14 A Sister’s Unspoken Worries

Sophie, Brenda, and James found themselves in an uncomfortable situation during dinner in the dining hall.

Sophie attempted to break the ice with some small talk. Meanwhile, Brenda's gaze remained fixed on James, her expression took an unusual turn.

James, perhaps feeling the tension, remained silent, adding to the awkwardness that hung in the air. His eyes involuntarily darted across the table to Brenda who sat directly opposite to him.

Brenda, with her graceful posture, exuded a quiet confidence. Her skin, kissed by the sun, was shining. Her curly hair, a crown of natural beauty, framed her face like a halo. Brenda was like a mysterious puzzle to James.

Amidst the clinking of cutlery and hushed conversations, James's phone suddenly erupted into a shrill ring. The entire table turned their heads in unison, eyes drawn to the glowing screen.

James, his face a mix of surprise and apology, swiftly pushed back his chair and excused himself from the dinner table.

James approached the glass door, picked up the phone after reaching the other side. His conversation on the phone was not able to reach Sophie and Brenda.

Meanwhile, Sophie leaned toward Brenda, her curiosity piqued. "What's going on, Brenda? You seem a bit distant when it comes to James."

Brenda hesitated, her gaze drifting toward James. "It's strange," she confessed. "His face triggers a sense of deja vu. I can't quite place it, but somewhere, sometime, I've encountered those features before."

Ignoring Brenda, Sophie responded "You must have seen someone else. James was saying that it is his first-ever visit to this area. He's never been here before."

"No, not here," Brenda responded promptly, her voice tinged with a hint of confusion. "Perhaps it was on the side of the university."

This time, Sophie brushed aside Brenda's words and retorted, "Look, you're probably confusing him with someone else. James is an investment analyst—why would he be hanging around a university?" Her voice, though not loud, carried a subtle undertone—an attempt to untangle Brenda's confusion.

Brenda's response was nonchalant, her shoulders lifting in a dismissive shrug. "Maybe someone in his family or his friend," she mused.

Sophie leaned back, "Honestly," she admitted, "I've never asked James about his family. We've never delved into his personal life," she continued, her tone light, but inwardly, Sophie wondered how she'd missed this crucial detail.

Brenda's anger flared: "Sophie," she snapped, "how can you be so reckless? Inviting a stranger to stay over without knowing a thing about him?"

Before Sophie could respond, both she and Brenda noticed James returning to the dining table. In unspoken agreement, they masked their expressions, concealing their inner turmoil behind polite smiles.

As James returned to the table, his expression was tense. "Sophie," he said, "I apologize, but an emergency call just came in. I need to attend to a client."

Sophie's eyes furrowed, and she blurted out, "This time! It's midnight!"

"Yes, a client has an emergency business issue, and he wants me to discuss and help him right now" James replied.

Brenda continued to gaze James with a strange intensity.

Sophie attempted a lighter tone. "Okay, you can go. We can discuss finding the rest of Gabriel later ….finish the dinner at least."

James's hurried voice cut through the tension. "Sorry, Sophie. I would have definitely finished, but I have to leave immediately. My client is very tense. I hope you both don't mind."

Sophie pretended to agree, her nod deliberate. Then she said, "Let me drop you outside. Come." She started to rise from her dining chair.

James interjected, "No, no, you guys eat. I'll go by myself. Please don't worry." He placed a firm hand on Sophie's shoulder, guiding her back into her seat.

Without further delay, James hurried to the door. Sophie felt a twinge of curiosity but dismissed it—James must be in a rush. She didn't dwell on it.

Later, the faint sound of a car leaving through the main gate reached Sophie and Brenda.

After James departed, Brenda began to speak. Surprisingly, her tone lacked the fury.

Meanwhile, Sophie, who sat across from her, appeared nervous. Her mind raced, contemplating how she would respond to Brenda. The anxiety etched on Sophie's face was unmistakable.

Brenda's tone had softened. She leaned toward Sophie, her concern evident. "Sophie," she began, "aren't you behaving a little strangely these days? I've noticed a shift. You were quite sad recently, and now, suddenly, you seem happy. And this unfamiliar friend—coming over to our house, while you remain partially unaware about him….It's all so unlike you." Brenda's voice held a mix of curiosity and worry.

Sophie simply smiled, unable to find words. Her attention shifted back to her plate, focusing on the act of eating.

Sophie cherished her bond with Brenda, a connection that felt as strong as any sibling–relationship. They had been inseparable since the tender age of 8. Brenda's unwavering concern for Sophie touched her deeply.

Sophie, in turn, held nothing back from Brenda—except for one secret: Gabriel. The complexities of her relationship with Gabriel remained hidden, locked away from Brenda's understanding.

Sophie feared that Brenda's caring nature might lead to unnecessary worry, her protective instincts extended to everyone in Sophie's life, and this time, when she inquired about Sophie's friendship with James, it didn't catch Sophie off guard. She recognized Brenda's genuine concern, born out of love.

'But what could she possibly say? How would she even begin to explain? Revealing the truth about Gabriel would unravel a tangled web of emotions—the ache of his recent departure, the unexpected meeting with James, and the unspoken questions that haunted her.'

Brenda, with her caring heart, might not grasp the intricacies. Sophie feared it would only add to her friend's worry. So, she chose silence, letting the unspoken words linger in the air like fragile secrets.

Brenda refrained from pressing the matter further. As the dinner plates were cleared, she went near Sophie. Her voice was gentle yet resolute.

She began, "you don't have to conceal anything from me. Whatever burdens you carry, I'm here to lend an ear always." Brenda's sincerity resonated through her words, a lifeline extended to a troubled soul.

Sophie watched Brenda retreat to her room. In that moment, she felt more than mere connection. It was the warmth of sisterhood, the steadfastness of friendship, and the comforting embrace of belongings.