Someday, Someway

One Last Try

The sun filtered through the large windows of Lorraine's apartment, casting a soft glow over the hardwood floors. Lorraine sat at the small dining table, a cup of coffee cooling beside her as she scrolled through emails on her laptop. Things had been surprisingly calm since her confrontation with her parents about Gabriel—even Krystal had seemed to step back. Lorraine had dared to hope that, perhaps, her mother was finally accepting that she wouldn't marry Jerome and that her future lay with Gabriel.

But a strange sense of unease lingered in the back of her mind, a nagging feeling she couldn't shake. Krystal was not one to give up so easily, and Lorraine knew her mother too well to believe she would just let go of her grand plans for a marriage to Jerome without some sort of fight.

As if on cue, Lorraine's phone rang. The screen flashed with her father's name—David Martino.

She answered quickly, smiling as she held the phone to her ear. "Hey, Dad. How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing better," David replied, though his voice sounded more strained than usual. "Listen, Lorraine, I've been talking with your mother, and there's something she wants to discuss with us. Can you come to the house for dinner tonight? She says it's important."

Lorraine frowned, her heart sinking slightly. "She didn't mention anything to me. What's it about?"

David's voice softened. "She wouldn't tell me either. Just said it was a family matter that needs to be addressed. I think she's trying to make peace."

Lorraine's unease deepened. The idea that Krystal might want to make peace sounded too good to be true, but for David's sake, she agreed. "Alright, I'll be there. What time?"

"Seven. Bring Gabriel if you can. I think it'll be good for him to be there too."

Lorraine's heart warmed at the mention of Gabriel. Her father had been nothing but supportive of her relationship with him, and it made the constant friction with her mother a little easier to bear. "I'll ask him. See you tonight."

That evening, Lorraine stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of her dress. It was a simple, elegant outfit, one that made her feel confident but not overly dressed. She wanted to be prepared for whatever her mother had planned.

Gabriel arrived a few minutes later, his expression curious as he stepped into her apartment. "What's the occasion?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace.

"Apparently, my mother has something 'important' to discuss with the family tonight," Lorraine replied, her voice tinged with skepticism. "Dad says it might be her way of making peace."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, his arms still loosely around her waist. "Your mom? Make peace? That doesn't sound like the Krystal I know."

"Exactly," Lorraine sighed, resting her head against his chest for a moment. "I don't know what to expect, but Dad seems hopeful. So let's see what happens."

Gabriel nodded, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

As they arrived at the Martino estate, the familiar sight of the grand house loomed before them, its stately façade bathed in the warm glow of the evening sun. The air felt heavier than usual, as if something unseen was about to unfold. Lorraine tightened her grip on Gabriel's hand as they walked up the stone steps.

The door was opened by one of the household staff, and they were led to the dining room, where David and Krystal sat at the head of the table, both looking strangely composed. The long table was set for a formal dinner, with candles flickering softly and an array of dishes spread out. The sight should have been comforting, but Lorraine couldn't shake the gnawing feeling in her gut.