The Other Side

Chapter 7

"What do you mean by that?"

Eric sighs tiredly and then closes his eyes as if not knowing how to explain.

But I want him to explain so I wait.

"Eri. You have just come out of that break up. I didn't want you to feel lonely just because I have a girlfriend now. I know you would feel like a third wheel. You did feel that way when I dated Lisa in high school."

With each word that comes out of his mouth, I feel more and more weird. It hurts that he has so less faith in me.

But it also shows his thoughtfulness for me.

Not really having any reply for his words, I sigh and then slump in the chair.

"Say something!"

"I have nothing to say. You still don't trust me? Of course, I am happy for you. I might feel hurt because of Daniel but it is not because of you. Never because of you. You can't stop living just because I broke up. That's stupid, Eric!"

By the time, I am done speaking, I am breathing heavily and feeling a little dizzy.

Eric's eyes are wide as he stares at me. He's shocked at my outburst. Well, he should be.

"Okay, so you are not feeling lonely? Good!" His enthusiastic words make me go back and think if I am really lonely?

Well, no, I have my people around me. Eric's a more frequent part of my life. Alice is there. Jeremy is a pain in my ass but yes, he's there too.

Then I have my bakery and its customers.

I have a lot of people but none of them is my go-to person. Eric is there but he's my brother. I share my problems with him for advice or solution but other than that, I don't share my daily life and feelings with him.

Maybe I am a bit lonely.

But that doesn't mean that I would stop my brother from having his happiness.

I look back at Eric as he smiles at me indulgently as if he knows what's going on in my mind.

I shake my head at him and huff a little. "I am happy for you, brother. Now you get well soon so that I can grill you and her about your plans."

My suggestive whisper makes Eric shake his head exasperatedly but there's a small smile on his face. Internally, I breathe a sigh of relief that he didn't comment on the change of topic.

It also makes me feel better that I have resolved his doubt about me not feeling good about his relationship.

Just then the door opens, effectively diffusing the seriousness of our conversation. Evelyn walks inside followed by a doctor. He checks Eric for any signs of distress but finds none.

After the check-up, he's given discharge with firm instructions to be on bed rest.

Evelyn assures the doctor that Eric will be taken care of properly.

I know she won't let him out of his bed. For that I am grateful. My brother can be very stubborn when he sets his mind on one thing.

I breathe a sigh of relief when the doctor tells us not to worry for Eric's bandaged sight. He is injured but it's nothing irreparable.

That's a relief!

~~~

"I am going only because Evelyn's here to look after you," I whisper while replacing his bandage.

He sighs exasperatedly and mutters, "fine, kiddo. She'll be here for me. Now will you please leave and take care of the bakery."

"Or do you want to get rid of me so that you make Evelyn play nurse for you?" I ask when he starts ranting about my responsibilities.