Whispers of Serendipity

Chapter 40: Sibling Saga Part 2

"No," her answer was clear, ending the impromptu conversation. Eleanora maintained a poker face, but only she knew what was going inside her head and heart at the moment; it was chaos.

"Please, just this once. Give me a chance, Nora." Emmet pleaded, not really caring about his surroundings, only focusing on his sister.

"I have work, Mr. Anderson, as you can see. You should leave."
She replied coldly, trying to maintain her composure.
She turned away, busying herself with the task at hand, but her hands trembled slightly.

Emmet's heart sank at her formal address. Hearing his sister call him Mr. Anderson felt like a knife to his chest. The distance between them had never felt so vast, and it was heartbreaking to see how much she had closed herself off.

"Nora, please," he implored, his voice thick with emotion. "Don't call me that. I'm your brother." His voice getting timid by the end.

Does she even consider him as her brother?

"I don't have time for this," Eleanora retorted, her voice steady but her hands betraying her. She continued arranging dishes on the table, her back to him.

"Just hear me out this once," Emmet pleaded, stepping closer. "I know I hurt you. I know I wasn't there when you needed me. But I'm here now. Let me explain."

"I don't need explanations, Emmet," she snapped, using his first name but not softening her tone. "I need to focus on my work. This event is important. We have nothing to talk about. I suggest you leave as soon as possible."

"You’re important to me," he said, desperation creeping into his voice. "Please, Nora, just give me five minutes."

She ignored him, her movements becoming more brisk and agitated. A few people nearby glanced over, sensing the tension but choosing to stay out of it.
It was becoming more and more difficult for her to deal with him.

"I had missed you. I miss you, Eleanora. Please," He voiced out, almost on the verge of crying.

Eleanora continued to ignore him, moving ahead, maintaining her distance from him.

"Five minutes," Emmet repeated, his voice breaking slightly. "That's all I'm asking."

She closed her eyes, her resilience beginning to fall apart.

Emmet saw through his sister and continued further, "I won't leave until I get to talk with my sister." His voice carried determination, smoothly hiding his inner turmoil of emotions.

"Fine. Just five minutes, and then we're done." Eleanora declared. If this is the only way to get her brother to leave, so be it.

Emmet smiled, "Thank you."

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"Speak, I don't have much time." Eleanora said as she stood in front of her brother, hands crossed in front of her chest.
They had moved to a rather secluded part of the tent, where nobody could disturb them, or rather, nobody could hear them.

She was determined not to take any of his words seriously and to remind herself that she was just fulfilling his request.

Emmet just stared at her. Now that he actually had the chance to talk with his sister, he couldn't find his words.

What should he even say?

"I'm sorry." He finally managed to whisper, looking straight up into her eyes.

Eleanora maintained her no expression face. "What exactly are you sorry for?" Her voice came out challenging, already getting done with the conversation.