After The Storm

Far from over

The weeks that followed became a whirlwind for Alexa as she obliged her grandmother's demands. Meetings filled her schedule, investments took her across the globe, and her life became a constant blur of airports and boardrooms. Despite the busy routine, Alexa never forgot to protect Ammielle from the prying eyes of the media. They only saw each other in the evenings, and events by the demands of Michelle's incessant requirements.

In contrast, Ammielle's life continued in a rhythm of lectures, Lila, and Mike, Mae, and Ahia. She immersed herself in her coursework, maintaining her reputation as diligent and capable. Yet, beneath her confident facade, an emotional chasm was widening, a growing distance that she struggled to bridge.

Alexa noticed it acutely, especially at night. The nightmares that jolted Ammielle awake were becoming more frequent, each one leaving her trembling and breathless. Alexa would wake up to the sound of Ammielle's muffled sobs, her heart aching as she held her close, whispering soothing words. Despite Alexa's best efforts, the nightmares persisted, and the shadows of Ammielle's past loomed larger with each passing night.

The days after the intense shooting brought a brief respite from the media's relentless scrutiny. The initial wave of publicity had subsided, giving Ammielle a semblance of peace. But Michelle, ever the opportunist, sought to reignite the media frenzy. She orchestrated events and appearances designed to attract attention, knowing that any spotlight on Alexa would inevitably cast a shadow on Ammielle.

One morning, Alycia left Lila with Ammielle for a few hours. The two found solace in each other's company, their laughter filling the room as they played. For a moment, Ammielle's worries seemed to melt away, replaced by the simple joy of being with her niece. They built elaborate towers with blocks, Lila's delighted giggles a balm to Ammielle's frayed nerves.

As they played, Lila suddenly looked up with tears in her eyes. "Aunt L! I left my bunny in mommy's study," she said, her little voice tinged with concern.

Ammielle smiled softly at her. "Awww. Can you please get it, princess? Aunt L needs to finish her homework."

Lila's expression grew more anxious. "But mommy gets mad when I go to her study alone. Mommy said I should not."

Ammielle's heart ached seeing Lila's eyes fill with tears. She gently took Lila on her lap, trying to soothe her. "Why is that, sweetheart?"

Lila's small body trembled, and Ammielle could feel her distress. It surprised her to realize that despite Lila's enthusiasm and closeness to Alycia, the child was a little bit afraid of her mother. "Mommy says there's things in there I shouldn't touch," Lila whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ammielle's heart clenched. She had always seen Alycia as a loving, if strict, mother, but this glimpse into Lila's fears was unsettling. "Oh, honey, it's okay," Ammielle said, hugging Lila tightly. "Aunt L will get your bunny for you."

Lila's eyes lit up with hope. "Really? Thank you, Aunt L!"

Ammielle stood, her thoughts swirling. For all the times she had been in Alycia's house, she had never once ventured into Alycia's study. There was an unspoken boundary there, a respect for Alycia's privacy that Ammielle had never questioned. But now, seeing the worry in Lila's eyes, Ammielle felt a pang of guilt. Was she going to invade Alycia's space?

She hesitated at the door to the study, her hand hovering over the doorknob. Would Alycia be okay with this? Surely, she wouldn't mind if it was just to retrieve Lila's bunny. Yet, a knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach as she turned the knob and stepped inside.

When Ammielle entered the study, she was immediately struck by the sight of numerous boxes, folders, files, and pictures scattered across the room. The normally pristine space had become a chaotic archive of Alycia's life and work. Amidst the clutter, she spotted Lila's bunny sitting on a huge oak table. Her intention was to grab the stuffed toy quickly and leave, respecting Alycia's privacy.