A Love Tragedy

Chapter 13

“So… you and I need to talk.” Michaela ordered me as she sat in my lounge. I was in the kitchen trying to follow a recipe that I got from the internet earlier but I knew that I was failing horribly.

“About what?” I absentmindedly replied, my voice just loud enough for her to hear me. I was useless in the kitchen so I needed all the concentration I could muster.

“You and my sister making out last weekend.” I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Naomi told her about that. It’s been a whole week already and she didn’t come to check up on me once but it was to be expected I suppose. She told me that she couldn’t help me anymore but it felt weird to not hear her voice badgering me this week. I wasn’t complaining though, the silence and rest after everything that happened last week was definitely needed.

“Shouldn’t that be a matter discussed between me and your sister?” I didn’t see her reaction to my question but I could picture her deathly stare focused on me right now.

“When it turns her into an asshole then you’ll discuss it with me.” Why would it turn her into an asshole? She’s the one that ended whatever we had so shouldn’t I be the one that was the asshole?

“Sounds like it might just be that time of the month for her.” That was definitely an ‘asshole’ thing to say but I couldn’t care less right now.

“Screw you. For your information, she becomes a marshmallow when it’s that time of the month.” I didn’t know what the hell she meant by ‘becomes a marshmallow’ and I honestly didn’t want to know because I was pretty sure that it wasn’t something I wanted to hear. The whole conversation was something I didn’t want to hear actually.

“And what the hell are you planning on doing with that meat?” Michaela asked me as she watched me pick up a steak.

“Do you want the honest answer?” I looked up at her and saw her roll her eyes before standing up and making her way over to me.

“You have no idea how to cook, do you?”

“My skills in the kitchen are limited to cleaning but I need to learn if I am going to be living on my own.”

“You’re going to need a lot more practice before you can get to the ‘steak cooking’ stage. Where’s the recipe that you’re following?” I handed her my phone and showed her the recipe that I got off the internet.

“Teach me then.” I casually suggested but I could see that she was focused on studying the recipe on my phone. At least she wasn’t thinking about her sister and I anymore.

“Yeah, this recipe is way too advanced for you.” She locked my phone and immediately tossed it towards the couch where it luckily stuck the landing.

“Hey, that was my phone you know.” I was a bit irritated by her actions but relieved that my phone had a soft landing.

“Do you want my help or not?” She moved around my kitchen and hunted for the ingredients to make whatever she was planning on making. If she was anything like her sister then it didn’t matter what my answer was going to be because she was going to force her help on me anyway.

“Do I have a choice?”

“Not if you want to live.” The half-smile on her face lightened the mood so I hoped that she was going to tone down her intensity now. “Now shut up and chop these onions.” She threw the vegetables at me without looking but I managed to catch them. “You know how to do that at least right?”

“This is my house so why do you get to order me around like this?”

“Do you want me to leave?” She stood up and folded her arms over her chest as she stared at me. Her raised eyebrow definitely showed that she had the upper hand here.

“Whatever.” I grabbed the nearest knife and began working on the onions while she got back to searching for whatever else she needed.

“So you and my sister, spill.” Just when I thought she forgot about that. They were definitely sisters.

“Nothing to spill. We spoke, we danced, we kissed and that’s it.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you kiss her?” That was one of the questions that was swirling around in my head since we kissed and honestly, I didn’t know why. Maybe Michaela could help me figure out why.

“Because I like Naomi.”

“And…?”

“And nothing. I liked her so I kissed her.”

“You like me so are you going to kiss me as well?”

“Do you want me to kiss you?” Her grunts of frustration scared me a little especially since she had a knife in her hands right now. She’s been throwing my things around so much so who’s to say that she won’t throw that knife at me?

“Stop with the bullshit, just answer me.” At least she was able to keep her cool, somewhat at least. I had to admire that.

“Fine.” I released a light chuckle before I decided to answer her again. “Your sister kind of rescued me from myself after Stella died and she basically went out of her way to make sure that I was okay and I appreciated that. She never gave up on me and she makes me happy. I thought I felt a deeper connection between us and when we were dancing together it just felt so…perfect. Like it was just her and I and that’s when I knew that I wanted to be with her because she makes me happy and I want to do the same for her.”

“You do realize that she was just being nice and friendly to you because Stella died. She was just being sympathetic.” That was the one realization that I came to. Looks like I was just her charity case.

“I know that now. I was just another one of her patients that she had to take care of.”

“Don’t say that. You guys were friends.”

“’were friends’ sounds about right. Anyway, now I finally get to be depressed and moody without anyone stopping me.”

“I’m here to stop you.”

“Nope, you’re here to teach me how to cook and wait for your boyfriend. Where is he by the way? Isn’t he running late?” I glanced over at the clock on the wall and saw that he was at least 30 minutes late.

“He is at some conference that he forgot about. He said he’ll try to leave when he can but I wouldn’t hold my breath.” She surprisingly didn’t sound disappointed as she said that. Did he do this often?

“I take it that this isn’t the first time.”

“His memory is as good as your kitchen skills but he never lies to me so I trust him.” That was good to hear. At least one of us were in a healthy relationship.

“What does he do?”

“He’s a student like me.”

“I forgot that you’re still studying. What do you guys study?”

“I’m studying business management and he’s studying economics.”

“So he’s at the economics symposium happening in Jefferson’s Bay?” The confusion on her face spoke the words her mouth was too stunned voice. “I like to keep up to date with the news. I had to when I was still working for my parents and now I just do it for fun I guess.”

“You’re something else. But yes, that’s where he is. Put the onions in the pan and move on to the peppers.” She instructed me once I was finished. We continued cooking, well Michaela cooked and I just tried not to get in her way. The conversation between us continued going smoothly and I managed to learn a few things about her as well as some cooking skills that I needed a hell of a lot of practice doing. I had to admit, I enjoyed her company more than her sister’s but Naomi and I never really hung out like this so there really wasn’t a comparison.

“And that’s how it’s…done.” Michaela put the finishing touches on the steaks which definitely looked like it belonged in a fancy food magazine.

“Looks too good to be eaten.” I commented.

“I didn’t just cook this for you to stare at it. You’re going to eat it.”

“You should have some as well then. There’s more than enough for both of us and I don’t know how long Vincent is still going to be. It’s best if you eat something.”

“I guess you’re right.” I placed two plates on the counter and saw her start to dish up.

“What are you having to drink? I got a bottle of red wine, juice, water, tea and coffee.”

“Just juice.” I decided to pour me some juice then as well. I took the plates to the coffee table in the lounge so that we could sit down on the couch and eat. I definitely needed to get a dining table soon, especially if I was going to have older guests visiting me.

“Where are the forks and knives?” Michaela asked from the kitchen.

“Top drawer by the microwave.” I instructed her then went to go fetch our glasses of juice before heading back to the lounge with her.

“Let’s eat then.” She said once we were comfortable on the couch next to each other.

“This is pretty amazing.” I commented once I took a bite of the flavorsome meat. “Looks like you can cook a little.”

“Screw you.” She replied then gave me a light shove. “Where’s Buddy by the way? I was sure he’d come running once he smelled the food.”

“He’s probably upstairs sleeping. We went for a walk on the beach earlier so he ate when we came back.”

“Sounds romantic.” It was my turn to give her a little shrug this time. We had a bit of a laugh at that before returning to our meals.

“How did you and Vincent meet by the way?” That was a good topic to discuss over a meal right? It’s not like it was anything too personal, I mean I was part of their relationship right now anyway.

“We went to school together. My father knew his father from somewhere so one day they decided to hangout and that’s how Vincent and I began hanging out and eventually dating.”

“That’s a bit more anticlimactic than I was hoping for.”

“What were you hoping for? Fireworks, castles and dragons?”

“Well, not the fireworks at least.” Our stupidity got us laughing again but I didn’t want it to end. Everything seemed so calm and freeing right now. There was nothing for me to stress about anymore. I was free to have fun and live my life without anything stopping me.

“You have to tell me how you and Stella met then. It has to be more interesting that Vincent and I.”

“Not in the slightest. I was painting in front of my parents house because my parents were installing a new pool in the backyard. Stella was riding her scooter through the neighborhood then saw me and started asking me way too much questions. After a while I just asked her if she wanted to join me and she accepted. We ended up with more paint on our clothes than on the pots and our parents basically grounded us but that didn’t stop us from running to each other’s houses especially since we lived so close to each other.”

“That’s kind of cute. No fireworks though so I am disappointed.” The uncontrollably large smiles on our faces reflected the amount of fun we were having but I couldn’t picture this night going any better.

“I couldn’t help it, the fireworks were in the backyard and it was off limits that day.”

“Wait, weren’t you guys kids when you met?”

“Yeah, we were 8.”

“And your parents allowed you to go to each other’s houses by yourselves?” That definitely raised an eyebrow and got me thinking as well. Weren’t they afraid that we were going to get kidn*pped?

“I guess they thought the neighborhood was safe enough and we did live a couple of streets away so it’s not like we were that far from home.”

“That’s convenient.”

“Where does Vincent live?”

“He lives in an apartment in town.”

“Damn, he travels quite the distance just to visit you then. He must like you very very much.”

“I guess he does.” She knew I was teasing her with that last statement but I was impressed that she played it off so casually. “I know I probably shouldn’t bring this up but have you made a decision regarding your story?”

“Yep, I’m letting Henri publish it.” I didn’t want to but it was what Stella would’ve wanted so I wanted to honor that.

“Can I ask what changed your mind?” I was a little hesitant to answer her but she was the one that started this whole situation anyway so I might as well talk to her about it.

“You did. If this story can bring someone happiness then I owe it to Stella to allow her legacy to continue the happiness she showed me.” She had a genuine smile on her face instead of a cocky one like I was expecting. “I still don’t like the fact that you used Stella that way.”

“I’m sorry but it was the only way I could speak some sense into that stubborn head of yours.”

“Progress isn’t without it’s trials.”

“No need to get all philosophical on me.” Her light chuckles brought a smile to my face.

“Just eat your food.” I replied as I gave her a light shove again. 

Half an hour later we were still talking while our empty plates rested on the coffee table in front of us. It was nice just relaxing on the couch and getting to know Michaela. We were so different but it’s our differences that allowed us to get along so well. We were both puzzles and we were definitely enjoying solving each other.

“That’s probably your boyfriend.” I stated once I heard a knock on the door.

“Better late than never.” Michaela stood up and made her way to the door so I decided to stand up as well and take our empty plates to the kitchen. I heard Michaela and Vincent talking about something so I cleaned up a bit while they continued talking.

“Hey Hunter.” Vincent greeted me as he approached me.

“Vincent, how are you doing?” I shook his hand while Michaela joined his side.

“Just a little tired. I had a long day.” His sunken shoulders and dropped head said it all.

“Was the symposium that bad?”

“That was the highlight unfortunately.” That evoked some laughter thankfully.

“Hopefully Michaela can make the day better then.”

“Yeah. Thanks again for doing all this. I know how you’re against it so thank you for giving us a chance.”

“If anyone deserves it, it’s you guys so make it count.”

“We will.” He gently grabbed Michaela’s hand and smiled at her. I could see her reluctance at first before she returned his smile.

“We’re going to go to his house so if anyone is looking for me then you know the plan.” Michaela instructed me.

“Yep, don’t worry about me. I’m more worried about you guys getting caught.”

“We’ll be careful.” Vincent told me with a nod.

“I’ll hold you to that. Just tell me when you’re taking her home.”

“Okay. I’ll see you then.”

“Have fun.”

“Thanks for tonight Hunter.” Michaela told me.

“Thank you as well.” I replied.

“Looks like you’re more excited for this visit than I am Buddy.” I told the little pug as we trotted up the path to the O’Connor household the next day. I had the key to the door on me but I decided to knock rather than just open it.

“Coming.” Mr O’Connor announced from inside the house. The shuffling of feet neared the old

wooden door until I heard the door unlocking and Mr O’Connor standing in the passage.

“Hunter, this is a nice surprise. Come in.” Buddy immediately made his way into the house while I followed behind him with Mr O’Connor trailing behind me as well. We made our way to the lounge and I helped Buddy get onto his usual spot in his former house before settling down next to him. I felt displaced being here without Stella and I didn’t think that feeling would ever go away.

“Buddy certainly knows how to make himself at home.” I pointed out as Mr O’Connor took a seat on his regular seat, a worn-out single couch that he’d had as long as I’ve been coming to this house.

“It was his home for 6 years.”

“True.” I softly rubbed his back as he rested on the couch. “Sorry for just dropping by like this.”

“You’re always welcome, you know that.” Then why did I feel so lost right now? “You even have a key.”

“I know. Where’s Mrs O’Connor?” I didn’t hear anyone else in the house so either she was sleeping upstairs or she wasn’t here.

“She’s working on some designs in the backroom.” That would explain her being so quiet.

“It’s best not to disturb her then.”

“Did you need to speak with us?”

“I just wanted to inform you guys about one of my books that is in the process of being published.”

“Congratulations, well done son.” Hearing him call me son left me dumbfounded. It wasn’t the first time he’d done it but this was the first time he said it after Stella died and it just evoked a deep sense of sadness in me that I fought into the furthest corner of my mind. Just calling me that reminded me of Stella and how perfect she was and how I could never even dream to live up to her legacy. I wasn’t worthy of being in their family no matter what they said. I could never replace Stella or fill the massive void that she left.

“By the look on your face I’m guessing it’s not good news.” He studied the mournful look on my face while I finally came back to my sense again.

“The book is about Stella.” His intense concentration quickly turned into confusion. “Stella gave me those blank red books and told me to fill it with my stories so last year I wrote the story of how Stella and I first met and how we grew up then eventually began dating. I wanted to give it to her as a birthday present this year.”

“You can’t give it to her so you’re going to publish it instead?” His raised eyebrow continued his question even if his words stopped.

“One of my friends found the book in my room and read it then forced me into a meeting with a publisher. I’ve been thinking about it and I decided to go through with publishing it. If Stella’s story can bring happiness to just one person then she’d want us to do it.” His silence scared me. I expected him to reply right away but I guess he needed to think about all the information he’d received.

“She’d be proud of you.” He finally stated. I should’ve felt a sense of relief wash over me but fear and heartbreak still had a firm grip on me. “Is there something else that’s bothering you?”

“I wanted your blessing to continue but all my fears and doubts about publishing this book is making me not want to even go through with it anymore.”

“Hunter, what are you so afraid of?” That was a good question. There were a lot of fears running through my mind right now but only one stood out.

“What if no one else likes the story?”

“It’s like you said, it only needs to make one person happy.” Those words instantly seemed to calm me. He knew just what to say and I found comfort in that fact. “If your friend read the book and suggested that you publish it then it already made one other person happy so your goal is complete. All you have to do is allow the rest of the world to read it.”

“Which is not scary at all.” I sarcastically replied which earned me a few chuckles from the older man.

“We’ll be here with you so if anyone wants to tear down the story then just point them my way.” I appreciated his support and I definitely felt relieved that he approved of me publishing the story but some part of me was also disappointed that he did. I wanted someone to vindicate me keeping the story to myself and I thought that person might be him.

“Thank you Mr. O’Connor.” I sunk down back into the couch and allowed my body to relax a little while we continued talking. “Have you guys set a date for when you’re planning on moving?”

“The beginning of next month. We don’t know when exactly but we’ll let you know.”

“That’s 3 weeks away. Are you guys sure that you have everything ready at the farm?” That was sooner than I expected. My body immediately tensed up at the thought of them leaving. I knew I had no power to stop them from leaving and moving forward on their own but I felt like I needed them, even if it was just for a little while longer.

“Hunter, we know that this is going to be tough for you but it’s time for all of us to move on.”

“That doesn’t mean you have to leave.”

“You left your parents house.”

“But… that was different.” My frustration got the better of me and by the smile on his face, it clearly amused him.

“Stella would be kicking you right now for not wanting to move on.”

“She’d have that stubborn look on her face as well.” I agreed. He knew he had the upper hand so I had no other choice but I was definitely going to make the most of the time I still had left with them.

“What are the chances she’d throw something at you?”

“Definitely 100%.” Our laughter seemed to relax the atmosphere around us.

“You know you can come visit us any time. We might be far apart but we’re just a phone call away as well.”

“Hopefully there’ll be a plate of lasagna ready for me then.”

“That you’ll have to arrange with Mrs. O’Connor.”

“If I disturb her now then I’ll definitely get thrown with something.” I stated as the laughter continued.

“Now you know where Stella got it from.”

“Definitely.”