Chapter 44: A fragile relationship.
"I don't think I want to talk to him, I am hugely not interested," Hilary growled as she slammed the line-lined phone shut and gave a unmeant glare to Tyson, frazzled by her inner turmoil. She tried to stop uncouthing.
"What did he say anyway?" Tyson asked, unflinched by her reaction.
"I don't understand. Kai…he still has that infatuation over me. He's s stubborn, stout and cold person, I don't love him anymore...and moreover, I'm not interested in any relationship right now," Hilary said as she threw the water bottle on the table carelessly, knowing that how wrongly she used the word 'infatuation'.
"He seriously called you to say that thing?" Tyson asked in amazement,
"Yeah, I wonder how he knows about my whereabouts," Hilary said, twitching her brows, "I've put his call on reject list since few days when he tried calling me consistently and now…" Hilary gave a sigh,
"It's fine. If you're fine living your life single or without that New Champ, then be it. Nobody has a control on your life," Tyson said coolly, almost winking.
"Yeah, you're right," Hilary said tiredly,
"Delia said that the internship course has been shortened this year so I don't have to go back to Florida," Hilary said thinking properly,
"Cool, you can stay here as long as you like. I know you're more comfortable here anyway than at your home," Tyson chuckled,
"Yeah, I hate sometimes being at my own home," Hilary laughed nervously, mainly because her mom was pestering her for marriage now and then "I will have to go there one last time to collect my Diploma."
"Relax, I'm not telling you to go anytime soon," Tyson said serenely,
"Thanks," Hilary smiled at him.
Hilary looked at the magazine that was lying there, "Oh Ash, she forgot this here," Hilary said as she read it with interest,
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Ashlene returned home a little early and since Tyson's injured leg and arm were almost completely healed, he started going to his job as well. Hilary usually got bored at Tyson's place until Ash and Ellie came. She was thinking on joining a job at any nearby hospital soon.
"Hey," Hilary greeted her as Ash came in with Ellie. Ashlene smiled and sauntered upstairs and freshened up. Hilary had prepared lunch for them already and they had it together,
"Why don't you join at my hospital?" Ashlene asked her,
"Yeah, I think I'd start doing something. I'm anyway killing time," Hilary said, screwing all her previous thoughts of joining else where
"If you're interested, we'll go tomorrow and I'll direct you there to join," Ashlene suggested as she drank her coffee after taking a pleasant, nectarous whiff of it.
"Sure, thanks, Ash." Hilary nodded,
"Dad will come in few minutes," Ellie said impatiently, brusque.
"Yeah yeah," Hilary said, "You're too impatient, aren't you, Ellie?"
"Because daddy told me that we'll have battle today evening and then we are going to watch Tom and Jerry's new movie tonight!" Ellie said pride-fully and rejoiced already,
"He said so?" Ashlene asked in slight shock.
"Yeah mom," Ellie smiled, curling her lips jubilantly.
"Alright, you go with him. I'll meanwhile visit Julia," Ashlene said, expecting that Ellie will change her mind and will come with her instead,
"Yeah sure, carry on," Ellie said subconsciously and picked her finished plate and left,
"Well, I'll just watch TV, I guess, then" Hilary said,
"You can come with us if you want to, but I can't promise that you won't be bored," Ellie invited to Hilary wondering if she sounded wise. Ashlene gave a disbelieving look to her daughter which she didn't discern.
"Yeah, I'd love to...but it's your typical dad-daughter time, so enjoy," Hilary said sheepishly,
"Alright, take care, Aunt Hils," Ellie said typically,
"Don't call me that Ell," An anime vein appeared on Hillary's forehead. Ellie grinned. This girl is a female version of Tyson Granger! And she me teases like that!
...
Tyson arrived and like he promised, he had bey battling with his daughter and after an hour when he was drained off; he thought to have a short break, yearning for a siesta.
"Daddy, hurry up!" Ellie was really impatient. Tyson really was tired and he didn't eat anything after returning. The meals that Hilary prepared were almost finished.
"Ellie, I'll just eat something; then we can go to movie. Okay sweetness?" Tyson asked in a feeble tone,
"Uhm, okay," Ellie said half-heartily, putting hold on her impatience.
"Ash!" Tyson called, half yelling.
Hilary heard him but ignored. Tyson called loudly a few more times but she didn't reply.
"Tyson, she's upstairs," Hilary peeped out of Grandpa's room and told him.
Tyson went to his room. Ashlene was getting dressed up in casuals, standing in front of dressing table, her brunette hair tied up in decently in a pony tail.
"Ash, I've been calling you since-" Tyson almost yelled,
"I didn't hear your voice. Sorry. Everything okay?" Ashlene turned to see him, and said softly and calmly.
"Yeah, I just wanted to ask you to cook something. I'm hungry. You could have prepared something for me?" Tyson said tiredly in slightly frustrating tone,
"I thought Hilary had prepared enough. I didn't notice." Ashlene said carefully, slightly hurt.
"Whatever!" Tyson said jadedly, "Now prepare something for me," Tyson would have done something and prepared himself but he was utterly drained off.
"Uhm, I'm actually going at Julia's place. Can't you order something?" Ashlene asked, "I'd have prepared something but..."
"Fine," Tyson said in brusque, curtly.
"It won't hurt to order from outside. Right?" Ashlene countered him clearly, brows frowning
"No. The only problem is I'm bloody tired of eating that shit constantly!" Tyson said in a heavy low tone and closed the door explosively as he went. Ashlene momentarily squirmed.
Tyson thumped on the couch and looked extremely frustrated and little hurt, "Had food, daddy?" Ellie asked,
"No kiddo, there isn't any," Tyson said patiently. "I'll ask Hilary to take you to movie, I'm really, really tired. Can you forgive your dadda?" Tyson asked in drained off voice,
"Yeah, it's fine," Ellie said half-heartily, startled at this abrupt decision. She didn't want to act stubborn now. Ashlene came downstairs and walked out of the house. Tyson gave a harsh accusing look to her. She ignored.
"Hey you two. Aren't you two going yet?" Hilary asked, unaware of the little argument between Ash and Tyson.
Tyson asked Hilary to take Ellie for movie since he was tired.
"You didn't eat anything?" Hilary asked, little shocked.
"Would have, if you'd cooked sufficiently," Tyson seethed,
"One second," Hilary held a hand, "I though Ash would prepare something for you. I reminded her kinda even," Hilary said discreetly,
"Apparently, she hadn't. And now she's gone after advising me to order something," Tyson snapped,
"Oh god," Hilary rolled her eyes and boiled the leftover food and gave him, "Have this until I prepare something for you." Hilary said and went in kitchen. She had bought buns in afternoon. She prepared a vegetable burger with cheese in the best way she can and gave him in few minutes. He looked at her with raised eyebrow,
"You made it?" Tyson asked slightly in derision,
"Yeah," Hilary said, "Look, I know you might not like it this moment but-"
"Thanks, Hils," Tyson gave a sudden full smile after he took a bite,
"Fine," Hilary turned with playing eyebrows and bloomed up,
…
...
"What will you be doing?" Tyson asked Hilary as she lied lazily in the hall reading the same magazine,
"Just killing time," Hilary said nonchalantly.
"You will be bored," Tyson declared. Ellie was waiting out checking her slippers for the tenth time. Tyson glanced at his daughter and tried hurrying up.
"It's alright," Hilary said,
"Look, you can come with us," Tyson said taking that magazine off from her hands, asking warmly. Hilary put her hands down in defeat on her sides. She rocked her head as she lied and gave a smile to him,
"Hilary, you really are always so easy," Tyson said laughingly to himself and ambled away from her.
Hilary thought she heard him and she slightly jolted but ignored. They went together in his car and went for ice-cream parlor.
"Look, you guys just order what you want, I'm all here to pay," Tyson said stretching his worked arms,
"I'm just okay," Hilary said calmly.
"I want one Willi Wonka," Ellie said excitedly,
"Hilary, relax, I HAVE money, just get what you want," Tyson urged silently,
"I'm really okay, Tys." Hilary said gratefully,
"Fine, I'm not ordering anything as well for me," Tyson pouted slightly,
Hilary sighed, "Fine, I will take Chocolate Scoop," Hilary said and Tyson said the same.
Ellie devoured till she was full and the trio headed for the movie, buying some popcorn before they entered in the theater,
"You want sweet corn, Hils?" Tyson asked,
"Nope, I'm okay," Hilary said as Ellie started tearing the popcorn wrapper and devouring,
"You used to like it," Tyson said,
"Yeah," Hilary looked at him for once,
The elderly duo was tremendously bored and the movie seemed to be enlarging by the minutes.
Ellie was the only one who was enjoying it, seated in between Tyson and Hilary.
They sighed occasionally and Tyson felt like sleeping, however Hilary wasn't sleepy,
A few minutes passed. Tyson interchanged his position with Ellie, seated next to Hilary. "Allow me to make your shoulder my pillow for some time," Tyson said keeping his face slightly close to hers, tired huskiness in his voice, he was frazzled.
"Y-yeah, sure," Hilary was puzzled but Tyson took the advantage and tried getting comfortable and slept for full hour till the movie lasted.
Hilary occasionally looked at his delicate and tired face which was deep in slumber. She wished if she wasn't in this position right now. As soon as the movie ended and Ellie noted, she woke him up and his first reaction was an irritated scowl to her which ceased by the triumphant feeling of the movie being lasted finally.
Hilary sighed and they headed back to home after dropping at a good restaurant for having a fine dinner. Ellie guzzled down everything and Hilary gulped and had to comment Tyson that this girl was his young and wild version. Tyson laughed, feeling the pride.
They went home soon. Ellie immediately took a bath and prepared for the night to sleep, Hilary did the same but slowly.
Ashlene was already at home, ironing her clothes.
Tyson walked in his room and silently prepared for his bath. Ashlene finished with her clothes and she started with arrangement of her books on the study table. She was silent and quiet. Her face seemed to be hiding some fragility. Tyson noted silently how she constantly sighed quietly with concealed disappointment.
He didn't say anything, wishing ardently that she'd say something first. Tyson went to washroom and had a warm bath and got himself comfortable into his night pajamas. Ashlene continued with re-arranging her books and she did it over and over. Tyson was patiently noting her actions. Her eyes were calm.
Tyson was silent for few minutes with all his patience until he was feeling he was losing it.
"Hmm," he sighed to himself. Ashlene went out and checked Ellie downstairs. Tyson waited for her to return. A few minutes later, she ambled in with unsure demeanor. She walked to the desk and her hands seemed to slow down as her books were finally excellently arranged.
Tyson eventually decided to walk towards her and looked at her. She tried hard ignoring.
"You're not speaking to me?" Tyson asked,
"I'm busy," She said immediately,
"What's wrong with you, Ash?" He pulled her by her arm so that she faced him, but she still didn't look in his eyes, "It's not even a month since we got together and we have distances and complications already," Tyson held her hand firmly,
"You're creating them," Ashlene said looking in his eyes for the first time,
"What did I do now?" Tyson asked with a sad smile, his grip on the hand loosening.
"You ask yourself," Ashlene laughed hurtfully, and her smile was fading rapidly,
"Ash…" Tyson stressed, "I really don't want us to have problems and fights. I never felt the same like the first day you've come here. There is something bugging you. Tell me," Tyson said softly,
"Tyson, honestly, I don't understand us,"
"Honestly Tyson, ever since I moved here," she gulped calmly; emotions taking over, "Did you even once asked me out for dinner? Did you ever came over my desk and told me take rest and spend time with you instead? Did you ever try understanding that there is no need of any chastity even though we're not married?" Ashlene shot out in utter hurt and rage, the calmness on the verge of falling off.
Tyson was quiet for some time. He analyzed her feelings for some time and stared at those wet eyes staring him back in disappointment.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, "I understand your feelings now, better," he admitted calmly.
Ashlene gave him a disbelieving angry look again.
"Trust me I do," Tyson squeezed her hand, "I never gave quite thoughts on going out together but I felt that your studies were important. And I felt that I might be distracting you. I always wished you to ask me, so I could take you gladly," Tyson said with urgency in his voice, "I wanted to tell you to at least come tonight with us but you declared that you're going at Julia's. You've no idea how bad I felt," Tyson said with deep disappointment. He paused shortly, and Ashlene felt that probably he was right. She silently cursed her emotions again, "I don't disturb you at desks, because I want you to carry on and be perfect. I love you, Ash. Do I really have to explain it all times?" Tyson said. "I stay around you when you study so you don't feel alone." Tyson said with worn feelings.
Tyson shook his head in confusion slightly, "What does a relationship mean to you? Is it all about saying 'I love you', physical needs of body, hormones flaring, and nights?" Tyson closed his eyes in disappointment briefly, "We aren't teenagers anymore. A true relationship is much stronger than that…which is built through time…"
"I'm sorry, I don't understand us. I'm at fault." Ashlene said with a self-dissatisfied sigh. "I always doubt you. Can't share you with anyone. I feel jealous when you spend time with Hilary or Ellie but not me. I'm sick of being boundlessly possessive about you," Ashlene said with her eyes literally full of tears, ready to spill any moment.
"Please…" he gave an implored sigh, "Don't make things difficult with me. I'm already too tired with life, I don't expect this from you too, Ash. Not at least at this point of life," he said as he turned, and started leaving out of his room.
Probably wants his personal space.
"Where are you going?" she asked,
"Out." He said sharply,
"But w-why?" she asked hesitantly,
"I need air," he halted in his steps to answer,
"W-Why?'' she asked again,
"I need it, or else you may end up losing me permanently like Hilary did if I've any more complications in my life. It's way too spiral out of control already. I don't think I can take up any more dramas or tragedies." He said harshly and left.
Ashlene closed her eyes tightly, hair on her hands spooked at his last words. His words echoed repeatedly in her head and she regretted why she had to be complicated all through her life and this bloody hyped up with emotions. Ashlene was not at all comfortable with Hilary's presence. She was fine as long she talked with her and they had times together but she never appreciated any relations of Hilary's with Tyson.
She decided finally. She was going to tell that currently she's not fine with Hilary's presence in his home. She lied on the bed and stared at the ceiling monotonously with the same thoughts lingering in her head. Tyson's right. He has undergone too many shits in life. He doesn't deserve more perturbation. Not at least from me. I should have been his smile's cause but I'm just making it all worse. Even I don't want any more problems. I want a peaceful life with him. I want to be happy and make him happy as well. Or else why would fate have brought us together after five years…
She was almost getting into sleepy mood when she thought she should clear up things in abrupt determination and got up. She walked out and got downstairs trying to find him. She looked in the living room and Ellie's room but he wasn't there. Ellie was asleep. She huffed a sigh as she held her waist and gave a random glance around. She spotted him sitting out in the dojo, on the platform, legs swaying restlessly in the air.
What was worst was Hilary was seated just beside him, and they seemed to be having a conversation. Her heart almost broke and she felt like going away and leaving it once and for all. She turned to leave and shook her head in disappointment. However a sudden thought came in her mind. She has done the same thing five years back. She reluctantly walked out and stood near the door for eavesdropping their conversation,
Tyson sighed and gave a down casted look.
"Hey Relax. Everything will be okay," Hilary patted,
"I don't understand. I don't understand her; and I wish I did," Tyson expressed,
"Look, it will take time but it will be worth dealing and understanding. You guys have met almost after five years, and like we thought that it'd be easy being together but Tyson…" Hilary looked at him with understanding, "We change. You changed, Ashlene changed. I don't mean in a bad way but bitter times change us. Spend time with her, try to understand her. I know Ash, she's a good person. You need to be patient with her," Hilary explained,
Ashlene gave a nostalgic look. Somehow she felt guilty for thinking wrong about Hilary.
"I think you're right. We need to put our egos aside and spend time in understanding us and comforting each other," Tyson smiled, "Thanks Hils, you're always the best person,"
"Anytime. You can share your problems with me anytime, I will try my best to sort out things…only if I knew why she left us five years back; I definitely would have brought you guys back together then itself," Hilary sighed,
"I wish so but past is gone and in reality it's never going to come back ever," Tyson said, "I remember you told me to contact her and ask her cause of leaving but I couldn't just summon my heart to do that. It always pricked me that she left me reasonless-ly and harshly," Tyson shook his head in derision,
"Hey, don't keep on reminding yourself about it. We can just leave it. Can't we?" Hilary put her hand on his shoulder and smiled,
"Sure, I will try," Tyson said, "Isn't that strange that I still love her in spite of so much being done?" Tyson chuckled sarcastically, hiding his deep emotions,
Ashlene's eyes almost filled with tears and she felt extremely remorseful. And I was thinking to let Hilary go out of here. What a stupid woman I am. I think the reason Tyson still stands me and loves me is because of her. She indeed is best friend of him and she never took advantage of him. It was all my false assumptions and envy. No doubt Tyson closes up with her often, just because she is his confider and heals him pacifically. I lack… I lack and he still tries to be better.
She had no reason to eavesdrop them anymore. She was fine. She smiled to herself as she walked away from the door. Hilary caught a glimpse of Ashlene's skirt and she ended up their conversation soon. "Well, go to her, now," Hilary nudged him, "Have sweet time," Hilary gave a playful smirk,
"Oh please," Tyson almost flustered but he got up and after giving a brief hug to her, he went upstairs.
As soon as he opened the door, he found her standing right in front of him, seemed to be stopped in her walking session. "Uh!" He gave a loud sigh,
Ashlene blinked and thought for a second, "Are you done getting air?'' she asked,
"Y-Yeah," he answered and went towards the bed,
"Tyson…" she called, "You think we can try on spending time with each other and try understanding us better," she asked,
He turned and looked at her seriously. His serious expressions faded into a bright smile, "Anytime," She smiled at him before closing lights and joining him to have a sound sleep.
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"Where are you going?" Ashlene asked as she saw Hilary packing her things in early morning. Tyson yawned as he woke up few minutes back and got down to see his girlfriend standing dead in her tracts.
"I'm leaving," Hilary said with a forced smile,
"Hilary, you are leaving?" Tyson asked as he regained his consciousness,
"Y-Yeah," Hilary sweatdropped, "I will go to my place," Hilary said,
"But why?" The pair asked in unison,
"I'm sorry if I'd hurt you or disappointed you in some way," Ashlene said immediately with sudden regret,
"Hey no!" Hilary walked towards her and held her hands, "There is some else reason for that," Hilary said,
"What…" They asked softly,
Hilary paused for few seconds, looking down thoughtfully and trying to get some explanation, "Kai called me in the morning," Hilary said,
A/N: I'd no idea why I've uploaded this today. But anyway, lucky you. ^_~
I hope y'all liked this chappie! Thanks so much for reviewing previously guys, that means a lot.^^
What Kai has to say to Hilary? Let me tell you. Its hell of important info,okay? Hilary should hear him. Next chapter will be by 14th hopefully and it will be Flashback. No Authors as OCs in it. Just smitten, young lovely RyanHil. Okie? ^_~
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