Chapter 56 - 01/10/2025
One hundred thousand die a day from age-related causes. When will it happen, no one knows. One can only hope that when it does, there will be no pain, their loved ones will be by their side and their last wishes will be fulfilled. Sadly, for him, there are only acquaintances and strangers and one other person whom he must not recognize since he's not pointing to her. It could be from the effect of drugs. It could be hallucination. It could be the beginning of the terminal phase. There are no sounds coming out. Small movement of his lips can be seen. His legs and arms cannot move but his forefinger can.
"Me?"
Sounds of breathing is becoming audible as she moves closer. In…out…in…out...in. His finger just stopped moving. His small opening from the eyes just closed. His last breath just faded. A flat line is now showing. The end is here.
"What did he say?"
"Did he say where the key is?
"Where is it?...Tell me. Where is it? Tell me!"
"No. No. NNO!" Amy opened her eyes, realizing that it happened again. It's not the first time she was awakened by her own screaming but it's the first time others heard. Nadia did. It's Nadia's first time but not Holly's? The last time wasn't a NO. It was screaming. Another time was shouting, calling someone stupid. Then another time, it's cursing? "How often? Everyday?" If it's everyday, then that's a problem. It's not. There's no need to be concerned then. There's no need to be talking about that night of sleepwalking either. Nadia and Holly are here. Even if they only already know what happened that night, this isn't a good time. It's breakfast time. Faith just can't help herself.
"…Dreams are created by the subconscious mind. The majority of the dream content is heavily influenced by our past experiences, things we've seen and heard and the things we've thought about …"
For whatever reason, Faith is again reading the definition from the internet on her phone. But unlike that day when she defined sexomnia, she's sharing her own experience which is so unexpectedly funny, it got Nadia choking on whatever she was drinking because she just realized that her reaction during intimate moments with Holly can be heard by Faith who just blamed them for having wet dreams which is unreasonable since she hasn't slept here for months. If this didn't happen recently, then that's possible. But dreaming about Brooke? Faith had said before she's sexually attracted to both male and female. Since when did she start having feelings for Brooke?
"…She's funny and interesting and attractive and"
"unavailable. Are you okay?" Amy interrupted.
"You're missing the point."
Am I the only one? Holly and Nadia look confused too.
"Have you met anyone you feel an instant connection to but you're not attracted to them until later?"
Is this her point? She didn't realize she has feelings for Brooke until she appeared in her dream? It did seem like it is until she said premonition can come in the form of dreams. As crazy as it sounds, some would believe it. Blake would. But that is a really bad example. "Are you saying you're going to sleep with her?" It's meant to be a joke. Holly and Nadia are laughing. Faith isn't.
"If it happens again, I just might. The only way to stop it is to confront it."
Faith can be so confusing but funny. All she had to say was that. Is she making this up? If she did, it changed the mood. Holly and Nadia are no longer worried and and getting ready to head out to CJ's place. Faith is still here so before she asks what the dream was about, she needs to know it's none of her business. Besides, "It's just a dream."
"That's what I thought too. Then it happened again and again and again like it was telling me to do something. So I did. Then it stopped."
Faith isn't a good liar but this time, it's hard to tell if she is because she's not making any sense. She and Brooke? There's no way. Faith isn't as shy as Nadia but she's not as courageous as Alexis either. "What did you do?" Amy expected an answer not a confused stare, then later realized why after getting three words in a whisper. Faith was whispering because she doesn't want Nadia and Holly to know. Faith was confused because she thought the clues given were obvious. It wasn't. But now is. It wasn't Brooke. It was Will. This is how the 'uncontrollable' moment with Will happened. This is why she thinks her suggestion would work because it worked for her. Confronting her her feelings allowed her to understand what it was, hence the wet dreams stopped after that. That's possible. But she has to be crazy to think that she's going to get more than "It's just a dream" just because she shared hers. Besides, if she knew what the dream was about, she probably would suggest getting psychological help because having a dream of getting tied up by Lucy and Adalyn, then threatened to be sexually assaulted if she doesn't give up the location of the key would be considered abnormal. So Faith doesn't need to know. No one does. It's just a dream, a dream caused by tragic events that happened recently. That's all. Everyone has weird dreams.
-one-half hour later-
Brie must had one too. She woke up later than usual and forgot about today's plan too.
"Do you still want to go?" It's almost 11:00. She can continue working out if she wants to.
"Let me to take a shower first."
With a head full of sweat, Brie needs one. "take your time" There's no need to rush. CJ only needs help with painting and cleaning. Nadia, Holly, Ethan and Faith are already there. Whatever is not done can be done some other time. If Faith wasn't being a pain in the ass, she would've gone with them. Faith won't stop asking. She probably won't stop asking during the ride too. So it was the right decision to go later because unlike Faith, Brie is not in a talkative mood either. A lot has happened in the past month. She'll get over it. She's understanding. She forgave Adalyn. So she will forgive Brooke too.
-arrive to the destination-
It won't be today though because today there are other things to think about.
"Did you know about this?" Brie asked.
Amy stopped taking another step towards the back of CJ's townhouse after Brie did the same. "No." Amy said before adding that it could be CJ since coming here is her request.
"Faith must have known too." Brie let the one next to her know that Faith has been acting strange lately.
"What do you want to do?" Brie does whatever she wants. There she goes, running towards Will who must know what Brie is thinking of since he just dropped a bag of stuff on the ground and ran back to the back of the townhouse. If Brooke were here, she would know she's wrong since Will is avoiding Brie like a plague which is quite funny because Will is using the round patio table to prevent Brie from getting to him. They're behaving like kids. No kids are here but there is another unexpected visitor inside. "Why is she here?" Amy asked CJ since Nadia said they didn't know until they got here and they were told not to say anything.
"It would be weird if I don't invite them."
CJ is usually logical but that is a ridiculous reason. So what if they live near here? So what if they're related to Brie? The only way to find more about someone is to get close to them. That's true but this is too close. They've been helping her paint? It seems that the incident from 1 month ago was enough to change CJ's mind. Adalyn did seem devastated. Only those who are heartless would not be. That's true. But look at her now. She's laughing like Faith is, like nothing happened so it doesn't mean she wasn't pretending. "Just be careful."
"C'mon. Let me show you around."
Coming here, Amy was expecting to clean, paint, move, anything that CJ needs help with. Now seeing Adalyn here, she can't help thinking about the dream. It may be just a dream and Adalyn never ask about the key but she did ask what Francois said so who knows what she's thinking. Who knows what CJ is thinking. Out of all the places that she could have chosen, she chose to move here in the same townhouse complex village as Will's? Tired of looking was the reason. She said. Now it seems like that's not the only reason. She never liked how low the porch is in Will's place. This has the same design but the inside is very different. Green bathroom? Okay. Soothing green looks nice. Yellow…blue…orange?...red? It seems that CJ opted for the vibrant look instead of the calm tone of gray, beige, and brown. That's strange. CJ didn't care about the colors in her old room. But now she cares about the color of curtains? CJ said the renovation is almost done but she needed help repainting some of the walls because she hated how the color came out. Somehow she managed to pull off a surprise with that lie. Everything is done except some of the furniture that required assembling and rearranging. CJ also said Brooke will be coming in later but she didn't say Brooke went out to get lunch with Ethan. How long has it been? Why are they acting like they've known each other for a long time? Why didn't Nadia go with him? Holly could've. Anyone here could've gone with him. But not everyone here would be able to capture the attention of 10 adults with a story of how the realtor deliberately showed them a condo that they did not ask for. The realtor did because she was hoping they have friends who can afford it. She did because she has a difficult time selling it. Three bedrooms, two baths, 180 degrees of unobstructed waterfront city view, 2700 sqft of living space for 2.9 million dollars and 1200 condo fee per month? That is expensive. Where is it is a good question. Brie either wants them to move out out of Will's place ASAP now that Will is back or it could be just a question.
"Would you be interested in six six six?" Brooke knew everyone would be confused since it's not a city. "666 Leg in Boot Square" It's the number of the apartment complex with 37 units. While taking a look around, she didn't feel comfortable because there were noises. At first, she thought it was haunted. Then she thought someone could be hiding in the walk-in closets, waiting to come out to rob them because the realtor was being dishonest. So she pretended to call her friends to let the realtor know that her friends were coming and they are cops. It turned out to be just birds. Even the realtor was shocked. Somehow the birds found a hole somewhere and made a home in the ceilings. "There could be rats too but I didn't see any."
"She thought it was a phrogger too." Adalyn said.
"frogger?" Nadia asked.
"I swear I heard frogs. Ribbit, ribbit"
Oh Brooke. Who are you? This could be the reason why no one could tell that Brooke is not who she said she is since she effortlessly made everyone laugh again by admitting that she too only recently learned the term phrogger herself from watching documentaries that made her a little paranoid. Faith, on the other hand, can effortlessly cause everyone to stop laughing by just one simple question (What is 666?). Everyone knows that 666 is a bad number, a symbol for the devil but to her, it's an angel number?
"If you're seeing this repeatedly, it means your angels are here to remind you to find balance in your life, focus on what truly matters, focus on loved ones, self-care…"
Ohh Faith. If Faith isn't a nurse, she can be a realestate agent. Would she want to live there though? Amy didn't ask since the mood just changed to bursts of laughter from CJ after Brooke made an inappropriate joke. It's inappropriate because Brooke said she should be with Ethan since they have both seen the number 666 together today, from the car license plate of a car and the change from the takeout order. She has the receipt to prove it. It's a joke to make fun of Faith's interpretation("666 means your twin flame is near and you are both ready to be reunited")
"Do you know who coined the term?"
Faith isn't a comedian but she's quick witted as one since she just proved that Brooke has no idea what the term twin flame means and Brooke admitted that she only heard it from some commercial or some song.
"You're my twin flame, you're my soul mate, let's get together, tonight we'll remember, forever and ever...something...la la la"
Well well. She can sing? But it sounded like she made it up. It's funny though. It got everyone laughing again except Faith.
"It's not soul mate. It's two people who share the same soul, two halves of one whole. You'll know if a person is your twin flame when you feel an instant connection like you've known this person forever even if you just met. There will be a spark, an irresistible magnetic force. You may even feel like you need this person. But they are not meant to be lovers…"
If anyone has any doubts about Faith's interpretation, they shouldn't anymore since Faith is able to provide the differences between soul mate and twin flame, the name of the book that popularized the term, and a deep explanation that seems to have bored Will since he just left. Maybe he did have to make a call. But why is Bryan looking at his phone too? Why is CJ doing the same? Why are they looking at each other? Why are they looking at me? CJ made it so noticeable that even Faith noticed by making a joke that caused everyone to laugh except CJ who must not have heard since she's still texting.
"You are definitely my twin flame. I need you at my wedding so don't say you can't make it."
Oh. CJ heard Faith's joke. (laugh) It's funny until she apologized for the short notice and announced that her wedding will be moved to tomorrow night. What! No one is laughing anymore. Everyone is surprised. A reason is given but the reason is ridiculous! Will is back. Lucy is back. Tomorrow is Sunday. So? Why wait is not a logical reason! It's two months early!
-hours later, back at home-
It is to CJ. It is to Faith too because she thinks CJ is changing her plans because of me.
"She didn't go. Will went so you'd know she's back. Did you call her?" Faith paused for 2 seconds before adding "I rest my case."
This isn't a court. Faith isn't a lawyer. She's talking like one. The jury(Holly and Nadia) now looks like they agree with her theory. Not wanting to talk on the phone is no longer a good reason. Neither is 'I know she will come over.' It's 8pm. Lucy is not coming or calling. "Fine. I'll call her. Okay?" Amy takes the phone out.
"Do NOT tell her to change the date."
Faith can be so annoying and confusing at the same time. First, call. Now, don't call. But she may be right. CJ would not have agreed to it if she's not ready. CJ may be but Brie is definitely not ready since she's calling to ask which dress is better via video chat. Did she miss the second half of the announcement? "What do you think?" Amy asked Faith since she's been acting like she knows what CJ wants. If Faith didn't move herself away from the phone, Brie would be able to know what Faith is thinking since Faith just said 'oh my God' without any sound. Holly and Nadia, no doubt, agree since they're both speechless too. It's a formal black evening dress but it's not suitable for the occasion since the sleeveless design with the big opening in the back will take away the spotlight from the bride. "If you want everyone to focus on you, wear that. We are not wearing anything that sexy." Brie understood. Brie also came up with a reason that is even more ridiculous than Faith's. CJ is pregnant? If she is, she's a hypocrite since she once said she's not going to do anything until after marriage. If she is, she's hiding it pretty well.
-next day-
If she is, she must have planned this at least one week prior.
Vines of light pink, blue and ivory roses hung on each window and along the long staircase railing. Long ivory drapes from podiums to ceiling made the room look similar to a wedding banquet hall in a hotel. The bouquets of red, orange, yellow, purple and pink flowers must be CJ's idea. They do make the rooms more vibrant. Having the ceremony indoors is expected since it's too cold out. But an inflatable football toss? Field goal kick? a two hoop basketball? a wedding bouncy house? Whose idea is this? It made Zander very happy. He's not the only one. Brie is jumping like it's her first time. Uh oh. She must be regretting not taking the suggestion. It's a different dress but it would've been easier to jump with pants on. Now she's having trouble getting up which doesn't seem intentional until Ethan fell too while trying to help her up. Did Brooke see that? She didn't. She's busy competing with Scud in the basketball game. She better not beat him if she doesn't want anyone to know. Not only Brooke, Janet is showing off too. Whoever she is playing against, she just raised her arms so she must have won the giant soccer dartboard. Everyone is having fun except for Faith who is again asking a question that is none of her business.
"What are you waiting for? Tick tock, tick tock."
Four months of living together would have an effect on anyone. Now Faith sounds like Brie. Ceremony is done. Wedding is not over. Eva and others are here. This is not the time. "What's up with you and Brooke?" Pivoting doesn't always work. But it did this time. Faith has always been talkative when she thinks she's right. She's known to be nosy too. Yesterday she showed everyone how much she knows about numerology but her behavior towards Brooke seemed familiar. At first, it seemed strange because each time Brooke made a joke, Faith asked Brooke a question as if she wanted to prove to everyone that Brooke knows nothing. Then it became familiar after everyone laughed because Lucy used to be the same way, taking every opportunity to create laughter including using herself and admitting stupidity just like Brooke did. The interaction between them seemed like they don't like each other especially when Faith continued to show off her knowledge to prove her point. But if Faith doesn't like her, why did she continue to talk to her after CJ made the wedding announcement? Why did she say she had a wet dream of Brooke, then later said it was actually Will? Why is she pretending not to know what I'm referring to? "You talked to her alone yesterday. You could've said you had a wet dream of Eva or anyone but you chose Brooke. You've been avoiding her since we came. Why? Are you attracted to her?" A denial is expected not a shush since no one else is nearby.
"She's...attracted to me."
What! Noises are everywhere. So there's no need to hold back. Amy laughed until Faith said Brooke touched her. If Brooke is a guy, it would be believable. Now there is just doubt and a lot of questions. Amy didn't ask and allowed Faith to continue. The explanation didn't take long but it's strange. It's strange that Faith would take the compliments from Brooke as flirtatious behavior. What's wrong with wanting to know if she's dating anyone and what type she's looking for? A hug isn't weird unless it's not just for thanking her for putting up with Brie. "Did she touch anywhere else?" It's not a joke. More proof is needed. It seems to have offended Faith since she said she has been hit been on before.
"I know because she used the same excuses as them. First, compliments on my piano fingers. Then palm reading."
Ohh. The palm reading excuse. So it's just the hand? That is a little weird. Brooke must have a good reason. So before Faith does something she regrets, she needs to know the issue isn't Brooke. It's her. "So you did dream about her." Amy didn't ask in the form of a question because it's becoming pretty clear that she did.
"You're missing the point."
Yes she did. She understood why it was asked too. Having weird dreams doesn't mean there are psychological issues. Having a wet dream could mean there is attraction. But she's not going to admit it. She came up with another crazy theory. But this one makes sense because Brooke was with Christian and is now with Adalyn. The sudden change in their relationship along with the conversation from yesterday gave her the idea that Brooke could be the unfaithful one. So now she thinks that Brooke could go after Lucy too. Maybe she had more than just one wet dream? "You are taking it way too seriously." Amy laughed since it's funny until Faith gave the same reason that Brooke did a month ago.
"I get why you don't think so anymore. But others do. Why do you think she's still wearing that?"
Many do find Lucy attractive including Brooke. That is a good reason but Faith seems to have forgotten the incident from 4 months ago. Lucy is in a male disguise because Eva is here. Eva and others don't know the truth. It's not because she doesn't want to attract attention. Faith is going to think she's right regardless so there's no need to remind her. The only way to prove she's wrong is ask. "Let me find out." Amy said after noticing that Brooke is coming this way.
"You do that but do not tell her what I said."
And there goes Faith avoiding Brooke like she's afraid of falling for her. (laugh) Brooke doesn't look like she's coming over to talk to Faith though since she's not following her. What's the hurry?
"Did you talk to her yet?"
First Faith. Now Brooke. They do have a lot in common. "MYOB" Amy said. Brooke should know what that stands for.
"WYWF"
She does. Now she sounds like Faith. Surprisingly, she came up with a good reason for asking this time. She thinks Adalyn made an excuse to the restroom to talk to Lucy because Lucy isn't here. That's a logical assumption but it doesn't mean it's true. Even if they are, "So? "
"Please."
(sigh) If Faith heard, she would know she's wrong about Brooke but she would definitely still think there's something wrong with her relationship with Adalyn. Brooke is right though. Lucy has to be hiding something. But looks like she's wrong about Adalyn. She just came in with Holly and CJ. Lucy is not here because she's setting up the tables with Nadia and Will. Dinner is ready. Buffet style? Okay. This is different. Anything they make would be better than takeout. Even if it is takeout, no one would mind. Eva doesn't and she let everyone know that this is the best wedding she's been to and she's not leaving until she can get at least one football into the target which is funny since she's not the only one. This is one wedding where no one wants to leave early. That includes Brooke but for a different reason. Who would think that she can be such a pain in the ass!
"If she won't tell you, keep pushing her. Tell her you will never talk to her again. Then walk out. If that doesn't work, then just give her what she wants."
The bathroom is almost there but it can wait because Brooke is as annoying as Brie once said. "Tell me what to do again. Ask her yourself." That worked, surprisingly. She's leaving. So she is telling the truth. She is afraid of asking Adalyn. Asking would show that she doesn't trust her. Trust issues could lead to arguments, then possibly separation. That's the reason she's not willing to try. That's what she said but now it seems like there's another reason because she has been very pushy just like Faith was. "Hey. I changed my mind." She's coming back, as expected. The shush is unexpected though. It wasn't that loud. No one else is here.
"What?"
"I don't want to know. I don't need to know. We're separated. I'm not going to ask her." Clear enough? It is. Her frustration shows. This will let her know why. "I really hate being used."
"I'm not using you. I just-"
Just what? She should know 'you want to know too' won't work. She does. She gave in. It's another assumption but this time it's a whisper into the ear.
"Today…please."
(sigh) That doesn't sound like a command. It doesn't sound like a lie either because it make sense. What if Adalyn proposes tonight? Knowing now would be better than later. "I'll try." It's not a promise because there's a chance that Lucy doesn't know what Adalyn is up to since she has been acting like nothing is bothering her, like everyone who came to have fun, like everything is…normal. Where's everyone? It was just a short bathroom break. The chairs are now all empty. Dishes are still on the table. The stainless steel buffet trays are still here. Cheering could be heard in the other room. What is going on? Unlike Nadia and Holly's wedding, this non-traditional wedding got the guests to stand in line again. First, it was for the buffet. Now is…a dunk tank? Everyone except the gals are making as much noises as possible to distract Nadia from hitting the target. This is different. It worked. Nadia missed. Faith is next in line. She's taking one step back? This will be difficult.
"Now would be a good time."
(sigh) Brooke just can't help herself. She did need to go to the bathroom and now there she goes, cheering Faith on like Nadia and Holly and others which probably won't help. It didn't. Faith failed too. Brooke is getting in line. What is she doing? What does she mean this would be a good time? She's not going to show off again, is she? Even if she is, this is not a good time. Oh. She doesn't have to. Eva failed but Brie succeeded. It's not water. Is that…milk? (laugh) Some say milk is good for the face and hair. With the raincoat, the tuxedo is safe but Bryan will need a shower. It's CJ's turn but looks like Will isn't willing. He missed? That had to be intentional. The target is far but not beyond what he's capable of. Ethan missed too? Is that intentional? Maybe. Scud missed too. Everyone else probably will too. Every guy except Zander. (gasp) No one was fast enough to prevent him from hitting the target at close range. (laugh) Luckily, it's not milk. It's confetti? How? Will must have known. He let everyone including CJ believe that he refilled the bucket with lowfat milk. But it might not be his idea. It could be Lucy's. Where is she going? Bryan needs a shower. She doesn't so why is she following the newlyweds out? Amy followed after getting the unnecessary signal from Brooke, then picked up the pace after noticing that Lucy is heading in a different direction. The hallway isn't a good place to talk. Whatever room that Lucy is opening will do. Oh no you don't. Amy thought she had to prevent Lucy from closing the door since Lucy has been acting like a stranger ever since she came. The door is wide opened. Lucy is still going about her own business as if she's expecting this. There she goes to the bathroom. Questions can wait until she's done. But one minute is too long. There are sounds of running water. If she thinks she can hide in there to avoid this, this will let her know that she cannot. Amy banged on the door until it's opened which didn't take long. Then the unexpected happened. Lucy is no longer wearing the suit jacket, vest or tie. The shirt is unbuttoned half-way. One simple question from Lucy made her realized how Brooke got her to come up here. It's because Lucy thinks that her fake beard is coming off. There are stains on the shirt sleeves and vest too. Did Brooke do that?
"Is it? I can't see." Lucy tilted her head to allow Amy to see.
Amy made sure the fake beard is secured as requested which didn't take long but the time that Lucy is taking to clean the stain from the shirt and vest is getting to the point where she felt the need to take them away from her. "So?"
Lucy knew this would happen but didn't expect this to happen now since the wedding isn't over yet. So instead of asking what Amy is referring to, it would be better to start with an apology. "Sorry" The first apology is for not being here. It's necessary because she never thought that Kato wouldn't be here when she gets back. Kato was fine when she left but she also didn't think about how old Kato was. It was pain and discomfort due to aging that made Amy decide to put Kato down which is not an easy decision to make even if is the right thing to do. "I'm sorry you had to make that decision."
"and?" Amy wasn't expecting that since an apology was given months ago over the phone.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Bryan." Lucy didn't think this apology is necessary but only did so because Amy found out. There was no need for her to know that Bryan was looking after Francois. At least now, she knows that it wasn't Adalyn's fault. Dogs go after small animals. That happens. Adalyn would have gone after Hope if Francois suddenly collapsed on the ground. Bryan and CJ witnessed the incident while following them. No one would have been able to prevent Hope from getting hit by a car. It was an unfortunate accident. "I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner. I wanted to but I had a cold. I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was back. I had to quarantine and if I told you, you would've come over. Surprise would be ruined." A surprise wedding cannot happen without the couple's approval. In this case, Bryan and CJ know where they want it to be held. They know what they want. However, the timing had to be changed since Anthony decided to sell this place and there's a potential buyer. "…and they both wanted to be surprised." Lucy said just in case Amy wants to tell her why a surprise wedding is a bad idea again. This time, neither of them wanted to set up the decorations themselves since they know how difficult it was the last time. Neither cares who sets it up as long as it's beautiful and filled with fun things for everyone.
Another surprise wedding? CJ didn't say that. Regardless, this is unimportant. "and?" Amy asked again since there has to be something else. Bryan was at the hospital. Francois requested to have a call with her for one last time because he knew that he won't make it to see her in person. Adalyn was blocking the way because she wanted introduce Brooke to Francois and she didn't want anyone else there. This is the explanation given which made sense. But not anymore, not to Brooke who thinks that Adalyn is hiding something from her and Lucy could have another reason for leaving. She's just not sure what.
"annd...stay with me tonight and I'll tell you."
"If you don't tell me, I will never talk to you again."
Amy used to have a lot of patience but not anymore. "Okay. But later. I promise." Lucy reminded her that this is a wedding which didn't work. An explanation shouldn't take that long. That's true but it's not the right time. Besides, the phone is vibrating so that means "it's time."
Time for what? Amy didn't ask since Nadia just sent a message. It is urgent. Lucy is hurriedly putting on the same shirt, vest and tie. The stain isn't that noticeable on a black vest. No one would care anyways because they're all focusing on the newlyweds on the landing on the second floor. It's time for the bouquet toss. That's what it looks like until CJ and Bryan threw something else down after everyone counted to 3. What is that? It's flying everywhere. Whatever it is, they're all slowly descending like snow but it's orange. It's blue and silver and purple and…paper helicopters? in all different colors. For whatever reason, CJ wants everyone to catch one and one only which is not difficult to do since there are many of them, probably about a hundred. Zander is the only one who's not listening. He's catching as many as he can. (laugh) This isn't the traditional bouquet toss but it made everyone happy because there are no losers. Those who didn't get the special paper helicopter got to go home with a gift. The two who did got more than that, an applause and made fun of. Even Brie was surprised so she's probably thinking of the same thing. Was it a setup? It could be Lucy's idea since she has always wanted Ethan to move on. It could be Will's too since he wanted Brie to move out. How Ethan and Brie both ended up with the special paper helicopter, she's still not sure. But Lucy is good at stealing so there's one possibility. She must have switched them. "What did you do?" As expected, Lucy denied it but did say it was her idea which is unsurprising. She knows how to fly a helicopter. Only she would thought of this. Only she would think that this is fate. Fate? Ethan and Brie? If they are, Brooke would be happy since she failed to get Brie interested in Ken(the half Irish/half Korean) who must have found interest in Faith since he's showing her how to throw the football. If they are, Will must approve since he was clapping like everyone else when everyone learned who got the special paper helicopters. He's not smiling now; he just got dunk-tanked by Brie and it's not confetti in the bucket. (laugh) Since when did she get so good at throwing? Since when did Lucy become so interested in Brie's life? Lucy has always felt sorry for Brie but not worried to the point where she wants to know what she did everyday, who she hangs around with, and if she's seeing anyone. It almost sounds like she talked to Brooke. Either that or Brie. Why else would she ask about their recent argument? "They're siblings. It's normal." Amy didn't say what the argument is about since Brie wouldn't want anyone to know. "As long as they don't live together, it's fine."
"like us?"
Amy wasn't expecting that so before this gets to something else, Lucy needs to be reminded of what she promised earlier before Nadia sent the message. "What were you going to show me?" The non-traditional bouquet toss is done. Wedding cake has been served. Eva finally got the football into the hole. No one is on the bouncy ball. Zander had too much excitement for one day. He already with Janet and Scud. No one else is nearby so-
"You see that?" Lucy asked.
Amy followed Lucy's line of sight until she noticed who Lucy is looking at. "What?" Nadia and Holly are competing against Brooke and Adalyn in the inflatable basketball game. They're all having a good time. So what is she referring to?
"You notice anything wrong with her? Brooke, I mean."
What? No…waaay. She noticed? No one else did, not even Brie or Adalyn. Wait a minute. How could she when she hasn't been here? "What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's happy…they're happy."
What? Amy would have asked if Eva didn't call for her. There's no need to deny Eva's request for a game though even if she wants to continue the conversation with Lucy since there is plenty of time to do so later. Besides, she has an idea of what Lucy was referring to. Brooke and Adalyn are together. They're happy. She's not. Besides, she wouldn't have been able to deny Eva's request because Eva's interruption is deliberate. Brie has given up playing matchmaker but Eva hasn't. 'Are you back with your ex?' is a very weird question especially when Lucy has been staying away for the past 2 hours until a moment ago. Asking about Ken at this very moment is super awkward since he's still here, playing and chatting with Faith. It's super weird too since she should already know Brie is not interested in Ken so why would she think I would? "no" Amy said, then realized that Eva had another intention for asking after being shown a picture on her phone. It's another good looking guy but this one is definitely older than 28.
"He's divorced too and he's outgoing and very funny and…he's my uncle..."
Uncle from Quebec, originally from London, just recently came to visit? It seems that Eva has been watching and waiting for this moment. Does Brooke know about this? Now that she's living in Will's townhouse, she's been helping Eva out with her homework. Introducing Ken to Brie was their idea so she might. Does Lucy know about this? If not, she will soon. She must know about Ken. Why else did she ask about Brie? Why is she washing the dishes? It's one way to avoid talking about it but she should know what will happen.
Amy waited until the wedding is over which lasted two and a half hours of fun. Cleaning up didn't take long since Nadia, Holly, Faith and Brie stayed behind to help. But now it seems like they did for another reason. Nadia and Holly missed it the last time. Now they get to see the beautiful sunset with the waterview from Anthony's place. Lucy's intention is now clear. This is part of her plan. She waited for this moment on purpose to explain because it would have ruined the mood during the wedding and no one else can know. Adalyn does only because she knows too much about Francois' condition to know that the stroke had to be caused by something else besides old age. This is the reason Lucy left. It wasn't just to help Anthony find a new place to live. It's because the vaccine either has side effects or failed to completely cure Francois who told her to look for the key after remembering where it could be. This is the reason CJ and Bryan decided to get married. Death can happen at any time. There's no reason to wait just like Faith said. This is the reason Adalyn didn't want Brooke to go out alone. This is the reason Adalyn wanted to start a family. Brooke doesn't know why. Brooke can't know why. What should I tell her?
"Sorry" Lucy apologized in a whisper as she held onto Amy's waist from behind as long as she's allowed to while knowing that Amy might go back on her word and leave or slap her on the face for keeping this from her or both.
This is the reason Lucy came back. Amy didn't pull back since all she can think of right now is if she should tell Lucy what Francois wrote on her palm with the tip of his finger before he exhaled his last breath.
Will she go back to look for the key again? One thing is certain, Adalyn will.