My Neighbour

Holding On

Love is hopeless,love is helpless,love is depressing then why do we fall in love?Why? -Blayze

NATALIA'S POV

I reached the hospital with Mark.Though the ride was silent my thoughts kept flowing towards Etienne.He seemed depressed when I didn't talk to him.But honestly I was scared.What if he doesn't forgive me?What if he find someone else?What if he has already moved on?The thought of Etienne with any other women was revolting.Will I survive this?
Why didn't I listen to my heart?Deep down wasn't I fighting with myself hoping his innocence?If only I would have given him a chance then....

"Earth to Talia."
I look at my brother.I was glad that he is beside me.I clung to him.He hugged me and kissed my forehead.
"I'm a bad brother Talia.If only I would have been there then all this.."
"No,please don't blame yourself Mark."
"No,don't you dare cut me any slack.Dad was right.I am irresponsible.I spoke to mom she told me how you all have to go through so many hardships.I am really a bad brother and a bad son."
He berated himself.
"Stop it Mark.We never thought of you like that.Yes,you were an absentee brother and more than me, Antonio missed you.Growing up he needed you the most.But you've been a wonderful son.Mum adored you."
"I wish I could feel the same."
"Anyway let bygone be bygone."
"But you're still frowning.Tell me Is lover boy the reason?"
I raised my eyebrow.My brother was very perceptive I'll give him that.
"Don't worry about anything now,and besides lover boy is whipped.Initially I didn't like him knowing he cheated on you,but he proved his innocence showing the video hence making us all believe his feelings are genuine."
I smiled softly at him.
"I have made a mistake Mark.I should've trusted him.I don't know Etienne will forgive me or not."
"Forgive you?He's crazy about you.I'm not trying to make you feel good but lover boy here is insane.You should've seen him with the gun.He was ready to kill the world for you."
"Stop calling him that."I admonish him.
"Naah,I like it."He grinned at me wiggling his eyebrow.
I again hugged my brother.It felt as if ages have passed since our bantering.

As soon as we reached the hospital, doctors and nurses surrounded me.I was taken to a private room for treatment.The smell of antiseptic was making me nauseous.
After the doctors treated me thoroughly I was left alone in the room.Suddenly I heard a voice.I jumped when someone knocked.
"Who is it?"
"The name is Bond.James Bond."
Etienne strolled inside the room grinning at me.
We stared at each other for a minute and without any warning Etienne engulfed me.
"I missed you Nat.For a minute there I thought I lost you."His voice cracked.
This is what I needed.I broke down and sobbed on his chest while he rocked me back and forth.

"Etienne I..I'm sorry.I should've trusted you.I know my insecurity is not an excuse but please forgive me."
"To be honest Nat.I'm not angry with you.I'm sad.I feel that my love was not convincing enough for you."
"No don't say that.Its my fault."
"Neither of us is responsible Natalia.I blame the situation we were forced into.But..you know what let bygone be bygone."
"I said the same thing to Mark."I smiled through my tears.
"About Mark,I don't think he likes me much."
"It's typical Mark fashion.No one is good enough for his sister.You should have seen him in college.Always the over protective brother.Not a single guy would ask me out because they were all scared of Mark."I rambled.
"You won't hear a single complain from me."His dazzling smile was a balm to my wounds.

Then he sighed and sat on the chair.
"I'm sorry Nat.I should've protected you."
"You couldn't have Tien.I was at fault.Let me remind you one thing.I told you Jason cheated on me.And it was by far the same way your picture was created.So,it was my insecurity that got the best of me.I should've trusted you.I should've listened to you."
I exhaled a long breath.
"It was my insecurity which made me lose you.So let me apologize my love?
I'm very sorry for my behaviour.Please forgive me."
He looked at me with so much love that my heart was filled with elation.
"I forgive you my baby.But there is one question in the back of mind."
"Go on."
Umm..what you said to Marco was not true right?
I nodded and laughed at his stupidity.
"I love you and only you."
"When you left me I was devastated.I don't wanna be in that situation ever.Promise me whatever happens in future good or bad we'll deal it together like partners,like lovers, like friends.I don't want this sad shit anymore.I just want to hold you forever babygirl."

"You still love me Tien?"I whispered.
"I never stopped loving you girl."
I caught his lips this time and kissed him passionately.
"Love you Etienne Martin."
"Love you more Natalia Taylor".

"Uh-huh I know I've given you guys blessing but can't you two cut the Pda.Its gross."
I pecked Etienne once more and glared at my brother.
"Can't you knock Mark?"
"Nope."He grinned at us.
"Okay guys so the whole family is outside wanting to meet Natalia."
"Please call them in."
"Etienne will you stop hugging me,my parents must be coming."
"No way.Your parents will get a hang of it."I blushed.
He wrapped his around my waist and pulled me towards himself.
My parents entered the room crying and smiling simultaneously.
They both engulfed me.
"I'm so glad my baby is alright."
"You need to rest Talia",said my father sternly.

They kept fussing over me.Emotionally and physically these past days has been too much for me.But the greatest gift life has given me is second chance in the form of Etienne.Though it sounds surreal but this time I believe we are meant to be and Etienne is the one.No more of my insecurities,no more of my worries.I want to live with my dashing fiance.I want to cherish my life afterall life doesn't throw opportunities everytime...

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