CHAPTER THREE
803 Words
Chapter Three
“Yes, Brielle, I’m going to America, USA, but—” Marcellus hadn’t finished before Briella cut him off.
“What!? Without telling me? You were just going to leave without saying a word? Was I supposed to just wake up one day and see you gone? I thought we were best friends! I thought—” Her voice broke, tears spilling before she could finish.
The air between them grew heavy, tense. Marcellus opened his mouth, but no words came. He just watched her cry, guilt tightening around his chest.
Minutes passed before Briella finally steadied herself, her breath shaky but calmer now. “Why are you traveling?” she asked again, softer this time.
Marcellus sighed and forced a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I got a call from Madam Jane…” He hesitated, then went on. “She’s my mom’s maid. Mom got into an accident—a serious one. They had to perform surgery. They’re done with it, but… she hasn’t woken up yet.” His voice lowered, his gaze falling to the floor as if holding back tears.
“What!? Oh my goodness—please, hurry then!” Briella cried, immediately springing into action and helping him fold clothes into his suitcase.
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Airport — one hour before his flight
“Marci…” Briella called softly, her voice laced with hesitation.
“Mm?” He turned, only to see her standing with her lips pouted. The sight made him chuckle.
“Stop laughing if you still want to leave!” she scolded with a frown.
“Sorry, Mum,” he teased, which drew an unwilling laugh from her.
“I’m sorry for busting out like that earlier,” Briella murmured, lowering her head. “I should’ve known you wouldn’t leave without a reason.”
“It’s fine,” Marcellus said, gently lifting her chin. “I probably would’ve reacted the same.”
Briella nodded and hugged him tightly. “I’ll miss you so much,” she whispered, sniffing as she pulled back. Her words tumbled out in a rush. “When are you coming back? I’m going to see you again, right? You can’t leave me forever, right? I mean, I know your mom’s not well, but you’ll come back as soon as she’s fine, right?” Tears were already streaming down her face.
“Too many questions at once—where do I even start?” he said with a smile, wiping her cheeks.
“Just answer all of them!” she insisted stubbornly. “And what about school? You’re already in your second year!”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Okay, okay. Yes, I’ll definitely come back. Who else is going to nag you to study? As for school… I’ll try not to stay too long, but if Mom’s condition is worse than we think, I might transfer there. Christopher already said he’s processing it.”
Briella bit her lip, nodding through fresh tears. “I’ll miss you, Marci. I’m starting college this year, and I even applied to yours because of you. Who am I supposed to go out with? Watch movies with? Shop with? Eat lunch with?…”
Her phone buzzed, interrupting her words.
“It’s Genevieve,” Briella said, sniffing. “I told her about your trip. She wants to speak with you.”
Marcellus smiled and took the phone. “Hi, Genevieve.”
“Marc! I hope your mom gets better. Please send my regards when you get there.”
“I will, thank you.”
“I’ll miss you a lot. Not as much as big Sister, though,” Genevieve giggled.
Marcellus smirked at Briella, who was rolling her eyes.
“Ah! That reminds me,” Genevieve added. “Did big Sister tell you I’ll be starting college with her soon?”
Brilliant and bold, Genevieve had skipped two grades, and though younger, she’d be starting college alongside Briella.
“She didn’t need to,” Marcellus chuckled. “How could I forget my very smart, soon-to-be lawyer?”
Briella immediately snatched the phone back. “You only skipped two grades! Stop bragging about it!”
“Not my fault I’m smarter than you!” Genevieve retorted before ending the call with a laugh.
“I’m not even dumb,” Briella huffed. “I’m just… average. Because I choose to be! I could top the class if I wanted.”
“Well, then I’d suggest you try before I get back,” Marcellus teased, glancing up at the clock. His expression shifted. “I need to go. Bye!”
He was rushing toward the gate before Briella could say another word.
“Bye, Marci!!” she cried after him, her voice breaking into sobs as he disappeared from view.
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✨End of Chapter Three ✨
- Writer
