They were about to enter the hacienda Arena and a few people on the road curiously peeked inside the car. Others mixed emotions emulate their faces.
A few more minutes and she could see the big house. It was elevated a bit from the road so its entirety was obvious from afar. Lots of cars in the front and side of their house. Her vehicle did not stop right in front of the house because of the previous ones parked there. She paid the driver and ordered to lower her suitcases.
All eyes were on her as she got out of the car. It was as if the people had parted ways to make way for her. At the far end of the large living room were het father's coffins. She was momentarily stunned. Her knees were shaking. Her flesh was cold.
She tried to settle down. She don't not want to break down in front of a crowd. As she stepped forward his trembling knees gave way. Strong arms quickly grabbed her shoulders. She is supported closer to the burial father.
Jessica almost held her breath as she looked inside the beautiful wooden box.
"Daddy ..." she could barely hear her own voice.
Those hands remained on her shoulders. That seems to be ready to support. Without hesitation Jessica backed away and leaned on the man's chest. She sobbed softly ...
"Go ahead ... cry if you must ... it will loosen your chest ..." whispered the owner of the chest she leaned on.
Jessica stopped sobbing. Once in two years she never forgot that voice! A voice that once attracted her. She slowly raised her face ...
"Nick ..."
Their eyes met. Nick's eyes darted across her face.
She feel Nick's eyes with many emotion in it. Emptiness is what she saw ... as empty as two years ago! Jessica looked down first and slowly slipped out of the arm holding her and Step backwards.
If only she could stay in Nick's chest ... in his arms ... arms that once made her feel incomparable joy and love ... arms of nothing whe she lifted and rolled in the sand until they both fell into the water.
Jessica shed all the grief in front of her lifeless father. This time it is for two reasons ...
THAT same afternoon, Philip was taken to his final destination.
What a wonderful stability the two women left behind with no tears at that moment.
Jessica never went down again that night. She could hardly remember the people who sympathized and approached. Extreme fatigue of body, heart, and mind gave her the opportunity to fall asleep immediately when hierbody fell on the bed.
She was not even aware of the door opening and Nick entering her room.
He stood on the side of the bed and watched her. Then he bent down and removed her shoes and stockings that she was still wearing. He looked at her again before she pulled the strands of hair that covered her face. She carefully took off the tailored white dress she was wearing from America.
Jessica moaned softly ...
"Don't ... leave me ..."
Nick paused for a moment but Jessica fell asleep again. He carefully arranged the woman on the bed and kissed her. Turned on the lampshade light. He turned off the main light before finally exiting.
Jessica woke up when she felt someone in the room. Nana Sela pulled back the window curtains.
"You didn't have dinner last night and it was noon ..." the old woman said.
"You must be hungry. Nick told you to wake up at lunch ..."
Jessica finally woke up when she heard Nick's name. Sit on the bed noticing she is not wearing anything. Cover the body with a blanket again.
"Did you take off my clothes, Nana Sela? At the same time, she glanced at her clothes at her feet.
"Oh no. Your husband probably is," the old woman did not answer. Jessica was shocked. "Nick took you up last night to have dinner. You didn't come down ..." Nana Sela explained.
Jessica could not keep quiet. Nick took off his clothes! Shr felt ashamed. Last night she seemed to be dreaming of hugging him. Is her dream true?
And she is still Nick's wife for the locals.
She disappeared for two years ... has nothing changed?
"How are Nick and Melissa?" She did not want to ask but his mouth slipped. Draw astonishment on the butler's face. "What does that question mean to you, Jessica?" Nana Sela who was never called "Jess" .. For this is the man's name.
"Are they meeting?" What Jessica wants to say together. But if Nick did that, her Daddy would have told her.
"I have a dream for you, Jessica!" The old woman threw a critical look at her. "There is a possibility that the two will meet because that is the only town. Except for your sponsor in the Mayor and sometimes Nick will inevitably go there related to various permits," the old woman replied. .
When Jessica didn't say a word, it continued.
"Now, if you mean anything else in your word 'meeting', I assure you, Jessica ... our place is small. People will meet ... and not be able to hide any of the most secret"
Jessica stared at the butler. Nana Sela was correct. Any secret that the two can keep is impossible for anyone to know. Even in the other town they will meet.
"Does Melissa already have a child, Nana? She wants to be sure ,. And she has nothing else to ask that will not be an issue. She knows she can be honest and trust the old woman. It is suspected that she did not look like a pregnant when the old woman answered. "I didn't see Melissa's stomach grow big," she replied sarcastically. "Also, how can bare a child that she is not married? And in case she give birth, you can expect no more secret. "
Jessica did not know what to say next. Did Melissa lie to him two years ago?
"I don't know why you ask that, Jess . But if Melissa had anything to do with your sudden departure then, I'm sure you were in a hurry," the old woman said softly. "Jessica, hija, Mang Berto and I are old here and you are no different from us ... we have no desire but to see you happy.
And Nick, hija, since you left seems to be someone else. He is no longer the Nick I met during his first year here. Your wife, Jessica, as Philip knows ... He is a good and trustworthy person! " She stood up and went to the door. "Follow me and I will prepare your lunch." And set out.
Jessica was left thinking. Did she make a mistake? Did she become impulsive in the decision she made? She herself could not admit that.
Her two eyes saw the truth. Add to that Melissa's return of her husband's jacket. But Melissa did not get pregnant! It is also unheard of that Melissa and Nick having a relationship! She is confused!
Jessica and Claire had lunch together. "What are your plans now Jess?" she asked while putting food on the plate. "I don't know yet, Aunt Claire ..."
Jessica looked at the stepmother. It lost weight and seemed to grow old. She couldn't help but ask.
"Auntie, have you been happy with my Daddy?"
Claire looked straight at her.
"My two years with yout father were the happiest of my life, Jessica. When it comes to happiness, those two years have covered my whole life.
To be continue......
I like it. 😊😊