22

Ashely
“What are you doing here? Is Joe working late again? Shouldn’t you be on bed rest? ” I asked while passing a blended mango juice to Elena.
“Shouldn’t you be glad about my arrival?” Elena spoke while patting her belly, “Luciano is….”
We both laughed at the same time as I reminsiced on the name, “Luciano” that I often said anytime I rubbed Elena’s stomach.
“Joe is working overtime again and I feel alone.” Elena admitted, “So I’m sleeping over, if that’s alright with you. ”
“It’s alright. Why wouldn’t it be?” I chuckled again.
I took a sip out of my juice and placed the glass cup on the table carefully.
“Have you heard from Lucy?” I questioned. That question that was bugging to be asked. I just wanted to know if Elena was still helping her with her expenses.
“Yes.” Elena took another gulp of the juice, “And it’s” Mum” not ” Lucy ”
“And?” I lifted up a brow while tapping a finger against the other.
“I helped her?” Elana muttered.
I tilted my head to stare at my older sister who was heavily pregnant and was still helping our birth mother who was a bad parent by the way. I searched her eyes, praying that it was her raging hormones that kept pushing her to help but she had been doing it for a long time. Even when Mum didn’t deserve it, she still gave her cash.
She was always covering and cleaning up after Mom, paying for her numerous expenses and her gambling debts included.
“Why? Not like she has helped you since you were an adult. ” I deadpanned, “Neither is she helping when she’s aware you are carrying her first grandchild.”
“Ash, don’t be mean. She’s our mother.” Elena exclaimed.
“As far as I’m concerned, she’s just Lucy to me. “I concluded, crossing my arms over my bosom.
Ever since she started to latch on me for more money, I never called her mum or any endearing names. Most of the time, our phone calls were always about her asking me to wire cash to her and it was sickening.
“You have never tried to have a real and honest conversation with her in years.” Elena spoke.
“Neither am I interested in giving it a trial. All she does is suck money from you and I. Has she even tried visiting?” I asked while rubbing my eyes.
“Would you welcome her with open arms and a big smile?” Elena taunted.
“Of course, not,” I shook my head violently, “Why would I welcome a woman who literally abandoned her kids?”
“You should learn to forgive. It helps cleanse your system.” Elena advised with a smirk.
“It’s quite easy for you to say since you’re her favorite.”
“She is family, Ashely. She gave birth to us.” Elena repeated while gently curling her fingers around my wrist.
A bitter laugh deserted my lips as I tried to steady myself, “Family doesn’t steal from family, Elena. When I got my first pay, I gave half to her, hoping she had changed and the week after, she demanded for more. She is not interested in taking up a job, neither is she ready to be a good mother to us. Don’t you see it, she’s using you and me for money. If she really cared about us, she would be right here, no matter what. ”
“You are hurting, aren’t you?” Elena asked.
The answer was simply in my glossy eyes as I averted her eyes and glanced at the white shopping bag on the centre table.
“What is that?” I pointed.
“It’s just a dress that I bought for you,” Elena started, “-For your date with Mason and as a… apology gift as well. ”
I covered my face with both palms in astonishment as I opened the bag and to my surprise, it was a dark blue strapless bodycon gown with the tag attached to it which read, “$1650”
“You really didn’t have to…” I started but her dismissive hand cut me off.
“Don’t even try to complain, Ash. You’re my sister. I just wanted you to wear something nice. I know he’s your crush. ”
“This is just too much.” I voiced out with a chuckle.
“I believe you need to say a word of appreciation. ” Elena spoke.
“Thank you, Elena. It’s really nice of you. Really.” An innocent smile swept across my lips as I patted the fingers that held my wrist.
“You’re welcome, ” she responded, “And I guess I could borrow it someday.” she added with a smirk.
“Don’t you dare.” I guffawed with wrinkles circling my eyes.
And then Emily walked out into the living room dressed in a white bathing robe with her hair wet.
“What are you guys talking about?” Emily asked.
I chuckled, “You were in the bathroom for over an hour.”
“Is that a crime?” Emily answered with a wink.
“Not at all, ” I rose up on my feet and walked toward her, touching her hair, “But Elena got me a dress… for my date with Mason.”
“Really?” Emily exclaimed, “You made up already with her?” she shot a glance at her
“I couldn’t stay angry at my sister all week. ” I chuckled as i felt my tongue dry and the need to walk over to the fridge to grab a frozen chocolate was enticing. I opened the fridge and grabbed a chocolate wrapped in a brown.
“She felt guilty. She called me first. ” Elena laughed.
“So, are you really interested in Mason?” Emily asked as I slapped the fridge shut.
*****
“Yes.” I answered. All my fantasies and dreams were all about him. I even dreamt of the day he would go down on a knee and propose. Ever since that day he confessed his feelings to me.
What bothered me was the fact that he had other relationships with other women but his heart never forgot me.
“And are you sure he’s single?” Elena asked.
“Of course,” I responded, “Why are you asking me that?”
“I just wanted to be certain. He seems like a guy who could toy with your heart.” Elena voiced out.
“Is it because he’s extremely attractive?” I questioned.
“Of course not.” Elena answered.
And then I turned to look at Emily who shook her head.
“He’s a really honest man and even though, things seem a big wobbly and fast. He’s definitely not an annoying freak like Leo. ” I explained.
“Leo?” Elena raised a brow, “Who’s Leo? Another crush of yours?”
My mouth gaped open as I stared hard at Elena. Why would I have a crush on Leo? Elena really needed stop imagining crazy things.
“He’s a new staff who joined us, apparently and he’s not annoying, ” Emily answered, “-Ashely is just jealous because the customers love him for his good looks.”
“Jealous?” I glanced at Emily who simply shrugged, “He is the one who got a job because of connections and guess what Elena, you remember the dude who let his girlfriend walk all over I and Emily at the bakery, that’s him. ”
“Oh.” Elena exclaimed, “And why do you think he has connections?”
“He dropped his watch on that fateful day and I managed to pick it up. It looked expensive and I wonder why such a guy would work in that tiny bakery.” I muttered.
“What if it was a knock-off?” Elena asked.
“It wasn’t, Elena. ” I shook my head, “And all he does is flirt with everyone. Acting nice and annoying.”
“He’s actually nice. “Emily spoke with a frown.
“Or maybe she just doesn’t trust him yet.” Elena blurted out.
“And why would I trust someone like that?” I said, “What if he wants to steal the recipe books. ”
“That only happens in storybooks.” Elena laughed and Emily too joined, “I think I might turn in for the night. ”
“Me too.” Emily yawned as she blew me a kiss and I did the same with my legs still on the couch.
I yawned and raised up my arms. I wondered how Leo was doing and why he left without saying a word. Was it a family emergency or did he leave because he felt like it?
My ears picked up the sounds of crickets and I sighed and placed a hand under my chin.
Why was I even worried about him?
My thoughts were jumbled up when I heard a phone vibrate on the center table. I picked it up and saw it was Elena’s. I was about to yell her name when my eyes met the lit screen. I observed that a message popped up on the screen and I nearly smashed the phone on the ground.
I tried to steady my breathing as I read the message clearly.
I have signed the divorce papers- Joe.
I dropped the phone back where was and then the fear of the unknown pricked my senses.
Was that why Elena kept lying about Joe working?
My mind kept spinning a particular question and that was;
Why would she do that?