CALLA

28: Our Lives Can't Meet

The rest of the day was tiring. The air around Eli Frye was suppressing. Anyone could see the dark cloud above the cold man. When people all glance over at me with eyes asking me what I did to piss off their boss, I only look back dryly. Why are you guys blaming me for? Seriously, I never knew Eli Frye was such a moody person. Moreover, who am I to affect his mood? Confused and weary, I stayed quiet in the corner of the conference table.

By the time 5PM rolls around, I was itching to leave. Only 2 more hours and I'm free from this stress environment.

"Time won't go any faster with you staring at it"

I flinched at his deep hard voice.

"I appreciate it if Lind Corp. representative focuses on her responsibility"

Why must he call me out like that? It's like he's picking a fight. Not wanting the situation to repeat like yesterday, I kept quiet and ignored him. Soon, I can leave and not deal with the moody man. Little did I know Eli Frye's mood increased with me ignoring him.

"The food is here" Everyone was relieved with the announcement. "Why don't we take a break?"

"Sushi?" Mason Banks was surprised. "But Eli doesn't_"

Eric jabbed Mason side, stopping him from finishing his comment. I was confused when I saw their interaction. Boys – they're always so weird.

"Here you are Ms. Lind" Eric smiled kindly.

"Thank you" 

I love sushi. Opening the tray, I ate happily.

"You're really different from Rose_"

Again, Eric jabbed Mason. I knew Eric Mason was being considerate to my feelings. Meanwhile his friend was a clueless idiot.

"No one can be like Rose" I took no offense to the blunt Mason Banks.

"How is my sister by the way?"

I have always wanted to ask but never had the opportunity to do so. Since we're making small talk, I figured it's safe to ask. Lately I've been curious about Rose. All I know is that she's in New York attending Julliard. Rose was a talented pianist, and so, naturally she goes to the country best music school. I know that after her time in Julliard, she will go to Paris and continue her studies with some of the best classical composer in the world.

"It's been a while since we saw Rose" Eric answered carefully.

I looked over at Eli and saw his usual indifferent expression. He was on his laptop – not eating. I wondered if it was alright for me to ask him since my sister was his fiance.

"Why are you asking us?" Mason asked suddenly. "Aren't you close to your own sister?"

Eric sighed tiredly while Ben appeared embarrassed by his foolish friend.

"I'm not close to Rose." Since the man was blunt, I would respond in kind. "It's not easy for us to see each other."

Rose responsibility to my parents kept her in New York. The life I made for myself no longer work with my family; instead, the life I decided for myself kept me here in New Haven. In the last 2 years, I haven't seen my family once. Sadly, it didn't bother me - and I know it doesn't bother them.

"You could always go to New York to see her"

Both Eric and Ben looked like they want to hit Mason.

"You're too blunt Mr. Banks"

I didn't dislike this type of people. Mason Banks was straightforward and honest in his thinking. It's rare to find those type of qualities in people now-a-days.

"And you're right; I could always go to New York. But going will not change my relationship with Rose"

He looked confused.

"You must be the only child in your family" I teased the confused man.

"Yes" He answered. "What's your point?"

"So you don't understand what's it's like to have a brother or sister"

"You make it sounds so complicated"

"It's not" I laughed. "It's actually quite simple. My sister has her life. I have mine. Unfortunately, our lives can't meet"

"Why?" He seriously wants to know.

"Mason" Ben sighed. "Aren't you being nosy?"

"What?" He smirked at his friends. "Don't act like you guys aren't curious"

I laughed at that. I know why they're so curious – because I'm connected to Rose who was Eli Frye's fiance.

"To be with my family, I have to be like Rose. I have to go to the same school and do the same thing as my sister. My parents wouldn't want it any other way. But I can't live the way they want"

In the past, all I wanted was to be accepted and loved so I forced myself to live the life my parents expected of me. But the end result was me feeling resentment against my sister Rose.

"You're exaggerating"

I laughed since it really was difficult for some people to believe it – especially those who grew up being loved and cherished all their lives. I laughed because there was no need for me to defend myself.

"Please ignore the idiot" Eric smiled apologetically at me.

No one needed to apologize to me. There was nothing to apologies for. I was ok.