Willow Weep For Me (temporary title)

Chapter 7- Warming up?

"What do you want? How nice of you to check up on us here and there to see if we're dead yet.”
The blonde woman fumes, taking a step towards her brother in front of her like a threat.
“No, Sarah, how could you say that? I want to see how my sisters are holding up. Please, let's just talk. How do you expect me to keep in contact when you actually push me away?”
Sammy protested, his tone more hurt than angry. Almost like he's pleading. But his sister's look doesn't soften.
“Look, my fiance is staying over. Just leave, Sam. You were selfish. You let our mother die. And now you're suffering the consequences.”
And before Sammy could come up with a response or at least ask “you have a fiance?” His sister slams the door to his face. He's left alone in front of the apartment Sarah lives in. She hates him so much that she didn't even tell him that she got engaged.
…

“Mr Lawrence? Hellooo??”
The music director is pulled away by his thoughts as he finally recognises the sweet voice calling for him. A concerned Melanie in front of his desk. Using one hand to balance herself and the other… He could feel the warmth of her hand on his cheek. She was trying to hold his head in place it seems… Did he fall asleep? Or was it him daydreaming again? As soon as Sammy opened his eyes and leaned further into Melanie’s palm, the woman pulled away. A pink blush visible on her freckled face.
“I'm sorry- I didn't mean to… You seemed to be in an uncomfortable position… I've come at the wrong time it seems.”
Sammy watches the woman, processing the action. He could feel the absence of her hand and he already misses it. His lips curled up into a smile, eyes softening as he watched her.
“It's fine. I don't mind”
He murmured, making Melanie let out a relieved huff. The woman's shoulders dropped down as she settled on the comfortable sofa.
“Well, I've been meaning to ask… not because of me of course Gloria told me to yes! Definitely! You don't have to answer if it's too personal of course. Are you alright? It seems like something's wrong.”
Taken aback by the question, Sammy hesitates. Was he in such despair that it's quite noticeable? He was more convinced it was Melanie’s keen observation. An awkward silence fills the air for a good while. Melanie keeps her silence as she knows Sammy will respond eventually. The music director sighed, it was hard to collect the appropriate words for him. When was the last time he opened up about his personal life anyway?
“Well… I had a big misunderstanding with my sisters a few years ago. They blame me for leaving and wanting them to leave our mother’s house too. They think me leaving caused her death. I’m not going to get into much detail about it but she was an addict and died in a car crash while drunk. I did everything I could so my sisters are not affected by it like I was. And looks like I hid it so well they blamed me. Now Sarah is engaged, which I learnt yesterday and Ruby graduates next year… they want nothing to do with me”
Melanie's eyes widened with surprise. Ruby… Ruby Lawrence… She's certain she had a student with that name although she thought it was just a similarity. But before changing the topic, she felt the need to comfort the music director.
“I'm so sorry to hear that, Mr Lawrence… What you did was brave, believe me. It must be so painful to protect them despite them not understanding the reality of the situation. But believe me, you are a good brother.”
Melanie soothed. Her kind, understanding smile warmed Sammy to the core. 
“You don't have to be so formal, Melanie. Just Sammy is fine. Thank you, what you say really matters to me.”
He explained, returning Melanie’s smile. He could see that the woman was afraid to cross the boundaries of him. So, he thought breaking the wall of formality was one step to calm her down and make her speak more openly.
“Alright then, Sammy. And about your siblings… do you… have a picture of them?”
The woman asked which Sammy answered with a nod, taking the framed picture on his desk and handing it to Melanie. Her face went pale, that was in fact the same Ruby they're talking about. The same Ruby who asked her help about a portrait and asked to meet TOMORROW. Melanie cursed at her own stupidity. How couldn't she realise?
“I- Remember when I said I was a highschool art teacher for a while? It seems like Ruby was one of my students.”
Sammy tilted his head, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
“Really? So do you know how is she nowadays? Are you two still in contact?”
“Yes, she's quite alright. In fact, we planned to visit the local park and draw. Why don't you join and have a talk?”
Melanie suggests. He isn't so sure about this considering how his last interaction with Sarah went.
“No, I can't ask you this… really I shouldn't.”
“Well I insist. You said that there's a misunderstanding. Even if it will be hard for them to grasp the truth, they have to now. They need to see how good of a brother you actually are. Please?”
How could he resist if she's asking like that? And how lucky Sammy is to encounter this woman? She's doing nothing but fixing his issues since day 1 just because she wants to.
Sammy sighed in defeat, murmuring “Fine… I will come with you.” And it makes the woman jump from her seat in excitement. Grabbing Sammy's hands, thumbs rubbing on the back
“I promise it's going to be alright! Really! And please, come to talk whenever you feel like it!”
Melanie exclaimed. Watching the woman's positivity, Sammy is sure he's going to cry in happiness too. He wraps his arms around the woman, a warm but quick embrace with the two pulling themselves away in embarrassment afterwards.
The music director clears his throat, fixing his position and turning his head towards the computer screen to hide his blushing face
“Ahem … thank you, for everything. I will see you tomorrow then?”
“Don't mention it, I just really liked your smile- sorry- see you tomorrow, bye!”
The animator quickly leaves the office, quite embarrassed by her own words. And Sammy goes back to his work as well, only now noticing that he's still smiling. :)