You All Over Me [BxB]

Forty-One

When Theodore arrives at the doorstep of the Allegres, he is welcomed by the family's matriarch—in shambles.

Jacob's mother is visibly distraught, her eyes bearing traces of countless tears, and her skin once radiant has given way to paleness. She lifts her head, and the last flicker of light disappears when she doesn't find something. Someone. The person who's supposed to hold her hand, anchor her, and give her hope.

Theodore's chest tightens, and all he can offer at that moment is a sympathetic smile, a feeble attempt to convey his support.

His eyes sweep over the Allegres' residence. It feels just like it did when he first visited Jacob's—spacious and uninhabited.

A replica of a home.

As one would expect, the Allegres' true dwelling is at the hospital.

What about Jacob? How often did he feel ignored? Unrecognized?

"Theo," his mom says, waving her hand to welcome him. She rubs his shoulder fondly.

"Thanks for coming," Jacob's mom mumbles meekly.

Theodore reclaims his footing. "Of course, Tita."

She is hanging by a thread, and he fumbles to find anything to say next. "Jacob... Well... He..."

She nods in understanding, sparing him from the burden of explaining on her son's behalf.

Theodore shifts the focus to the crucial matter. "Um, have the authorities been notified? How long has it been?"

"Two days," she replies, her voice scratchy. "And no... Emman wouldn't want the police to be involved."

"Do you have an idea where he might be? I can definitely check the usual places."

"I have... He isn't there."

"We've checked all their vacation houses, phoned everyone we could ask," his mother adds, ushering her friend to a plush velvet sofa. "And his passport is still here, so he didn't leave the country."

Theodore settles on the accent chair adjacent to the women, tapping his fingers on his chin.

"Is this the first time? Did he leave any note behind? His phone?"

"It is the first time, and there are no notes..." Jacob's mom answers. "His phone is turned off."

Swallowing hard, Theodore carefully chooses his words, "How was he the last few days? Did he show any signs of..." He trails off, not wanting to articulate the ominous possibility that looms over their conversation. She tilts her head, her expression puzzled. As if it's never crossed her mind.

Jacob had mentioned his father's condition, and with the way things are going, they probably have to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Yet, how can he say it himself without breaking his Tita Andrea's already fragile heart?

"What is it, Theo?" she implores.

He takes a deep breath, his fingernails sinking into his thighs. "Jacob... He told me that Dr. Emmanuel is suffering from depression. And..."

She pinches her lips together, trembling, and tears begin to roll down her cheeks. Never in his wildest dreams did Theodore think he would witness one of the strongest women he's known unravel before him, and his stomach churns in overwhelming guilt.

"I'm sorry, Tita, I—"

"No, no. I understand," she mutters through muffled sobs, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes, it is true. But there weren't any... any signs of potential self-harm. No, I don't think so..."