A Break Apart

CHAPTER 32. Last Resort

I gave Morphy his breakfast and fell back to bed. Nothing else interested me anymore, and William hadn't stop calling and sending me text messages. I woke up to thirty-one missed calls and twenty text messages; all filled with apologies and pleas for a second chance. They were mentally draining that I had to switch off my phone.

Mum got back yesterday, and Abel had dropped me off on the day before her arrival, enough time to mentally get prepared and not give anything away. Even at that, she noticed my mood, but I kept telling her that I was okay.

"Nadine!"

"Nadine!"

"Nadine!"

I groaned as the yelling got closer, and then my door opened.

"I've been calling you, didn't you hear me?" Mum walked farther into my room and sat on my bed, all dressed for work.

I sat up sluggishly, rubbing the fake sleep out of my eyes. "Good morning, Mummy."

"Just when do you plan to get out of bed?" She ignored my greeting. "You haven't even had breakfast. Are you sure you're alright? Because you've been acting off since I got back."

I sighed. "I'm fine. I just don't feel hungry yet."

"That was the same thing you said last night. Look at you." She gestured with her hands. "You look so thin!"

I managed to laugh. "You're exaggerating."

"But seriously, baby, you should eat something. I don't want to see you in this mood when I get back," she warned, with keen eyes.

I giggled. "Don't worry. I guess it's just early homesickness since school resumes in a few weeks."

"Awwn..." She squeezed me in a hug. "And she said she's all grown up."

I chuckled as I hugged her back. "I am, okay?"

"I don't think so." She pulled away and stood up. "Come and lock the door."

I know better than to leave the door unlocked.

I followed her, grabbing Morphy who was already scurrying behind her in front of me.

William's POV

She wouldn't talk to me or reply any of my texts, and I didn't know what else to do. The silent treatment was slowly killing me, like a terminal disease, seeing her and hearing her voice being the only remedy which unfortunately I couldn't afford.

I took out my phone from the pocket of my jeans and searched for her contact. I stared at it for long, then looked away, giving the idea a second thought. I looked at my phone screen again and, having no other option, I tapped on the call log with a sounding heartbeat and put the phone to my ear, easing my fears with unsteady release of breaths. It immediately started ringing, and I had all the patience in the world to wait for her to pick up, a small part of me hoping that she doesn't so that I could abort the mission like a stupid coward.

"Hey! What a surprise call. I hope you're good? It's been a long time."

My throat clogged when her cheerful voice filled my ear, and I let out a strained chuckle. "Good morning, Aunt. I'm sorry you haven't heard from me in a while. But I was at the house on Tuesday, and I learned you traveled."

"Yes, I did actually. And I just got back yesterday."

"Good to know, and how was your trip?"

"Very well. Thanks, son. Are you sure you're alright?" Her words of concern pricked on my conscience, and I felt like a wretch that deserved no mercy.