I helped Anne serve dinner; I appreciate Mom and Mike making conversation because otherwise, we would all be silent.
"Are you feeling okay?" Gadreel asks me in a whisper.
"Yes, it's just that I'm not very hungry," I replied, also in a whisper.
"It's probably because of the pregnancy," she responded. "Don't worry, I'm sure dessert will sit better with you."
I smiled, thanking her for her attentiveness.
"Well, it seems like the father figure here," murmured Kayler sarcastically on my other side.
I rolled my eyes and looked at him.
"At least he's attentive," I reproached. "Unlike others..."
"Are you referring to me? Whenever I try to be attentive, all you do is insult me and remind me of everything I've done wrong in your life."
I sighed deeply because I don't want to start a fight here and now, so I didn't respond.
"Ignore him," murmured Gadreel. She had already finished her meal, but I hadn't even started. It tasted great, but I'm not hungry. Kayler's attitude was making me uncomfortable, knowing that he's angry with me. "He's just jealous."
"You know he can hear you, right?" I looked at her.
"I know."
"Carolina, what's wrong? You haven't eaten anything," Mom said to me.
"I'm not very hungry," I replied.
"Are you feeling okay?" Thomas asked.
"She's just been feeling under the weather these past few days, nothing more," Anne responded on my behalf, for which I was grateful.
"It seems strange, Carolina, but okay, we'll have time to talk later," Dad said.
"Daddy, I don't want to eat anymore, I'm full," Kylie told Kayler.
"That's fine."
"I'll clear the table," Anne said. They had practically finished dinner, so I also helped Anne clear the dishes. "Will you tell your mother about the pregnancy?" she asked while we were both in the kitchen.
"Not yet, Mom is very intense, and I don't want her to be overly protective. Besides, I still can't believe it myself."
"Here," she gave me a piece of cake.
"Thank you," I took it and started eating. "Mmm, it's delicious."
"I made it."
"Really? Anne, this is the best thing I've ever tasted," I praised her because it's true, this cake is the most delicious thing I've ever eaten in my life. "Congratulations."
"Thank you. When I'm alone, I like to cook and bake cookies."
"You should have your own café, Anne. It would do really well."
"Do you think so?"
I nodded.
"Only if you're my partner," she said, and I laughed. "What are you laughing at? It's a good idea, think about it: a café and a bookstore at the same time. I'll take care of the pastries and cookies, and you can handle the books."
"That sounds great, if only we could do it."
"We should. I'm getting excited now."
"It takes a lot of money to start something like that. A lot."
"Well, yes, but we have our savings. Think about it, Carolina, it would be great to have our own business."
I thought about it: Anne was right, it wasn't a bad idea; on the contrary, it was something good for both of us. A way to distract ourselves, put our studies into practice, and if things go well, earn money on our own.
"Let's look into it then," I agreed.
"Perfect! I've always wanted to have a bookstore."
I laughed.
"Let's go back to the others."
"But first..." She brought out a tray with more pastries. They're small, turquoise-colored, with chocolate sprinkles on top. "...we need to bring out the dessert."
We went into the living room where everyone was chatting animatedly while enjoying wine. There was a fireplace in front of them. Anne handed out the dessert to each of them, and they were fascinated.
"Very delicious, Anne."
"Delicious."
"I made it with love," Anne said, hugging Thomas. "In fact, Carolina and I are thinking of opening a bookstore and café," she told them. I was surprised that she told them already. I mean, we just talked about it a few seconds ago.
"That's amazing!" Mom exclaimed.
"Sounds great," Mike added. "Let me know if you need any advice."
"Thank you, Mr. Mike, we'll keep that in mind."
I sat next to Gadreel.
"A café, huh?"
I shrugged.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing, it just surprises me," Gadreel put his arm behind my neck to bring me closer and hugged me. I looked at Kayler, and he was watching us.
"That's enough," Kayler stood up, grabbing everyone's attention. "Stay away from her, Gadreel."
"Brown, don't start with your jealousy," Gadreel muttered.
"Don't you get it? Get out of here, for starters, I don't know why you're even here." Kayler grabbed Gadreel's arm and tried to pull him up, but Gadreel freed himself and confronted him.
Not again, the same old scenario.
"That's enough," I stood up, taking Gadreel's arm to leave. "Come on, Gadreel."
"Don't touch him, Carolina." Kayler grabbed my arm. "Especially not in my presence. Do you want to drive me crazy? I've tried to be patient, but my patience has its limits too."
"Don't start fighting here, you two," Mom murmured. "Sort out your problems outside. Let's not make a scene for Anne."
"Mrs. Lane is right," Thomas approached Kayler. "Come on, Kayler, it's not worth it."
Kayler kept glaring at Gadreel with hatred.
"Daddy, what are you doing?"
Only when Kylie approached him did Kayler manage to relax.
"Fine. When will you tell your mother, Carolina?" Thomas asked me. "She has the right to know."
"What are you talking about?" Mom walked towards us. I glared at Kayler for saying that.
"Nothing, Mom. Kayler doesn't know what he's talking about. Let's go, Gadreel."
"Carolina, you can't go around unprotected," Kayler let me know. He doesn't want me to leave with Gadreel, that's it.
"See you at home, Brown," I said, and I walked with Gadreel towards the exit. Once outside, I could breathe calmly.
"Are you okay? I'm sorry for putting you in this situation."
"I'm fine, it's just that all of this tires me."
"Do you want me to take you somewhere?" He smiled.
"To where?" I squinted my eyes.
"Come," he extended his hand. Once again, Gadreel spread his wings and carried me into the air, taking me to a mountain. We stopped there. I was amazed by everything I saw: the city, the clouds, the stars, the crescent moon. From up here, you can see everything and hear nothing.
"It's so beautiful," I sat down on the grass.
"It is. I always come here. In fact, I've been here since I left your house."
"Do you sleep here?"
"I prefer to be here," I shrugged. "I don't feel like going to a hotel or a house. I like being surrounded by nature."
"You're like a bird," I said. "You fly through the air and stay wherever the night catches you. You're free."
He gazed into the void.
"I'm not free, Carolina. Believe it or not, I'm a condemned soul wandering the Earth, waiting for judgment."
That scared me.
"I've never really thought about that, Gadreel. I'm not religious or anything like that. Sometimes I've even thought that God doesn't exist, but... I'm curious to know how you ended up here, to know your story."
Gadreel looked at me.
"Of course, God exists, Carolina. You have to be very clear about that."
"Okay," I smiled. "I know, I was just saying that because sometimes I feel alone in the world."
"Do you really want to know my story? It might frighten you afterward," he looked into my eyes with his black eyes, and I could swear I saw a spark of fire in his pupil. My heart raced at that moment, and fear gripped me because I thought I was talking to the devil himself.