CHAPTER 61

Geneveive Tessa Robert

 

I sent the last aspect of our project. Thankfully, it wasn’t a drawing but a summary of what everyone had done and our major inspirations. It was like a reference paper, but with insights into our work. I sighed, hitting the submit button on the website. We were done, finally. I sent a message to our Slack group and waited for their celebrations, which came faster than I expected.

They jubilated with words, emojis, and prayers. They also thanked me for taking up the task of compiling our names and inspirations and making a great reference paper. I smiled, reading through the comments. It’s been a while since anyone praised me for my artwork or achievements. Mom thought I was wasting time on getting a skill I might never use, but I have always had a comeback since the interior building at Hoplas Designs was unveiled. She would later remind me in the coming years that she was the one who inspired me to take the art classes, and as always, I won’t argue with her. 

I thanked them for their parts, and we had small talks about the project and how we walked through it. They asked about my experience and how I was able to deal with them while I was working on the project. I didn’t want to share all my life with them, so I just told them the usual thing: My family helped and took care of the twins. I also joked about the frustrations and late nights. Luckily, none mentioned my husband. I hadn’t shared that part of my life, even though they had indirectly learned that I was a single mom. I didn’t care, and since they didn’t ask me directly, I wasn’t going to feed them any stories about my life.

A few minutes later, we all said our goodbyes, and I fell on my bed, suddenly missing my kids. Mum and Vera had been out all day except for Mary, who was probably at the swimming pool, and Dad and James at the golf course. I was the only one in the room not enjoying the holiday. 

I decided to step out. I changed into shorts and a shirt, picked up a fez cap, and grabbed my bag. I also took my sunglasses and called Mary. She was good company until Vera arrived.

‘I wanted to check up on you before I brought the kids, but your mom said you had a school project to complete. I am sorry. Are you done?’ Mary asked, adjusting her hat. She wore a long gown with tiny handles that exposed her nice skin. She was a beautiful woman. Her face was evenly shaped, and her eyes were a dark blue like the sky. Mom always called her a goddess, and I agreed. She deserved the title. 

I took the empty spot beside her. Her kids were in the children’s pool, playing with others. I longed for a moment when Hope and Nicholas would do something like this. Mary had asked something. My school project Oh yes!

I smiled widely. ‘It’s fine, Mary. You don’t need to apologize. I am done with the project. How are the kids?’

‘They have been good, but I think we will go in for a late lunch and rest for tomorrow’s schedule. When are Aunt and the twins returning home? It’s almost five o’clock.’ she said, picking up her phone.

‘She texted me a few minutes ago. They will soon be here. Mary, can I ask you a question?’

She looked up, curiosity written all over her face. ’Yes, go ahead, and you don’t need to ask before asking me anything. We’re cousins, Tessa.’

I smiled, nodding. ‘Okay, I wanted to know how you are coping with your kids since your husband fled his battalion to Peru.’

She sighed, looking at the kids. ‘It hasn’t been easy, but mom has been helping out. Thank God you guys relocated here. I was almost dying of boredom in that huge house, and even though I have the flower shop, it’s still boring.’

I stood up and gave her a hug, then returned to my seat. I didn’t even know why I asked her that question, but maybe it was because of Kyle’s marriage picture I stumbled on a few hours ago, and memories of our wedding day came rushing immediately. Maybe it was because I was thinking of how I would have scaled through if my family weren’t here.

‘You are a brave woman, Mary. I can’t fully say I understand, but my broken marriage has taught me a lot, especially honoring and appreciating the little things we have. Your husband isn’t here at the moment, but you have your kids and family to make you smile, laugh, and enjoy the little gifts of life, right?’

She nodded. ‘Yeah, you are right. Do you regret leaving Kyle? I'm sorry if I sound intrusive.’

‘ No, it’s okay. I don’t regret the divorce. He made me feel like an empty vessel just because I couldn’t give him a child.’

She smiled and said, ‘Someday, when he sees Hope and Nicholas, he’s going to regret his actions. I think we will be going in now. ‘

I stood up, helping her with the kids. They were shivering already. The weather was surprisingly cold. ‘Thank you, Mary. This coverage has helped me more than you know.’

She smiled, drawing me into a hug.

Everyone decided to eat in the hotel’s restaurant. Mom ensured they had something perfect for the kids before we settled down. Vera sat close to me, giving in-depth details about everywhere they visited until the kids slept off and they had stopped by a friend's place to rest and eat some nice homely food. 

‘By the way, you claimed she saw Kyle in one of the cafes we bought pancakes from. I think I saw him, but I am not sure because he was walking fast when your mom pointed at him. I think we should be careful and ensure he doesn't know we are in France. If not, you know what will happen.’

‘...He will know about the kids and probably start stalking us.’ I completed her statement while staring at Mom. She hadn’t told me about the encounter except to complain about how Hope hadn’t slept until she sang some lullabies for her.

Kyle in Paris Ava was with him, too. They were probably on honeymoon and had chosen to celebrate it here. I had to inform James so that we could figure out where he was staying and avoid any routes he would take. He mustn’t know about the kids.

‘I would inform James about this tomorrow, and we can figure out what to do. Thanks for letting me know and the advice too.’ 

I focused on my meal, hoping that Kyle hadn’t recognised Mom. That would be a problem if he did, because he would start digging and discover we were here.

 

I wasn’t ready to face him again. Not now, especially not in this country.