Deeper Relations

Chapter 2: The Confusion

"Oh hoho! Did she now? Hehehe...She sounds quite feisty" "She is...but..." "But what?" "Eh...I don't know if I'm feeling it"

Your eyes may have been on your Professor, enthusiastically sharing his knowledge with his students. But your eyes, they could not help but roll upon hearing the conversation that took place right beside you. French History apparently seemed moot to the two young men sitting next to you. Shaking your head gently, you simply could not believe they were actually who you called friends.

"But I don't understand..." Marcus began, "The first few days you were mad about the woman, and now this? What's wrong with you, mate?" He asked Heath.

"Yeah...what is wrong with you?" You hissed, agreeing with him as you and Marcus both looked at him with judgmental eyes. Heath, the blonde merely shrugged his broad shoulders. Chuckling, Marcus nudged him in the shoulder.

"Really can't make up ya mind, can ya?" He teased. "Piss Off!"

Smiling, you focused on your notes once again, scribbling away any important notes your ears could grasp on.

Guess it was certainly true: Young men really do have a hard time deciding when it came to relationships. No wonder it annoyed you.

Why must they abide with this general law? Why can't they all take a stand and make a change? Why can't they be like their older counterparts? Like Freddie for exam-

Your scribbling suddenly halted, making your eyebrows furrow with confusion. Why all the sudden would your thoughts steer towards Freddie? Out of all people in the world, why take him as an example? Rubbing your temples, you forced yourself out of the confusion, by diving into the professor's enthusiastic voice once again.

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Family dinner was always a joyous occasion, and seeing the family being completed brought warmth to your heart.The atmosphere at home seemed livelier with Freddie around again. Being back in his usual business, he remained as you remembered him to be. His jokes made all of you smile whilst the meals were prepared and the table was set. After years of prison, You wondered it had changed Freddie for better. Given how you much you knew him, you figured it was not that much.

Lena, your mother, Maggie and Jimmy, Jackie and Freddie with the children; you watched all of them with an affectionate feeling. You certainly adored their company, but in large group settings like these, you truthfully preferred to be one of the silent observers with very little engaging. Though you were the youngest amongst the sisters, you felt like the middle child on most occasions. And you did not mind. You indulged in the invisibility, listening to the stories of others, laughing alongside them. But as soon as Lena Summers raised her fork up, pointing it towards your direction, you knew you were being steered into the dreaded conversation.

"So, Y/N...How's your friend?"

As you swallowed the roasted potatoes, you felt all eyes on you.

"Friend?" You asked, with a chuckle, "You have to be more specific, Mum"

"You know...your friend..." Lena flashed a knowing smile, "...from university"

Completely clueless, you detested the silence that had overcome the atmosphere. As if he read your thoughts, Freddie suddenly cleared his throat, signaling the others to resume eating. Only by hearing the sound of cutlery did you feel calm.

"You mean Molly?" You asked, proceeding to eat, "She's doing alright-"

"No No No..." your mother interrupted, " I mean...that nice boy...which one was it? Ah yes Marcus. How is he?"