𝟐𝟎

ELSIE

Fenix has been gone for two days. Since the day at Ian's birthday party, he hasn't been home.

Just like yesterday and the day before, I woke up alone in bed. Not a trace of him being here.

Usually I was able to tell that he was here even if he went to work earlier. But not these past two days. It's like he was never even here. Ian asked about him and I told him he was at work.

I couldn't get myself to text or call him and ask him where he was.

I turned on my back and started at the ceiling. What have I done? I was a complete mess right now. I didn't know what to do.

I was utterly and completely lost.

Tears started to blur my eyes yet again. I have lost count of how many times I cried in these past two days. I covered my face with my hands and groaned in frustration.

The clock on my nightstand showed that it was little before eight. I pushed my body up and sat on the edge of the bed.

I had to wake Ian up and get him ready for school.

Trying to push the anguishing throughs away, I stood up. My head throbbed and I messaged my temple with my fingers, trying to ease some of the tension.

My feet touched the cold floor and I made my way towards the bathroom. As soon as I looked at the mirror, my shoulders slumped.

My hair was a mess, sticking from all places. My eyes were puffy and rimmed with red, they stung with each blink.

The dark circles around them were more visible, making me look like I have not slept in years.

I did my best to move away from the mirror and get into the shower. I stripped my clothes and stepped under the hot water.

After I quickly washed my hair and my body, I got out and wrapped a towel around my hair and then one around my middle.

I picked up some random clothes and got dressed. I then let my damp hair down and brushed my teeth.

I had to hurry up and wake Ian up. When I got to his room, I knocked and walked in. He was still sleeping but I woke him up by kissing his forehead.

"Wake up, baby." He groaned and I rubbed his back gently.

"Let's get you ready. You have school today." He extended his hands and I pulled him up. His eyes were still closed but nevertheless, he swung his legs over the bed and got up.

We went to his bathroom and he brushed his teeth while I got ready his bag and chose him an outfit.

I just hope he won't be asking about Fenix. Since the day he brought up the question about calling him dad, he hasn't mentioned anything else.

He did ask about Fenix but that was it. It broke my heart even more because it felt like I was dismissing him while I didn't even know what kind of answer to give him.

Now that Fenix was not home, I was even more lost.

Maybe he realised that we should have been distant like this since the beginning.

Before I was able to get lost in my own head again, I walked to Ian and dressed him in some comfortable wear and styled his hair.

We exited his room and went to the kitchen where I made him breakfast. While he ate, I quickly checked my emails. I have been working constantly with Bridget. Even more these past few days.

I was either with Ian or working on my computer.

When Ian finished his food, I cleaned the table and we made our way to the entrance door.

Winston was already waiting for us and I gave him a smile.

"Go to the car Ian. I'll be there." He nodded and ran to the car. I turned to Winston before he was able to start walking.

"Wait!" He faced me and raised his eyebrows in question. Winston was in his mid forties and had a light brown hair. Think set of moustache set above his lips.

"Do you know when will Fenix be back? I called him but he didn't pick up. He must be busy." I lied about the calling thing. Winston must think that our marriage is miserable. What wife doesn't know where her husband is?

"I don't Mrs. Carolingian. I'm sorry." He said and his eyes softened.

I tried to fake a smile and nodded at him. "It's okay. Thank you, Winston."

We walked towards the car and got in.

⋆˚✿˖°

I didn't go home. Instead, I walked around the city and visited some stores.

Going home felt weird. Before Ian's party, Fenix usually came home and we both picked him up from school. I kind of became use to it.

Leon and Winston loomed behind me like shadows while I shopped and took me to the park with the car.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. I was sitting on one of the benches, feeling the warm breeze caress my skin.

When I opened my eyes again, my gaze flew to the bag next to me. I bought Fenix's favourite desert in case he gets back home tonight. I noticed that he loves fruit flavoured sweets. That's why I bought him a lemon cake.

He has said a couple of times that he really likes it. I just really hope he returns home.

Before I get too emotional and start to cry like a baby again, I dug into my tote bag and grabbed my phone. Aspen was at work and I knew they didn't have lunch break at this time.

I scrolled through the numbers and stopped at Sally's name. I missed her. We heard each other couple of times but I missed talking to her.

Maybe she will pick up.

I pressed on the screen and brought my phone close to my ear.

After few seconds, she picked up.

"Elsie! Hey." Her voice echoed through the speaker and a small smile reached my lips.

"Hi, Sally. How are you? I hope I'm not bothering you."

"No, I was just finishing with work. I have few minutes break. You're not bothering me at all."

"Oh, okay." I whispered.

"Is something wrong? You sound odd. Is everything okay with Ian?" Sally spoke again and this time it was evident in her voice that she was worried.

I heard her walk somewhere and close a door behind her.

"No. Ian's fine. I just..." My words trailed off. I bit my lip and looked down at my lap.

"Me and Fenix,... well I kind of had a breakdown and told him that I need to be alone. He hasn't been home in two days." I felt embarrassed saying that but I needed to tell someone.

"I feel guilty for saying that to him." I continued.

"Elsie, it's okay if you need time alone. I'm sure your husband understands that. Maybe he wants to give you some space." My eyes blurred again and I was so pissed at myself for getting emotional so easily.

"You think so?"

"I'm sure he won't just not come home. He probably just respected your request." She could be right. But Fenix could have called.

Or maybe I was stubborn and I could have called him.

I let out a sigh and rubbed my eyes with my free hand. I was just confused. With everything going on, I was lost.

I just needed him to come home.

"Enough about me. How's work?" I laughed lightly, trying to change the subject. She probably needed to talk about her problems to someone as well.

"It's going good. I mean my boss it's a scary man but I'm managing it somehow." She chuckled. "But despite his being very cold and terrifying, he offered me to work at his home as a maid when he find out that I don't really have a stable place to stay in."

"Did you accept it?"

"I still haven't told him my answer. I am kind of considering it. I don't know if I'll be able to stay at Riley's for any longer. I'm sure she feels guilty to say anything. She has a boyfriend so I don't really wanna bother her."

"If you think that's a good decision... I just want you to be safe."

"Mr. Ferreira is a respectful man despite him looking like he wants kill anyone who crosses his path." Wait...

"Ferreira? Does that man have scary blue eyes?" I asked. Didn't Aspen said that one of those men who was at the dinner with Fenix was the head of the Ferreira family?

"Yes, he does have scary blue eyes. Do you know him?"

"Not personally. I have seen him at the restaurant I worked at." She hummed.

"Just be careful, okay?" I said and she agreed.

"Don't worry about me. I also wanted to ask you if it would be okay if I see Ian soon."

"Sally of course. He's your son. Of course you can see him."

"Okay, thank you." We talked for a but more and then it was time for me to pick Ian up.

I got into the car with Leon and Winston and we drove off.

⋆˚✿˖°

I rested my chin on my hand and looked down at the plate with cake.

Ian was already in his bed, sleeping. It was past 10pm. When we got home, we ate lunch and then watched his favourite cartoons. He did his homework with my help and then spent some time in the yard.

I did some work on my computer as well and then we had dinner.

After I put him in bed, I got here in the kitchen by the dinning table.

I was in my pyjamas and I decided to wait for him like the past two nights. Maybe he'll be back.

I checked my phone once in a while, but nothing.

I closed my eyes and laid my head down on the table. My back hurt but I couldn't even open my eyes.

Silence prevailed in the house.

There was rain outside, hitting the windows which created a little bit of a relaxing sounds. It further made me drift away.

It was peaceful.

The lights were off, only the lamp in the corner at the dinning table.

Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard faint noises. I rubbed my eyes and tried to push myself up. A yaw escaped my lips and I pushed my hair behind my ears.

I turned my head to the sounds.

It was Fenix.

Oh my God...

My lips parted and I quickly stood up from the chair.

He was finally here.

Before he was able to speak, I ran to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my face into his chest.

I was finally able to breathe.

Thoughts??

I finally uploaded the new chapter...

🤍🤍🤍