Gilliam took a deep breath before he knocked on the door. He wiped his forehead quickly before the door opened to reveal Syrene's lovely face.
"Gilliam, come in. It has been awhile."
Gilliam stepped in staring into her green eyes.
"Don't be a stranger." Syrene hugged him and he hugged back.
A young girl with green hair grabbed onto Syrene's leg and tugged her dress.
"Raina, you know better than to pull on mommy's dress."
Gilliam smiled. "She's beautiful, Syrene."
"Thank you, Gilliam. I'm going to put her down for her nap. You can sit at the table."
She picked Raina up and disappeared into the hallway. Gilliam walked around looking at paintings on the wall. Most of them were by Forde. What was he doing here? He thought to himself. He would only regret this visit later tonight but he couldn't let Syrene know this. She had been his good friend for a long time.
"They are beautiful aren't they?"
Gilliam turned to find her leaning against the wall. "I was admiring them. Forde?"
Syrene nodded and then pulled a seat out at the table. "Come, sit. I'll get some bread."
Gilliam sat down at the table while she brought the food out.
When she returned she looked upset.
"Syrene, is there something wrong?"
"It's like we're strangers, Gilliam. Why does it have to be like this?"
Gilliam shook his head. "You are married now, have you easily forgot this?"
"Then why didn't you ask me? You know I loved you once."
"I regret that every day Syrene. I guess I valued my duty more than I cared for you. You seem happy."
Syrene slammed her fist on the table. "At the expense of someone I care for. I know I have no reason to feel guilty but I do. I am guilty every day because I am happy while you are miserable…..I waited forever for you, Gilliam. Forever…."
Gilliam stood up to leave.
"Wait!" Syrene got up.
Gilliam clenched his fists. "Please stop, just stop. What do you want me to say? That I'm sorry? Because I am. I'm sorry that I couldn't do what Kyle could. I truly am sorry. I wanted to make you happy."
"Then stay. Be my friend. That would make me happy."
Gilliam hesitated at the door. "When I'm ready I'll come back." He closed the door and Syrene ran to open it.
There was still hope that they would mend their friendship. Syrene only wanted happiness for Gilliam but she couldn't mend his broken heart.
