Stupid Favours - Favours Series #2

Chapter 28

Explaining the story took us a long while. We sipped on hot tea and took turns getting Anna up to speed. So far, she'd taken everything well. Except about Isaac's death.

"He's... he was like a little brother..." Her sobs broke all our hearts all over again. We swallowed the lumps in our throats and held each other's hands.

It was particularly hard for Annabelle considering her own story. She'd fallen into depression and drugs in a similar fashion to Isaac, even though their reasons and results differed greatly.

It takes us even longer to let the sombre mood pass. At some point, she's able to recall the details of what happened in her life. Every action, decision and outcome that led her to this moment with us.

She'd been at odds with her then boyfriend, clubbing with her friends when she crossed Oliver's path. They ran in similar circles thanks to their families. And the NYU and Columbia students mixed occasionally but they hadn't ever conversed long enough.

But that night was their first and last. With two much in their system...the story was like every terrible cliché.

"I called him, the moment I realised I was really pregnant. He thought I was joking. But...I hadn't been with my boyfriend in weeks, and Oliver...he was the only one I'd slept with...and it was biggest mistake of my life."

Her regret came off in waves, her eyes shifting down as she crossed her legs. I wonder if Isaac would have regarded Oliver his biggest mistake.

"He told me to abort it. No emotion, nothing, just abort it immediately and don't tell anyone. He said he'd even pay for it. Such a gentleman."

The letters had implied as much. Her letter was direct and to the point, mentioning her desire to keep the baby. His, typed and indifferent, said otherwise.

I sneak a glance at Katrina. She stares at Annabelle, blank faced. But I noticed her rubbing her wrist, under the long sleeves. I was glad she didn't have her rubber bands with her.

I softly lay my hand, palm up on her knee. A gentle invitation, a reminder I was here. From the corner of my eye, I notice her glance at me, a small smile appearing before she clasped my hand.

I give her a squeeze in reassurance and listen to Annabelle. "It was a day or two after, I told him I wasn't going to, not matter what he paid. That he didn't need to be involved if he didn't want to. I sent him the letter since he stopped answering my calls. By then, my parents had gotten to know."

Rose hangs her head in shame and guilt. "Don't feel bad Rosy, I was going to have to tell eventually. I can't hide a prodding belly from them 9 months down the line." She smiles at her sister, trying to ease her.

"Unfortunately, Oliver sent an anonymous letter to my parents. He'd send money, along with a threat to release some pictures if they didn't make sure I went through with the abortion.

"I had no chance of keeping the baby after that."

"What was in the pictures?"

Annabelle shrugs, "I never got to know. My best guess is that...my parents were cheating on each other. They were never perfectly in love, but after that letter...they were much colder. I'm afraid I left you with their worst selves Rosy." She sighs.

Rose shakes her head, "It was my fault."

"Come on, enough of that please. They did that to themselves. They just take their anger out on us with their stupid idealisations and fixations of the future. Remember their incessant wish for you and Michael to marry?"

Rose groans and the rest of us hold in a snicker. What a wonderful mess that wish had become. "There's lots for you to catch up on. Charles has already found him a bride. Michael's new fiancé is Katrina," Rose waves at the Swede, "while he's actually in love with Camille."

My snicker lodges in my throat. "She's joking."

"I'm not. You think I don't know my best friend? He's defi-"

"Alright enough. That is not what we're here for." She grins as if she won the argument and shares a look with Viv. I brush it off and focus on Annabelle, who looks like she needs a minute to catch up.

"Annabelle, other than this letter he sent, is there any way to tie it to him?" She thinks over the questions but comes up empty handed.

We need a confession from the source. Exactly like Belinda.

-*-*-*-*-*-

Katrina had wandered out of the room as Annabelle caught up with us. While Viv boasted about the Evora brand, I slipped out as well.

Down the corridor, a set of glass doors opened to the garden where I spotted the platinum blonde girl sitting on a bench. I slide next to her and stare at the gushing river a few feet ahead.

"I think you need to invest in a new brother."

"Got any in mind?"

"My best friend Jerry would be the best fit in all honesty. I don't mind sharing."

She raises a brow, "You're not one to share."

"True, but you're gonna need him more than I will." At that she goes back to staring at the floor.

In the coming weeks, we were going to unleash chaos and her future path would be extremely unsure. If we succeed, she's free from her controllers and family. But that didn't mean she wasn't scared of the uncharted path.

She'd never known anything but what was expected of her. Once you remove that, everything was new and scary.

Maybe Jerry would actually be of more use than me. He'd truly play a better role of an older brother than Oliver.

"How are going to do this?"

"In all honesty?" she nods. "We corner Oliver, guilt trip him with Isaac and Anna, and hope to god he cooperates. Sounds easy right?"

She shakes head, "It will be anything but."

"Oh ye of littlefaith. Leave it to the pro."