Lonely Castle

Sunday Brunch

Waiting patiently at the end of the driveway, Melly smoothed out the skirt of her dress. Glancing down, she examined her nude patent heels.

A sleek black Bentley glided to a stop in front of her. 'Very subtle,' she thought. The rear door swung open, revealing Dru and Rick, both immaculately dressed; her heart stuttered. 'F-uck, why do they have to look so damn good, why God?!'

Composing herself, Melly slid into the plush leather seat "Hey," she greeted as the automatic door clicked shut behind her.

"Hmm," responded Dru as he readjusted himself. Nodding, Melly's eyes shifted to Rick, who was looking everywhere but at them. Offering him a smile, she reclined into the seat 'Well, this is awkward,' she thought.

*

The forty-minute journey passed in almost complete silence. The sounds were the hum of the engine and the occasional clink of glasses as the car rolled over uneven tarmac.

As the car rolled to a stop, Melly was more than ready to escape its confines. Melly reached for the handle, as Dru reached for her, halting her exit.

"What the-?" Melly snapped. "I'm sorry, "he said, looking first to Rick, then at her.

"I should have told you about Scotland when it happened." His gaze dropped to his hands. "I was scared of how you'd react… turns out not telling did the same thing."

Narrowing her eyes, Melly glared at them with disbelief. "I'm sorry too." Neither of them interrupted him; they knew how hard it was for him to express his feelings.

"I was angry, no, terrified. You two have always been so close. I often felt like a spare part." He laughed bitterly. Dru's expression softened.

"I've spent years wondering when you'd realise, I'm surplus."

"Rick." Dru began. Sighing, Rick shook his head. "I knew you both loved me, I know… I just don't always know how to believe it." The words hung in the air.

Though she knew where Rick's fears stemmed from, Melly couldn't help but feel hurt. Melly exhaled loudly. "Huh," she said, staring at them. "Must be nice…" She said, forcing a smile, "getting an apology.

Before either could answer, she pushed open the door, stepped out of the Bentley. And stared up at the large glass-and-steel building.

Feeling Dru and Rick on either side of her, Melly squared her shoulders and lifted her head. "Here goes nothing," she muttered under her breath.

Dru pulled open the main entrance, while Rick fell into step with Melly and they crossed the marble lobby.

The concierge greeted them with a warm smile. "Good morning."

All three of them returned the greeting before making their way to the lift.

The mirrored walls of the lift reflected three perfectly poised people. Though none of them felt it.

Rick glanced sideways. "You look beautiful." Melly glanced at his reflection. "You, too." He laughed. "I don't think that's how compliments work."

"It is today." The tension had eased enough for the corners of Dru's mouth to twitch.

"You should know Scotland… I was in a bad place; I was missing us." The word us hung heavily between them.

"And then there you were, well, one of you…" she said, shrugging. "I just needed to feel something other than nothing."

Without thinking, Dru reached for one of her hands. Rick took the other. For a fleeting moment she allowed herself to enjoy the warmth. Why couldn't it always be like this?

'Because love makes you weak, and weakness leads to mistakes,' answered her inner voice.

*

The lift doors slid open with a soft ping, revealing immaculate white walls complemented by pearl pink accents.

Nora swept towards Melly, arms outstretched, enveloping her in a motherly hug.

"There you are! What took you so long?" she asked, her voice full of relief. Releasing Melly, Nora smiled. "It's good to see you, Melodie. Perhaps these two will stop moping around now," winking, planted a kiss on Melly's cheek before moving on to greet Dru and Rick.

"My boys, it's been too long," Nora said, pulling Dru and Rick into a hug. "Maybe that will change now our girl is back?" Winked Nora, 'Bloody hell,' Melly thought, offering a faint smile.

Nora led them through the foyer, where the infamous memory picture wall greeted them.

Melly paused, studying the photos of her parents and the Andrews, from a time before kids and boardrooms.

There were snapshots of Emit and his siblings, laughter captured in glossy prints. Nora had even dedicated a section to the six of them, from toddler swim classes to school photos.

"Oh wow, we were so tiny," Melly said, reaching out to touch the glass.

Surveying the pictures, one thing became apparent. Layla was right; her absence had changed them. Smiling Group photos gave way to one of them standing apart from the others.

As she came to their graduation photos, Melly paused. Smiling, Nora hugged Melly. "I never did get to thank you properly for my gift," Melly said, pulling out the long platinum chain that had been nestled against her chest. Lifting it, two rings clinked and sparkled in the light.

Rick leaned closer, fingers brushing the amethyst and diamond ring, a replica of one his mother had worn.

"You kept it," Rick whispered, eyes soft. "How could I not?" she replied, her gaze meeting his.

Dru stepped forward, examining the second ring. "Really, Mother?" he said, surprise colouring his tone.

Melly looked between them, confused. "Am I missing something?" she asked, knowing full well what the ring meant.

"No, nothing," Dru replied, releasing the ring so the chain could fall naturally between Melly's breasts.

As they wandered through the rest of the house, Dru's gaze lingered on the back of Nora's head.

"Are you alright?" whispered Rick, sensing something was off. Dru clenched his jaw, his voice low.

"Mum's family inherited this massive diamond. Each girl born into or married into the family gets a ring made from it. That ring is a bloody declaration," he muttered.

Rick nodded and urged Dru forward. 'So, both our mums had their hearts set on her being their daughter.' Rick thought as they rounded the corner and entered the newly redecorated dining room.

"Emit, Rick!" screeched Jen, Dru's sister. The boys attempted to match her excitement, arms open wide as she rushed into their embrace. "Jen," they replied, laughter in their voices.

"Oh, thank God you're both here. I thought I'd have to suffer alone," she said, just as Nora and Melly entered the room.

"Melly!" Jen squealed, darting into her arms. "You're finally home!" Melly smiled, hugging Jen tightly; despite being the same age, Melly had always seen Jen as her younger sister.

"Anyone would think a rockstar had just swanned in," Dean announced, grinning. His arm wrapped around his fiancée Sarah.

Grinning, Melly hugged them. "Very funny. I'll remember that when you want to use the beach house next month," she retorted, raising an eyebrow.

Dean frowned. Pulled her closer and launched a tickle attack.

"We'll see about that, little sister," Dean laughed, as Melly squirmed and gasped for air.

"Jesus, Dean! Put her down; you're not children anymore." Exasperated, she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Where's your father?"

Grinning, Dean obliged. "He said he'd join us for ice cream." He said, turning his attention back to the others.

"This is strange." He said, grinning. "Don't," Melly replied.

"Come on, the three of you in a room together again- I thought someone'd have to die before that ever happened."

*

True to his word, Henry appeared just as dessert was being served. "There she is."

His broad smile lit up the room as he crossed straight to Melly. "It's good to see you at our table again, Melly bear."

She was on her feet before he reached her, laughing as he wrapped her in one of his trademark bear hugs. "It's good to be back, papa bear."

Chuckling, she kissed his cheek before he reluctantly let her go. He took his seat at the head of the table, between Sarah and Dean. He scanned the almost full table with satisfaction.

Reaching for his napkin, Henry looked lovingly at Nora. Catching the exchange, Dru rolled his eyes.

"Behave," Melly whispered, nudging him. "I said nothing." Protested Dru. Watching their exchange, Rick hid a smile behind his glass.

"So," Henry began. "What's it like being home after all this time?"

Melly smiled; it was a loaded question, and he knew it. His company had provided personal security every time she was secretly in town.

"It's different," she admitted, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "I'm seeing things with new eyes."

Henry nodded thoughtfully. "I imagine so."

"And the house," Nora asked casually. Melly stopped with a spoonful of salted caramel gelato halfway to her mouth. " Oh, Nora, why?'

Instead of answering, Melly slowly placed the entire spoon into her mouth. Silence.

Everyone's eyes focused on her as she chewed, deliberately. Dean smirked, "Can't answer with a mouthful."

"Yes, Dean, I'm aware," Nora replied calmly. "It's fine, I can wait."

Jenna snorted into her prosecco. Henry chuckled.

Swallowing, Melly took an unnecessarily long sip of her drink. No one rescued her. Not one of them. 'Traitors."

"So", Nora prompted. "The builders have nearly finished."

Rick frowned. "Builders? I thought you were staying in Riverside?" he asked. Melly closed her eyes for the briefest moment. Here we go.

"I am. I brought the house next door to Layla and the boys." Silence.

They stared at her. "The centre plot? That was bought two years ago by the Pelican Group." She nodded. Rick blinked. And Dean laughed.

"That house is worth a small fortune." Continued Rick. Melly nodded.

"I did some work for them, and as payment I asked for the house and security upgrades… etc." Rick and Dru both frowned. "What did you do for them?" Dru asked casually. Smelling Melly, looked at Henry, who shook his head.

"I legally can't ever answer that. Not unless I want my dream house to go bye-bye."