Chapter Twenty Seven

I've always wanted to have a younger sibling and now Maeve and I hanging out together made me wonder if that's what having a younger sibling feels like.

I had to cancel on our plans to go to the bridal shop yesterday because Miles and I had the pre-marital classes in church so Maeve and I had to reschedule for the day, and I promised her the whole day.

The class yesterday was intense, Miles and I could barely look at each other, given the fact that we didn't get a chance to talk again after he had angrily stormed out of my office earlier that day.

We were both out of concentration and the pastor had to tell us to leave and come back on Monday. After, I tried to get Miles' attention but it was obvious he didn't want to talk to me with the way he quickly walked out of the building and claimed that he was busy.

This morning when I had gone to pick Maeve, Miles was there and I also didn't get the chance to talk to him because as I began to make my way to him, Maeve ran out the door, automatically aborting my mission.

I promised myself that I would talk to him when I go to drop Maeve and even if he's not at their house, I'd go to his house to look for him.

I've enjoyed Maeve's company so far, she's funny without even trying, her energy is enough to turn a bad day into a slightly better one.

After we went to the shop, the tailor got her measured for the dress, then she said she wanted to watch a movie so we went to the Cinema and after, we went to ShopRite, it's one of the places she always wanted to go to.

I was already tired but she didn't look tired at all so I had to endure for her sake, she looked like she was having fun and I didn't want to ruin it. It was just three in the afternoon so we still had a little extra time on our hands.

We took our seats in a booth, both of us slowly taking spoons of our ice cream.

"So," Maeve started looking at me. "Did you and Miles fight? He's been in a bad mood since yesterday."

I paused for a second, "did he tell you we fought?"

"No," she shook her head. "But you're the only one that seems to have the ability to completely change his mood."

"Me?" I nearly choked on the ice cream I had shoved into my mouth. "What are you talking about?"

"Whenever the topic of you comes up, even if he was in a bad mood, his mood automatically changes. I remember one time, he was really pissed and then Thea started talking about you and his mood changed, instantly." She explained.

I nodded, "we're a little not on the same foot now but he'll come around." I said in hope.

"How's it like for you, arranged marriage and all that?"

I sat back, surprised that she was asking me these questions, "you guys know?" It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yeah," she nodded. "Everyone knows."

I breathed in, "it's difficult really, but we'll get past this."

She shrugged, "I'm just so happy that you are a reasonable woman and not anything like Nicole, she is a real pain in the ass."

I laughed, "so you guys know about her?"

"Just me, I found out and Miles made me promise to keep it a secret. I'm so glad she's gone now." Her lips pulled up to a smile now.

"Me too," I found myself saying.

I wanted to take back my words when I realized what my words sounded like but I kept shut when Maeve just nodded in response so I dropped it.

Two hours later, I dropped Maeve at home and Miles wasn't in so I drove to his house, hoping he'd be there.

His car was parked in the compound so I knew he was in. I parked my car beside his and walked to his front door. My hand hovered over the doorbell, unsure if I was ready to face him.

After moments of deliberation, I sucked in a breath and pushed the button. Seconds after, the door opened and Miles stood there.

He looked a little surprised to see me so I smiled a little, "hey."

"What are you doing here?" His voice sounded a little harsh and I sucked in a breath. I knew he was angry but not this angry.

He seemed to realize how he sounded so he shook his head and breathed in, "sorry, come in." He shifted to the side, ushering me in.

I wanted to decline his offer and insist on talking to him outside but a harsh wind blew and it caused me to shiver slightly so I chose to step into his house.

The TV was on, his laptop and a few papers scattered around. I looked at him and his eyes were on me.

"Uhm," he started making his way to his kitchen. "I was just about to make tea, you want some?"

I shook my head, "no, I've had enough of liquids for one day."

"How was your day out with Maeve?" I followed him into the kitchen and took a seat on a stool as I watched him make tea.

"Nice, made me feel what it's like to have a sister." I answered his question and he nodded.

"I hope she didn't tell you any embarrassing stories about me," he sounded a lit more relaxed than when I walked in earlier.

I chuckled, "oh she did."

He laughed, "you sure you don't want tea?" He poured the hot water into the cup that held the tea bag, almost filling it to the brim.

I nodded, "I'm sure."

"Or you'd want coke or soda instead?" He took a spoon from it's drawer and opened the pantry, taking out the container of sugar then opened his fridge and took out the canned milk.

"I'm fine Miles," I declined his offer again.

"Okay," he shrugged. "I offered."

I waited for him to be done making his tea before I followed him back to the living room. He moved his laptop and the papers littering his couch to his coffee table and motioned for me to take a seat, he sat beside me.

"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" He asked, taking a sip of his tea.

"I wanted to talk about yesterday," I watched his facial expression and it was till neutral so I continued. "We... I'm, sorry about Andrew and... Everything, I just." I stopped not knowing what exactly I was saying.

"Why are you apologizing?" He set down his cup on the side stool beside him. "It's how you feel, I knew how you felt before I... Kissed you the other night."

"It still doesn't change the fact that I hurt you and I didn't mean to hurt you," I said, avoiding eye contact with him.

"Tell me something," he readjusted his position, sitting out of the couch so he was closer to me. "If Andrew wasn't there, would there ever be a chance for us?"

I found the courage to look him in the eyes as I spoke next, "yes."

He tilted his head back a little and sat back into his chair. "Come February, you'll never stop loving Andrew. Even though deep down I want you for myself, I know that, I'll never be Andrew and so you can't see me the way you see him so I'm not going to fight for you, I'm just going to let it happen, Andrew makes you happy, then be happy with him."

I didn't know what else to say. Do I tell him thank you? Do I apologise again for having to hurt him? I just sat there in silence, not knowing what to say.

"If this wedding thing, does happen know that I wouldn't force you to love me or see me the way you see Andrew. I'll give your time and if you never love me," he shrugged. "I can deal with that."

"Miles," I whispered.

"Don't," he shook his head. "Go ahead and do whatever you want to do before you have to be bound to me forever. I know you guys are planning something, so go ahead. You deserve to be happy, so be happy." He placed a lingering kiss on my cheek before he stood up and went upstairs.

***

Who do you ship?

Andrew and Victoria

Or Victoria and Miles

Let me know.

Vote, comment and share!