Chris spoke casually, “I wasn’t going out of my way, so don’t feel burdened.”
Chris always knew how to strike the right note, which was one reason Ranita enjoyed spending time with him.
“Thanks again for your help. Olivia is doing alright,” Ranita said, then smiled wryly, “It’s just that we ran into some trouble.”
“If you need any help dealing with troublemakers, feel free to let me know. I’m pretty good at that.”
“Not necessary for now.”
Chris did not continue on the topic but looked at Ranita and asked, “Have you had a falling out with Brendon lately?”
A falling out? Not exactly…
Ranita pursed her lips, “No.”
“Brendon came to see me earlier. We had a drink together,” Chris paused before continuing, “He seemed in a bad mood but wouldn’t say what’s bothering him.”
“You don’t need to tell me about it…” Ranita averted her gaze, the intricate streetlights outside were quite beautiful.
“His issues have nothing to do with me.”
Chris chuckled, “You both are so stubborn.” Silently sighing to himself, after all these years, he could barely stand it.
Life is short.
“Brendon still has feelings for you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so troubled or come to drink with me.” Chris paused again, “When you were in Slovenia those years, he was searching for you all over the world.”
Chris hadn’t intended to say much but seeing Brendon in despair, he couldn’t bear it. After all, they were childhood buddies.
Ranita shook her head, “Chris, the issues between Brendon and me… are not something that can be summed up in a few words.”
The rest of the trip was silent. Chris dropped her off at the entrance to her residential area and then left. Walking through the night, Ranita kept thinking about what Chris had said.
Brendon had drunk… she wondered where he was now. Had he gone home? Ranita fumbled for her phone, debating whether to call Chris to ask.
But… she hesitated, then put her phone away.
Forget it. What difference would it make if she called? The issues between them couldn’t be resolved in a short time.
It was very late, and Ranita quickened her pace towards home. However, as soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she stopped in her tracks.
In the hallway sat a dark figure. His black pants and shirt were crumpled, head tucked into his knees, seemingly asleep.
Ranita felt a pang in her heart.
She felt deeply sad.
“Brendon, what are you doing here?” Ranita bent down and nudged him. The strong smell of alcohol wafted towards her as she got closer, indicating he drank heavily.
Who knows how he got here.
“Brendon!” Just as Ranita squatted a bit, the man lifted his head and extended his arms to hug her. The scent of snow pears mixed with the alcohol, making Ranita’s eyes well up.
“Ranita… my head hurts…” Brendon murmured into her ear, his voice heavy with nasal congestion and a hint of spoiled child’s tone.
Ranita’s heart felt both sour and sweet. She chided, “Serves you right for drinking so much on your own!”
Unfortunately, a drunk person isn’t rational. Brendon lifted his slightly flushed face, his eyes unfocused as he looked at her, hugging her again, “Ranita, my head hurts.”
Ranita was held tightly, pushing him uncomfortably. “I’ll call Caleb to pick you up…”
Just as she finished speaking, the door clicked open, revealing Makhi’s head.
Brendon turned his head to look at Makhi. Suddenly, he lunged towards Makhi, grabbing his collar angrily, “Why are you still in Ranita’s house?”