Chapter 57
Daniel
The last three days since Anu returned from the hospital has been friction.
I brought her over to my unit because I can control the security here.
Her brother, Derin, had called and I told him everything.
He’s in agreement with me on the outcome of Teni.
He didn’t say, but I can tell he’s going to make sure the relationship with Teni’s family is completely severed.
Anu’s barely speaking to me. Monotonous answers are the response I get to questions.
She sleeps in a different bed, and it feels like she’s living in a different apartment from me.
I go to my room and close the door. I know she’s only here because I’m somehow forcing her to be here with me for security reasons.
I don’t know how to get through to her. Andrea came to visit, and I had to express my frustration to her.
“She’s not speaking to me,” I say brooding.
“You broke her trust, Daniel.” I sigh. “Remember, I told you it’s not easy for them. They don’t let people in, and she let you in.” She pauses. “It may not be your fault, but you didn’t believe her, and she is scared to let you in again.”
“What do I do? I can’t lose her.” I let out my fear.
“You must beg for forgiveness, and then show her you will never betray her trust again. Because I saw her, and how she was ready to die because you broke up with her. She survived that, and I know her not wanting to go there again is why she’s not letting you in.”
Shit, she’s right.
“Thank you,” I say to her before she leaves.
I went back in to check on Anu, and the silence in the room made it hard to tell if she was truly asleep or just pretending to be.
But I do know I will do everything in my power to keep us together.
She had Nkem bring her PJs over and has shunned my shirts.
She doesn’t hum and there’s no breezy laugh.
Just quiet Anu and it frustrates me that I let lies get between us.
I return to the living room, frustrated and at a loss on how to move us past this roadblock. I sit in my thoughts, trying to figure out how to move us forward. Buying a gift won’t work with Anu, I remind myself.
I hear movements and get to my feet. She goes to the kitchen to grab bottled water and opens a few cabinets. She’s searching for her usual cookies. I forgot to bring that over, but I do go to her. She sidestepped me and I move quickly to block her path. She doesn’t look at me.
“Anu, please, forgive me. Tell me what to do to earn your forgiveness,” I plead.
“We are done,” she snaps.
“No,” I say, attempting to take her hand.