♥️T.H.R.E.E♥️
THEME: {Where do I belong??}
✍️Written By Precious Pinky✍️
❣️Episode 93&94❣️
★★★★★
(A/n: Emotional chapter. Hold a tissue when reading and you can also back it up with a very emotional music.)
*****
????Narrator’s pov????
“What are you doing here?” Lexi asked in a calm voice.
“I should be asking you that question. Why were you standing in front of the lake with just a cropped singlet on?” Cleo scolded.
“I…” Lexi gulped. “No reason.”
“What’s…going on?” Cleo asked, taking a closer look at Lexi.
Lexi shrugged turning her focus to the lake.
“I…just….” She sighed. “Can I trust you?” She was staring at Cleo now.
Cleo slowly nodded her head, “Yes?”
Lexi cleared her throat as she sat down on the ground, Cleo did the same as well. They were both seated on the ground as their gazes rested upon the flowing waters.
“I got into a fight with everyone home.” She whispered.
“What happened?”
“My foolishness happened.” She answered with a de-ep sigh.
Cleo furrowed her brows in total confusion. “What do you mean?”
Lexi stayed quiet for a while before saying, “You must have noticed my sudden change of attitude towards my brother recently, right?” Cleo nods her head quietly. “I was selfish…I was jealous of almost everything about my brother. He’s handsome, smart, intelligent, most popular in school…he was,” She thought of the right word to use. “He was perfect.” She swallowed ha-rd and started fiddling with her fingers. “He is mom’s favorite. He’s brave, strong and fearless. Even with the amount of pain he went throu-ghin the hands of my father,,,he still stood firm and never showed his pain or misery to anyone. Everyone in school wants to be his friend. He was the best brother every sister will wish for. I was lucky to have him as a brother. He was always there for me. Whenever I needed a shoulder to lean on, he was always there. We made a promise when we were kids never to be apart. We promised to always stick together in every situation. I made the promise but,” She sniffled. “I met Gwendolyn and I fell ha-rd for her without even realizing it. I fought against my se-xuality because I was afraid. I was afraid of being judged. I was afraid of being ridiculed. I was afraid of being mocked. I was afraid of losing those that means a lot to me.
I saw the way everyone looks at you in school. I saw the disgust in their eyes. They were judging you. They felt irritated by you. I never wanted to live a life like that. So I kept fighting, giving myself hope by being in a relationship with Rowan.
I knew I felt nothing for him. I knew everything with him meant…. absolutely nothing to me.
I was just rea-ssuring myself that I was fine and normal. ‘I’m not g-ay. I can’t be g-ay.’ I will always tell myself.
But whenever I see Gwendolyn with Brenden,,,I get extremely jealous and pissed. I wanted to be her friend, her enemy, her lover…” She stretched her li-ps in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I wasn’t blind not to see the connection between Brenden and Gwen. I saw how he cared for her at the hospital. He has never cared for anyone like that before,,,well aside from me, obviously.
For once I heard him remember someone else’s name that wasn’t mine, Arthur’s, or Davis.
The attraction and feelings he felt for her was so damn obvious.
I was glad to see my brother gradually falling in love so because of that I fought har-der not to give in to my stupid feelings for Gwen.
I made sacrifices to make my brother happy until…”
She turned to look at Cleo who was likewise staring at her with some emotions that she couldn’t quite understand in her eyes.
Does she feel pity for her? Lexi wondered.
“Until the day he lied to my face!” She once again looked away from Cleo and stared directly at the lake. She could still feel Cleo’s gaze on her but she ignored it. “Brenden and I have been close buddies since we were kids. We did almost everything together. We always seek the other’s permission before making any decision but that day at the hospital,,,Brenden made a decision without telling me. If I didn’t follow them from behind to the hospital then I wouldn’t have known what his plans were. He disowned our father without telling me.
I felt angry, sad, and betrayed. But I still wanted to play dumb, thinking maybe when he gets home to me he will tell me everything.
I sneaked out of the hospital just as I came in. I was cuffed with Arthur at that time so yeah, I was still sane when Brenden and Gwen returned home.
I asked what happened at the hospital. And,” She inhaled sharply. “He said nothing important happened. He said I shouldn’t worry about anything.” She was breathing heavily now. “He lied. He didn’t keep his promises. How could Gwen know about everything and not me? How could my family decide about running a paternity test on my brother and didn’t let me know? I was in de-ep shit. I felt like screaming at the top of my lungs. I felt like strangling him for lying to my face even when looking into my eyes.” She ran her tongue over her dried li-ps. “He was happily talking to Gwendolyn as he walked past me after lying. He felt no guilt or remorse. From there I came up with a selfish decision…‘I will take Gwen from him. I will take away his new found happiness and make him regret ever betraying me in the first place.’ That was the decision I made.” She stayed quiet for a while before continuing. “I stopped fighting and accepted my se-xuality. Not because I wanted to, but, it was because I wanted to hurt my brother for hurting me.
That same day, I heard my parents conversation,,,my mother wanted a divorce. She asked my father for half of his properties. Her plan was to get a divorce from my father and leave town with Brenden. And the first thought that came to my head was, ‘Ah, so mom wants to leave home without me.’ Why does everyone keep choosing Brenden over me? Was I that bad? Was I that awful?” She sobbed quietly. “I hated…my brother. I vow to be his sworn enemy. I was eager to hurt him and break him into million pieces. I forgot about all of the pains he had gone throu-ghin the hands of my father. I forgot about his scars. I forgot about his painful past. I forgot about his wounded heart. I forgot…,” She continued sobbing.
“Lexi…” Cleo called softly but Lexi didn’t stop crying.
“Weeks of hating and tormenting my brother,,, I came to find out the whole truth today. Brenden didn’t tell me what happened at the hospital because he never wanted to hurt me. He didn’t want to put me in the situation where I have to choose between him and my father. He was worried about me. And my mother?, She never planned to leave me alone with my father. She was going to leave with Brenden and I. I misunderstood the whole thing and hated my brother for no reason.” She started laughing like a maniac. “Am I not stupid? Only a senseless person would act like I did.” The laughter turned into a louder cry. “I hurt my brother. I caused him pain. I’m no different from my father.”
Cleo wrapped Lexi in her arms and pulled her closer to her chest.
“You were only broken.” Cleo mumbled as she stroked Lexi’s back gently.
Lexi vigorously shook her head and pulled away from Cleo. “That’s not enough reason to hurt my brother. I should have stick to him. I should have ignored my feelings and give my brother the support that he deserve. He deserves every happiness in the world. He deserve Gwen. They both deserve each other. They deserve to be happy.”
Cleo shook her head in disagreement. “You also deserve happiness, Lexi.” Cleo sniffled as she fought the tears that threatened to escape. “Everyone deserve to be happy. We all do.”
“I’ve hurt Brenden…I don’t.”
“Hey stop saying that. You do.” Cleo argued. “Please stop crying.” Cleo pleaded in tears, holding crying Lexi in her arms.
★★★★★
????Cleo’s pov????
She was right,,,
Yes, everyone deserves to be happy but not everyone are fated to be happy.
Just like me,
I deserve to be loved but I wasn’t fated for it.
Every person I fell in love with end up loving someone else or hating me.
I thought I’d fallen out of love for Bianca _Yes, I’ve just said my first love name_ Truth be told I never forgot about her.
The feelings were still there.
I’m trying my best to forget about her and move on but it’s Fuc-king ha-rd to let go.
I know what you guys are thinking; ‘I thought you are in love with Lexi.’
Well I thought so to but honestly…I wasn’t. I never was.
She was just someone who reminded me so much of Bianca.
I was afraid to let go of her because it felt like letting go of Bianca over again.
I really like Lexi and care for her but I don’t love her to the extent of dating her.
I’ve decided to live my life according to fate.
Forget about love and be happy.
My heart will learn to adapt and maybe…maybe with time I will forget about Bianca and meet someone else.
Someone who will love me _Well that’s if I’m ever fated to be loved_
We can’t hate life simply because they aren’t going according to how we want it.
We can only learn to adapt to what life brings to us and be happy.
There’s no life without death,
There’s no love without hate,
There’s no friend without enemies,
There’s no happiness without sadness,
There’s no found without loss,
There’s no good without evil,
And there’s no morning without night.
In life there’s always the opposite side of everything.
Don’t you think life will be boring without the opposite side? If you don’t,, well I do think life will be boring without them.
And that’s why I’ve decided to live with my fate.
Lexi deserves happiness, and so does Brenden and Gwendolyn.
But let’s be honest with ourselves,,,one of them was already fated to get hurt from the very beginning.
We can’t make our conclusions yet on who the person may be because Gwen haven’t decided on who she want to be with.
Lexi suddenly stopped crying and broke the embrace. “I want to see Gwen.”
“Why?”
“I have to correct my mistakes, Cleo. I have to do what’s best for everyone. I need to speak with Gwen. Is she around here? Or is she home?” Lexi asked looking around.
“She’s home.” I replied.
“Really?” She wiped off her tears and stood to her feet. “Let’s go home then. I have to see her tonight.”
I got up to my feet as well. “She’s not home in Brooklyn but she has gone back home to Boston.” I explained.
“What?”
I sighed. “Gwendolyn has gone back to Boston and might not be coming back ever again.”
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@JAMES HOUSE***
“You caused this! Because of you I have not only lost Mia but Gwendolyn as well!” James spatted coldly.
“I’m sorry.” Elena pleaded.
“Stop apologizing! Nothing you are ever going to do will change my mind, mother.” He growled. “I can’t believe I even called you that. You don’t deserve to be called a mother!”
“JAMES!” Joe called sternly. “That’s enough.”
James snarled at his father. “Enough?” He scoffed. “Nothing I will ever do to this woman will be enough for what she has done! My daughter is gone and i don’t think she will ever want to come back to me.”
“James,” Elena tried reaching out to her son but he quickly pulled away. “I’m so sorry. I only wanted what’s best for you. I wanted a good woman to be your wife but I never thought about you, your feelings or your happiness. I didn’t even considered the unborn child. I know I deserve every ill treatment I get from you,,,I deserve them but please find a place in your heart to forgive me.” She went down on her knees.
James shook his head, backing away from her. “I want my family back. That’s the only way I will ever forgive you.”
James turned around and walked away from them, leaving his mother in tears and guilt.
Elena remained on her knees and continued crying while Joe just stood behind her without doing anything to console her.
She brou-ght this upon herself so it’s left for her to suffer from them…Joe thought to himself as he walked out of the house.
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????Alexis’s pov????
What?
She left for Boston??
But how’s… how’s that even possible?
Why didn’t she even inform me about her disappearance?
She should have said something,,,anything at all.
I walked back home, my head going in circles concerning Gwen’s sudden change of location.
I really want to see her and talk to her about the shit going on between she, Brenden and I.
I have to put things in order and correct my foolish mistake.
I’m feeling guilt for all I had put my brother throu-ghand the only way I can correct it is by letting go.
Yes I truly feel something for Gwen but I can’t be with her.
Brenden deserve her more than I do.
“Lexi!” I was de-ep in thought to see Brenden seated in front of the porch, obviously waiting for me to return home.
He ran to me and engulfed me into a bone crushing hug. I really don’t want him to let go of me right now. I need this embrace so badly.
He finally pulled away after a long while, “Where have you been? I looked everywhere for you.”
“I…” I gulped. “I was by the lake.”
He looked down at what I was wearing. “This wasn’t what you were wearing when you left home.”
I smiled. “This suit me more.”
“Lexi…,” He began but I cut him off.
“I’m sorry.”
He shook his head, “Lexi you shouldn’t apologize for anything.”
“No. I should apologize for everything. I caused you pain, Brenden. I hurt you. I…”
“I should be the one apologizing right now, Lexi and not you. I shouldn’t have kept the truth about what happened at the hospital from you. You deserve to know everything but I…” He reached out to hold my hand. “I Fuc-ked up. I hurt you and betrayed your truth. Anyone in your shoe would definitely act the way you did or even do worse.” He sighed. “I’m so sorry.”
I shook my head, a tear flowing down to my face. “I’m sorry Brenden. You didn’t want to hurt me and that’s why you lied to me. I…I have no Fuc-king excuse for my stupidity and wickedness but trust me, I’m really sorry for everything.” I cried.
He wiped off my tears. “Stop crying.”
I continued crying. “I…I… I can’t. The guilt is killing me.”
He pressed a ki-ss at the top of my head. “Please.”
I stared up to look into his eyes. “Don’t you hate me?”
“God, of course not!” He replied almost immediately I asked that question. “I will never hate you, Lexi. Never.”
“Brenden,” I cried har-der as I hug-ged him again.
“You are only hurting me with this tears, Lexi.” He mumbled under his breath, stro-king my back.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized over and over and over again.
*****
Brenden and I walked inside the house and immediately mom rushed to us.
“Are you two okay?” She asked worriedly.
“Mom…,” I ran into her arms and started crying over again.
I’ve cried enough for one night. I’m even surprise to be able to shed tears after the tears I’ve already wasted.
I misunderstood her and was mad at her for no damn reason.
She hug-ged me back. “I’m sorry my baby.”
“No. I should be the one apologizing for misunderstanding you. It was stupid of me.”
“You are not stupid.” Mom said. “But trust me, I will never leave you…You are my baby.”
I smiled throu-ghmy tears. “Mom…,”
She slowly broke the embrace and motioned Brenden to come closer which he did.
She held our hands and stared at the both of us. “A woman’s pride is her family,,,a mother’s pride is her children.” She smiled. “You two are my pride and I love you so much.” She cupped our faces. “I’m sorry for causing you two pain,,, especially you,” Her gaze were fixed on Brenden. “I’m sorry for never protecting you. I’m sorry for not being the best mother in the world. I’m sorry.” She cried.
“Mom, please stop crying.” Brenden pleaded. “You are the best mother in the world.” I nodded my head in agreement. “I can never trade you for anything in this world.” He looked at me now, “I can never trade my lil’ sis for anything in the world. I might have failed before but I promise never to repeat the same mistake over again.”
“Come here,” Mom pulled the two of us into her arms. “I love you, my children.”
“We love you too, mom.” Brenden and I chorused.
We suddenly heard someone cleared their throat, breaking us apart, as we turned to see who it was.
Dad stood there, his face was filled with remorse and guilt.
He handed mom a docu-ment. “I’ve signed the divorce papers.”
Mom collected the docu-ment from father.
“Here,” He handed another docu-ment to her again. “That docu-ment contains my properties,,, I’ve shared them between my two children.” He smiled at us but neither of us returned the smile. “You all deserve to be happy. I’m sorry for everything I did.” He went down on his knees. “I’m sorry for hurting you, Brenden. I don’t deserve to be called a father…” He darted his gaze to look at mom. “I’m sorry for not trusting you. I’m sorry for cheating on you. I’m sorry for… everything. I regret all of my actions and I’ve also learnt my lesson.” He sniffled. “In life, you cherish your family and protect them. As the head of the house,,,your family happiness comes first before anything. And you should always trust your partner…disunity and lack of trust could destroy a home completely. I ruined everything. I almost ruin my son.” He smiled throu-ghhis tears. “All my properties belongs to my two children. Brenden,” He sighed. “You might have disowned me but always know you will forever be my son. My heir.”
We started hearing the cops siren.
“What’s going on?” Brenden asked as he opened the door to see police car in front of our house.
“Eric, what did you do?” Mom asked.
Dad smiled as he got up to his feet. “What you all were so afraid to do.”
Two police men climbed out of the car and walked down to our front porch.
“We are the cops,” They flashed their cards. “We are here to arrest Mr Eric for child a-ssault and attempted murder.”
Dad stepped forward. “I’m Mr Eric.”
“No, no, no,” I shook my head as I grabbed my father’s arm. “He didn’t do anything. He didn’t try to kill anyone.” I lied, fresh tears were already flowing down…again.
Dad turned to look at me. “My Queen,” He embraced me. “Daddy is sorry for everything.” He wiped off my tears. “I love you so much. Ah, just so you know, you are my favorite child,” He look at Brenden. “Don’t be jealous.” Brenden didn’t react to that. “I’m sorry.” He stepped away from me and went to Brenden. “Son,” He smiled. “Can I hug you?”
Brenden didn’t say anything.
Dad slowly engulfed Brenden into a warm embrace. Brenden didn’t make any attempt to hug him back. He just stood still like a pile of wood.
“I’m sorry for everything, son.” He pulled away. “I’m leaving your mother and sister in your hands…Treat them better than I did. I believe in you.”
“We have to leave now, Mr Eric.” One of the police men said as he handcuffed father.
“No, dad, please_” I cried.
”Stop crying. Dad hates seeing his queen in tears.” He attempted to make out a joke in a situation like this but that did absolutely nothing to lighten the atmosphere.
They were already walking away when Brenden called,
“Dad!” Dad stopped walking and turned around to look at him,,,I could see the pain in dad’s eyes,,,he was fighting the tears. “You are still my father…, I’m no longer disowning you.”
Dad grinned. “Thank you, son.” He looked at each and every one of us then said, “Please cooperate with the police and tell them everything. I have to pay for my crimes,,, it’s the only way I can be freed from this guilt.” With that, he followed the police to their car and got in.
“Dad!” I screamed in tears.
“Come to the station by tomorrow.” One of the police told us before entering the car.
Minutes later they drove off along with my father.
I chased after the car but they were Fuc-king fast.
I sighted father staring at me…he has finally let go of the tears… gradually his face faded away.
I cried har-der , clenching my chest.
He might not have been a good father to Brenden but he was a good father to me.
*To be the best, you have to be your favorite.* He will always tell me.
I stopped running and fell on the ground, crying my eyes out.
I felt someone’s arm wrapped around me.
“Everything will be fine.” It was Brenden.
Will they?
Because right now I feel like the world has come to an end.
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@Boston
A WEEK LATER**
(In the morning, by 8am)
Knock, Knock, knock!
“Gwen, go and check who’s at the door.” Mia said from the kitchen.
“Okay!” Gwen replied, going towards the door.
She unlocked the door and opened it.
Her eyes wide-ned at who was standing in front of her right now.
Elena, Joe and her father…
It’s over one Fuc-king week and they haven’t heard from them.
Gwen was even mad at her father for not calling to ask for forgiveness from her or her mother.
She was mad at all of them.
Yes, she miss her father so much but hell her pride was what stopped her from reaching out to him first.
“Who’s there?” Mia asked as she approached her daughter who was still standing at the door. her gaze fixed on whoever had knocked. “What are you people doing here!?” Mia’s angrily asked as soon as she saw them.
“Mia….” James began but she cut him off immediately.
“Don’t.” She warned sternly,
“Mia, can you please listen to us?” Joe pleaded.
Mia shook her head vigorously, pulling her daughter to stand behind her. “Never. You all should please get out of my house.”
“Mia, please listen to what we have to say…” James pleaded.
“I said no!” She snapped.
James teary gaze moved to his daughter. “Gwen…”
Gwen stormed inside the house without saying a word to any of them.
“Please just leave…” Mia stated and walked back inside the house, shutting the door closed behind her.
****
By 8pm***
“Hurry back home, Gwen.” Mia said sternly.
Gwen roll her eyes, grabbing her phone from the couch. “Of course mom. You worry too much.”
Mia laughed at that. “I’ve got to worry about my only child, okay?”
“You are so fond of that word.” Gwen mumbled, unlocking the front door. “I promise to be back before 10pm.”
“What? Be back before 9pm.” Mia corrected.
Gwen fake gasped. “9pm? Mom, that’s too small.” She pouted.
“That look won’t work on me.” Mia said.
“Are you sure?” Gwen smirked, opening the door.
“You…” Mia began but stopped as she stared at something behind Gwendolyn. “What are you people still doing here?”
“What are you say…” Gwen turned around and was shocked to see her father, Elena and Joe still standing in front of their door. “Dad? What are you people still doing he…” They all went down on their knees.
“Wha….wha…what are you people doing?” Mia stuttered, going to stand beside her daughter.
“Please Mia, find a place in your heart to forgive us… please.” They all said in sync.
James stared at his child. “Gwen,,,my princess,,,daddy is sorry for not coming on time… I’m sorry for not calling….I’m so sorry, my princess for not being as brave, fearless and courageous like you. I’m sorry for not fighting for your mother. I’m sorry for being a weakling.”
Gwen was dumbfounded. “Wh…” She took in de-ep few breaths. “Why are you apologizing to me?”
“You deserve the apology more. You were still in your mom’s womb when everything happened. You were born and I wasn’t there to carry you in my first arms. I wasn’t there when you took your first walk. I wasn’t there to hear your first words. And i didn’t even apologize when your mother let me into your life. I don’t even deserve that kindness.”
Gwen sniffled as she went down on her knees and embraced her father. “I hold no grudge against you, father. Yes, I’m mad at you for coming late but I hold no grudge about what happened years ago. They are all in the past now.”
“My princess.”
“Five months.” Mia suddenly said.
“What?” Everyone asked.
“Gwen started walking five months after birth. Her first words were mama.” She stated with a sigh. “Come in.”
“Wait,,, you really want us to come inside?” Elena asked in surprise.
“I can’t hate you all forever. Just like what my daughter said… it’s all in the past.” She smiled. “Come inside.”
****To Be Continued****