41. Chapter 41
A ria
The sun on the day of Crispin's birthday dawned, and Aria was awake to greet it.
The past week had taken its toll, and she was barely eating, despite knowing it was harmful to the baby.
The relentless nausea tormented her day and night, leaving her uncertain whether it was the pregnancy or the stress causing it.
Still, she managed to send a message wishing Crispin a happy birthday, controlling the strong urge to call just to hear his voice.
She waited anxiously as the phone rang and rang without an answer. Much later, a message finally arrived.
Thank you, Aria. I love you. I'll message later.
She stared at the words, trying to gauge if his tone had indeed changed or if her anxiety was playing tricks on her.
One day turned into two, then into a third, each accompanied by brief messages from Crispin.
Sorry, Aria. Caught up with work. I'll talk soon.
Things are hectic here. I'll text you once things ease off.
Despite her growing unease, Aria attended the showcase, proudly displaying the quilt she'd completed. As she arranged her quilt on the display table, a cheerful voice caught her attention .
"This is absolutely beautiful!" Aria turned to see a young woman with curly auburn hair and warm brown eyes admiring her quilt. "I'm Catherine, by the way. I run a website specializing in rustic handmade goods. Your craftsmanship is remarkable."
Aria smiled shyly, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. "Thank you. It's a tradition in my family. My grandmother used to make story quilts."
"Story quilts? That sounds fascinating," Catherine replied eagerly. "Could you tell me more?"
Aria nodded, encouraged by Catherine's genuine interest. "Each quilt tells a story-moments from people's lives, memories they want to cherish. Weddings, births, anniversaries, even losses. Every patch holds a special meaning."
Catherine's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "That's lovely! That's exactly the kind of work my customers adore. Would you be interested in creating a dedicated page for your quilts on my website? You'd receive a percentage from every sale. We can negotiate that."
Surprised and delighted, Aria hesitated. "I'd love to, but...I have no idea what I should charge."
Catherine laughed lightly, reassuringly. "Let's talk numbers, shall we? For a quilt of this size and intricacy, I'd suggest starting around five hundred pounds. "
Aria's eyes widened in astonishment. "Five hundred pounds? Really?"
"Absolutely," Catherine confirmed firmly. "Your skill and the sentimental value alone justify it. Trust me, collectors and gift buyers will recognise its worth."
Aria felt a surge of pride and excitement. "This sounds incredible. Thank you, Catherine."
Catherine offered her hand warmly. "It's my pleasure. Let's get you set up this week. I'm confident your quilts will be in high demand. Wait, let me give you my card, and can you write your email and phone number down so I don't lose it."
Returning home that evening, Aria excitedly shared the news with Lule, whose eyes lit up with delight. Yet, as quickly as the joy appeared, a questioning look shadowed Lule's face.
"Any word from Crispin?" she asked.
Aria's heart sank, and her mood visibly dipped as she shook her head. Lule's mouth tightened slightly in concern. "He's still messaging," Aria quickly added, attempting to reassure both herself and Lule. But Lule's expression remained sceptical. Eventually, her brow cleared, and she smiled warmly.
"Come on," Lule encouraged softly, putting an arm around her slender shoulders. "Rahul's mom made vegetable stew. You'll love her vegetable cutlets. "
A week after Crispin's birthday, there had still been no news, and Aria had stopped eating altogether.
His messages had petered out. At her wits' end, Lule suggested they go for a walk at Farmoor Reservoir to clear their heads.
The reservoir stretched serenely, its surface gently rippling with the soft breeze.
Birds glided gracefully across the water, their tranquil presence and occasional calls creating a sense of peace.
The setting sun painted the sky in vivid hues-a spectacular starburst of pinks, scarlets, and yellows that reflected beautifully off the calm water, momentarily soothing Aria's troubled thoughts.
As they strolled along the water's edge, Aria felt a sudden clarity and abruptly halted.
"I'm going to call him," she announced determinedly. The phone rang repeatedly without answer, and Aria felt her eyes sting with tears.
Suddenly, the phone rang back. "Thank God," Aria breathed, answering quickly. Her relief shattered instantly as an unfamiliar male voice spoke.
"Who is this?" the man asked sharply.
"Who are you? Where is Crispin?" Aria demanded, panic creeping into her voice.
"I don't divulge personal information to unknown numbers," he replied dismissively. "Telemarketing? Quite late for that, my dear. "
"Where is Crispin?" she repeated, her voice shaking.
"Oh," the man said with amusement, "one of his old flames, I presume. Sorry to inform you, but he's deleted your contact. Anyway, it's his engagement party today."
Aria gasped, disbelief flooding her. "I don't believe you."
"Listen," the man said calmly.
She heard a distant male voice clearly toasting, "Please join me in congratulating Crispin and Helga on their engagement. Crispin, you've chosen wisely. Helga will no doubt be a graceful, devoted, and remarkable wife."
Aria's hand went limp, the phone dropping from her ear. Lule, sensing something terribly wrong, looked on anxiously.
Suddenly, rage and heartbreak surged through Aria. With a cry of unbearable pain, she hurled the phone into the reservoir, screaming a tortured, agonised sound that echoed over the water.
"Aria! What happened?" Lule cried in alarm, moving to her side .
Aria collapsed onto the grass, her head spinning as darkness closed in around her in a merciful tide.
Tears blurred her vision, mingling with the damp earth beneath her.
She vaguely felt Lule turn her gently into the recovery position and heard her frantic voice shout to Rahul to call an ambulance.
Choked sobs tore from Aria's throat until the darkness eclipsed her completely.