Imagine Us in Heaven

Pulling Down the Shades

[TW: This part contains content that some might find disturbing, reader's discretion is advised]

✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺

"I can explain."

I'm trying to, but it's hard to get the words out when the person I'm explaining to is just sitting there, gawking at the pretty person beside me. There's no question about Winter's aesthetic appeal, but I doubt my brother is staring just because Winter is easy on the eyes. Ivor is staring because he can't distinguish whether Winter is real or not.

As soon as the realization hits him, he glares at me as if he wants to strangle me. "All this time, you've been here?"

Ah, shit. I gesture for Nina to take Winter away, and she does, but not without Winter giving me an anxious look. I assure him that everything is fine and there's nothing to worry about. Hahahaha... I lie again.

At that moment, the intercom beeps and the door slides open, revealing a panting Clement, who takes a second to realize he's too late. What a jerk!

"I can explain," he says, echoing my words, and I'm not sure whether I should laugh or cry.

"Thanks!" I reply sarcastically.

He is taken aback but recovers quickly. "In my defense, he loves to surprise me."

"Yes, I am very surprised," Ivor says, making us aware of his presence.

Clement clears his throat. "This is not what you think it is."

"Well, what do I think it is?" Ivor's brows knit together into a straight line. "Have you two been conspiring behind my back?"

Clement laughs awkwardly, and I rub a hand across my face at this comical display. "Honey, conspiring is such a strong word, don't you think?"

"Okay. Then what do you call this?"

"Er..."

We both falter. Seriously, I just want to disappear and take Winter with me somewhere else. But Clement won't let me because, in his opinion, I'd be safer on his side. Sure, I feel very safe now.

"Alright, fine!" Clement says, giving up. "We do have plans to let you know. There are things we need to sort out first."

"Such as?"

"Such as...the...you know..."

Ivor sighs. "No. I don't know! You're my husband. How could you do this to me?! You know I've been looking for my brother for... can someone please explain what's happening?"

It looks like we've reached the end of the road, I think. "I'll tell you, but I want you to open your mind as well."

He shoots me a look. "You have a lot of explaining to do, Blythe. And not just about what I've seen earlier."

I swallow hard and recognize that he's right. I do have a lot of explaining to do. After all, I disappeared for ten years without even contacting him.

✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺

I always admire Ivor. His concentration is unmatched; when he focuses on something, nothing can distract him, and the result is always flawless---perfect, even. I'm curious about how open-minded he is regarding matters related to that big guy in the heavenly abode. Since he mostly relies on science rather than religion, it takes him quite a while to digest the information I've shared.

"And you think he's an angel?" he asks again.

We're sitting in the living room, and next to him is Clement, who continues to placate him. It's going to be a long discussion for the two of them, but at least I'm absolved of one.