I explained to Hugo what Wayne had told me. I told them what I saw why I did all this to him. As I told him, I couldn’t help but remember my sister. I can’t forgive myself for what happened to her, as if everything was fresh in the brain. I blame myself even though I shouldn’t.
He hugged me tightly, then kissed my forehead. I feel like all my anger at him is gone, even though he hasn’t spoken yet to explain. I pushed him away from me. I wiped my face to stop the crying. I still want him to explain to me. I don’t want us to suddenly get along without anyone explaining. I sniffed, then looked at him.
“What about you? Won’t you even explain why you’re in the picture Wayne gave me?” I was pretty reassured because I knew he had nothing to do with what happened. He wouldn’t act like this if he was involved. I only have one wish, which hopefully, after all, is all right. I hope everything goes well because I don’t want to walk in the mirror.
“I can’t deny that I’m the one in the picture.”
It was as if I had lost all hope because of what he said. I could not speak. It was not anger I felt, but disappointment. Not disappointment to him, but myself. Why do I keep hoping for something that has no real certainty? I smiled bitterly. I guess no matter what I do to save my heart; I am drowned with Hugo. If only he felt the same way about me. I was about to get up when he suddenly pulled me back. I sat down on the sofa again and then lowered my head. I didn’t want to look him in the eyes because I knew I would be vulnerable again. And that’s unfair for me – for Tiarra and me.
“But there is a reason behind those photos.”
I immediately looked up because of what he said. Suddenly, I came to life. I want to know the reason behind that photo. I will listen to whatever he says as long as he doesn’t say that he committed the crime against my sister.
“That day I was going to my friend. I hadn’t noticed your sister before. I hadn’t even met her in the case when I was on my way home. I saw some men running. I don’t know how that photo was taken. I think it was a trap to tarnish my image or that of my family.”
“When I looked at your sister, she was dead, so I would have called the police. However, my phone is a low battery, so I quickly drove to the police station. The only case is that there were already police predecessors there. I haven’t bothered anymore. If you want to find the one who killed your sister, I can help you.”
Because of what he said, I suddenly realized that they have a lot of opponents in the company, so what he said was reasonable. Should I trust what he said? How is Soleil? Why is he with us and not with Soleil? I wanted to ask him many more questions, but I just didn’t open my mouth.
We continued with that set-up; he was sleeping, eating here, so I asked him if he had any plans to go home. He can’t be here forever, especially since Soleil is waiting for him. I never saw Soleil again. She has never come back here. That’s what I thought …
“Tiarra! Mommy will leave first because I have to sell the crystal bracelets!” I’m shouting now because Hugo is inside while Tiarra is playing. When I went, I was carrying the bag where the crystal bracelets were placed. They didn’t answer, so I left. I even met a few more people and greeted me. Miracle and I don’t see Raymond and Shiela today. They are the first to greet me every morning.
When I got to grandpa Selo, I saw he was arranging his things to be taken to be sold. I ran over to him, then smiled at him. Running has been a bit breathtaking since I gave birth to Tiarra. It was as if my body had gained weight even though nothing had changed.
“Granpa Selo! Have your bracelet sold now?” He looked surprised at my presence, so he suddenly jumped. He stood up straight and put the bag on his shoulder where the item he will sell was placed. I don’t know how he manages to be strong when he’s getting older.
“You’re right on timing, Adele! I still plan to come to you to get the bracelets that I will sell. How much is all that?” I remove my bag from behind me while he takes out his wallet. I feel a little overwhelmed as I think I will soon leave this place.. Maybe this will be the last time I make these bracelets.
“No, Granpa Selo! I’ll just give it to you for free. Be careful on your trip! Don’t skip your food even when you are working.”
He just laughed, and I handed the bag to him. I smiled as I headed home. I even kicked the rock softly as it rolled. I look up at the crab sellers. That’s what I’m going to cook today for Hugo and Tiarra. Meat is rare here, so we only eat it once. I also always withdraw to cover our expenses.
When I bought it, I quickly walked back because it was going to be night. When I got home, two people standing outside my door surprised me. It was as if fear had built up in my chest again.
I would have passed them when Wayne spoke. I’m not mad at him, I’m mad at the information he gave. My daughter wasted days and years asking questions and finding her father. If only he had made sure before giving me the information, maybe Hugo and Tiarra and I would be happy living now.
“What are you doing here?” I asked a cold question to Wayne as well as Soleil. I thought she left? Why is she still here? Wayne suddenly grabbed my hand, but I quickly removed it. His eyes were sad before he spoke.
“Let us explain.”