63

63
Rachel arrived home from work on a Tuesday evening, feeling exhausted and drained from the long day at the office. Her nerves were frayed and she was hoping to have a quiet moment to herself to cool off.
However, as soon as she entered the door, her mother informed her that Rebecca, Leo’s mother, was here to see her. Rachel sighed to herself, feeling overwhelmed and unprepared to meet with any of her new family members.
Rachel let out a groan as she heard the news from her mother. Rebecca, Leo’s mother, was here to see her and she was far from prepared to face any member of her new family.
Work had been torturous and she couldn’t help but feel that it was partly because she heard from William that Leo was on a business trip for the week.
“I know things have been strained between you two,” her mother said, sensing her daughter’s hesitation, “but it would be best to hear her out. After all, she’s family now.”
Rachel sighed, knowing that her mother was right. She made her way to the living room where Rebecca was waiting. The older woman stood up to greet her and they sat down on the couch together. Rebecca was dressed in a conservative navy blue dress that reached just above her knees.
The dress had a high neckline and long sleeves, made of a soft, flowing fabric that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her silver hair was styled in a sleek bob, and she wore simple yet elegant pearl earrings that added a touch of sophistication to her outfit.
Her dress was adorned with a white lacy shawl that she draped over her arms, adding a touch of warmth to her outfit on the chilly evening. She carried a small clutch that matched her dress and walked with the grace and confidence of someone who was used to being in formal settings.
Her outfits were usually classy, so Rachel wasn’t surprised at the outfit that only people like her would wear casually.
“I don’t want to beat around the bush because you might not want me talking for too long.”
Rachel simply nodded, surprised that she didn’t say anything in response. The look Rebecca gave her was an awkward one, before she began.
“I know this is difficult for you, Rachel,” Rebecca said, taking Rachel’s hand in hers, “but Leo opened up to me because of you. I understand why you feel hurt and I want to help in any way I can.”
Rachel felt a pang of guilt at the sincerity in Rebecca’s voice. She had always known that Leo’s mother was a kind woman and it was clear that she only wanted the best for her son.
“Leo is all I have now,” Rebecca continued, “and I know he’s made mistakes, but he’s trying to make things right. He wants to speak with you, to explain himself. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m asking you to please give him a chance to say something. I was equally shocked when the news came to me. Promise me you will talk to him.”
Rachel took a deep breath, trying to process everything that Rebecca was saying.
“You don’t understand…” She swallowed the rest of her word as she didn’t want to bring up any more arguments. “But it’s ok, I will talk to him. But I can’t promise you that will be anytime soon.”
The look on her face said it all. Rachel felt so terrible after she had said that to the woman. She didn’t want to say it but she was only trying to tell her the truth.
Rebecca sighed heavily and shook her head. “I had no idea it had gotten this serious but that’s ok. Since you have promised to talk to him there is no problem. I hope you do and I hope that all this will end on a good note. I’m sure he wants the best for you, so do I. But take your time, I’ll wait.”
***
The week whirled by in a blur.
Work on monday was like every other normal and boring day where she sat at her desk, staring at her computer screen without really seeing anything. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess and her head felt heavy, as if it were full of cotton.
She rubbed her eyes and tried to shake off the fatigue that had taken hold of her. She had been working herself too hard, she realized. The stress of Leo’s absence and the tension in the office was taking a toll on her.
Back at the bus, she had noticed his bodyguards were nowhere to be seen. The absence of his presence had filled her with a sense of unease. Seeing them following her gave a sense of importance and safety. She couldn’t help but wonder if he had finally tired of her. It was a thought that caused a painful ache in her chest.
She heard a soft knock on the door and looked up to see her mother peering at her with concern. “Honey, are you feeling okay?” she asked, as she stepped into the room.
Rachel sighed. “I don’t know, Mom. I just feel so tired. And my head hurts.”
Her mother placed a hand on her forehead and frowned. “You’re running a temperature. I think it’s best if you go get some rest.”
Rachel sighed heavily and nodded, grateful for her mother’s concern. She called the human resources department and informed them that she wouldn’t be coming into work today.
The response was curt and professional, and it annoyed her as she didn’t feel like being addressed as “ma’am.”
Her mother took care of her, making her a soup broth and sitting with her on the couch. They spent the day talking, and Rachel found herself opening up to her mother about her worries and fears. She asked about the young man her mother was seeing and listened as her mother spoke about him with a warm smile on her face.