AN : Hii guys, here we go for another chapter. Sorry I haven't published a new chapter since so long :) I hope you'll still like it :)
Disclaimer : I don't own these characters and do not make profit out of this
Chapter 13
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During all this time, Henry hadn't left the stairs and was still sitting on the second step, trying to think about what was happening to him… to them… but he couldn't find an explanation. The only thing that made him return to reality was the ringing that his phone made when he received a text message. He sighed, this was really not the time, but then, he remembered that it could be Francis or… or maybe his wife… therefore, he got up and walked to the couch to take his phone. Before looking at it, he sat on the couch and took a deep breath… he was anxious about what he would discover…
Once he was ready, he looked down at the screen and read Catherine's short message… Instead of relieving him of his doubts, it only created more… what was this supposed to mean ? Why had she left ? For how long ? Would she ever come back ? This text answered none of his questions… and yet, apparently that was the only thing he would get…
He let the phone fall beside him on the couch and leaned back to look at the white ceiling… the empty ceiling. That was exactly how he felt… empty.
/-/-/-/-/
At Madeleine's house
The two women had been discussing about the situation and Catherine had explained everything that had happened since Henry had come back.
Henry's sister seemed a little taken aback… "So what do you plan to do now ?"
Catherine sighed "I don't know… I thought I could do it… forget, but…"
Madeleine gently cut her friend's speech "This is not about forgetting, you won't ever forget, and he won't either… it's about letting the past behind and forging ahead."
The Italian woman remained silent for a few seconds, thinking about her answer "I don't know… I think I'm afraid."
Madeleine smiled gently "That's normal and understandable… has he pressured you ?" That could explain her reaction.
"No… not at all… he… he was… – she was looking for the right word – perfect."
The French woman nodded softly… and noticed Margot was waking up in her mother's arms.
"Hello sweetie…" she smiled brightly and Catherine returned her smile.
"Come here in your auntie's arms…" she said happily as she carefully took the newborn baby in her arms.
Catherine smiled softly at her little daughter and then at Madeleine who was gently caressing Margot's soft cheek with her forefinger.
Just a little while later, the tiny girl began to cry "Oh… it seems someone here is quite hungry." She smiled and gave her back to Catherine. The later softly freed her right breast to feed her baby, there has never been any shame of doing that in front of her best friend.
Catherine looked down at Margot for a minute and then yawned from exhaustion "Do you think I could go to sleep now ?" She didn't want to bother her friend more than she already had.
"Of course Cath… you don't need to ask." Madeleine smiled brightly. "But… do you mind if I call Henry ?"
Catherine shook her head "No… I don't mind." Afterall, she couldn't forbid her best friend to call her brother and there was no reason to.
Madeleine nodded and watched Catherine leaving for the guest room.
Just a few minutes later, the middle-aged woman took her phone and called her older brother.
/-/-/-/-/
Henry was still thinking on the couch, he didn't know what to think or do anymore and still thought of his wife's text when he heard his phone ringing. He picked it up from the couch and saw it was his sister. He sighed and answered the phone, this situation was exhausting.
"Madeleine." He simply said, he knew she was calling him because of his wife.
"- Henry… hum… I'm calling you because Catherine is here.
- Yes, I know – he closed his eyes – I received her text.
- Yes… I.. I'm calling you to tell you that not everything is lost – she struggled to find the right words to explain.
- What do you mean ? – he frowned.
- I mean, that she did not leave you with the thought of never returning… she is just very lost right now.
- And what do you think I am if not lost ? I go to the shopping centre to buy a stroller for our new born daughter and when I return, I find my youngest son crying because his mother had left while I was away ! – He let his disappointment and helplessness talk.
- Don't take it like that Henry. That not what it was for her. – That was the reaction Madeleine had feared… and yet it was somewhat justified.
- Well, that's what it is for me. She left me and didn't even tell me. And for once I had done nothing wrong. – He was feeling so alone.
- She's lost Henry. She needs to find her way back to her new life… and to you.
- Can't she do it with me ? Am I forced to be always alone for something that I didn't even fucking do ?! – his anger for what that snake Diane had done came back in him at full force.
- Henry… – she sighed – This is not about what you did or didn't do. She needs times to adapt to this new reality Henry. Just days ago, she thought you had a mistress.
- But it was not true Madeleine ! I don't deserve to be punished for something I didn't do… - he sighed sadly.
- I know. But it has been too long for her Henry. So many years… she has no trust anymore in your relationship. I know this sounds unfair because in truth you did nothing wrong… but just put yourself in her shoes… - she tried to reason with her overwhelmed and distressed brother.
- Maybe… - he saw the truth in his sister's words – but she shouldn't have left like that.
- Yes… I agree with you on that, she should have talked to you and explained but truly I don't think she even understands herself. Just give her some time to process the new developments in your lives, take some time yourself to think of what you want… and then you'll both be ready to have a discussion.
- Alright… - Madeleine always found the right words to appease him – I'll try… but you promise to call me if anything's wrong with Catherine or Margot. – he wanted to make sure they were both alright.
- Of course Henry… - she smiled to herself – and try to sleep.
- Oh… I most certainly won't sleep tonight…
- Yes… - she had known that – I know…
- But thank you for calling sister… goodnight
- Of course, goodnight to you too."
They both hung up the phone. Madeleine left the living room for her bedroom and on his side, Henry turned on the TV to try and think of something else than his wife and their very uncertain future…
If you're still interested in this fanfic, please leave a comment (here or on my instagram reignxcath) It really helps to find the motivation to write and to not feel alone :)
Thank you, and have a good day :)
Laura D.
