Chapter 14

A wave of exhaustion washed over me as the last of the cupcakes were frosted and stored. 

I removed my apron and grabbed my phone from my handbag before heading out of the kitchen. 

Owing to the dinner this evening, I had to put in extra hours of work by staying back late last evening and coming in extra early this morning. It was now almost four in the evening, and I had been working without a break since morning. 

I made my way to my favorite, cozy couch in the book corner of the cafe and plopped down with a relieved sigh. No matter the crazy urgency and vigorous work, at least, all work was finished now. 

I took a few minutes to let my muscles relax and then checked my phone. Before starting my work this morning, I had put my phone on silent to avoid any disturbances.

There were more than thirteen missed calls and a ton more messages. Mom, Dad, Elisha, and Stefan had called. 

I'm already late. I guess that's why everyone's calling up. 

I decided to check the messages before calling back anyone. 

The majority of the messages were from Elisha. 

Hey Ira 

Ira? 

Ira! 

You can't disappear at a time like this 

Pick up the phone 

Call me or message me 

Do something 

Just answer 

You have no idea what has happened 

OMG 

Ira 

I don't even know how to say this without clouding your mood 

The Lord knows that I almost fainted on hearing this myself 

But I have to tell you so that you're mentally prepared 

Oh goodness, I'm sorry but… 

Sierra is back 

Like she's here in Emberhill right now, Ira. 

She's at her home.

She apparently arrived a day early to surprise everybody. 

That devil. Pure devil. 

She's obviously coming to the dinner as well. 

Be prepared. 

See you soon. 

Love you. 

I stared at the screen, Elisha's words slowly processing in my mind. 

Sierra was already here? She was here in Emberhill? 

It means she's coming with Jace. 

I willed myself to fight the overwhelming urge to physically bang my head against the nearest wall. 

Great. Just great. 

An incoming call flashed on the screen.

Mom. 

I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes. Mom and Dad were waiting for me at home. I also had to take back a few baked goodies for the dessert. As per the menu that mom and I had designed, I was in charge of the desserts like always. 

Get a grip, Ira. 

It's all right. 

This is life. 

Crap happens. 

We just have to deal with it. 

You've got this. 

I swallowed and slowly stood up. 

Time to face my demons.

***

An invisible energy had taken a hold over me. That's what it felt like to me. Despite coming home late, I was not at all in a rush to take a shower and get ready. Maybe the dread that was eating me up had finally numbed all my senses to the point where I no longer cared. And I was grateful about it. 

I took my own leisure time to shower, get dressed, do my makeup and my hair. However, when I finally appeared downstairs, Uncle David's family had still not arrived. 

"You look absolutely beautiful," said Dad when he saw me. He stood up to kiss my forehead. "May you always be happy."

Mom took my hand and caressed my cheek. "Your Dad's right. You look stunning, my dear."

Warm blood rushed to my cheeks, and I laughed a little, waiving off their compliments. "You're flattering me but thank you. I appreciate it."

"We're not—" Mom started to say but she was cut off by the sound of the doorbell ringing. 

My stomach dropped. Here they were. 

Mom and Dad exchanged a look and went to receive the guests with wide smiles. I followed suite, knowing all too well what a grand reveal of truths awaited them, especially Mom who knew about my confession to Jace. 

"Welcome," said Dad, opening the door. "David, Mellanie, it's lovely to see you."

The usual routine of hugs and exchanging of pleasantries ensued as Uncle David and Aunt Mellanie walked in, followed my Stefan and Elisha.

My eyes met Elisha's for a split second, and we shared an unspoken moment of morale boosting. 

As Stefan gave me a hug and a pat on the back, he whispered in my ear. "You look beautiful. And we also have to talk about something."

I know what you want to talk about.

I smiled at him but a second later my smile dropped. Elisha came forward to give me a quick hug, but my eyes were transfixed on the couple that walked in behind them. 

Jace and Sierra. 

"J-Jace?" I heard Mom whisper next to me. 

She stared at Jace and Sierra with wide eyes. With the way they both walked in arm in arm and their body language, no announcement about their relationship was needed. 

Dad looked just as taken aback as mom. 

I was momentarily saved from the torment of having to look at them again by Aunt Mellanie who diverted all my attention towards her. 

"Ira, dear, how have you been?" she asked, leaning in with a diplomatic stance for a quick hug that lasted less than a split second. Her forced amicable behavior was painfully obvious and I knew that it would take only a few minutes for the facade to drop. 

Uncle David nodded towards me and then got engrossed in a conversation that Dad started with him, as he leads them towards the living room. 

"Elisha, my dear, you look gorgeous," said Mom, kissing her on the cheek. "Stefan's a lucky guy." 

Elisha's cheeks turned a slight pink as she smiled brightly while Stefan only chuckled. 

"Or rather, Elisha is a fortunate girl to have been successful in wrapping my brother around her little finger. Lord knows how hard she must have tried," said Sierra. 

And there it was. I was beginning to be surprised at the unexpected silence. It was already five minutes since they had arrived, this was long due. 

"Sierra, shut up." Stefan's jaw clenched. 

Sierra rolled her eyes. "And here's a classic example." 

Mom interrupted before an argument broke out right at the door. 

"Sierra, dear, how are you? It's been so long," said Mom. She did not dare hug or touch Sierra. Sierra did not like us touching her. 

"And this is…" Mom's voice trailed off as her eyes landed on Jace. Her presence of mind was commendable. She did not let it show that she knew Jace. Obviously, the situation was a shock to her, but she was still playing it cool by staying neutral and not disclosing anything. 

For the first time this evening, I finally looked at him for more than a second. He stood beside Sierra with visible distress on his face. The burning in my heart cooled ever so slightly on seeing his discomfort. 

"This is Jace. My boyfriend," said Sierra. Her voice pierced through my ears. 

It sounds so wrong. 

"It's great to meet you, Jace," said Mom, smiling good-naturedly. 

I did not think it was necessary to greet either Sierra or Jace. Sierra had already looked me up and down thoroughly with narrowed eyes and yet made no attempt to say hello. 

She confirmed my decision when she walked past me towards the living room with Jace by her side. 

Sometimes her arrogant behavior actually did me good. 

Mom followed them inside and I was about to do the same when someone pulled me back. 

Stefan. 

I stared at him, completely aghast. "I was just about to lose my balance and fall." 

"You think I will let you fall?" he asked, genuine confusion on his face. 

I smiled sheepishly. "Maybe not. But why did you stop me, anyway? Let's go in." 

He sighed. "I want you to know that I honestly had no idea about Jace and Sierra. I promise I was clueless. Neither of them ever mentioned anything." 

Elisha hastily nodded. "Me neither. We both just found out today." 

I concealed my helplessness with an assuring smile and said, "It's all right, guys. I don't care. Not even a bit." 

They both seemed unsure but having no other choice than to believe me, they allowed me to lead them towards the living room. 

In the living room, we found Dad and Uncle David still engrossed in their own conversation. Aunt Mellanie was seated on the other couch looking bored. 

I despised sitting here in one room together with everyone. This was where most of the horrors happened. 

Thankfully, Mom came to my rescue just as I was starting to debate about whether or not I should take the seat next to Elisha. 

"Ira, Elisha, would you like to serve the appetizers while I warm up the dinner?" asked Mom. 

I eagerly nodded and Elisha almost jumped up from her seat as if she, too, had been waiting to escape from this room. 

We followed mom into the kitchen. Once inside, Elisha took both my hands in hers and grinned. 

"You look stunning, Ira," she said.

"You too." I grinned back. 

Then we got busy with our trays. Elisha carried the tray of appetizers while I carried the welcome drinks. 

I maintained my confidence and a smile on my face, as I entered the living room and headed straight towards the center coffee table. As smoothly as I could, I placed the tray on the table and moved back. 

"Please help yourself," I said, as Elisha replicated my actions. 

I did not dare glance at anyone entirely. My gaze was general and unfocused, so much so that the faces in front of me were a blur in my vision. 

I turned back to head into the kitchen with Elisha. 

"I'm so thankful to your mom for her self-service rule. I would have had to swallow back bile if I had to serve Sierra even water," Elisha muttered under her breath. 

I chuckled. 

It had been an easy start to the evening. All I hoped was for the rest of the dinner to proceed just as breezily.