Eternal Echoes

Chapter Forty-Four: Waves of Reflections

Michaella's POV

The days at the family house continued to be a mix of bustling activity and quiet moments. The morning started with the usual chaos of breakfast preparations. The kitchen was alive with the sounds of laughter, clinking dishes, and the delicious aroma of food. As I entered, I saw Valerie at the counter, arranging freshly baked pastries on a platter.

"Morning, Ella," she greeted me with a smile. "Sleep well?"

"Morning," I replied, taking a seat at the table. "Yeah, I did. It's nice being here with everyone."

Mom turned from the stove, holding a spatula in one hand. "It's been too long since we all spent time together like this," she said, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "Family gatherings are the best therapy."

I smiled, feeling a pang of longing for the simplicity of these moments. Andrew and Ariana were busy setting the table, bickering playfully about who got the last slice of bread. The clatter of cutlery and the chatter of voices filled the room, creating a comforting symphony of togetherness.

As we sat down to eat, the conversation naturally drifted to the upcoming wedding. Valerie was deep in discussion with our mom about finalizing the decorations, while Andrew talked about the building he was designing. I listened, content to soak in the familiar voices and laughter.

"So, Ella," Valerie said, turning her attention to me. "Are you all set for your next podcast episode? I can't wait to hear it."

I nodded, taking a sip of coffee. "Yeah, it's all planned out. Just need to record it. Alex has been really helpful with the ideas."

"That's great," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Your episodes always leave me thinking about life in new ways."

"Thanks," I replied, feeling a warm flush of gratitude. It was nice to be appreciated, especially by family.

After breakfast, we decided to spend the day at a nearby park. The idea of getting some fresh air and enjoying the sunny weather was too tempting to resist. We packed a picnic, gathered our things, and set off in a convoy of cars, laughter and music filling the vehicles.

At the park, we found a perfect spot under a large oak tree. Blankets were spread out, and everyone settled in. The kids ran off to play, their giggles echoing through the air. The adults relaxed, enjoying the pleasant weather and each other's company. I found myself sitting between Elijah and Mathew, feeling the gentle breeze on my face.

As we lounged in the shade, Valerie started talking about her latest jewellery designs, and Mom shared a funny story from her college days. The conversation flowed easily, a testament to the bond we all shared.

At one point, Elijah nudged me gently. "You seem lost in thought," he observed, his voice low. "Everything okay?"

I hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, just... thinking about work and stuff."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Work, huh?"

I sighed, knowing I couldn't fool him. "Okay, fine. Just thinking about the message Gabrielle sent me"

Elijah's expression softened. "And how did that make you feel?"

"Confused," I admitted, picking at the grass. "He didn't respond when I asked if he still cared. It just brought up a lot of old feelings, you know?"

He nodded thoughtfully. "You both have a lot of history. It's understandable that things are complicated."

Mathew, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. "You know, it's obvious to everyone that you two still care about each other. Maybe you need to have a real conversation, clear the air."