Hugo helped Adele to her feet once her sobbing had stopped. Adele, on the other hand, wonders why Hugo didn’t tell her about Soleil. Hugo put back the clothing she had taken out and while she sat on the bed. It was good news for her that Hugo didn’t bring up the subject, since she knew she wouldn’t be able to handle it if she heard the words from Hugo.
She could understand Hugo not knowing Soleil, but the fact that Soleil didn’t know Hugo surprised her. This is extremely unlikely to occur either Soleil purposefully did not identify herself or there was an accident or incident that occurred to Soleil, such as having amnesia.
Hugo flicked her on the forehead amid her musings. “Are you all right now? If not, I’ll just tell them downstairs that you’re not feeling well and are unable to stand.” Adele observed Hugo’s manner to be normal, with no hint of pretension. She exhaled a sigh of relief because Hugo didn’t seem to know anything.
She shook rapidly and sprang to her feet. If they didn’t recognize each other, there was something wrong. They were on their way down when Adele noticed Soleil drinking juice; she was indeed wearing a headscarf covering her whole face, as Hugo had stated. Aunt Julia was also present and spoke with Estella. Aunt Julia is adept at sign language since she used to teach SPED, or “students with disabilities,” who are slow to adjust.
They were both impressed to see Adele and stood together. Hugo joined Aunt Julia and Estella. Adele examined Soleil’s face, which only eyes could see. The wound that the flames cause in her eyes was less visible. She was observing while Hugo, Aunt Helena, Estella, and Soleil were talking.
After a minute, Hugo approached Adele as she was observing. Adele caught a glimpse of sadness in Soleil’s eyes. She wasn’t sure whether what she was seeing was real. Esther called them before she could speak or listen in on their chat.
“Your breakfast is ready. You can eat now.”
While they followed Hugo into the kitchen, Estella went to her mother. Adele turned around when they were already in the kitchen and realized that Soleil had not followed them, so she immediately returned to the living room to check for her, but she was not there.
She met Estella and didn’t know what to say since she didn’t know how to gesture when asking a question. But, thankfully, Estella understands what she wants before she even asks. Estella points to the second floor. She appears to know exactly who she is looking for. Adele was curious as to what Soleil was doing there, so she dashed upstairs.
When she climbed upstairs, she had no idea why her feet had led her to the front of Hugo’s bedroom. When she walked in, she noticed Soleil peering at her and Hugo’s closet and clothing as it was opened.
“What are you doing?”
Soleil didn’t glance back, but she did speak. “This gives back memories.” She looked at Adele now, but her eyes were sorrowful. “My clothing used to be here,” she said, turning to face the bed. “In that part, I was the one with him and next to sleep with him.”
Adele nodded. She was correct, and Soleil feigned not to know Hugo. It was difficult for her not to recognize the man she had spent so much time with.
“Why did you come back?” Her tone has changed to one of bitterness. Her heart began to ache once again. She was terrified that Soleil might suddenly declare her desire to return to Hugo and investigate what had happened to them.
“I didn’t return; you brought me back.” She played with a necktie. “But don’t worry, I will not take him back. I’m far too self-centered to do so.”
“Why?” Adele’s heart was racing.
“I’ve been gone for a long time. I know that’s been hard on Hugo. I don’t want to be selfish and compete with his happiness. To ruin the two of you..”
“But what if …” Adele couldn’t finish what she was saying because tears started to fall from her eyes. So is Soleil.
Soleil sobbed as she continued what she was saying. Even if Adele can’t see her whole face, she is sure Soleil’s hurting too much, “The plane we were on exploded. I don’t know how I survived because when I opened my eyes, I couldn’t remember anything. All I could feel then were the wounds on my body while lying in a house I’m not familiar with. A couple took me in. They lived there but soon they were gone and I was the one left behind and took care of it.”
“If that’s the case, why didn’t you return to Hugo?” Adele’s voice was harsh because she couldn’t bear the thought of Soleil returning to Hugo’s life.
“I wanted. However, far too many years were squandered. It wasn’t until three years after the accident that my memory returned. I’m scared Hugo will despise me because of how I made him feel.”
Adele remained mute since she had no idea Adele had been through so much. She always thinks about how could she avoid the meeting between the two of them. She was just thinking about herself. How their paths never cross.
“I’m sorry.” Adele didn’t know what to say but just apologized.
“What for?”
Soleil hugged Adele, who is not saying any word. “I wish you both all the best.”
The door opened as she let go of the hug. Hugo was the first to enter, followed by Aunt Julia. Adele was worried that they had overheard them conversing, but Soleil just touched her on the shoulder and nodded, as if to suggest she should walk to Hugo. Adele sighed as she approached Hugo.
“I just showed my cousin the room,” she beamed as she stood in front of Hugo.
Hugo looked behind Adele and turn to face her. He stated, “Don’t be subservient to your cousin here. It’s a different habit every time gloomy visits her.”
Aunt Helena chuckled and joined Hugo in his laughter. “Oh, my goodness! You are correct! You are correct! Every time her sister and I picked her up from school, she became enraged. She was emphasizing that she was big and didn’t need to.”
“Aunty!”
Hugo slipped his hand around Adele’s waist and squeezed her cheek as her cheek went crimson. Her cheek grew even more flushed. “Let’s walk downstairs and see whether the meal gets cooler.”
Adele and Hugo walked out first, hand in hand, followed by Aunt Helena. When they all came out, Soleil sat on the floor. Her knees, which she had been holding back, weakened and gave way, along with the running water in her eyes. She could not bear to see Hugo with the others. She was no longer Hugo’s partner in things. She thought that if the accident had not happened, they might be happy now while they have children. If she didn’t just lose her memories, she could have returned to Hugo immediately. They were fine and happy. Now even her face is no longer recognizable to anyone.
She stood up even though she was fainting. She clung to the wall as support.
—-
They just talked about the wedding and what their plans were. Adele said she wanted the beach wedding and afternoon held. They also recount how they met Soleil, but Soleil said a different name.
“Oh, I forgot! I haven’t introduced you yet. Hugo, this is Sol-” Aunt Julia was cut off.