Call from Destiny | COMPLETED | English

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT: Strangers

E T H A N

A message popped up on my phone and I wasn't happy about it.

My family finally decided to go back into the room and my sister probably told them already that I went to visit Vanessa. The sudden visit wasn't really the thing that bothers me. I was scared of what they would say for ignoring Vanessa's messages these past few weeks.

Ray didn't seem to mind them coming but I do. As soon as the door opened, I made sure to keep my lips sealed. Yen was the first one who came in before my parents followed right behind her. 

Though, once my mom's eyes landed on me, she glared at me. 

I guess she had caught on that I didn't really make amends with Vanessa. I would always tell her that one of our teammates was the one calling and messaging me.

However, I was sure that she noticed how I never mentioned Vanessa's name. Hence, here we are now.  

There were no words exchanged between us. She just walked past me and approached Vanessa's bed. To be honest, I could tell that she was too mad to even talk to me. So, I stayed on my spot to give her more space. 

But, Aunt Carmen was the complete opposite. She was silently killing me with her gaze as she stood beside my mom. I wasn't quite surprised anymore since this was Vanessa's mom. It hurts for a relative to see someone they knew in a hospital. 

"How did it come to this?" I heard my mom's voice so I returned my gaze back to her and she was already brushing her fingers through Vanessa's hair — putting it on the side so it wasn't messy. 

It took a few minutes before I heard Ray shuffling and rushing to Vanessa's side. As I stood there far away, I saw Vanessa's finger moving and her eyes fluttering open. She's finally awake. 

Vanessa looked around her, suddenly trying her best to back away. Ray tried to calm her down but she only looked at him with fear in her eyes. Suddenly, her gaze turned toward my direction before asking. "Do I know all of you?"

My feet couldn't move. I was still wondering if it would be a great idea to approach her while her aunt is crying right next to her. There was a chance that she'd strangle me for doing this to Vanessa if I walk in her direction. 

Yen, however, decided to break the silence. "Well, I'm Yen. And that's Ethan. He's your childhood best friend. I'm his sister."

I could tell that my mom wasn't happy with the term that my sister used. So, she corrected her but looked at Vanessa with a sad smile at the same time. "Ethan's actually your boyfriend. Quite a love story you both have, dear. Wouldn't change it for the world."

She's crossing the lines here. 

My sister and I were both surprised by the comment, even Ray had to cough awkwardly as my mom told that to Vanessa. She really wants us both to be a couple, huh? I won't let her have it her way. Vanessa's like a sister to me, nothing more. 

Vanessa just stared at us, speechless. I, on the other hand, just took her hand and shake my head. Maybe it's best that she won't know about Claire and start over. "We're best friends. Hope that you'll recover soon."

The irritation on Mrs. Carmen was already evident by the time she heard the word 'friend' --- considering that her views were just like my mom's.  Though, she tried to push that glare away and instead focus on her niece.

"Vanessa, darling, do you remember me?" she asked as she stared at Vanessa. There were tears waiting to fall right on the edge of her eyes. Though, Vanessa didn't say a word and avoided her aunt's gaze. It's almost as if she had lost her voice right at that moment. 

At last, the only answer she could manage was her head shaking in disagreement before apologizing right after. Her aunt's heart probably shattered inside since I could see her suddenly rushing outside as she wiped her tears along the way.

I was about to talk to Vanessa when my mom suddenly grabbed me by the arm and pulled me outside. My eyes went wide but I followed her despite the painful sensation I was feeling. I was sure that she'll blame me for what had happened to Vanessa. I knew what was already coming. 

She then closed the door before walking a bit so our conversation would not be heard by the others that were inside. 

"You're going back to the U.S.A to solve this matter whether you like it or not. When Vanessa recovers, we'll call Carmen's pilot to get you a private plane back to the States," There was no hint of hesitation in my mom's voice when she turned to look and talk to me. 

I immediately said no. I don't want to go back there. My girlfriend is here. 

"I think it's best that you accept this, Ethan. After all, it's for Vanessa's good," Mom added, clear disappointment and anger in her expression towards me. So, wait, it's my fault now?

"That's not fair---" There was no way she'd let me finish my sentence. Her decision was final and I was sure that I wouldn't have any other choice but to listen. 

Mom looked at me sternly and replied, "Vanessa and you will return to the States and that's final."

I was just shocked. The only way that Claire would know is to tell her through a call or a message. But when I was about to take out my phone, my mom snatched it from my hands and waved it in front of me. 

"You're not going to tell this to your friend." I was already triggered and boiling in madness when she said that word. Claire was never a plaything for me. She's my girlfriend and I love her. 

Storming in rage, I made sure to go back to the room and grab my bag. I slung it over my shoulder before pushing Ray to the side and then walking toward the elevator. I heard their voices calling me while the elevator opened. 

The last thing I saw before I pressed the button and closed the elevator door was the disappointed look of my mom fixating on me.

I'm sorry, Claire.