Apart By More Than Words

Chapter 29

Knocking at the door. Brought Serena out of her own mind.

As she walked to the door. And smiled happily at the person.

On the other side. Opening it quickly. While opening her arms to hug him.

"Eric." Serena said holding him tightly. As they pulled apart. He walked inside. While she closed the door behind him. As they sat down together.

"I feel like we haven't seen each other." "In way too long."

"I miss you baby brother." Serena said. looking at him.

"I miss you to." "It's been awhile the last time we saw each was for new year's." "How are you S.?" "And don't lie to me." Eric said to her.

"I'm holding in there." "I'm the big sister I worry and protect you." She said putting her hand on his squeezing it. "So what is your news.?" Serena asks excitedly.

"I will never not worry and will always protect you." "Especially now." He said to her. Looking into her eyes. "Just what you need something to lift your spirits." "I'm getting married." He said happily. "Actually we're eloping." "And I was wondering if you would be my best woman and our witness.?" Eric asked her smiling.

"Of course I will." "I would be honored to be a part of your special day." Serena said to him. Humbled. "Out of everyone you could have asked." "Why me.?" Serena asked him.

"Isn't obvious your incredible fashion sense." "Plus you will look great in pictures." "But seriously you're my best friend." "I couldn't imagine this day feeling complete without you." Eric looking to her.

Tearing welling up in her eyes. "Wow." "Thank you for saying that." "Let's get you married." Serena said taking his hand as they started to walk out the door.

"You know for someone who is living their dreams." "You don't look very happy." Raina said to Nate. Walking over to him.

"I am." "I'm just trying to stay professional." Nate said to her.

"You don't have to pretend with me." "There is more that work going on in the mind of yours" She said to him.

"Just homesick." Nate said to her. "You went home a while ago for New year's didn't that help at all." "You catching up with everyone from your old life.?" She asked him.

"It did but it gets old fast you know." "The parties and events and big deal of it all." "I kind of miss being under the radar and no one caring what I do and who I'm with." "Which sounds ungrateful I know." Nate said looking around at the room full of people.

"I think it sounds about right." "You never asked for all this." "It just sort of happened over time before you realized it all these people you never met were completely invested in your life." "It can be really shell shocking." "Luckily for the both of us." "We can slip out of here and actually do something fun."

Raina said extending her hand to him. As he smiled and took her hand. While they left the party, and go into his car. Getting lost in the world around them.

"This was one of the greatest weddings I've ever been to." Serena said. Hugging her brother. As the three of them went out to celebrate before the pair left for their honeymoon.

Looking around at the sunset and people walking to and from going on about their lives. Serena felt a hand on her shoulder.

"What do you think Serena.?" "Chinese or Italian.?" He asked her.

"Either one." "And remember I'm paying." "You lovebirds enjoy this little afterpart of ours." She said smiling as they all walked inside.

Hours later

After hugging and waving them goodbye Serena was back in her car and driving around the almost empty California streets.

Almost home now. She took advantage and got home quickly.

The in her legs had gotten worse then it was this morning.

And tightness in her joints made driving somewhat more exhausting.

Carefully getting out of her car. She walked slowly up the stairs and into her house. Gently shutting the door behind her. Wanting to walk up the stairs.

But instead went on the couch and laid down there.

Closing her eyes. As tears silently fell and she didn't know why.

Hours later

Awake now she got out her phone and called Blair. Enjoying hearing her friend's voice. As she noticed herself counting her breaths. Silently worrying about that. Choosing to not focus on it at the moment. She attempted to grab her cup off the table in front of her and it fell on top of the pillows surrounding her. Having lost track of the conversation. She hung up. And decided she wouldn't sit here any longer. And started to get up. Attempting to be as careful as she could. Not wanting to trip again like she had done earlier.

As the notification sound from her phone turned her attention. She carefully picked up it and looked to see what it was. And realized she had a missed call. From an unknown number.

Nate knew Raina had done all she could to get him out of his funk. But what he needed right now was to be alone. So, he hugged her goodbye and thanked her got into his car and drove.

Once he was home. He stared at his walls the fullness with the color and pictures. As he threw his keys in the dish by the door. And slammed his mail on the end table.

Scrolling through his contacts. His finger landed on Serena's name.

Feeling a rush a nostalgia he clicked on her name. And put the phone to his ear.

Listening to ring. As he quickly ended the call. And lowered the volume on his phone.

What was he thinking. He had already called before and got no response.

He needed to take the hint. And stop calling.

The calendar reminder on his phone started to chime as he looked at it.

His heart clinching. Looking at his past words. Tomorrow was Serena's birthday.

Taking a breath as he started to walk upstairs to bed.

Attempting to avoid the gift and card he got for her in his closet.

Along with ring case he stuffed down in the bottom of his drawer.

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