80
-Eri Jones-
It had been a week since Rose left on what Suzy and I call 'her honeymoon'.
Which also made it more than a week (almost two actually) since June was nowhere to be found in this small world.
It was like she just vanished.
Went into thin air and out of existence.
"I appreciate you coming to visit me, but I promise I'm not bored to death." Suzy's hands were on her hips as she stood beside the chair opposite the one I sat on.
I raised a brow, leaning back against the chair, trying to act like I had no idea what she was talking about.
But of course, she read right through me.
"I'm twenty-one Eri, I have no idea why you still treat me like a child, which, as anyone would have noticed, has worsened since I got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer."
"I don't treat you like a child." I defended myself, fully aware I was going to lose if this turned to a debate.
Her lips pursed. "Then why are you here?"
“Since when did it become such a crime to visit one's sister?" A smart excuse.
"Well, just so you know, I'm alright and you can get going now."
A glare from me replied her. "Are you seriously sending me out?"
She shrugged. "I guess. Also, I've got to go to church. I don't want to be late because of your presence, except you're willing to tag along."
A confused creased tugged at my brows. "And since when did you start going to church? Or praying at that?"
Another shrug. "Since you almost drowned to death in Australia."
"And if I may ask, why?"
She finally sat on the chair, though she looked like she was getting out soon. "When I heard the news, I went to pray in a Church and met with the pastor of the church."
A smile appeared on her lips as she probably recalled what happened. "We'd both prayed and he told me to have faith that you're alright so I did just that and then you were saved."
I smiled. "That's really nice to know."
She looked proud of herself. "Thanks," then, standing up, she continued, "now, I've got a church to head to, can you go home to your husband."
With an eye roll, I got to my feet. "You know, you should get your prince charming too."
"When the right man comes, he comes."
Of course.
I sighed. "I really want to see you married."
A warm and calm smile spread across her lips. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
Soon, I was sauntering into it.
Was Don home?
He wasn't around when I'd woken up this morning, but it was Sunday so I wouldn't expect him to be at work.
Maybe he just went out.
Or it could be an emergency from work got him leaving so early.
Could it be that som—
All thoughts vanished once I walked in to be greeted by the annoying presence of who sat opposite Don.
Marc.
What on earth was he doing here?
After what happened the day he literally kidnapped me, I didn't think I'd be hearing any more thing from or about him.
He hadn't done anything like I'd thought he would, but still.
What shameless man would still show his face.
Against my own will, a frown took over my expression.
And when the two men noticed me, neither said a word and just stared.
Don was probably wondering why I was standing by the door and glaring at his dad.
But Marc…
I was dead sure he was aware what was running through my head.
It took a few seconds for me to gain myself and move towards them.
“Didn't expect to see you here Marc.” The words came out gritted.
I couldn't help that.
Don's brows furrowed as his gaze moved between Marc's blank expression to my annoyed own.
"Is something wrong?"
Marc turned to him. "Nothing of much importance," then to me, "can we have a private discussion?"
That had come as a surprise to both me and Don.
His frown slowly turned to confusion.
"What's going on?" He asked a little more sharply.
"You can tell me whatever you want to say right here." I made an effort to soften my gaze so as not to leave Don in deep curiosity.
"F-" Don was cut off by the ringing of his phone.
Still staring at us both in confusion and suspicion, he took his phone out of the pocket of his pants.
After staring at the caller, he turned back to us.
"Excuse me." Then he stood up, leaving us both to stare at each other.
"What do you plan on telling me?" My furrowed brows were back as my hands flew to my hips.
He stood up, still holding that blank expression. "I just wanted to apologize for what I did the other day."
“Apologize?”
Not what I'd expected to hear.
From his threat then, I wouldn't think he was a man capable of not assassinating me and instead apologizing.
Had something happened?
My death glare softened by just a pinch.
"And why the sudden change of plans? You're not offering me money again, huh?"
He let out a small sigh.
"I guess at that time, I thought you two were still going to get a divorce after two years, and I misunderstood you, thinking you were probably going to involve the media about it and stuff, then you'd get lots of attention and money. While we'd be trying to remove all published articles."
Finally, I dropped my hands. "I could have done that.”
It didn't seem like what he expected to hear, which was evident in his drawn brows.
But he let me continue.
“I didn't do it because of the love I have for Don. He might've been the cause of my mom's death, but the fact he felt sorry about it was enough for me to forgive him.
"I'm not that heartless to care about the amount I'd gain from the public and ruin Don's internet life."
I paused then continued. "I was just annoyed you didn't feel sympathetic for what you did to my mom, that's why I said what I said."
Finally, his expression showed something I assumed to be guilt. "I guess I wasn't too good."
"No, you weren't and I'm not sure if I'll be able to forgive you that easily, but I'll try."
His lips pulled to a small smile. "Thanks."
Don walked back in, placing his phone in his pocket. "I'm back," then staring at the both of us, he asked. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'll be upstairs."
With that, I walked away, leaving the two men to continue whatever they were talking about before I interrupted.
I reached for his hair, running my hand through it. "Don, everything's alright."
"Then what were you talking about with my dad?"
My hand crawled from his hair to the back of his neck as I leaned closer.
"Just trust me. Will I ever do anything that you won't like?"
There was an edge of uncertainty in his expression. "Why don't you want to tell me?"
Because I know you don't have a good relationship with your father and I don't want to worsen it.
If he found out what Marc did, there was certainly going to be war in the Jones family.
Not something I'd want.
"I promise you I'm not doing anything you wouldn't approve of. Just trust me, okay?"
Hesitantly, he nodded.
Then I shifted closer, pressing my lips against his.