Together (Sequel of 'Broken Hearts')

Chapter 15: Nazar

I could sense Ante wanted to tell me something as soon as Sylvie left. The urge to ask him was strong but I guessed he was waiting for Ethan to be in bed so I tried to be patient even if the words were burning my tongue. During dinner, I told him what we did and encouraged Ethan to go into details. Which he did... Slightly. But it was a step in the right direction, I guess. After that, we went upstairs and I waited inside the bathroom while Ethan was taking a shower, listening to him rambling about random stuffs. I turned toward Ante as soon as I heard his bedroom's door close.

"So, what's on your mind?" I finally asked, the words leaving my lips instantly.

"What do you mean?"

"Since you came home, I can feel something is off. Is something bothering you?" I reiterated, stepping closer and gently putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I-..." He started before sighing softly. "The woman I told you about came this morning." He started, taking my hand into his and leading me downstairs. 

"Who is she? Do you know her?" I asked as we sat on the sofa. He sighed before explaining the whole story. I listened to him with attention but, in the end, I couldn't help but ask in a slightly worried tone. "Are you sure you can handle it? Won't it bring back too many bad memories?"

He took a minute before answering. "I think I will be fine. I want to help her the same way Mr. Biersack helped me when I needed it. And if it gets too much to handle, I could always stop. But I doubt it will go that far."

"Don't hesitate to speak to me if you need it, alright?" I told him and smiled slightly when I felt his hand squeeze my shoulder. 

"Stop worrying about me, I'm fine." He replied and I could hear the smile in his voice.

"How else am I going to spend my days if I don't worry about you?" I asked, pretending to be shocked.

I chuckled when I felt him softly hit the top of my head. "I swear you're so dumb."

"Hitting me on the head, won't help. But I love you too."

He turned the TV on and we watched an episode of Drag Race UK before going upstairs. I undressed myself and went under the covers, pulling him closer. He fell asleep pretty quickly while I stayed awake a little longer, gently caressing his back. As much as I hated to admit it, I didn't like the fact this woman came to him. I was worried it would be too much for him and that he would fall back in bad habits of the past. And, even if I trusted him, I couldn't help but feel my stomach squeeze at that thought. I almost lost him once and I didn't want to risk it happening again.

With time, I ended up falling asleep and woke up to an empty bed. I got up and went to the bathroom to take a quick shower before getting dressed and going downstairs. I could hear voices in the kitchen and I greeted Sylvie and Ethan as I opened the fridge. I took a yogurt, eating it quietly while listening to Sylvie explain a board game to Ethan. I then threw my empty cup in the bin before sitting on the sofa to continue my book. I managed to make good progress in the story when Ethan's voice pulled me out of it.

"You can read?"

"Yes, I read in braille. Look." I answered, patting the seat next to me. I smiled when I felt him sit next to me and I held out my hand to him. "Here, give me your hand. I will show you how I read." I squeezed his hand softly when I felt it against mine before concentrating on his fingers and putting them on the braille letters. "You feel all the different dots? This is how I read."

"What does it say?" He asked as I let go of his hand.

I placed my fingers back on the book and started to read him the first few sentences. "I could teach you one day, if you want."