Chapter 47

Part 1 - 10/02/2023

Snow can no longer be seen. Leaves are starting to appear. Flowers will soon line the fences and fill the empty areas around the house. After 3 days of rain, sunshine is finally here but as clear as the blue sky is, the feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, and regret is still here.

"You better get up and see this. He's at it again."

Five months have passed since that day yet still no change.

"He's planning to grow grapes. He said you always wanted to make your own wine. Is that true?"

Each morning, she hoped to see something different from the night before but when it didn't happen, day after day after day, she came to accept it as everyone around her has since no amount of crying, apologizing, or praying had any effect.

"Oh, she's back. They're back. I'll be back."

She hurried out as fast as her injured leg allowed her to with the crutches after closing the bedroom door. Pain could be felt with each step but nothing hurt as much as that moment when she found out the truth. The lie was unintentional. She learned. But even so, she wished she was told. After opening the back patio door, she realized she didn't have to ask to know what the answer is. No one with good news would look like theirs. But what could be worse than not being able to find a cure?

"Did something happened to Hope?"

Ever since that day she agreed to leaving Hope with her friends, she was certain that she made the right decision until she didn't get any news from them. No one ever said they had no intention of keeping contact. It was another lie but this lie was so obvious, she had no one to blame but herself because she knew David hated Christian. So of course, they wouldn't want any contact. It was naïve to think that they would until she found out Doc and Adalyn went on a trip together. Where did they go? There's no reason for them to go anywhere unless they're not coming back or unless they know where the key is. The fact that they're here now meant Christian was telling the truth this time.

"No"

No? So does that mean Christian lied again? They didn't go to see Hope? Or does she mean there's no change?

"What happened?"

Like Christian, Adalyn will lie when it's necessary but she also has proven herself in the past few months that she can be trusted. That day, she showed everyone what she's willing to do to protect Christian and now she's protecting him again from being bothered. It's obvious she's diverting the topic so that Christian can talk to Doc privately which is fine but if she thinks this will stop the questions from continuing, she had not been listening. There's no need to tell her again that Hope is more than just a bodyguard though since she is apologizing again just like the last time when it's not her fault. It's just a torn Achilles tendon caused by clumsiness yet she's blaming herself for not being here. Would this have happened if she didn't go with Doc? Maybe. Maybe not. But this is nothing compared to what could've happened that day. None of this is her fault so

"Tell me, what happened?"

It's happening again. Every time a question is asked, no one is willing to talk about it. To this day, she still has no idea what exactly happened that day. Who were those people in the van? Why did they say there were bodies found? That's what the media said. Why does everyone think that David has the key? What is the key? No one knows and knowing isn't going to help. That's what Christian said each time she asked. One thing that she does know is that he was prepared for it since no one would be that calm after an explosion but he was and he knew exactly what to do. Adalyn wasn't and didn't. What happened that day showed that she had regrets of following the instructions given and now, it seems like she regretted going.

"Did you see him?" This could be why. Meeting the one whom she had fallen for must have been awkward, even more so if his girlfriend was there. If she didn't, then she must have wanted to. That's one long sigh of disappointment. Maybe she did? "You know, there arre better guys out there. Just sayin." Brie added the last two words in case Adalyn goes off with her usual denial rant again.

"It's not what it looks like. We didn't hook up. Don't believe Aria. She was trying to break them up."

That's what she always said every time she denied knowing where David is. Whether it's true or not, it doesn't matter. But this does.

"I don't mean Christian. He's taken. You can't. Not now. Not ever." She knows she's over-reacting but she can't help it since in the past few months, she found Adalyn to be very helpful, understanding, and likeable. If she did, then she's certain Christian also did. They're just friends now but feelings can change over time so it's necessary to remind her of her friendship with Brooke.

"Sorry"

So she was thinking of Christian? It did seem that way until she explained what she's apologizing for. It was a misunderstanding. She has no interest in Christian whatsoever and there were more reasons than one that made her decide to get involved. It wasn't just for Brooke, a friend, whom she considered as her own sister. It wasn't just to repay Christian for paying her bills so she didn't have to go thru what Brooke did. It was also because she had no choice. Those after the key were also after everyone who knows Christian. This makes sense but the reason she is so stressed now is not because she should know the decision is not up to her. It's not up to Christian either.

Brie quickly went back inside while screaming for Christian to stop since she's not sure if Doc has already done it. It might be too late if she did. Medication takes more than one dosage but side effects can kill instantly. It doesn't look like they did since they're both standing in the kitchen. But why is he glaring at Doc? He never did that before. He trusts her with his own life. So what could possibly get him to look at her like David did.

"I need to know."

Whatever Doc needs to know, Christian is unwilling to answer.

"I need to know how she was feeling before it happened, during, afterwards. Did she complain of anything? Did she want to? Who initiated it? Was it rough? Did she reach that point? How long did it take from the moment she"

"That's enough!"

Christian has had it. Nothing broke. The cup would have if he had used it to slam it against the counter instead of using his hand.

"I'm not God. I'm a doctor. I don't know how to help her if you don't tell me."

"What you're implying is ridiculous."

"What's ridiculous?" It's happening again. No one is talking. "I have a right to know! It's not your decision to make, not yours and not yours!" Brie said loudly this time to let them know she's had enough too. "So tell me what's ridiculous!"

Christian still won't but Doc did. No wonder why he won't. It's because Doc thinks that Brooke's condition was because of him? What! Rough sex can kill and can do serious damage. That didn't happen according to Christian who didn't hold back this time but also didn't elaborate since it's personal. He has a very good point too. How does knowing the details of their intimate moment help? How long did it take for Brooke to lose unconsciousness from the moment she orgasmed is a very personal and absurd question. If she's not a female, one would think she's a pervert.

"I know you don't think it matters. It might. It might not. But I need to know so that I can determine if she has the same illness as Hope."

Adalyn did say Doc suggested using the same medication that Hope is using but that doesn't make sense. "Why would-" Wait a second. "Are you saying Hope had sex before she fell into a coma?" That's not possible. She was in the hospital. Unless that person is "You-" Hope wouldn't but Doc doesn't look like a doctor and she knows hypnosis and Riley said she's into women so maybe-

"Do you know when she did?"

What? "I don't know." That's a question but why does it sound like she thinks it's me? And why did she say when not if? Does that mean she knows she did? "You're not making any sense." That's to show support for Christian who's obviously emotionally distressed by the accusation since he just moved over to the kitchen sink to wash his face like he's trying to control himself from vomiting.

"I'm a doctor. We doctors rely on data and right now, I don't have enough. I saw what happened to Hope. I know how she felt at that moment but I don't know what she did that day, what she ate, how she was feeling before that."

She sure loves reminding us that she's the doctor and we don't know crap. At least now, Christian is awake. It did seem like he was brainwashed before since he was doing everything she said including buying this house instead of a condo and hiring an expert with feng shui knowledge to set up the living area because she believes it would help. Now that it doesn't, she thinks it could be him and wants him to move out? How ridiculous! "Are you a real medical doctor?" That's rude but that's necessary in case Christian is thinking of doing what she says again.

"As a doctor, I can't tell you what I know. But if I don't, it's not going to help anyone."

What is she hiding?

"He…thought it was ridiculous too. He…felt the same way you do. He…didn't want to tell me either but he did…because he knows how important she is to you…and you."

Me and Adalyn? Not Christian? Adalyn looks confused too. That's because Adalyn wasn't allowed to be in the room when Doc had the conversation with David. Doc might not have said but that's probably what she meant. No one wants others to know the details of their intimate moment with their lover. But what is she talking about?

"Who died? Kristin?" Kristin promised to take care of Hope. It was her promise that got her to agree with letting Hope go with them. No? Well, that's good. Adalyn isn't that clueless but this usage of 'he-she' nonsense needs to stop. "If it's not Kristin, then who?" Doc didn't say who and now it seems like she has another reason other than respecting the dead. She's looking at Christian. "You…slept with his girl?" This would explain why David hates him so much. Brooke isn't the only one he took from him. He's shaking his head. But that doesn't look convincing. "Do you…have some kind of...disease?" He looks normal but a lot of men with STD do. An assumption like that should get anyone, especially a man, to angrily deny it so why did he deny it so calmly. There is only one reason. If it's not him, then it must be David. "You think he made Brooke sick?"

"Nnno, he didn't."

Obviously Adalyn does have feelings for David otherwise why would she be defending him? And so quickly too. "Then who else was she sleeping with?"

"She didn't."

Anyone would quickly defend the ones they love. In this case, both Christian and Adalyn did. It wasn't her intention to talk badly about Brooke but she did use to be an escort. That's how they met. They both know that and now they seem to be in denial of the possibility. Maybe they don't know? "He said they saw each other again in Paris. He didn't recognize her but she did." No one else looks confused. Christian is again shaking his head. Why? Everything that Doc said would have made sense if they weren't lying! Riley was right. Doc is a manipulative biatch. It could be Christian's idea. It can't be Adalyn's since she no longer could keep hiding the truth. So most likely, it's Doc's since she was there. She saw David's behavior. She heard what David said in that moment when he threatened her with a knife. So she tricked him into thinking that Brooke is the same person as his lover. "I can't believe you did that."

"It was to help Hope and your sister."

"You did it for yourself!" Brie said even though she knows she shouldn't say it so loudly since Doc could be the only one who can help Brooke. If Christian wasn't standing in her way, she would have more to say. If Adalyn didn't agree with him, she would've told them what Riley said. But Adalyn is right, what's the point? She too felt the same way when she found out. There was no other way but to continue with the lie and hope it would work. When it didn't, there was no reason to disclose the truth until now. "You can't trust her." That's what Riley said. That's why she chose not to follow her here. Christian still does since he took all the blame and now probably telling Doc everything she wants to know since they're still inside.

"If anyone can help, it's her."

"That's our weakness and she knows that." Brie said, knowing that it would be difficult to convince a lawyer without providing any evidence.

"You don't need to worry. Christian knows what he's doing."

"Do you know what you're doing?" Her explanation earlier for getting involved did make sense until now. If she thinks Christian knows what he's doing, then what is she still doing here? With a new identity, she can go anywhere she wants just like Riley. Christian would understand. Brooke would too. She should know that staying here close to Christian, she might find herself in the same situation as she was before. There's no reason to risk her life for friends so unless she's in love with Christian, it doesn't make sense.

"You don't need to worry about me."

"Is he worth it?" She can deny all she wants. Surprisingly, she didn't this time but she is pivoting the conversation again. Life does need to go on with or without Brooke. But how could life go on without worries when Doc is still here?

"I know it's difficult but-"

"She used me to get to David." She had to interrupt since Adalyn is going on and on, talking about the future like Brooke used to do. Riley's opinion of Doc won't convince her so maybe this will. "You remember that speech she gave. She said, we all did nothing to help Hope." She had no intention in telling anyone what happened that night but now there is a reason.

Moving from one place to another was Christian's idea because he said people were after him. He never said Brooke's illness was caused by his enemies but that thought did cross her mind since the move happened after Brooke suddenly passed away. Staying away from him was for her safety but she didn't think she would feel so lonely living in a condo by herself. Those days reminded her of the time when she was living in foster care homes where everyone is a stranger. She couldn't tell them the truth. Everyone she met, she was afraid to get close to them since they could be after her to get to Christian. With no one to talk to, the virus, the danger, and the chaos everywhere, it got to the point where she couldn't take it anymore so she sent Christian a suicide message which didn't work. Christian didn't respond just like every other messages that she had previously sent. There was nothing to live for. At that moment, she didn't care about anything except let Christian know that he was the one who pushed her over the edge. Killing herself wouldn't be enough. She needed to let him know that he was the one who forced her to prostitution not Brooke who had kept her away from the escort service after she found her. She needed him to regret the rest of his life for failing to keep Brooke's promise to keep her safe. So she called Riley. But the outcome was unexpected. That night, she realized that her pain was minimal when compared to Hope's.

"She has scars, here, here, here, wounds on her back, all covered with tattoos. I asked her how she got them. She said…at a tattoo shop. Then she smiled at me and shrugged like it was nothing." That was a funny moment since she wasn't expecting Hope's behavior to be so different from the way she looks especially after the attitude that she gave Riley. "That night..." Brie continued, letting Adalyn know that sex did happen and more importantly how she had planned on killing herself afterwards.

"Brie-"

"I regretted." She again extended her hand to signal Adalyn to just listen since she's not finished. "Then, I did it again…with…David." That's deliberate to see how she would react. She's looking very perplexed. Those wrinkles on her forehead match the lines under her tired eyes. She has fallen for David for sure. Why else would she have nothing to say, looking like she doesn't believe it? "He made me realized how stupid I was." Talking badly about David isn't her intention. Making her see how manipulative Doc can be is. "She was using me to get to him. She's willing to do anything to find the key. So how do we know if she's not using us now?" She should know that's true. No one knows what the key looks like. What it could do might not be true. She said it herself. Christian is desperate so he's willing to take the risk. She's...why is she crying?

"I'm so sorry"

Oh Adalyn. Why is she apologizing again when this isn't her fault?

After getting a hug, multiple apologies, and the same promise as Brooke, Brie realized it's useless to try to talk her into leaving. (sigh)