Chapter 107: Back to Zero Point
Third Person POV.
Bennett set out, following Isabel's hand-drawn map to the place where her mother had fled. Isabel's detailed directions helped her navigate the path toward her former home despite the significant changes the area had undergone since her last visit.
"Just in case, call me if you get lost," Isabel reminded Bennett before she set off.
Bennett chuckled. "No need. I never get lost."
Matilda had always known Bennett as her daughter's trusted confidante.
A cloud of doubt began to loom over Bennett's mind as she considered the possible scenarios. What if Isabel's mother was overcome with shame upon their encounter, turning Bennett away without so much as a second glance?
Or, shat if all her efforts to mend the relationship were met with rejection and scorn? The thought of it made Bennett's heart sink with dread, but she knew that, for Isabel's sake, she had to try.
Bennett knew that no mother would proudly accept a daughter who had fallen prey to her own emotions, engaging in a forbidden relationship with her stepbrother.
The mere thought of such an occurrence was enough to evoke shame and disappointment in any parent's heart, making it all the more likely that Isabel's mother would spurn her daughter's attempts at reconciliation.
The gravity of Isabel’s choices weighed heavily on Bennett's mind as she continued on her journey, uncertain of the reception that awaited her at the end.
Bennett was plagued with an array of 'what-ifs' as she navigated the winding streets. What if she had intervened sooner, imparting advice before the situation had spiraled out of control?
Would Isabel have listened to her, or were her feelings for Mavis too strong to be dissuaded?
Moreover, Bennett wondered, what if her pregnancy had already occurred before her visit for her birthday party rendering her intervention futile?
With a shake of her head, Bennett dismissed her doubts and pressed forward. She alighted the bus and paid up her fare before turning around.
As she entered the city, she sought the aid of a few passersby, who, with a mix of friendly smiles and words, guided her toward her destination.
As Bennett turned a corner, she found herself face-to-face with Isabel’s mother who was just walking out of her orchard.
Initially, the woman’s face lit up with a warm smile, a reflection of the joy she felt upon recognizing Bennett. Yet, in the next moment, that joy crumbled away, as if a cold, harsh wind had blown through her very being.
The fruits in her basket seemed to rattle with her unease, the weight of Bennett's presence and the unspoken purpose of her visit becoming obvious.
“It's lovely to see you,” She began, in a cordial tone. “How did you know to find me here?”
With her arm resting gently on Bennett's shoulder, her question carried a hint that Bennett seeking her out suggested that she was already aware of the scandal that had befallen her daughter.
With a mindful regard for maintaining discretion, Bennett refrained from mentioning Isabel’s name. Instead, she carefully crafted a narrative that fit the situation. “I wanted to stop by and visit you at the Mulan's residence, but when I couldn't find you there, I decided to come here."
Matilda responded with gratitude, “Thank you, my dear. You’re most welcome. Please, come with me.” With a sweeping gesture, she invited Bennett into her home.
Bennett’s presence seemed to ease the heartache she nursed starting from the time she learned about her daughter's affair with Mavis.
As Matilda took a step forward, Bennett reached out and offered her assistance. “I can help with the basket if you don’t mind,” she said, extending her hands to her.
Matilda looked up with a smile, truly grateful for Bennett’s help. “Thank you, Bennett. That’s very kind of you,” she replied, handing her the basket.
Once inside, Bennett set down the fruit basket she had brought. Matilda immediately began to prepare a snack for her guest.
With care, she selected the ripest berries and bananas from the basket, slicing them up to create a beautiful arrangement on a plate. As she did so, she couldn't help but wonder why Bennett was really here. Why she would come all the way from the city down here just to visit her? It must be Isabel, she had come because of her daughter, she knew it.
Matilda made her way back into the room with a freshly prepared plate, offering it to Bennett with a warm smile. "Help yourself, Bennett. And how is everyone at the Mulan’s doing?" she asked.
Bennett's smile faltered ever so slightly as she was forced to consider a response to this question. She had not, in fact, visited the Mulan family since after the party but still wanted to appear as though she had. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts and replied, "Well, things aren't going smoothly, Jessie misses you. And I believe Mr Mulan does the same."
Matilda’s gaze sharpened as she continued, “Bennett, I can’t help but feel like you’re blaming me when I'm not even the issue here. You have come to have a word with me, isn't it? I can’t be with Mr Mulan anymore. I'm not happy with my choice but, there's a reason for it. His son impregnated my daughter right under our noses. It’s a disaster!”
Her mood changed as she made her feelings known, the shock and pain of the incident still fresh in her mind.
"What sort of family will we be, Bennett? This is a slap in the face to me. Isabel has brought shame to our name. Soon, we’ll be the talk of the town, the laughingstock. I just can’t fathom how she could do this to me," she lamented, her voice cracking as she struggled to contain her emotions.
Bennett could see the waves of grief crashing over Matilda as she stood before her. "Please, Mrs Mulan," she started again, "You should please try to calm down. I can understand your pain."
Matilda's face twisted as she held back tears. "Don’t call me that. I’m not Mrs Mulan anymore. That’s not who I am anymore. And the worst part is, Mr Mulan doesn’t even know about this..." She broke down.
Bennett reached out a comforting hand, "You can’t just abandon Isabel because of this pregnancy. She’s your only child, remember? She needs you now more than ever. You're all she has."
Matilda’s expression softened at Bennett’s words, the motherly instinct that had been drowned by anger and shame resurfacing. “I know that… I know,” she murmured, "but it's so hard to face her right now."