Finale 5

I fill my lungs with the sweet and crisp smell of roses and other various flowers filling the early morning air. I sit down comfortably on one of my garden chairs on my veranda and pamper myself with the glorious view of the vast terrain and lush canopy being bathed by the peeping sun.

"What a magnificent morning!" I exclaim. It is more of a question than a statement. I take a sip of my black coffee as I scroll my phone and dial a number. Just as I am about to call someone, my phone rings.

"Well, hello dear!" I say.

"Hi... professor!"

"Is there a problem?"

"Oh no... not really..."

"I know you, child! What's bothering you? C'mon... tell me!"

I hear her sigh. I smile.

"I guess you already have received an invitation to tonight's event."

"Y- yes, professor."

"Are you hesitating?"

"Do I have to go there? Am I needed?"

"You won't be receiving an invitation if you're not! They're more than excited to see you."

"I will think about it. I hope you understand."

"I do. But, I am still hopeful that you will join the fun!"

"Thank you. Bye!"

"Bye."

I shake my head as I put down my phone on the garden table. Then, I feel someone's presence behind me. I smirk.

"Don't even think about startling me! Sit down."

"Whoa! You're amazing as always. I wonder... do you have an eye at the back of your head?"

"She's a beast, remember?"

"Rob and Jason! Don't ruin this glorious morning!" I grunt as they chuckle.

"Why are you here anyway?"

"We have to discuss something," Rob says, placing a brown folder on the table.

"What is this?"

My eyes rounded as I read the content of the document. I look at them.

"What is this? What are you saying?!"

"The higher-ups have already decided to take his life- support off him. He signed a DNR. Last week, he had a second heart attack. It's Leonard, who resuscitated him," Rob explains.

"As much as we want him alive, he is better dead. If we keep doing this, it might cause your son bigger trouble," Jason adds.

I clench my fists in anger as I stare at the paper smiling at me. I want Anthony to suffer as much as we did. But... if we keep him alive, my son's resentment deepens, making it harder for him to let go even if it costs him his license. I won't allow that!

"I will discuss things with my Leonard and Damon. It has to come from me. Besides, tonight will be your son's big night."

Rob nods while Jason taps my shoulder.

"Hang in there, sis!" he whispers. "Everything's gonna be fine."

I smile at him.

"Anyway... are you ready for tonight?" I ask, making my voice jovial.

Rob smiles nervously.

"Honestly, there are butterflies in my stomach."

"Are you sure they're not worms?" Jason jokes as he leans on the rails. Rob kicks his head to which Jason swiftly blocks with his arm. We laugh as they teasingly hit one another.

"Boys... please. Get out of my room and give your sister some peace of mind!" I utter.

When they see me cross my arms on the chest and close my eyes, they understand that I want some private space. They left after giving me a peck on my forehead.

"See you at the party, sis!" they say as I groan in agreement.

Later that evening...

The garden is beautifully designed for the special evening. The towering cypress trees are gleaming with red suspended lights casting romantic beams to the garden. It's a formal party, thus, all attendees are in their gowns and tuxedos.

I watch the lords preparing for the party. I grin at them.

"Well... look at you! How handsome you all look tonight," I say as I enter Damon's messy room. Clothes and shoes are all around. I laugh at how tense Jay looks as he puts on his suit.

"Hi, Merideth!" I turn around to see my sister in law. We happily greet each other before she helps his son.

I am walking down the stairs when I hear the ladies gushing at the veranda.

"What's going on~"

I stop when I see Sophia nervously chatting with the ladies.

"Good evening, professor!"

I hug her tight and whisper, "Nice to see you home!"

"Hi, ladies. How does it feel being finally complete?"

"Amazing! It brings back good old memories," Letizia replies.

I stare at her scar. She notices it and asks, "I covered it... like what you've said."

"Cover what?" Chealsy asks.

"I have a scar from the lacerated wound my cellmate gave me. Here..." Sophia replies while showing her scar on her left forearm covered by a phoenix.

The ladies gasp as they stare at it. Stephanie fans their eyes, preventing her tears from falling.

"Oh my god, Sophia! Sorry for not being there all those times! We could have shown some support at least!" Camille exclaims. The other ladies agree as they hug each other.

"What matters is that she's finally home!" I utter.

"Does he know?" she asks worriedly. I shake my head.

"Don't worry. He's the happiest man now, so just relax!" the other ladies assure her. She nods and gives them an ansty smile.

"I don't wanna cause any commotions. Please... let my presence be unknown."

We all agree. After all, it's only the beginning of the journey and she's still adjusting to her new life.

The ladies and I stay at the far dim corner of the garden which is far from prying eyes--- for Sophia's sake.

All of a sudden, Letizia, being loquacious, turns to Sophia and asks, "Tell me honestly. Do you still have feelings for lord Jay Harrison?"

We all keep silent with the out of the blue question. Sophia's eyes widen in shock. But, immediately recovers. She clears her throat and says in a soft voice, "My feelings don't matter now!"

She looks down and holds clutches her dress. She seems nervous, yet we all know that she still loves him. I know that her feelings for him never fades.

"It matters. If you don't tell him tonight, you might regret it for the rest of your life!" I advise.

"What if he doesn't want to see me? What if he's still mad at me? He told me not to ever show my face to him again!"

"Too many 'what ifs'!" Camille says.

"Only one way to find out..."

"You must tell him."

"It's now or never!"

The other ladies exclaim giving her motivation and confidence.

From our table, we can see the lords take the center table while Jay and his parents sit at the intricately decorated table on the stage. Beside him seats a beautiful woman with her parents.

"He doesn't seem the happiest!" Sophia blurts out that makes us giggle.

"That's the spirit!"

"Well... if he still hates me, fuck it!"

We scream and cheer, catching everyone's attention. I apologize.