“Mary! What is taking you so long? Don’t tell me you are going through her stuff again!” Sarah shouted from the kitchen. She asked Mary to take care of Stephanie’s room against her return, and Mary was taking years to do that. She got no response from Mary, and Sarah heaved a sigh. She stormed out of the kitchen and headed to Stephanie’s room.
She barged into the room and was about to shout, when she saw Mary sitting on Stephanie’s already laid bed. She had a paper in her hand, and she looked lost staring at it. “What is that?” Sarah asked as she approached her. Mary heaved and showed her the paper in her hand.
It happened to be a couple picture Stephanie and Owen took when they were still together. Sarah collected the picture and stared at it for minutes. She saw how happy Stephanie looked in the picture and it broke her to know that happiness didn’t last long.
“I saw it in a box she kept under her closet. I don’t know why she has that, Mum, but I don’t think she needs it anymore. We should get rid of it. If she sees this again, she will become heartbroken again. She has started a new life with another man, she shouldn’t have any memories of Owen again.”
Sarah nodded and sat on the bed, next to Mary. “When was the last time you talked to Stephanie?” She asked, and Mary exhaled. “It’s been days now, Mum. I have been so busy with writing. I called her recently but she didn’t answer her phone. Why are you asking?” Mary asked.
“I think something is going on with Stephanie and Sebastian. I haven’t talked about it because I’m not so sure. Stephanie told me we would discuss it when she arrives.” Mary furrowed her eyebrows as she listened to her mother. “Something like what? What did you see? I hope it isn’t what I’m thinking.”
“I am hoping it’s not the same thing I’m thinking too. Stephanie said she left her work and will be returning home. I was surprised. You know how Stephanie can be so serious when it comes to work, right?” Sarah asked Mary, and she bounced her head. “Why would she want to leave all of a sudden?” Mary inquired, and Sarah shrugged. “I have no idea. But I believe all these questions will have answers when she arrives.”
Mary bounced her head and let out another sigh. “We should get rid of that picture. That is the only thing I have found and know that reminds her of Owen. I have done the other necessary things.” She stood up, and Sarah also stood up. “I’ll get rid of it. Please, help me in the kitchen. I am yet to beat the chicken,” Sarah said as they approached the door.
“What of Princess, Mum? Is she still asleep?” Mary asked, and Sarah bounced her head. “Yes. I’m yet to break the news about Stephanie’s awaited arrival to her. I want it to be a surprise.” Sarah smiled, and Mary nodded. “Well, she will be very happy to see her. I’ll be in the kitchen.” Mary walked to the kitchen while Sarah headed outside. She walked to the fireplace and picked up a lighter.
She walked out of the house and headed to their beautiful and colorful garden. She stood on the neatly trimmed grass which looked like a carpet, and looked at the picture again. She flicked the lighter and it made fire. She moved the fire to the edge of the picture and waited for it to catch fire. The picture caught fire, and she watched it burn to half until she threw it on the floor.
“I hope Sebastian didn’t break your Stephanie. I sincerely hope he didn’t, because I would never be able to forgive myself. I forced you into a relationship with him, and I’ll regret it if he does hurt you,” She muttered to herself. She walked away from the garden and headed back into the house.
“Mom,” Princess mumbled, rubbing her sleepy eyes with her little, chubby hands. “You are awake.” Sarah lifted Princess from the floor and twirled her in the air, making her giggle. “The aroma of roasted Chicken woke me up! What’s the occasion? My birthday is still in three days, Princess said, and Sarah chuckled, rubbing her scanty hair. “You will know soon enough.” She kissed her head and put her down.
Princess ran to the kitchen, and before Sarah could follow behind her, she heard a vehicle stop in front of the house. She rushed to the window and peeped out to see a taxi in front of the house. ‘She is back!’ Sarah walked out of the house and saw Stephanie alight.
“Stephanie!” Sarah called excitedly and waved to her. “Mum!” She waved at Sarah with a bright smile. She headed to the back of the Taxi to pick up her bags. The driver hurried to where Stephanie was and helped her open the boot. He pulled out her bags and headed it to her.
Sarah headed to where Stephanie was with her arms wide open. They embraced each other, and she helped her carry one of her bags. “How was the journey?” Sarah asked as they approached the door. “Good, mother. I miss this house so much.” She surveyed the environment with a large smile.
“Welcome home, daughter.” Sarah rubbed Stephanie’s back slightly, and she smiled. “Thank you, mother,” Stephanie responded. Sarah opened the door and they both walked in. “Princess! I told you not to take the chicken!” They heard Mary yell from inside the kitchen, and Princess ran out of the kitchen with a piece of chicken in her hand.
“Mom…” She paused when she saw Stephanie. “Stephanie!!” She screamed, running to Stephanie. Stephanie went on her knees and opened her arms. Princess ran into her arms, and Stephanie embraced her deeply. “Stephanie?” Mary rushed out of the kitchen and saw Stephanie embracing Princess.
Stephanie looked up and when she saw Mary, she opened her arms too. Mary ran into her and fell in front of her, embracing her as well. “I missed you all so much.” She kissed their heads and they smiled. “I’ll call Philip and tell him you are back home,” Sarah said and rushed to her room, where her phone was.
***
Stephanie and her family sat at the dining table. They felt very happy to have her back home. Sarah had been trying not to talk about Sebastian to Stephanie until she felt it was the right time. As they ate, Philip spoke up. “Tell me, Stephanie. How is Sebastian?”
Sarah raised her head to look at Stephanie, and she saw the smile on her face fade away slowly. Sarah hit Philip’s leg with her leg under the table, and he looked at her. Sarah closed her eyes, regretting she didn’t tell Philip about her suspicions before Stephanie arrived.
“He is probably fine wherever he is. I don’t want to talk about him now.” Stephanie said and lowered her head as she continued eating. Sarah and Mary exchanged looks, and they continued eating. Philip sensed something was wrong, so he didn’t talk about him anymore.
Princess on the other hand, was too busy with her crushing her chicken bone to notice what was going on.