CHAPTER 16
4864 Words
- Where were you guys? We were worried about you! You didn't even take your cell phones ... - Emma and Lindsey claimed
- Sorry, I asked her to stay in the park for a bit longer - Jair apologized
- Okay guys, but you should have told us that you were thinking of taking so long - Mike added – now, Sheryl, sit down, please.
- But I didn't do anything wrong ... I promise you mom - she said addressing Lindsey
- Don't worry, it's not that ... do as he says, sit down
They all looked so serious, Sheryl was worried. They sat in the living room and Mike started talking:
- There’s something I must tell you, it’s better that you find out from us before you discover it in a few minutes - he said with the necklace in his hands
- Did something happen with Ethan? Anything ... it's not my fault ... he doesn't have to be spying on me every second, besides ...
- Easy, nothing happened with Ethan. The thing is ... well, we had to get rid of the diary. You see ...
- but why did you do it? If you gave it to me yourself - Sheryl said annoyed
- I know, but I thought it’d help you communicate with Ethan, you weren’t supposed to communicate with anyone else, we warned you that it was dangerous ... there are many things you don’t know, many creatures that are waiting for the right moment to take advantage of your credulity and ...
- what are you talking about? How do you know I talked to other people? - She said altered - you told them, right? - She said looking at Jair - that's why we spent so much time outside! That's why you told me to leave everything at home! - She yelled angrily - I can't believe it! ... that's why you said that before entering... I trusted you - she said before crying - it was the only way to communicate with dad
- That’s the problem - said Mike - it was not Paul, what was talking to you through the diary was…. well, it's a bit complicated to explain; but in short, it was willing to hurt you
- That’s not true, it was dad! I understand that you like mom, and it makes me very happy that you make her smile every day, but that doesn't give you the right to separate me from dad. I considered you part of the family, as an adoptive father, but dad will always be special, you cannot and will never be able to replace him, understand it! - she said between tears - and you, Jair ... after everything we've been through together, I can't believe you ruined everything just the day that seemed the most beautiful, just when I thought everything was perfect ... this is over! - she ran up to her room and threw the teddy Jair had given her to the floor
Jair tried to go after her, but Mike stopped him; so he picked up the teddy moon from the ground and yelled so Sheryl could hear him:
- It’s not what it seems like ... listen to me, please - tears welled up in his crystalline eyes - Sheryl! – he begged
But she continued locked in her room, her heartrending cry was heard, her pain could be felt. Jair hugged the stuffed animal and began to cry, sitting next to the sofa. Mike patted him on the back, inviting him to sit on the couch to talk, but he was heartbroken, he didn't want to lose Sheryl, just after that magical afternoon they’d just passed ... he got up and went to the kitchen, where he kept wailing. Emma wanted to follow him to talk, but once again, Mike stopped her. Both mothers were devastated, they couldn’t continue listening to their children cry and stand idly by.
- I'm sorry Mike, we trust you so much, but we can't just sit around while our children suffer - Lindsey said as she made her way to Sheryl's room.
- But you don't understand… if you try to talk to Sheryl at this moment, she’ll won’t want to hear anything today or later. And, Emma, Jair needs to think for a while alone, neither you nor I know what they did this afternoon… did you hear what Sheryl said? It seems that it was something very important ... let them calm down a bit ... in a while we’ll all talk ...
- And what are we supposed to do in the meantime? - Emma asked
- Mmm ... just ... let's stay seated, in a moment they’ll calm down ...
The mothers looked at each other as if wondering what they should do.
- I'm sorry, but Sheryl is my life, I can't leave her like this - she said as she started up the stairs
- I think we better wait ... Mike is right, it’s been very strong news for Sheryl ... that's why she's so upset even with Jair .... It also hurts me to see my son suffer, but we must wait - she said, taking her hand to stop her.
Lindsey hesitated for a moment, but relented. They returned to the living room and sat down to wait. There was an awkward silence, but no one intended to break it. From time to time, they crossed their anguished glances, then they looked at the watch ... minutes seemed to have stopped. Finally, around 8 p.m., Emma stood up and said:
- I'm sorry, but I think we've already waited too long - She went to the kitchen, where she found Jair, who had fallen asleep on the floor, hugging the teddy.
Lindsey didn't say anything, she ran upstairs to Sheryl's room, when she opened the door, she realized that her daughter was also sleeping, her whole room was messy and she was with her head on the pillow. A little bird was standing at her window, with tears on its eyes, she opened the window and it rushed to perch next to the sleeping girl. Lindsey tucked her daughter up carefully and went downstairs.
- Well ... Sheryl already fell asleep - she said sadly
- Jair too - said Emma, who was coming from the kitchen - I think it's time for us to go ... but I don't want to wake him up - she said anguished. She took the guitar and skateboarding to her car - well ... I'm sorry this evening had to end like this. I’ll see you later, Lindsey, good luck with Sheryl ... if you can, please make her think about it ... Jair didn't want to hurt her ... you know it, please help her understand
- Okay ... I hope Jair also understands it, it was very strong news for her ...
Emma nodded, gently woke Jair, and they withdrew. Mike had been quiet, sitting on the couch.
- Well ... see you tomorrow at the office, it's important that you rest ... - Lindsey said, trying to say goodbye
- I think it’s better that I stay close, Sheryl is without the necklace and also too hurt to reason judiciously, Melany or any other creature may want to take advantage of her condition ... can I sleep on the sofa? – he asked
Lindsey looked at him in surprise.
- Am…. Yeah sure ... but are you sure?
- Yes, anyway, tomorrow I can be a little late for work, I’ll have plenty of time to go change at home
- Actually ... I think you could use some of Paul's clothes.
She went to her room and came back with blue pajamas and a couple of clean bed sheets. Mike thanked her and settled on the couch, Lindsey returned to her room and rolled over on the bed, she couldn't sleep. On the one hand, she felt distressed for her daughter, she didn't like to see her cry, she didn't want to see her sad anymore ... also, she felt guilty, she remembered the promise she’d made to Ethan, and then the one she’d made to Emma, she hadn’t realized the serious mistake she’d made, she said things without thinking, moved by the situation, she’d promised what she could not fulfill. She felt nervous, too, for the presence of Mike, it was the only thing that made her a little happy, but it also worried her a little, she was afraid that something bad would happen. She couldn't get all those thoughts out of her head, she went around and around in her room until almost midnight.
Mike, for his part, also felt worried, it was the first time he hadn't slept in his room, in his bed; it was the first time he slept away from his mother's photograph.
Sheryl, on the other hand, woke up in the middle of the night, she realized she was already tucked up, but something was missing, she felt empty, with a deep pain in her heart ... she thought about it for a moment, it was the teddy moon ... even more, she felt that her heart was bleeding, she was short of breath, she felt alone in the world, it hurt a lot that Jair had betrayed her, after everything they’d been through, after having deluded her, having made her fall in love with him ... he was who helped her believe in love, despite how much she’d suffered during her childhood, he’d managed to erase that past, bringing light and happiness, tenderness and hope into her life ... but all that had disappeared in a second. She thought that she could trust him blindly, that he’d be the one to accompany her for the rest of her days; but all of it vanished when he betrayed her. She looked around her neck for the necklace that had always accompanied her, but she didn't find it either, she felt hopeless, she knew that her mother was in her bedroom, she knew she could call her and she’d come to help her, but it was not the same thing... it was something else, her soul was broken, her dreams shattered ... it was as if her happiness had been taken away. Her eyes felt heavy from how much she’d cried, but she couldn't help it, tears began to flow uncontrollably again, she covered her mouth with the pillow so as not to wake her mother, she wasn’t ready to talk to her yet. Already at early morning, plunged in a sea of tears, she fell asleep.
Mike was the first one to get up, in fact… he hadn't been able to sleep all night. He got up as soon as the first rays of sunlight came out, changed, and made breakfast. He cooked pancakes, eggs and bacon. Lindsey and Sheryl woke up to the delicious smell coming from the kitchen. Lindsey came down immediately.
- Good morning, what are you doing up so early? - she asked with a smile
- good morning love! - He said as he approached to give her a kiss
- I see that you put on the same clothes from yesterday ... don't you want one of Paul’s suits?
- Yes, please
- Okay. I'll go get it and wake up Sheryl - she said as she climbed the stairs
Mike stayed in the kitchen, as everything was ready, he went to the living room, he saw that the necklace still rested pale on the central table. He took it and realized that a little bird was standing in/on the window, he opened it and the little bird flew off to perch on a nearby tree, Mike came out and heard Ethan's voice again:
- Sheryl was crying all night, I could tell how much she missed her teddy ... you know, I don't like at all that she's with that Jair guy, but yesterday I realized that it's the only way for her to be happy. Whenever they’re together, she smiles as if the world was perfect; furthermore…. When she wears the necklace, I can feel the joy that overflows in her heart, there is no other moment when she feels so full of energy and affection ... her heart seems to radiate love and joy, it’s a pure and beautiful feeling ... I think the best thing to do is…. Well, I suppose ... I must accept it if I want her to be happy - he had said all this trying not to let his voice break, but he couldn't take it anymore; between tears he continued - we must do everything possible to get them back together!
- Easy – Mike said trying to calm him down. He started to think about what Lindsey had told him a few days ago, she was right, after all, Ethan was just a kid ... he couldn't carry on with all those things - she could be happy with you too, it's just ... she doesn’t know you, maybe if she could see you from time to time ...
- But you know it’d be dangerous, every time I make myself present in your world it’s as if I reopened the door ... and we already saw what happened with the diary, I don't want to put her in danger again. I was hoping that we could communicate through that diary, but I didn’t think about the rest of realities, I made sure that Melany couldn’t act through the diary, but I completely forgot about the rest of the creatures, Melany isn’t the only dangerous creature ... there are countless of them - he said more calmly - don't worry about me, let's just make sure that Sheryl is happy and protected, it's the only thing that really matters, and it's what will make me happy, her smile ... that’s all I need
- But ... - Mike wanted to object, Ethan's reaction was very noble, but it wasn't that of a child - we can try to make Sheryl see you as something more than a friend, I'm sure she loves you, even without knowing you, she knows that you’ve protected her since she was born ...
He didn’t continue speaking, he realized Ethan was no longer listening, the little bird had already left a while ago and the necklace, which was still in his hands, had turned pale again. He entered the house again and sat on the sofa, thinking about Lindsey's words and Ethan's…. He felt a bit worried, but he couldn't find a solution, he knew they needed Ethan to ensure Sheryl's well-being, but he didn't want him to continue around, since he’d continue to suffer every time Jair was around; he couldn't push Jair away either, Ethan was right, he was the only one who could draw that big smile on Sheryl's lips. He was still thinking when Sheryl came downstairs.
- Good morning Mike - she greeted him - I'm sorry about my behavior yesterday, I exaggerated a bit ... Can you explain who was talking to me, if it wasn't my dad?
- Good Morning. Sure, please sit down….
Mike explained the situation the best he could, trying to make her understand that it wasn’t Jair's fault, that he did it only for her own good and that Ethan was the most concerned. He couldn’t make up his mind, he didn’t know who to defend. Either way, he did his best so that the girl could understand. He gave her the necklace and asked her to put it on, Sheryl refused at first, but then agreed.
- I see ... well, I suppose I should also apologize to the Walkers - Sheryl concluded when Mike had finished the explanation. Thanks for opening my eyes.
Mike was surprised, it’d been easier than he expected. That reaction was already of a mature person, he still considered Sheryl as a girl, but from that moment, he’d begin to consider her as a judicious young lady ...
- I found this suit ... it’s the only one that’s complete, the others are missing the pants or the jacket. Would you like to try it on? - said Lindsey, who had just come down from her bedroom
- yes! It's great, thank you very much - answered Mike, took the suit and placed it on the sofa - I'll serve breakfast and then I'll change
- Don't worry, you better change while I serve breakfast. Help me put the dishes, Sheryl - Lindsey said as she went to the kitchen
Mike smiled, took her by the hand, brought her closer to him and whispered to her ear: "You’re the most beautiful woman, never forget it." He kissed her forehead and went to change. Lindsey remained as if flying over the clouds, smiling with her gaze fixed on infinity; Sheryl looked at her and was happy for her. She remembered how she’d treated Jair the day before, she felt guilty, then she thought of the teddy she’d thrown away, she looked for it with her the gaze, but couldn’t find it, her face saddened and she felt that she’d start crying at any moment. Suddenly, she saw a little bird perched on the window frame, looked at her necklace and caressed it gently, at that moment she felt protected, accompanied and loved ... without realizing it, she was smiling. She got scared. “What’s wrong with me” she thought, “this necklace wasn’t even given to me by Jair”.
- I'll wait for you in the kitchen - she said trying to distract her mind
They both headed to the kitchen, Sheryl started to get the dishes out, but her head kept thinking about what had just happened. Suddenly, she dropped a dish.
- ow! I'm sorry - she was quick to apologize
- is everything okay? - Asked her mother – since a while you’re mmm ... somewhat strange, was there anything that bothered you? - She said thinking that maybe Mike's behavior had shocked her
- No. It's just ... I couldn't sleep well
- I understand… well, if something ever bothers you, let me know so I can tell Mike that…
- No, let him be, mom. It was very nice what he did, and I hope he continues to have such beautiful details with you. You don’t have to worry about me, I’m no longer a girl who’s shocked by everything ... and truth is, I’m very pleased to know that he loves you, it’s great that he reminds you of that every day, when love becomes a habit, dies and ... there are times that a small detail can break the most beautiful relationship - she said with a sigh
Lindsey was shocked, those words that had just come out of her little sweet mouth seemed to be from a woman who had lived long.
- What exactly happened yesterday with Jair? The whole time you were away ... where did you go? - She asked somewhat anguished – you two were out for a really long time. And then what you said yesterday ... and what you just said, tell me, Sheryl ... what did you do all afternoon?
Sheryl laughed, understanding what her mom meant.
- Mom, how can you think such a thing? - She said trying to stop laughing - we were only at the park ... - she got a little more serious - and ... well, the truth ... it hurt a lot because, yesterday I gave my first kiss - she said lowering the tone of her voice
Lindsey was surprised, she didn't know how to react.
- but how was it? Did you want it to happen? Did he force you? What were you doing? Was it just coming home or when ...
- mom! - Sheryl said somewhat stressed – calm down - she said looking for an excuse not to answer - the truth is that ...
- shall we eat? - Mike asked, interrupting
- yes! - Sheryl rushed to answer - I'm starving - quickly picked up the broken plate and sat down at the table
Lindsey was intrigued, she served the food and sat down to eat. Since the two girls were strangely quiet, Mike asked:
- is there something wrong? Did I interrupt something?
- No, no ... everything is fine, it's just that I couldn't sleep well, I think Mom didn't rest well either - Sheryl answered quickly
- Actually ... Sheryl was just about to tell me what happened with Jair - Lindsey said, trying to force her daughter to respond.
Mike noticed Sheryl's discomfort.
- Mmm… well, but…. In fact, I think it’s a bit late to go to school - he said while looking at the clock - we better hurry, I heard there’s traffic on the road, it seems that a tree fell over the road
Sheryl looked at him, she seemed to say "thank you" with her eyes, he responded with a smile. Lindsey noticed, but said nothing. They finished their breakfast in silence and, as it was still very early, Sheryl went up to her room for a while.
- Why did you do it? - Asked Lindsey
- Well ... didn't you see Sheryl's face? You could tell she was uncomfortable ... give her some time to order her thoughts. I'm sure she’ll tell you everything, but first let her be sure of what she feels
Lindsey nodded and headed into the kitchen to wash the dishes. Mike saw the disappointment in her eyes, he knew that she wanted to know everything about her daughter, he understood her, any mother would worry about something so important in her daughter's life. He approached her and, hugging her from behind, said in a very low voice:
- Do not worry, I promise you we’ll do everything possible to get her tell you everything today ... you just have to let her clarify everything with her heart, remember that she’s just a teenager ... calm down, smile, okay? - he said while lifting her cheeks with his hands
Lindsey laughed and hugged him. They washed the dishes and then called Sheryl to go to school. When she came downstairs, they realized she had the box of photos in her backpack.
- Sheryl, my girl ... think twice what you are about to do. Jair did what he had to do for your wellbeing - her mother advised her
She understood what she meant, hugged her and took the box out of her backpack. By the time they got to the school, the bell had already rung, so Sheryl couldn't speak to Jair. She waited until the break, but when it was finally break time, she didn't want to confront him, she couldn't, she didn't know what she’d say, she still had endless mixed feelings. She wanted to stay in the classroom, but the teacher asked her to leave because there was a meeting and the principal had asked them to leave all the classrooms closed. She tried to hide and go straight to the infirmary, but ran into Jair on the way.
- Hello - he greeted shyly - is something wrong? You seem a bit rushed ...
- Hello - she answered nervously - no, it's just ... I forgot the lunchbox in my classroom again, I don't know where my head is - she laughed nervously - well…. In fact, there’s something I’d like us to talk about
- Sheryl, please. I know it was wrong to betray you, but please, I ...
- stop, let me speak please - interrupted Sheryl - I just wanted to apologize, yesterday I behaved very badly ... I was really sad to know that I wasn't talking to dad, I think I knew it deep down, but I didn't want to accept it, and you forced me to see reality ... thank you, and I'm really sorry, I'm sorry I reacted in such a bad way
- Does that mean you forgive me?
- I don't have to forgive you, Mike made me understand that you did it for my wellbeing. I thank you for that ...
- Don't worry, as I told you, the only thing that matters to me is your well-being. Now, may I ask for a smile - he said trying to cheer her up
Sheryl faked a smile, but Jair noticed the discomfort in her gaze.
- I see you have the necklace on, it's strange you know ... it's the first time that it doesn't change color
- Wow, I hadn't noticed - she said nervously, trying to hide the necklace under her T-shirt - I guess Ethan finally understood that ...
- are you sure? - he said approaching her lips
Sheryl was shocked, held her breath for a second and then backed away, dodging him.
- What's wrong? - Jair said with a nostalgic tone - I thought you’d forgiven me ... please, I promise you I won’t ...
- Yes, I did forgive you, it's just that ... I need some time to think things over ... I think it all started very quickly, we started our fairy tale from day one. I must admit that it was the most beautiful experience I’ve had in my life ... but I think the time has come to think things through ... just ... we have to give ourselves some time to reflect ... - she said as calmly as she could
Jair's eyes filled with tears.
- Are you sure that's what you want? - he asked while his voice broke
- I think it's for the best ... and if we overcome this, then we’ll know that our affection is stronger than anything. And well ... I'm not asking you to wait for me either, because I don't even know how long it’ll take me to be ready. You just… go on with your life, if you come to love someone else when they I’m ready to take up what is ours, I’ll understand it; and if when we’re ready to get back together, you still love me ... well, we have to leave it to fate. You’re very important to me, so I think it’s best to be honest from the beginning
- I won't be with anyone else! I’ll wait for you - he said as tears flowed from his eyes
- No Please. I don't want you to lose opportunities because of me ... your life must go on, as I told you ... you have to take a break too, seek happiness, if someone else happens to make your heart happy, it’ll be a matter of fate, don’t ignore it I really hope that, in the future, things can go back to being like the first day, but we cannot force love
- I don’t care, you’re everything I need to be happy... I’ll wait for you.
Sheryl was about to object, but the bell to signal the end of the break rang.
- Well ... I guess I can't stop you. I only ask you to try to be happy ... whatever makes you happy, I wish you the best of luck - she stopped for a while to breathe - well, we must go back to class, take care of yourself ...
- Can I give you one last hug? - Jair asked wiping his tears
She didn’t respond, she approached him and hugged him.
- Before you go ... I thought maybe you'd like to keep it - he said, handing her the teddy she’d thrown the day before
- Yes, thank you very much - she said smiling.
- Writer
