“I don’t want to be with Oscar anymore.” Fiona says sounding upset. Ann listens to these words and lets out a loud sigh.
“Ok,” Ann says as Fiona looks at her surprised at her one-word answer.
“I don’t understand,” Fiona says unable to conceal her confusion.
“It’s your relationship. You know what to do,” Ann says as Fiona stares at her making her uncomfortable. “I don’t know if you two should be together. I barely know much about Oscar’s relationships to begin with. But one thing I know is, if one of you decides it’s over, it over,”
“Good,” Fiona says trying to hide her true feelings.
“It’s a shame though, I thought you could make each other really happy,” Fiona listens to these words seemingly heartbroken and she gets up.
“Sorry about what happened at dinner the other day,” Fiona says trying to hide her tears and she runs out of the apartment. She jolts past Nicholas who has just arrived at his apartment. He notices Fiona’s tears and goes to Ann’s apartment. As he opens the door he calls out.
“Ann?” Nicholas lets himself in and sees Ann sitting at the table. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Ann says with her voice trembling as Nicholas comes close to comfort her.
“What did she do?” Nicholas asks defensively as he puts his arm around her.
“Nothing,” Ann says as Nicholas notices Ann smiling. “I think she and Oz will make it.”
Nicholas knowing Ann was worried for her brother’s happiness smiles and asks.
“How do you know?” After explaining what happened in detail Nicholas smiles and says. “Well, she does certainly care.”
“Otherwise she won’t be this upset when I told her it might be over,” Ann replies.
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“Looks like my psychologist is finally using some tricks in real life,” Nicholas smirks as Ann smiles and lets out a small laugh. “You can relax now,” Nicholas says embracing her.
“Thanks to you, I’m more relaxed than usual.”
The next day, Ann is visited by Oscar that evening.
“Hi, Oz,” Ann says. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” Oscar replies. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes,” Ann says as she makes him his favorite tea and cookies.
“Just like mom makes,” Oscar says as he sits down at the table. “What’s the occasion?”
“Oz,” Ann says sighing. “Are you ok?”
“Because crazy Ben destroyed my relationship. No,” Oscar says as he begins to eat. “But I am a big boy I will get over it. Got any whipped cream?” Ann smiles and hands him a tin of whipped cream. “So what if she’s great. I’ll find someone else. But man was she pretty, she just had this smile that made my great go crazy.” Ann nods as Oscar keeps eating and after a few moments continues. “So what if she’s Benjamin’s sister. I didn’t know, nor do I think it should matter. I am supposed to be a protector justice and if Ruby can’t see that then, it’s her loss.” After a few moments of silence, Oscar speaks yet again. “It’s not like I targeted him on purpose. We were together before that and how do you expect me to treat a murder suspect. I know I can overdo it sometimes but, I just wanted to protect my sister and,” Oscar says as he looks at Ann who looks at him comfortingly. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Get me to talk,” Oscar says as they both laugh. “Feels kind of nice, letting it out.”
“So why do you call her Ruby?” Ann asks.
“She’s pretty, like a ruby,” Oscar says as he sighs and continues. “The day we met she was out shopping for a neckless. She told me she loves rubies but didn’t tell me her name. So I decided to call her Ruby,” Oscar says with a heavy heart recalling happy memories.
“You should have told me,” Ann says. “Why you suspect Benjamin.”
Oscar looks at her quietly as she speaks. “Your own sister wasn’t offered an explanation but Fiona was…You must really like her.”
“Yes,” Oscar says sounding upset. “But I don’t think it’ll work out.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know, things are too complicated now,” Oscar admits.
“Is my brother giving up?” Ann asks.
“No,” Oscar says sighing. “But the way things are, I can only be hopeful.” Ann and Oscar spend the evening talking and after that he leaves she goes to meet Nicholas.
“Hi, Nick,” Ann says.
“Hi. You look happy, so I guess you talked things out with Oscar,” Nicholas says smiling.
“Yes,” Ann says. “There isn’t much I can do right now but it was nice to clear things up with him.”
Nicholas embraces Ann like he usually does, but this time something felt different. What was always a comforting hug, was now passionate, strong and even protective. Not sure what brought out this new change but Ann embraces it, believing she is getting closer to him.