Chapter 23

© S A F I E

CHAPTER 23

GABE

"I need you to settle my appointments for tomorrow with the Bueno's," I glance at Joe as he sat across me, his form stiff. "And I need you to make sure about the information about Cherry and Victoria. Had there been any occurrences that might lead us to them or it completely ceased?" I shoot questions at him, not wanting to waste any moment as I start to phase.

"It has been half a year or so since we heard about Cherry Woods. She completely disappeared in the face of the earth." He cleared out his throat and nodded like he needs to do that to convince himself that it has almost been seven months. He gripped the back of the chair and focused his gaze at me, "It seems like Cherry is Victoria. They have the same features and we can't find any trace of Cherry Woods as though she was a made-up person. I am pretty sure that Victoria did that to make you believe. She stopped attending to her shrinks a couple of months ago, Mr. Atkinson, remember?"

I nodded at him and ease down on my chair A trace of threat but controlled; quite perfect for my son and wife. I am pretty sure that we can manage this because I have Joe to track Victoria down and have her back to her therapy. I smiled. I can now focus on giving them my full attention. I was about to ask Joe about the deal to one of our clients when someone knocked and a mop of brown hair appeared by the door.

"Uncle Joe, you are needed at the office today at 3 pm. Fox needs to talk to you about some case with the Hilton's..." Ryan looks down after saying this, adjusting his glasses before saying, "Go-good morning Mr. West."

"Good morning, Ryan." Joe nodded at me, before saying, "I'll update you later this afternoon about Victoria after we sort this thing with the Hiltons'" He nodded once again and walk out of the door, leaving me.

I huff, feeling bored already. I have to wait until six pm to see Jacob.

Damn, that's seven hours of waiting!

*

I smile, tapping my pocket as to make sure that the present is still there. Getting off my car, I click the button and hear it beep. I didn't waste my time as I look at the valet, throw him the key and run to the half-closing door of the lift.

I click five and wait patiently. The teenage boy put his skateboard down and smirked at me as we ascended, tipping his hat as he went out on the third floor. Hmm, he might've known me or seen me somewhere. The elevator door open with a ping and I walked off.

504 EJ West.

Oh, well. It still hasn't failed to surprise me every time I look at her home designation. It's just cool to know that my surname is where her room is located. Not to mention that it's her first name initial and Jacob's also. Shaking my head, I knock on the door and smiled brightly as the door opens, revealing Elle with a half-asleep Jacob on her arms.

He has grown.

It's been 3 months since they were released from the hospital. It's been three months since I started with a new routine by spending three days and a night with them every week. During these, I took care of my son: changing his nappies, making his milk, dealing with his cries, waking at his smiles. In those three months, I convince myself that I still have the chance; suppressing my impatient self to threaten Elle of another contract. Though I am tempted to do that, I can't risk my chances of being with them again.

Of course, anything can happen in these unpredictable days of weeks, of months...she might learn to accept me in her life again.

I can barely remember the details of each day except for the unexpected occurrences like Jacob's sudden giggles; His sneezes and blabberings or Elle's rant about our son's poop smelling like it's some milk that has been stocked in the fridge since the '80s 'til now.

"Gabriel." I am momentarily distracted off my thoughts as I looked down at Elle; she was wearing a knee-length green dress that makes her eyes appear more vivid as they were before. The top of her dress cups her breast making them appear fuller and her figure is accentuated by the silver lines on the waist, doing unimaginable things down my nether regions. I was brought back to the present when I felt her pulling me inside the living room, Jacob resting his cheek on her shoulder. Elle did not hesitate as she carefully settled Jacob on my arms and said, "This must have been a surprise for you but I have some exhibit that I need to go now. Like NOW."

I frown at her words, not really getting her point as I adjusted Jacob on my arm, resting his cheek on my chest as I cradle him. Jacob looks up at me with those striking blue eyes and I am mesmerized as I watch my reflection dance on those little cerulean pools. "What? I didn't catch the words you just said. I thought we are going to have popcorn and movies in the living room? Are you ditching us?" I stare at Jacob and stated, "Us?"

I carefully held my son with my left hand, and waited for her reply, taking off the upper buttons to my shirt. Elle momentarily stared at me and I raised an eyebrow, still waiting for her answer, "No. I am not ditching you. Let's do the movies next week. I really want to attend this important exhibit and I can't bring Jacob there." She sat down on the couch and tug my hand so I fell on the seat next to her. "It's a big break for me Gabriel. I've always wanted to go to that event so I can talk to other artists who could help me showcase my art for their exhibit."

"You need connections?" I ask and she rolled her eyes as I began taking the phone out of my pocket, " Let me just call-"

"No, Gabriel," She snapped, putting her hand on top of mine, "I wanted to be recognized not because I am related to the Greene's or because I am married to you; I wanted to be recognized as me, as Elle, do you see my point? I know it is hard to understand but I don't want to rely on you...or your money." She whispered the last words, but I still hear it. I can't help but feel wounded when she said those words like she can't trust my money and choose to be independent of my support.

Though I like it that she is independent, it doesn't fail to wound my pride.

We were distracted out of the tension when there was a knock from the door. Elle rushes off to open it and as expected, brit guy smiled at me. I am assuming that he was her date for the event since she has found herself a babysitter, which was me. Elle stared at me, fumbling with her skirt as she opens her mouth to speak, yet no words came out.

"Alright." I transfer Jacob's weight unto my other arm carefully as to not wake him up. I tense when he suddenly stir but I soothe his back and soon enough, he's back to his dreamland. "I'll just take Jacob to bed. It's past seven now..." I ignored Elle as she follows me down the hall and to her bedroom adjoining Jacob's.

"Gabe, I--"

"Don't." I raise a finger at her and put it on my lip, whispering. Just don't say anything, alright? Cause it is your life and I respect your decision on who you want to be with and why you want to be with them. It's okay, no harm done," I gave her a smile, tilting my head to the side, trying not to appear more affected than I already am. I turn, letting out a breath as I successfully lower Jacob down on his cot before turning on his night light, gazing at the star-like patterns on the ceiling. "But just so, you know, you don't need to wipe it all on my face that you like him. " I clenched my jaw as I tried not to blow up and lash at her, my irritation reaching a dangerous point. I lean my arms down on Jacob's cot, making me remember that he is here, sleeping peacefully.

I felt her hand brush mine, making me go crazy because of what she's doing to me. She's making me run in circles and I can't help but do what she ordered me to do. It took me a few moments to recover my consciousness as I whispered to her, "Just go back to your date and attend the event. You might get into the traffic and missed it if you dawdle like that." I brush my hands on my hair as I walk down the hall, not waiting for her. I couldn't help but glare at Luke who seems to be oblivious of my presence in the room.

"Are you sure you want to-" Elle trailed as she glances at Luke who is returning my glare, clenching his jaw he shifted on the couch. He stands next to Elle, still matching the glare I am giving him. "Elle, go. I can manage my son for the night so no worries." I unclench my fist and stared at Luke, "You don't want to keep your date waiting, are you?"

Elle takes a deep breath and hooks her arms with Luke as they made their way out, not even paying a backward glance. I watch her as she goes out the door, their shadows intermingled. I wipe my hands on my face for a couple more times before settling down on the couch, thinking about how my life is certainly fucked up.

*

I didn't realise that I have fallen asleep on the couch when the baby monitor emits Jacob's cries. I almost fall face-first on the floor as I hastily ran half asleep to Elle's room. I pick him up from his cot and whispered to him. I smelled his butt and peek inside his diaper but it seems that he didn't poop. I offered my thumb to his lips and watch as he almost sucked on it, realizing that he only needs some milk.

Balancing him on my left arm, I march inside the kitchen and went through the cupboards, letting out a fist pump as I snatch the baby formula sitting inside the cupboard near the sink. I pull his bottle from the drawer and switch on the faucet, waiting for the water to warm up as I settle my fingers on the flowing water.

It took me a while before I master all of this. I'm glad that I insist for Elle to teach me. Albeit I can do all this with my eyes close, I'm dead tired and Jacob's cries are making me agitated and irritated. I bit down a curse as the water burnt my skin, leaving a red trail from the back of my hand to the inside my wrist.

I grab the control and adjust, thanking the heavens as it reaches the correct temperature. Fumbling with the lid of his feeding bottle, I turn it and sigh as I have finally unlocked the code. Who knows that babysitting is like being a spy - there are rules needed following and gadgets that are like heaven-sent it made me smile.

"Here baby. Sleep now, son." I carry Jacob back to his room and smiled as his head lolled to the left, his lips letting go of the bottle's nipple as he drifts to sleep again.

I lower him down on his cot and tap the baby monitor before I went back inside the living room. Taking a glance at my watch, I almost flip. It's already quarter to twelve in the evening and Elle's still isn't here. Does talking to an artist take four hours? I think, even if I sum up all the eating and talking and all those stuff, it won't take her that long - especially when she knows that Jacob's alone here with me. I bet not to take her son away considering that she's willing to leave Jacob to me even though I can easily nick Jacob from her.

Glancing at my watch again, I start to phase, my scowl deepening as I burn a trail on the carpet, my feet brushing through the fur, repeatedly. I grew tired of walking that I decided to take a seat again. "I bet she won't think about anything about her son when she's with that git!" I mumbled, grabbing the pillow on the left side of the couch and throwing it at the wall. "That f*ckin British lad! He really wants her and I can't let him do that. I can't let him... I can't let her go, again." I whispered to myself, repeating it like a mantra as I thread my hands through my hair, holding my head as I rested my arms on my knees, leaning over. I straighten up to watch as the minute hand of the clock, works its way to twelve.

I stared up at the ceiling as the clock chimes - twelve o'clock and she still isn't here. Pulling my phone out of my jacket pocket, I rang Joe and breath a sigh of relief as he answers the first ring. 'What makes you awake this late, Gabriel?' His voice rang loud and deep on the other line; His voice had the same tone my Father had, reminding me of those bitter memories about my father and me.

Shaking my head, I spoke. "Joe. I need the information you had about the lad, Luke f*cking Stevens." I hissed his surname like a snake would do to its enemy. I didn't expect Taylor's response as he let out a deep chuckle. 'Now I know what keeps you awake; another Elle-related problem it is. I thought you never need that information, you said so, yesterday, remember?' I hear him shuffle before he clicks his tongue, the sound of it reaching my ears like a tick on the clock.

"No. I changed my mind. He has something that I can use on him. i am pretty sure that he is not as clean as he appears to be."

Joe sighed, 'Oh well.'

I stand from my seat and settled near the window overlooking the ground floor. I am expecting for Elle to arrive in any second now and I need to see her up the drive before she overhears my conversation with Joe. "What did you find out about the stupid British mutt, Joe? Tell me..." I glance down on the window and squinted my eyes. "Tell me all about the f*cking lad, Joe. I need to know him better so I can plot a better strategy to win my wife back."

"It says here that--"

I was surprised to feel the phone being snatched from my hand and watch as it flies and ended down to the carpeted floor with a thud. "Oh yeah..." Elle stands there in front of me, her eyes wild as it searched mine. "Stupid British mutt? Fucking lad? What's this Gabriel?" I didn't plan to retort as she prods my chest with her finger, "What's wrong with you, Gabriel?" her scowl deepened as her chest rise up and down.

"I'm JEALOUS!" I snap at her, trying to lower my voice as I explain my feelings to her, "I am jealous of him holding your hand. I am jealous that you can act so happy and free with him. I am jealous that he could make you laugh so easily when all I've done is to make you cry. I am jealous that you could long for his presence but you can't even stand on seeing me for about an hour. I am jealous of that fucking British lad who happens to save you that day!”

She stared at me, her eyes wide but soon enough, they harden. "It's good to know that about you, Mr. West." She gave me a curt nod before putting a space between her and me. "It's good that you are now feeling what a human should- feel jealous, be angry and be hurt but you can't do anything about it, Gabriel. You shall not do anything about my relationship with Luke or destroy it. He cared for me; He's there for me when I need him so don't you dare do something that would ruin it!" I clench my fist as I burn with fury. I want to punch something but I can't do that in front of her.

I can't screw this up again.

I was about to turn away and let the conversation hang for a while to contain my anger when she pulls my shirt, "Why? Are you trying to escape, Mr. West? You thought we are already finished?"

"Are we not?" I asked in a hushed tone as I turn my back to her. "In the end, you will label me as the beast and Luke as your prince charming. You love him."

As soon as I finish my sentence, her hand made contact with my cheek, stinging my skin. "How could you even assume that? You and Neola are wrong! Luke is just my close friend, like a family. Nothing more intimate than that!" She pointed out, glaring at me. " I wish I love him like I had loved you so I can forget about you and move on!" She stated, her cheeks red. She hastily wipes her cheeks as she turns her back at me. "I can't help but wish we never happen. Maybe life's better with Luke..."

I cringe at her words, willing myself to remain standing even though my body wanted to collapse of physical fatigue and emotional breakdown. Ignoring her last few words, I confessed, "But I want you. I am exerting efforts so that you will accept me but you never have given me a chance. Even though you completely stated that we are done, my heart doesn't believe it because in here, there's a special place you invaded that warms my entire being.”

I want to punch myself for being so cheesy but it's my heart that is talking, not my conscious mind.

"Elle, I know I hurt you. I have scarred you for life but you, being with Luke, hurts me even more. Even if you stated that she is only a good friend of yours, I couldn’t help but feel jealous. I never look at other girls, I don't even have contact with Victoria since the day that you heard the phone call. I remain faithful, waiting for your love but you never return my efforts. I might've acted like a beast in the past but it's because I need your tears for me to be saved." She turns at me and frown, opening her mouth but she was speechless.

She looks down before she let out a breath, her voice trembling as more tears fell down her cheek, "Well, maybe we should just accept the fact that there will be no us now. No matter how hard you tried to piece it all back, you can't recover the lost pieces 'cause they are gone forever..."

I frown down at my shoes deciphering the meaning of her words but it seems that my mind can't function anymore. I bit my lip, looking at her one last time as I open my mouth. "I guess it's my cue to say goodbye," I closed the distance between us, settling a kiss on her forehead, "Goodnight, love. Remember, I will always love you...forever." I hold my breath as she sniffed. I am moving in autopilot as I pass the threshold and walked out of the door, closing it behind me. I lean on it for support, frowning down on my hands as I cried.

I swear I have never cried this hard for a girl before and I think, she will be the only girl I will be willing to cry for.

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