Come Closer

Chapter 30

The sound of Nathan’s foot tapping on the tiled floor impatiently was the only thing that gave an unsuccessful attempt in breaking the silence in the living room. There was Avelyn, sitting with her head downcasted, and Jayden and Nathan, observing her, unsure whether to question her or not.

“What happened?” “I’ll go to sleep now”

Nathan and Avelyn spoke at the same time. Avelyn finally looked up at the other two, and again looked down at her hands, fidgeting with her fingers. Her lips were curved downwards, giving her mouth a triangular shape.

Jayden sighed, coming to a decision after the short silence. He looked at Nathan, silently conveying his message, and received a nod of approval from Nathan. He got up, and walked to Avelyn. “Get some sleep, Avelyn. We’ll talk tomorrow.” He gave her a reassuring smile. Avelyn, still not looking up, nodded her head, and slowly strode towards the stairs. To Jayden and Nathan who looked at her, she seemed like a lifeless ghost slowly floating up the stairs.

Nathan turned to Jayden after the sound of closing a door reached their ears. “What do you think happened?”

“I don’t know for sure.” Jayden sighed as he returned to his seat beside Nathan.

“What did you find out about Lyena?” Nathan asked, as the three of them hadn’t spoken a word since they got in their car, seeing Avelyn’s gloomy state.

Jayden massaged his forehead, resting his head on his palm. “Apparently, Lyena is James’ girlfriend.”

Nathan pursed his lips and stared at James. “What?!” James exclaimed as Nathan continued to stare at him. ‘I’m so done with you’ Nathan’s face seemed to be saying.

“You do remember that I was there with you when you told us this, right?” He voiced his thoughts with his gritted teeth.

“Ooo. I forgot it,” James gave him a cheeky grin.

“You little-’’James threw his hands in front of him to protect himself from Nathan. Nathan put his fisted hand down, huffing in annoyance.

“Get some sleep now. You must be exhausted.” Nathan told Jayden, who looked tired as hell.

“What about you?”

“I’ll stay up for a little more. Got to check up on the guards.”

“Hmm,” Jayden nodded, “Good night then! Call me if needed.”

“Alright. Good night!”

NATHAN POV

I climb up the stairs after checking up on the security of the mansion. Nothing alarming has happened today, according to the guards. But I’m worried; worried about Avelyn. She has shut us out since she talked with James. I wonder what has taken place.

‘I’ll ask her tomorrow. She’ll be alright after a good sleep.’

I frown as I hear something from Avelyn’s room. I listen closely, and the sound keeps coming. It is like,….heavy breathing, and it’s rapid.

Is she OK?

I lightly knock on the door, and realize that it isn’t locked properly, when it opens by itself. “Avelyn?” I call her, lowering my voice, unsure if she is awake or not. I wait for a reply, but all I hear is that sound. I blink multiple times to adjust my eyes to the darkness, and after a few moments, I am able to make out the dark shape of her bed. The breathing sound keeps coming, and I quickly walk to the bedside table and turn on the table lamp. The room gets quickly filled by its yellow light, allowing me to see Avelyn, covering her entire body with the sheets. Now I recognize what the sound is; sniffs and quiet sobs. Her body is shaking, and her sobs aren’t stopping.

“Avelyn…” I sit beside her, and slowly remove the white blanket from her face. I place my hand on her shoulder, and gently turn her towards me, making her lay on her back.

She looks at me with her puffy eyes. Red roots of sadness have grown in her eyes. Her face is glistening. I softly move the stray strands of her disheveled hair from her face. When my fingertips lightly brush on her skin, I can feel her face is wet. A teat manages to escape from the walls of her eyes, and she quickly wipes it away, sniffing.

“What’s the matter?” I ask her. She stares at me, taking deep breaths, although I know that she is anything but relaxed, seeing her trembling lips.

“Nath-,” her voice cracks. I squeeze her hand, and continue to stroke her hair. “It’s alright, Avelyn. It’s alright.” I get startled when she suddenly sits up, and hugs me. She continues to cry, and I draw circles on her back to calm her down.

“Nathan…” She speaks after taking a deep, shaky breath.

“I’m listening.” I continue to hug her.

“Lyena didn’t recognize me.”

“What? I know it has been a long time, but… Did you tell her who you are?”

She shakes her head.

“Why?”

She is silent. “I don’t know.”

“Tell me.” I pressed.

“I was scared. Have I changed that much to the point that my own sister is unable to recognize me?”

I sighed. It is true that she has changed in a lot of ways. It wasn’t noticeable to me, but when I think of it, I should admit that not only her appearance, but her personality too, has changed.

I stroke her head.

“I-I was scared if she didn’t remember me. I know it’s foolish but, what if she said that she doesn’t need me anymore? I didn’t want to hurt my-self more. I didn’t- suddenly I didn’t want to know whether she wanted to meet me or not. I-’’She again starts to sob.

“Shh…Avelyn. It’s alright. It will be alright.”

The front of my shirt is wet now.

A few more minutes later, she seems to have stopped crying. I pull out from the hug, and place my hands on her shoulders.

“Look at me Avelyn.” I say, as she keeps her eyes downcasted.

She slowly lifts her head, and looks up at me.

“Listen, Avelyn. Lyena isn’t the only person in your life. No matter what happens, Jayden and I will be by your side. You have us. You know it. So just relax now okay?”

She nods her head.

“Come, I’ll tuck you in.”

She lays down after I rearrange her pillows. I pull her blanket over her, to her shoulders. “I’ll stay here till you fall asleep.” I smile.

She just stares at me without a reply. Then she nods. ‘Thank you’. I smile in return.

I see her close her eyes. I look down at my hands clasped on my lap. She has been through a lot. And she is strong. With Jayden, I am going to take care of her. Afterall, she has been taking care of us since we met. To both of us, she is not only a friend; she is an older sister.