Chapter 24

©S A F I E

CHAPTER 24

ELLE

"Yeah," I caress my son's cheek and wipe the drool on the sides of his mouth. Jacob gurgled in appreciation and stick his tongue out, making me laugh at him. I smooth his head, making fun of his little spatter of hair and put the bottle of milk on the bedside table, listening to Luke as he talks on the other line.

'Do you think you can manage to bring him with you?'

"Mmhmm, I am confident." I push the blanket off me and carry pulled Jacob by his feet making him giggle as he enjoyed sliding down the bed, "Oh, right. It's 6 in the morning now, maybe I'll just meet you there at 9?"

'The Italian restaurant, yes. But I am planning about treating Jacob to a toy store nearby. We shall meet there.'

"Okay. See ya," The other line ended and I put the phone back at the side table, bouncing Jacob on my hips. I snatch his bath towel and nuzzled his cheek making him giggle and hit my face with his chubby little hands, "You, my little prince will finally go out with me," I sang as I carried him in the bathroom, lying him down on the bath seat next to the tub as I throw the towel on the hang and let the warm water flow down on the tub with Jacob widely staring at it, his mouth forming an 'o'.

I remove my clothes first and strip Jacob naked, and I laugh as he flayed his arms around, eager for me to take him. I took him in my arms and get in the tub. Jacob splashes his little legs as he grips my neck tight. I take his liquid soap and rub it on his back, smiling as he leans back and tried to snatch my hand.

It's been five months since we're both discharged from the hospital. Life was good now that I am with Jacob.

Some might have thought that I am with Luke - codswallop it is for I only see him as my brother and I insist on maintaining that. I don't want to complicate the friendship we had found now that we are close.cThough that boy is very persistent, wanting me to be his girl, I still didn't agree. I love him and treat him as my brother.

Nothing more.

Well, as for me and Gabriel, we are officially separated. He stopped going here ever since that night, I have hurt him with my words. I have done what he did to me and I only realize the impact of what I have said once he was gone. I can't help but act like it because I was hurt by what he did. I can't let him into my heart so easily and let him trample it again, afterwards. I gave him a challenge but I think, I've overdone it all. I shouldn't have said all those words.

When he hadn't return the next day after our fight, I thought he's just cooling off but then he sent off Joe; he talks the about terms about when Gabriel could see his son and I ask Joe why Gabriel had not come to discuss it personally. He simply told me that Gabe wasn't feeling good at all and that he's too busy to come for a visit.

Indeed he is.

What with the news telling about all the ventures he will start up later this year and the upcoming events he's been invited to. Not only did they pester his schedule but also our relationship. The paparazzi’s are not satisfied with him not saying a word about our divorce. I've been trailed around ever since Jacob's birth but the other tail makes me feel kind of, safe.

I know that it's Gabriel, all along.

He's stalking me. I've seen his car parked down on the next block of my apartment a couple of weeks ago. Joe, his bodyguard, is the one who visited us about a day ago, asking me about how is everything going. I know that Gabriel misses Jacob but he is stubborn for he chose to have Joe deliver his gifts. Sometimes I'm hoping that Gabriel will be the one to appear at my doorstep and be persistent as ever and surrendering his pride but I guess, my words really hit home this time.

He kept his distance. Joe acted as the mediator, telling me about Gabriel and how he's not coping with all the things that are happening. Joe stated that Gabriel needed me back in his life and I explained to him how this is not possible because I and Gabriel had hurt each other with our words that I am afraid, getting together will not only ruin us but also our son. Joe tried insisting that a visit back in the mansion will help us reunite but I disagree, that mansion reminds me so much of those hurtful moments and I refuse to go back there. Joe even asks if he can borrow Jacob for just a split second while Gabriel is waiting at the parking lot but, I didn't agree.

I just don’t trust what he and Gabriel are cooking up in their sleeve.

I couldn't help it though, even when I'm currently alone with my son, I still long for that familiar musky, woody and very intoxicating but calming scent that made me aroused. I long for him and his annoying presence; those arms that I grip, his tousled hair, those ravishing lips...

Oh, wait!

I stretch my left arm for the towel and carry Jacob up, wrapping him within. He gurgled in appreciation, his head lolling to the side as he looks at me with those bright blue eyes he inherited from Gabriel. I averted my eyes, kissing his head before putting him down on his chair and slipping in my bathrobe.

"You cutie baby!" I touch Jacob's cheek and he giggled as I take him from his chair and settle him on my hip and we both walk out of the bathroom heading inside the closet. I held out shirt after shirt and offered him, trying to get his reaction. In the end, I settled him in a blue polo shirt with white fancy trousers. I was halfway through putting his sock when the phone started to ring. I checked the number, smiling as I carried Jacob us on my arms. I answered the phone, making my way out of the bedroom.

"Mom?" I listen for a while as I descended the stairs, 'Oh, sweetie. Would you mind If I drop by for a while? I'm already waiting at your door.'

"What? You're already here? Oh, wait." I settle Jacob down on his playpen, spreading all his stuffed toys around as I make my way towards the door.

"Mom! " I open the door and let her in as she tightly clasp Choco's leash, "Oh, mom..." I held her as she laughs, pulling me into a bear hug. I pulled away and lean down to Choco and he happily licked my cheeks as he reached out his paws. “Aww. I miss you too, buddy,” I scratch his head and smiled.

"Oh, dear! It's been a while. I am so sorry if I haven't been there when you gave birth. Your father has a lot to do back in France and I couldn't leave because he insisted that the parties aren't as fun as they are if I am not with him," Mom kissed my cheek and I smiled at her wistfully, jealous that she and dad are as perfect as they are even after thirty years. I tighten my arms on her and she pats my back, chuckling. She pulls away and asked, "Where is Jakey boy?"

"Oh, he's in the living room. I left him with his toys. Would you like some tea?" I pulled the cups out of the cupboard and boiled the water, "No, thank you. I just came here to check on you and see little Jake, which would be now." She gave me a smile before proceeding inside the living room, letting go of Choco who is struggling with the leash.

I can hear my mother talking to my son as I prepare the salad. After a while though, I called out for her and she brought Jacob inside the kitchen, settling him in his high chair by the dining table. I help her with the plates as I brought in the food.

"I've heard of your divorce. You and Gabriel are separated, is that true?" Her lips were thin as she looks at me, her eyes calculating.

I nodded, swallowing my omelette saying, "Yep. It is already official that I and Gabe are over..."

"But how about the boy? It will be such a shame for him to know that his parents had a divorce even before he was born. Oh Elle, I'm so sorry but...don't you think that this is not an appropriate end? Why don't you try to talk things with him? Patch things up?" She suggested, putting her hand on top of mine. I shrug a shoulder and sigh,

"Mom, you know that we only married for the sake of the company. We were never meant for each other. Our relationship is just one of those things that cannot be fixed once broken." She looks down at her food and took a napkin, wiping the sides of her mouth. she held my hand and gave me a smile. "I'm so sorry, dearie. Should we have more option, I wouldn't let your father agree on marrying you both. It's very wrong but I thought, your infatuation for the lad will save your marriage. He had learnt to love you, after all. I guess love is not enough, sometimes." She wrapped her arms around me and smiled, sadly.

"Right." I pulled away, averting my eyes, "It doesn't matter now for at least I have my Jacob. Gabe has given me this greatest gift and I couldn't be more thankful to him." She wipes my tears, shaking her head down at Jacob who is looking at us with curious eyes. Mom was about to say something but I raise a finger at her, "It's for the better, mom. Our separation is meant to happen, anyways. Nothing such as an arranged marriage is going to end perfectly as you thought it would be...."

*

GABE

"Are you sure?" I turn my head and inspected Joe.

"Yes. My calculations and these DNA tests cannot be wrong. You've hired me for a reason, you know-"

"I know, Joe. I--" I let out a breath and shake my head, "just let me be alone for awhile, okay? I need to think.” Joe gave me a knowing smile before he went. I didn't dare to glance at the door as it shuts, resting my hand on the envelope, the very least I could do though I was tempted to release a whoop for this joy I feel.

Finally. I can have her back. Yet, I still have a party to crash.

With the gears shifting on my head, I smiled and realized that within a week I can have them back if my plan works.

*

ELLE

I smiled, watching Luke as he offered car after car to Jacob, yet the babe won't give in. He wants the-

"Black Helicopter. Okay, I'll take it." Luke pulled his wallet out of his pocket and handed the little box down on the spoiled baby, which is my son. He paid the toy in cash and met with me outside while I finish my ice cream.

"So, where do we go now?" I asked Luke but he just stared down on his watch biting his lip, "Luke, is there--"

"It's about dinner let's go and have some pasta," My eyes lit up as I look at him, his lips curling up as he passes by me, pushing Jacob's pram down the street while I trail behind them, acting inconspicuous with my simple black shirt and jumper, with some trainers on. I might appear like the normal gym teacher.

"My favourite?" I giggle, pulling him back so that he can see my face. Luke hesitated, raising his eyebrows at me.

"Lasagna it is then." he smiled, entering a local Italian restaurant just a few blocks away from the toy store pulling me with him. He proceeds in a booth and ordered the meal while I went inside the comfort room to change Jacob's clothes, which is now dripping with sweat and stained with his drool. Jacob fussed when I was outting on his new white shirt and beanie. I soothe him, shushing in his ear as he leans on my shoulder. I got out of the bathroom, bouncing Jacob on my hip. I was about to return to my seat but I saw him. I frown, am I dreaming?

"Gabe?" I called out as I follow him, my legs trembling, "GABE!"

I followed him down the hall but as I turn the corner, Gabe was nowhere to be found. "Elle..." A hand grabs my arm and I turn around to see Luke, a bewildered expression on his face.

"Luke..." I cannot hide away the disappointment from my voice as I adjusted Jacob, cradling his head as I rested his cheek against my neck. I couldn't help but long for Gabriel's presence as I look down at Jacob, he just resembled his father so much. If we hadn't fought that night and I haven't said those words, who knows? Maybe he is the one I am with today and not Luke. I shouldn’t have treated Gabriel so harshly.

"He's not here, okay?" Luke said as he pulled me back to the table, his expression now worried as he looks at me.

"But, I saw him."

"Gabe is not here. You've been successful in pushing him away. Don't assume that he'll come back for you with roses and chocolate on his arms and all bunch of-"

"Luke! I'm not assuming that he'll come back sooner or later." I settled Jacob on the high chair, out the baby bag on his side and sat on my seat, glaring at Luke who is shaking his head at me.

"Okay. Let's say that you are not assuming things yet your face shows it all. You are waiting for him. I know it, Elle." He caressed my cheeks and gave me a tender gaze. He looks at me like a brother would and I averted my eyes, still not used to the affection I am receiving from him. Luke pulled his hand away and we tucked in our meals. I give some mashed bananas for Jacob to feed on while I listen to Luke as he talks, "I arranged this meeting because I want to inform you that I'll be going back to London tonight. This will serve as a closure. I have to go back and I don't know if I will ever see you again." he pursed his lips as he stares down, unable to maintain eye contact with me.

"What? Why?" I got out of my chair and settled next to him, trying to make him look at me.

"There's something I am looking at. It’s about my past." He shakes his head and raised his head, his eyes sad as he continues, " Perhaps, having this dinner with you serves us a proper goodbye."

"What is it? What about your past? Tell me, Luke. Maybe I can help you," He shakes his head and rubs his hands on his face, averting his gaze. I look at him but he stares down on the table, his fingers tapping the top of the table as he lets out a breath. "Tell me what it really is, Luke? No secrets, remember?" He bit his lips and sigh.

"Elle, it's fine. It is only I who could fix my past. But you, I know you want him. I know you do..." His eyes held mine, blue eyes gleaming with tears that threaten to escape. "It hurts me to think that you only want me here to subside that hole in your chest, to provide the comfort you longed from him and like a fool, I thought you are slowly falling in love with me. I guess I have taken it all wrong."

So, he knew. Yet he still is here.

I glance down at my plate, completely losing the appetite I had a while ago. Staring at my son, I remove Jacob from his chair, "You have to go back to Gabriel. It is him whom you want."

"Did he put you up to this?" I asked, turning at him, my eyebrows meeting in the middle as I frown, "Gabriel did not put me up to this. I know that you love him, so why are you making it difficult for the two of you? Elle, it is simple, you just-"

"I know. I love Gabriel but he always leaves me every time I need him. No one really stays beside me. Even you, look at you! You are like them too. You are all a liar, you will all leave me in the end."

"Elle, I know it hurts you that I will go but I have explanations, reasons, that I can't tell you right now but someday I'll try to come back to you. I just need to go back and verify if all of this information are true. Please, I need you to understand me-"

"You're no different. You promise me." I push his hand as he tried to hold mine. Jacob lets out a whine as we slowly move away from Luke.

"I know it's so sudden and confusing but you should understand me. There's a reason behind it all."

"How can I understand when you won't even tell me the reason behind all these? You are my friend, you are like a brother to me. Please, make me believe that you will come back to me because right now, it felt like you are ditching me, as though Gabriel has asked you to stay away from me." I frown, hating the way he looks at me - his eyes are shining with guilt. " I'm not your family, Elle. I am just the guy who saved you and Jacob. Nothing more than a substitute to Gabriel...so please, get rid of your pride and talk things out with him. For Jacob, at least, fix your relationship. I know he hurt you and you hurt him, but both of you shall save that spark that still lives because when I saw you a while ago when you called for him, I know deep down that Gabriel is the only man you will ever love."

"Do you really think so?" I asked, kissing Jacob's forehead as he leans in to nest his head on my neck. I stared at Luke and he nodded at me, giving me half a smile. "I hope you will really go back to me as you promise. Goodbye Luke," I lean and kissed his cheek, momentarily lingering to hug him. Luke nuzzles his head on my hair and I sniffed, "Goodbye, Elle," He takes a deep breath and whispered, "Be with Gabriel. He loves you, he has said so. "

He pulls away, brushing the top of my head with his hand before resuming his seat. With that, I grab the diaper bag and push the door, walking out of the restaurant with my five-month old child on my arms, wondering if Gabriel is sitting back on his office or waiting for me back at the mansion.

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