(02
“I don’t even know much about the person I’m marrying.” I muttered, trying to make light of it. “It’s all a family setup.. It’ll probably be fine.”
The other end of the phone fell silent. My cousin, Stephanie, took a moment before responding in a tentative
tone.
“Fionna… just don’t do anything impulsive, okay? You’ve been with Darrel for so long. Seven years doesn’t just disappear. Are you sure this isn’t something you’ll regret?” She hesitated, then added, “If you’re having second thoughts about the wedding, I can help smooth things over. I don’t think he’d refuse if you asked him to talk it out
I sighed, feeling the familiar ache. “There’s no use, Steph. We were never anything official. From the start, we had no real foundation. It was all… just a bit absurd, really. And here we are at the end, with nothing to show for it but
more absurdity.”
Stephanie went quiet, taking in the weight of my words. It was true–we’d never had a real confession, a genuine acknowledgment of ‘us.‘ Not even once had we officially defined our relationship.
*Fionna, no matter what you decide, I’m here for you. I’ll always be on your side.”
My heart warmed at her unwavering support. After hanging up, I decided to get her a small gift, something meaningful–a farewell present of sorts, since she might not be around here after the wedding.
As I arrived at her place with the gift, I was completely unprepared for the scene I walked into: Darrel and Natalie. The very people I least wanted to see.
Natalie clung to Darrel’s arm, looking for all the world like a scared, timid little thing. He was weighed down with bags, full of daily essentials, snacks and clothes–like he was helping her set up house. They looked… domestic Like newlyweds caught in the glow of ordinary life together.
Cephanie jogged over to greet me, her cheerful expression shifting as she took in the scene. Her smile faded, a
settling over her face.
I ignored Darrel and Natalie entirely, turning to Stephanie with a bright smile. “All your favorites, Steph. Use them however you like. When everything’s over, I’ll get you more.”
Just as I was about to lead her upstairs, eager to leave the two of them behind, Darrel suddenly stepped in front
of me, forcing a smile
*Fionna, this is Natalie, the new intern at work–she’s my trainee. She’s still finding her way around, so I’m just here to help her get settled. Why didn’t you tell me you were visiting Steph? I could’ve made time to come with you.” I kept my gaze steady, focused straight ahead, brushing his hand off my arm with a cold detachment. “I don’t need to be informed about your work, Darrel, nor do you need to know my plans. I came when I felt like it.”
Relief washed over his face, as if he’d dodged a bullet. “Alright, well, it’s not far anyway. But, please, be careful. Next time, just let me know and I’ll drive you over.”
He lingered there awkwardly, blocking my path, while the tension simmered in the air between us. Natalie glanced nervously at him, then back at me. Seemingly desperate to break the silence, she bounced forward, making a show of trying to take the bags from Darrel’s hands, but he stepped aside, dodging her.
–
“I’ll carry these up for you,” he told her gently, smiling down at her. “You don’t need to strain yourself. Let me take
care of it.”
The elevator finally arrived and Darrel piled in all their bags and boxes. Despite the space, I didn’t want to share that cramped elevator with them.
631PM
down to the smallest detail.
Stephanie’s sigh snapped me out of my thoughts. She looked at me with concern. “Maybe they’re not what you think, Fionna. Maybe it’s all just work–related and there’s nothing personal going on. Do you want me to ask him? It might put your mind at ease if there’s nothing to worry about”
