A Bit of Tomorrow

Epilogue

--Extremely long chapter ahead--

Ellis

"You're reading that again?" Suzy perked an eyebrow up at me after trying to fix Atasha's sweater.

She and Jack got married after the guy proposed last year during New Year's Eve. They held a small wedding so it wasn't like they needed a whole year to plan things. It was just a civil wedding with each other's guardians.

They planned on hosting a huge wedding for their renewal of vows. According to Suzy, she didn't need an extravagant wedding to say yes. Luis promising her a lifetime was just enough. As much as I wanted to puke because of the cheesiness but hey, a brother should be happy for them, right?

Suzy got pregnant with Atasha while preparing for the wedding too. The little sunshine stole the hearts of everyone, especially mom's. She's gotten much brighter than usual ever since the child was born and it made us happy too.

"Yeah." I sighed and put down the book.

"Have you tried reaching out to her?" she asked as I shift uncomfortably in my spot, eyes not leaving Atasha who was running around the place.

I shook my head and tried diverting the topic, "Things have changed over the years drastically.. A year ago, we didn't have her in our lives." I referred to the child.

"Yeah, things did change so much. But I owe it all to you, Ellis." Suzy said while giving me a smile.

"If it wasn't for you who pushed me into continuing med school, I wouldn't be able to give this little girl a good life." She gestured towards Atasha.

"Sometimes, following your heart will be the best decision you'd ever make." I told her. Of all things, I told her that. Something I couldn't follow, myself.

"Did you make the best decision?" she asked me, subtly insinuating my past with Cassy.

"Could've. All I wanted was what's best for us that time..for her.." I shrugged.

"At least it's comforting to know that she's back on track, right?" I added.

She nodded and pursed her lips, "You do both walk great lives now. I just don't think your heart is at ease, that's all."

I furrowed my eyebrows, "What do you mean?"

"Oh come on, Ellis. Clearly, you still haven't had sorted things out for yourself. Despite being successful or anything." She raised her hands in dismay.

"I'm just as fine. At least I know she gets to enjoy her passion again. I'm fine." I feigned,

"Stop lying to yourself, bro. If you've moved on then why do you dodge every girl James try to set you up with?" she demanded.

"Well—wait how did you know about that??" I asked,

Her eyes widened and she bluffed, "Know what?"

"It's you who told James to try and set me up to dates??" I accused her, crossing my arms and frowning at her.

She sighed in defeat, "If you're not planning to reach out to her, then I think it's just right that you try and get things over with, Ellis."

"I appreciate you doing this for me, sis. But I know my heart best. And I know, it has been a very long time—"

"Six years." She interrupted and I heave a breath.

"Six years." I repeated, "But I don't think I can easily let it go. It's been a long time going but I can't even begin to forgive myself for what I did and the feelings just stuck to me. This is my karma, I guess. I'd just have to live with it." I said.