It’s been three weeks since the encounter, Fiona’s truth came as a shock to everyone and tension is now the new normal in their lives.

“Guys it’s Fiona, she would really like to talk to you,” Ann says persuasively as she looks at Ben and Oscar who stare aimlessly at the television screen. For a moment they look at Ann with dull eyes and turn away as if she said nothing. Ann goes into the kitchen and says, “Sorry Fiona, I guess they are not ready yet. Just give them some time, I’m sure they’ll come around.”

“Ok,” Fiona’s faint voice replies. Ann cannot help but listen in as Fiona tries to stop her tears. This is how it has been ever since that dreadful night; Ben barely talks to his sister anymore. It’s not like he hasn’t spoken to her at all, but their conversations don’t go past him asking if she is ok. He listens to everything she has to say but doesn’t reply, often saying he’s busy when he’s tired of listening to her.

Ben desperately wants to ignore Fiona, but he knows his sister is not in the best place right now. With her marriage falling apart, he cannot ignore her, but he still tries.

Oscar on the other hand seems to be holding himself together better than his wife, that is as long as her name is never mentioned. Ann has caught him crying a few times, Ben has noticed it as well, but he never bothered. He doesn’t expect sympathy from Ben and he fully understands why. Oscar tries to put on a brave face for his sister, but she sees through him every single time. Despite the circumstance, this was probably the first time in a long time Oscar truly felt like he could finally understand his sister.

Ann on the other hand was trying to help things get back to normal as soon as possible. She has been in constant contact with Fiona though, she always begs Ann to help save her marriage. Despite Ann’s attempts, Oscar just keeps avoiding the subject while Ben barely reacts to Fiona’s calls unless he thinks it’s ‘urgent’.

She hasn’t contacted Andrew ever since that night either. She heard from Emma that he was in touch with her, seemingly the only person he trusted. He now lives by himself in a small apartment and even has a part-time job now and even planning on pursuing studies.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Emma was left in the dark about the details of the night, Ann didn’t tell her and did everything to avoid the subject in the beginning. But she eventually under the pressure, released some of her stress by mentioning her brother’s marriage and Ben’s strained relationship with his sibling. Emma didn’t push the obviously anxious Ann to reveal what she didn’t want to mention, however, Emma’s curiosity still remained.

Eventually, she heard Andrew came in for a session with Emma. And knowing Emma, Ann even prepared for a confrontation regarding the night’s incidents but unexpectedly that never happened. She was relieved a week after the visit, at the time she was sure Emma would never find out.

‘Andrew didn’t tell her what happened, perhaps that’s the kind of man he truly is’, Ann thought.

This was the new normal for the family, a painful reality of stubborn hearts and painful decisions. But things weren’t going to be like this forever.

“You called Emma?” Ann says walking into Emma’s office one morning. Emma would normally go to Ann whenever she wanted to talk and so her call was suspicious. As Ann walks in she is stunned as she sees Andrew waiting there, sitting next to Emma.

“Come in Ann.” Emma’s calm demeanour is difficult to read and Ann is emotionally startled. “Don’t worry, we just want to talk.” Ann walks in cautiously, her glance moving from Emma to Andrew.

“Hello Ann,” Andrew says normally as she sits down.

“How are you, Andrew?” Ann asks softly trying to calm herself.

“I’m good. Got a job, starting to figure life out.”

“That’s good,” Ann smiles as a small smile is seen on Andrew’s face as well.

“Good. Now that the introductions are out of the way, lets get started.” Ann stares at Emma who is radiating in all her professional wisdom. “Andrew, is there something you want to as Ann?” Ann stares at Andrew unsure of what will come, what he’ll ask, and more importantly how she will answer. Andrew straightens his back and lets out a sigh and then proceeds with his question.

“Do you love Ben?” Ann’s eyes widen and her mouth is slightly open, in shock with his question. She is speechless for a few moments allowing the question to sink in. She then looks at Emma who nods and she closes her eyes briefly. She looks at Andrew who sits before her awaiting her answer.

“Yes, I do,” Ann replies. “But what does that have to do with anything?”

“For now, Ann, please answer my questions,” Andrew replies in a politely stern voice. Ann looks at Emma again who is taking down some notes. She doesn’t know what is the meaning of this scenario but she knows Emma is in control of the situation.

“What else?” Ann says.

“Do you love Nicholas?”