Parting Letters

Chapter 9 : Final Gathering

October 10th, 2021

It was that same lively, colorful day as it was ten years ago. Same way the whole family of ours were bustling, mingling, talking. Lively business everywhere. Bristol village changed into something so marvelous. I underestimated Uncle Freddie's wealth more than I should've. It looked completely like an English countryside. So beautiful, so much greenery, so developed. Uncle Freddie invited the whole gang once again to finally celebrate his grand opening of the village.

Hanah and I were sitting at the barn house - now completely tiled, neat and glassy. It was expanded till the front gate. There was a TV, mattresses, and lots of sofas furnished everywhere. A huge dining table with six royal chairs was situated as well. I was scrolling my phone while Hanah was sitting in front of the window on the other side. She was wearing a crystalline black dress, glazing everywhere. She looked so particularly beautiful today. For a long time she was sitting there, her expression forlorn and tired. It had been three days since I fought with Nolan, since she came to my house. None of us uttered a word throughout the whole time we've been here. I was sitting in my spot doing my activity when she came an hour later ; sat by the window. It remained same. From my end I deeply felt an awkwardness settling over us. A tension which was unseen and unfelt but sensible at the same time. I was so ashamed of what I've done alongside tormented doubts about how I should approach her. She claimed she didn't know why the fight was happening still I acted as if she knew. Or was it the charm of this place which invoked memorial nostalgia that forbade me to do so? I continued to scroll my phone.

Isla came out of the bathroom, scrunching her nose, "The bathroom is dirty. Damn, those aunties who use it! No norms, nothing! I need to get the maid to clean up. Poor woman has to have bathroom duty every ten minutes I suppose!". She stormed out aggravatingly.

Hanah and I chuckled at her actions. She turned to the window again. I tapped my foot then went to her subsequently holding her hand. She shifted towards me in weak bewilderment.

"What's so special outside that has captivated your attention gravely?", I peeped, "I see nothing. Well if you call cooks stirring the pots."

She smiled.

"How are you?"

"I am fine."

"Really? You don't look like it."

"No really. I am just tired."

"Didn't get enough sleep?", I trace my thumb over her knuckles. She looked at them for a moment before turning back to the window, "No. I don't know."

"Your vagueness is scaring me.", I gulp, "Hanah, are you angry at me?"

"No. Should I be?"

"I don't know........I am sorry for not being there."

She looked at me, smiling humoredly, "What do you mean?"

"You were at my house but I wasn't. I didn't even call you. I am such a prick."

"Nevermind that.", she swatted her arm.

"Really?"

She raised a brow.

"We're good then?"

"Uh-huh. I have other things in mind."

"Oh." As much as a part of me is relieved, I can't help but seem to worry about what is eating her so much. It must be something serious to make her absent minded in such a lovely atmosphere. I loosen my pressure on her hand whilst she tightens on mine.

"Two of you, come. It's time for lunch.", Eshrat barges in through the door.

"Lunch? Is Sheila and Holly still sleeping? Because I don't think it takes that much time to get ready! We were supposed to do the opening ceremony before lunch!", Hanah affirmed.