I'm Just Curious Too: Reconciliation

Chapter 11.2

The rest of the week passed by: each day having one event after another. Jacque and I were rarely left alone by his design and when it came to speaking, he would toss a few sentences to me before changing the topic to something Hugo and mom would add into without hesitation or thought. It was strenuous but we kept up the roles without anyone else catching on. I even went the extra mile of being present and initiating some group activities to bond with Hugo. One more day remained before I would be back on the plane and out of here.

Despite sleeping through the nights, I'd wake up feeling tired and would find myself exhausted enough to crash again in the evenings. I groaned as I stood under the showerhead. The hot water rinsed off the soap I had lathered on and with it, my energy. Tonight was a chill session by a bonfire in the backyard. It would end with a movie or some card game as I've come to learn was a delight for Hugo, but whatever the case would be, I just needed to survive one more night before I was Scott free. Jacque seemed disinterested in outing me and mom was too distracted by the fact that her sons were getting along well with her new man to be bothered by any tension we may be throwing out.

"Shit," I muttered as I stared into the mirror in my room.

I decided to wear an oversized emerald long-sleeved T-shirt with black denim jeans that fitted well. My hair stayed tied into a slick ponytail, my skin blotched by the hot water. The tips of my fingers tingled with anxiety.

"It'll be over soon," I reassured myself.

"Fabien, come here!"

"Sure," I yelled to my mother before turning to the door.

...

We had set two couches outside around the fire that was burning brightly. Hugo was readjusting some pieces of wood while mom was seated beside Jacque, looking into his phone that he held up. I walked forward slowly and caught Jacque's attention. He looked tired as well when I examined his face. His lower eyelids were reddish in the light provided from the porch. His nose too seemed tinged red and his usual brightness turned dull. He lifted his free hand to wave me over.

"Let me introduce you to Maria," he advised as I neared him.

I took a seat next to him and looked at the screen, our mother leaning in to fit her head into the frame as well.

There was a woman there, her black hair cut into a short pixie cut, which made her mismatched blue and brown eyes pop. Her skin was littered with light brown freckles and was pale. She grabbed her navy blue chunky knitted jersey with her left hand before waving with her right hand. I reflexively waved back.

"This is Fabien: my baby brother. This is Maria: my indefinite fiancé."

Her giggle filled the space as her face reddened.

"Don't be silly Jay. Hello Fabien! It's a pleasure to see you. I've always heard good stories," she beamed as she readjusted the position she sat in.

"Uh likewise. Sadly I have yet to hear about you," I replied without much thought.

Jacque chuckled and looked at her. "He's been too busy for chatting so I guess it's fated that you met this way. I got to go now. Will call you when you get back home."

Maria smiled and nodded, waving at both of us and blowing a kiss to our mother before cutting the call. Jacque pocketed his phone and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his palms before standing up.