SIX….

6.

REALIZATION..

PERCY'S POV..

She was always away from the house. It was obvious she was avoiding me but we needed to talk. I had been able to keep myself checked for the past days but I didn't think I could keep playing games. I'd go insane if I didn't talk to her soon, if I didn't hold her in my arms. Even if it was for a second.

I needed to make her understand that I had to do what I did because of the love I have for her. She needed to know that I've leaved the worst three years of my life knowing that I put tears on her face. She needed to know that no one in the world could ever take her place in my heart and that I still loved her and if only She'll forgive me,things could go back to the way it used to be and I promise never to hurt her......

what was I saying? She had a son with another man and I'm sure they've got plans of settling down. She's obviously moved on and her choice was quite predictable right from the start . Harold had always been sweet and gentle with her, unlike me. why wouldn't she choose him over me? Moreover, I don't think my sins were forgiveable.

"Bro,we need to talk." Louis barged into my thoughts.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Obviously! You've not been yourself since we came into this house. What's the matter with you? And why is no one talking about going home to your parents as planned before? We were just going to spend a week. It's been what, two weeks?"

I cussed under my breath. How could I bring myself to leave this place after seeing Phoebe like this?

" I'm fine....trust me."

I wanted to avoid the topic of leaving. I couldn't leave. I'll only do that with Phoebe by my side which seemed more than impossible. Her presence was torturing me. It was so hard not to push her against the damn wall and take her right there anytime we crossed paths in the hallways.

I hardly got any sleep hearing the shower ran and knowing she was two doors away, standing naked under the water. But I couldn't bring myself to leave. I'll be more miserable. I'd take seeing her face everyday over anything else, even if she seem to have a permanent frown directed at me and wouldn't say a word to me

"No you are not.why do you choose to keep it to yourself? You've always told me everything."

Turns out my Best friend knew me better than I thought he did. I looked around desperately, hoping to find an escape. I couldn't tell him yet. I didn't want to talk about it.

"You won't understand....." I began quietly.

A knock at the door interrupts me and I sighed in relief.A voice peeped in,

" dinner is ready".

"We'll talk about this after dinner". He said as we made our way out.

Jollof rice has always been one of my favorite food. I couldn't take my eyes off her as she dished out the food, ignoring the glare from her brother. Phoebe, beautiful as always.

I remember the very first time she agreed to honour my invitation to one of our usual parties. God! My eyes went wide when she came walking in with her friend. She had on a simple knee level dress. Blue in colour with shinny pearls from the waist downward.

She was the talk of the day and I could not help but wear a big smile through out the party as people seemed to be monitoring our every step. I was so proud I had such a girl at my end which is why I did not hesitate to knock out the front teeth of that stupid guy she tried to make me jealous with.

Nessa had always been a threat to her and I was stupid enough to hang around her,trying to prove to the whole world that I was the same jerk and nothing has changed, she hasn't changed me. But I was defeated at the end when I reacted in the typical jealous boyfriend style when that boy tried to kiss her. She was mine... going to be mine soon and I didn't tolerate any piece of shits touching her.

her shriek interrupted my thought.

" No Fair! .....He hates salad cream....."

I caught up to what was happening very soon.

Fair had wanted to add cream to my salad and she stopped her. WOW,so she still remembered how I liked my food? A smirk covered my face as an idea occured to me that she might remember more than just how I liked my food.

Did she have to imagine I was there anytime she was with that priek? My lips stretched into a broad smile and for the first time since I entered the house, I ate to my satisfaction.

I didn't know if I should be excited but I couldn't help it anytime her voice echoed in my head. How long had I waited for a sign? Any sign at all that I still had a place in her precious heart.

PHOEBE'S POV..

The smile on his face was killing me and I mentally face palmed. Why did I have to say that aloud? I knew he was having the feeling that I still thought about him.

Which couldn't be far from the truth.....

I didn't even know I still remembered how he liked his food.

*Lies ! You know you remember more than that!*

My stupid subconscious shrieked and I mentally rolled my eyes at her. Bitch...

Realization finally set in and I shamefully admit to myself; I remembered more than I would admit about Percy!! This couldn't be good...

"Excuse me".

I got up from the table, suddenly loosing my appetite and Xavier followed.

" No baby,go finish your food".

" No mummy...I'm full "

"Are you sure? "

"Yes...."

And then he came in.

"Maybe someone should feed him.........come here little guy."

Great! Percy is now being kind to my son? Harold's son? Ridiculous!

To my surprise the boy crossed over to him and he put him on his laps. I turned to go since I had nothing to say. What would be my reason for refusing? He was only trying to help. And it's not like I wanted to engage in a conversation with the jerk.

~~~~

I was so tired and wanted to go to bed. But first, Xavier had to take his bath. I walked down the stairs to call for him. He was playing whatever, on Percy's phone and I fought the urge to smack the adorable smile I directed to the little boy from his face.

"Xavier, come let's go take a bath."

"But I'm not done with my game."

He whined .

"I know sweetie but you have to take your bath and go to bed"

" let me finish. "

"No,right now...don't be stubborn".

I deadpanned and he shot back to my awe

" No! I'll let my daddy bath me.only him....go! "

oh God!

" Phoebe just leave the boy alone ok.he can bath later."

The fact that he thought he could pretend things were cool with us irritated me so! And who gave him the right to make decisions concerning my son? I rolled my eyes and left the room, biting my tongue to keep from yelling at him.

What was he still doing here anyway? Didn't he have a family of his own? I sat in front of the house. It was a little cold that evening. I turned when I heard footsteps approaching.

Percy!! Of course..

"Its quite cold....you shouldn't be sitting out here." He said.

Ignoring him, I took my phone out and went through.

"That boy is troublesome....He gives you a hard time right?"

He chuckled.

"What Can I say? Blood is after all thicker than water"

I mumbled, trying the hardest not to look at him. How good he looked in the gray sweater and sweatpants...

" You look different now....."

He said, looking at me. That took me quite off gaurd. He sighed.

"Phoebe please talk to me..for how long do you intend to keep this up? We need to talk about a lot of things..you know we can't keep pretending those things never happened.."

Rage seized me and tightened my hold on the phone in my hand, fighting the urge to throw it at him. How dare he !

"Phoebe..."

"DONT! don't ever mention my name .....don't ever talk to me in your miserable life! "

I jumped to my feet, breathing heavily.

"I understand. I'm so sorry...."

He said quietly,looking down at his feet.

"Just go away.....leave me alone...." I managed to calm down.

Worthlessly, he walked away. I hadn't expected that to go easily....

My heart was beating against my chest. A part of me yearned to hear him. God! I couldn't believe I still yearn to hear his explanation after all these years. Tears sprang in my eyes but I refused to shed them. I refused to cry over Percy Arrindel again!

Soon, Harold pulled up in front of the house.

" why are you sitting here in the cold? "

" I was waiting for you. Plus,your son is being difficult this evening. He won't take his bath. "

I pushed away all the emotions and tried to sound normal as possible. He took a closer look at me.

"Is that all or something else? Trying to get away from someone perhaps?"

I just hated how he could easily read me.

"That's ridiculous!"

"Come, let's go."

He offered me his hand so we walked in hand in hand and like we called for attention, the whole room turned in our direction.

"Where is the little thing who wouldn't listen to his mother? "

I folded my arms and grinned at frowning Xavier. He glared at me and I made a shocked gasp.

" Now come here young man.....you don't want to take your bath right?"

"I was waiting for you !".

" oh really? I'm here now. "

He looked uncertain for a while, his eyes glassy from unshed tears.

" Mummy, will you bath me? " He came towards me.

the whole room shook with laughter.

"I thought he said he'll only bath when it's his dad?" Louis asked still laughing. I smiled back at him.

"He thought his dad wouldn't come."

My eyes landed on Percy and I tried to hold back my giggle. His face was contorted into a pure frown as he stared at Harold....

*Take that sucker*.