In your Arms

Chapter Fifty Nine

Amity sits on her bed staring into space. It's been a week since she arrived. A week of painful longing because the things she'd gotten used to are now gone. Simon, Alexander, the two men she had come to treasure and love, the two men who trusted her and showed her kindness, are now gone. Somehow, she hoped there would still be a time wherein the three of them would cross paths, and how she wished they would look at her with eyes that doesn't show hate.

All is well with her family as of now. They eat meals together, her father is now doing well, and her mother became lively just like she was before. They're a happy family once again. Only without Andrei, as well as her own will.

"Andrei.." She whispered her brother's name. She remembered she still hasn't visited his grave yet. She would love to talk to him again, air out her feelings of longing and sadness to him. Andrei was her bestfriend and confidant, it's times like this where she misses him the most.

"Give me strength.. If you can hear me, please tell me what to do.." Amity bit her lip and stare at her hands. "I'm about to submit myself to father's will.. What would you do if you're in my place.." She closes her eyes and see a picture of Andrei's face, with his wavy brown hair and wide smile. "I miss you, Andrei.."

A knock startled her thoughts. She stood up, thankful that not a single tear fell from her eyes. She opens the door and saw Heidi standing outside.

"Yes?" Amity asks in a soft voice.

"Young miss, you're father requests for your presence downstairs. There's a.." Heidi darted her gaze away from her. "..visitor."

Amity took a deep breath. She knows who it is. She'd been expecting this moment for the past few days.

"Okay. Tell them I'll be there in a few. Thanks, Heidi." Amity was about to close the door when Heidi took hold of her hand.

"Young miss, you don't have to do this."

Amity saw sadness and worry in Heidi's eyes. Heidi's the same age as her brother, she grew up with them and she's nice. Apart from being a house servant Heidi is her friend, like an older sister who's always concerned. Amity smiled at her and took her hands.

"Heidi, I know you're concerned about me. But I have to do this. I will do this."

"But young miss.." Heidi stifled a sob.

"Heidi, I need you to be strong for me. Or else I won't be able to pull this thing off. It's hard for me, that's the truth. But I'm trying to be brave. So please, be brave for me too.."

Heidi sniffed and nodded her head. "I will. I will, young miss."

"Thank you." Amity smiled at her. "Now go, tell them I'll be downstairs in a moment."

She closed her door and changed into something proper. She took a bright yellow summer dress, fixed her hair and went downstairs. There she saw her parents and their two guests, waiting for her at the end of the stairs with their widest smiles.

"Good morning. Mr. Gatchalian I presume?" Amity greeted the old man in front of her wearing a gray suit.

"Amity my dear, it's good to see you again." The old man, who looks a few years older than her father, took and kissed the back of her hand. Amity let out a half-smile.

"Ah, it's been so long since I haven't seen you. Back then you were just a very young girl." Martin turns to her father. "You've got a grown lady now eh, amigo?" The two men laughed.

"By the way my dear, this is my son," Martin gestured his son to come over his side. "Quinn."

Quinn extends a hand to her and Amity tried her best to look welcoming and took it. They shook hands for a brief moment and she allowed herself to study the young man's face.