SARAYA’S POV.
The loud buzz of my alarm jolted me awake. I fumbled for my phone and hit the stop button, squinting at the screen. Then it hit me-I’d promised to call Mary.
I sat up, dialed her number, and waited. It rang twice before someone picked up.
“Hello?” Dad’s voice came through.
“Dad? Why are you answering Mary’s phone?” I asked, confused.
There was a pause. “Saraya… Mary’s father passed away early this morning.”
My stomach dropped. “Oh no. What happened?”
“He was sick for a while. It happened suddenly,” Dad explained, his voice heavy. “She cried for hours. I just managed to get her to sleep.”
I covered my mouth, trying to process the news. “I’m so sorry, Dad. Please tell her I’m thinking of her when she wakes up.”
“I will,” he said.
“Have they made any arrangements yet?”
“Yes,” Dad replied. “The funeral is on Friday.”
“Okay,” I said quickly. “I’ll be there Thursday night. Evan’s coming with me.”
“That’ll mean a lot to her,” Dad said quietly.
“Thanks for letting me know, Dad.”
“Take care, Saraya,” he said before the line went dead.
I set my phone down and stared at it. The weight of the conversation pressed on my chest. Mary’s father was gone. I couldn’t imagine the pain she was in right now.
With a deep breath, I reached for my calendar. “Thursday night,” I muttered to myself. I’d make sure we were there. Mary needs us.
*
As I walked into the house, my grandmother was in the living room.
“You came earlier than expected.” She said without looking up. “Impressive, if you ask me.” She added and I could the sarcasm in her tone.
“I’m honoured to know you’ve been waiting for my return, grandma.” I replied,. maintaining the sarcasm.
I dropped my bag by the couch and made my way to the kitchen to help myself with a glass of water.
“Grandma. I need to talk to you.” I said once I had quenched my thirst.
She raised an eyebrow, finally meeting my gaze. “Let me guess. This is about Mary’s father?”
I nodded. “You heard?”
“I have ears, don’t I?” she said, taking a sip of her tea. “News like that spreads fast.”
I sighed, leaning against the counter opposite her. “It’s just so awful. I called her this morning, but Dad picked up. He said she’s a mess.”
My grandmother nodded thoughtfully. “Losing a parent isn’t something you just bounce back from. You can attest to that yourself since you know the feeling.”
“The funeral’s on Friday,” I said trying not to have dig up about my mother. “Evan and I will be heading to Brisbane Thursday night.”
She gave a curt nod. “Good. She’ll need her kids there.”
I hesitated before speaking again. “I’m worried about leaving you here alone. Would you like to come with us?”
She let out a short laugh. “Saraya, you’re worried about me? Why do I find that hard to believe?” She asked. “I thought you would be the happiest if I was out of your face for few days.”
“I’d rather it do not take the death of anyone to achieve that.” I countered.
“You’re right.” She nodded slowly. “I’ll survive a few days without you hovering.””
“But you’ll be by yourself,” I insisted. “I don’t like the idea of that.”
She smirked, setting her mug down. “Who said I’ll be by myself? Ian’s coming over on Friday and the staff would be around.”
“Ian?” I asked, surprised.
“Doesn’t sound to me like you’re happy to have him back?” My grandmother pointed out.
“As long as he doesn’t stir any trouble and stays clear off my path, he is most welcome.” I said and walked out without saying another word.
DOMINIC’S POV.
I had just stepped out of the shower, a towel slung over my shoulder as I pulled on a clean shirt. The day had been long, and I was ready to crash when I heard a soft knock. I need not be told who was at the door, I could tell from the sound.
“Come in, mom”
She smirked, leaning against the doorframe. “Its how you always know who is at the door for me.”
I shook my head, chuckling as I sat on the bed. “What’s up, Mom?” I asked. “Came to kiss me goodnight?” I teased her.
“Silly boy,” She replied. “You should get married and get kissed by your wife.”
I laughed out loud. “You’re right about that but doesn’t that mean you should take all your chances now that I’m all yours?”
My mother rolled her eyes. “Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about that because you will always be mine.” She said confidently.
She crossed her arms, her sharp eyes fixed on me. “How’s it going with Saraya?”
“It’s going well,” I said with the thoughts of Saraya gushing round my mind.
“Well, that’s vague,” she said, walking further into the room. “Come on, Dom, give me something.”
I shrugged. “It’s… not so easy getting close to her. Saraya is a fierce woman, you need to see her eyes when she is angry.”
She gave a small nod, a sly smile playing on her face.
“What is that look for, mom?” I asked. “You’re scaring me.”
She laughed out loud. “I think someone has fallen deeply in love.”
I laughed lightly. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. How are you holding up on your end?”
She sighed, brushing an invisible speck off her blouse. “I found the golf course the Newman’s family uses and got myself registered. I’ve been going to the golf course lately, trying to stay active. Haven’t run into Mary, though.”
“Did you find out why?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she said. “I heard she visited her ailing father and what more? She just lost her father.”
The news caught me off guard. “What? When did that happen?”
“Early this morning, I think,” Mom replied, her voice softer now. “I think I will have to wait until she returns from mourning her father before I take it up.”
I nodded slowly, letting the information sink in. “That’s sad one, little wonder, Saraya went home earlier than expected today.”
Then it struck me, “does that mean that she would have to leave and attend the funeral and I won’t get to meet her for few days?” I asked, jumping up on my feet. I grabbed my mother’s hands. “Can you find out all the information I need to attend the funeral?”
My mother’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. “You will be going?”
“Trust me, mom.” I could swear she was thinking how obsessive I had become with Saraya. “I have it all figured out.”
“Okay, if you say so.” Mom said firmly. “But you have to very careful, you don’t want to come off as being desperate in front of the Newman’s.”
I met her gaze and nodded. “I will.”
She gave a small smile. “I should leave now, get some rest, Dominic.” She was about to turn the knob of the door when she paused. “One more thing,” she walked towards me and leaned over, kissing my forehead. “Goodnight, son.”
“Goodnight, mom,” I said with a grin as she walked out, shaking my head.
Once again, I was alone in my room. “I won’t let you be alone for a moment, Saraya.”