Rachelle

Chapter 22

"What are you packing for?" William asks getting into the room.

"I thought you left for work already," I say as I continue putting some clothes in my luggage.

"That doesn't answer my question."

"I want to visit mom for few days, I'll be back in no time," I say casually.

"You decided to plan to visit your mom and didn't even bother telling me about it?" he says and I could sense the anger in his voice.

"I didn't think it was important," I say, continuing to keep my cool. He suddenly grabs my arm, making me bump into his broad chest. I was forced to stare into his eyes, even though all I wanted to do was avoid his intense gaze.

"I don't understand what's wrong with you lately. I've been trying my best to be in good terms but you do stuffs occasionally which just bring the worst out of me," he says bringing his eyebrows together.

"You're hurting me William," I say as I try to get off his grip.

"No Rachelle, you're hurting me. Don't you see that? You've been drawn into this... this mess and always digging into things you shouldn't. Running away from things which will give you happiness and running into things that only makes you feel miserable," he says keeping the same tone.

"What's the big deal about me visiting my mom? You're so much hooked up with work that you've no time for your family. Olivia left as she has her family back, what am I supposed to do? Hence, I planned to spend time with her," I say and try to sound as casual as I can in order not to give him any hint about me overhearing his conversation of not allowing me to leave.

He lets go off my arm and takes a step back. "You're right," he says calmly and runs his hand through his hair. "It's my fault that I was being distant but I've realized that and that's why," he pulls out an envelope from the back of his jeans and tosses it on the bed. "I thought of spending time but I guess you've got some other plans."

He leaves the room furiously and I pick up the envelope. Opening it, I find 4 tickets to London. He was planning a family vacation and 4? I thought Keith wasn't allowed to leave the hospital but what if William had found a way and Keith was already recovering? I immediately start to feel guilty about my actions. I was left with choices to make again; be with my family or find out the secrets that is haunting me.

****

"I... I don't know what to do," I tell Olivia as we speak over the phone.

"Keeping everything in mind, I honestly think you should leave the family vacation idea behind. William is trying to manipulate you into staying, don't you see that?" Olivia says, clearly sounding exasperated.

"But what if he is just trying to get things back to normal?"

"Rachelle, after all that has happened, do you really think that going on a family trip will actually get your mind off things? I don't think so. Yeah, you can get a break but then things will eventually make their way into your head and it will continue to happen until you get to the bottom of this," Olivia speaks determined.

"I think you're right but my heart still isn't agreeing on turning my husband down," I say frowning.

"Listen, I've to go. Just... think carefully before taking any decisions," Olivia says.

"Alright," I say and she hangs up. Of course my responses got to her nerves as she has already made her point here. It's all up to me to make the decisions but before that, I felt like I should also have a chat with Angela.