dark coat, no smile, eyes shining in a quiet, alert fashion. He looked down at Noah, not me.
“We do,”he said. His voice was deep and even. “But they melt fast.”
"That’s okay,” said Noah. "I drink fast.”
For an instant, there was a shift on the man’s face. Only slightly. As though he was almost laughing.
“Good strategy,” he said.
I cleared my throat. “Excuse me. He gets carried away.”
"It's fine," the man replied, going back into neutral. "What can I get you?"
“Hot chocolate,” Noah said again.“With extra marshmallows.”
"And you?" the man asked, finally turning to look at me.
The way that people around me kept turning to look at us made me uncomfortable. The confidence that came with money that they had otherwise lacked.
“Just coffee,” I repeated. “Black.”
He nodded and turned slightly to the side. “Name?”
“Yulia,” I said. “Yulia Brooks"
His hands stopped mid movement
I did see it. It was a brief hesitation, but it was there. He slowly turned back around.
“Brooks?” he repeated
“Yes,” I said, already tense.
“Do you know him?” I asked, nodding at Noah.
“Any relation to Brent Brooks?”
The air immediately felt hot. My stomach sank. "Why?"
He paused and chose his words with consideration. “He’s my cousin. Distant. From my father’s side.”
“I stared at him.”
Of all the places. Of all the names.
My chest constricted. “I don’t see how that’s relevant,” I said.
He held back one hand. “I'm not judging. I was just surprised.”
“Right,” I said. “Of course.”
Noah stared at us. “Mum, do you know him?”
“No,” I replied hastily. “We don’t.”
The man nodded. "Gabriel Sterling."
The last name hurt more than I thought. Of course. Sterling. I’d heard the name before. So had the whole world. Big family. Old money. Power.
I felt stupid just standing there.
“Here’s fine,” I said, even as I went for my wallet. “We don’t need—”
“It’s on me,” he said.
“No,” I said. “It’s not"
He didn't argue, He just slid out the cups when they were done.
Noah took it greedily. “Thanks,” he said.
“You’re welcome," Gabriel said.
“We’re done.” I picked up my coffee.
I turned away without uttering a further word.
“Mum,” Noah whispered as soon as we managed to get a table. “You're behaving strangely.”
“I’m not,” I said. “Drink slowly.”
He took a swallow and smiled. “This is very good.”
I nodded, fixating on my cup.
Another Sterling. Another rich link to him. I hated how quickly the old feelings rushed back: Anger. Shame. Feeling Small.
“Can I go take a look at the tree again?” Noah asked.
“Stay where I can see you,” I said.
He jumped down and ran a short distance before stopping. “You promise?”
“I promise.”
I watched him leave, then settled back in my chair.
“Mind if I sit?”
I looked up. Gabriel stood in the doorway with a cup of coffee.
“Yes,” I replied. “I do.”
"Got it" he said and walked away.
I reminded myself I didn't care. That I’d never see him again.
Ten minutes passed by before Noah returned.
“He knows how to skate,” Noah exclaimed.
“Who"
“The man from before. Gabriel.”
My jaw clenched. "Did you talk to him?"
“He wanted to know my name,” Noah said. “And how old I am.”
I took a breath. “You don’t need to talk to strangers.”
“He’s not a stranger,” Noah replied. “He knows Dad.”
I stiffened. "He does not,"
"He knew my dad’s name," Noah continued to insist.
“That means nothing to me,” I said with a sharpness I didn’t intend.
Noah frowned. "Sorry."
“I’m not mad at you. Just… watch yourself.”
I relaxed.
“Okay,” he whispered.
We both drank without talking.
We stood to leave, and I again felt the sensation of being watched. Gabriel was across the room, talking to another person, but his focus shifted back to me momentarily.
I turned away walking in the hallway, Noah went ahead skipping.
“Mum,” he said. “Are rich people different?”
I froze. “Why would you ask that?”
“They look different,” he said. “Their coats are nicer.”
I sighed. “People are people.”
“But Dad was rich too,” Noah replied. “And he left.”
The words cut deep.
"Yes," I replied. "And that is why money is irrelevant."
He nodded slowly. “Okay.”
I sat back down in the room on the bed as Noah entertained himself with the remote.
I took out my phone and checked the bank app. The number turned my stomach.
This was ridiculous, I thought. You shouldn’t be here.
There was a knock at the door and I froze.
‘Mum?’ Noah called out. ‘Someone is out there""
"I'll get it," I said getting up and opening the door
"Gabriel."
“I won’t take up much of your time,” he said calmly. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry if I put you on edge earlier.”
“You did,” I said. “So this isn't helping.”
He nodded. "Fair."
“Please stay away from us,” I said. “We’re here to relax.”
“I see,” he said. “I won't come back either.”
“Good
Just as I was trying to shut the door, he spoke again.
“For what it’s worth,” he said, “Brent and I are nothing alike.”
I met his eyes. “That doesn’t matter.”
I closed the door.
Noah looked up at me. “Was that him?”
“Yes
‘He seems nice,’ Noah said.
I sat down beside him. “Nice doesn’t mean anything.”
“Oh,” he said.
I stretched out on the bed and began to stare at the ceiling.
Avoid him at all costs, I told myself.
Outside, voices floated through the hallway. Laughter.
Noah yawned, calling out my name.
“Yes," I answered.
”Can we have hot chocolate again tomorrow?”
I swallowed hard and smiled. “We'll see.”
He grinned. “Okay.”
Further down the hallway, I heard a gentle voice, also male, called out, speaking just loudly enough for me to hear.
“I’ll give her space," Gabriel told someone close by. “She asked for it.”
- Writer
