(7)

TWO DAYS LATER...

When Henriette Marie Moreau woke up that morning,her husband was nowhere to be found.

It was very unlike him to leave without telling her first or leaving her a note explaining his absence.

She tried calling him but his phone was turned off.

It was in this distracted state of mind,she arrived at H-Corp. She was very surprised she didn't get into an accident on the way.

She listlessly walked into the building, waving to a few persons she knew and giving a nod in the direction of those she didn't know too well.

She walked into the break room to find something to eat and found her sister sitting at a table with a cup of coffee.

Hey sis Henri greeted as she took a seat opposite her sister with a fake smile on her face.

Hey,Tessa replied with a questioning gaze.

When Henri said nothing and kept her gaze over her sister's head,Tessa loudly cleared her throat.

Would you like some tea she asked.

Yes please,henri replied.

Tessa walked over to the countertop and poured hot water into a mug, dunking a tea bag into the mug and adding honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

She brought the mug over to her sister and took her seat with a determined glint in her eyes.

Holding the mug in her hands,Henri looked at her sister and sighed.

Why are you looking at me like that she asked.

Something's wrong Tessa replied. I know something is going on with you.

I'm fine Henri insisted half heartedly.

You know you could try to be more convincing if you want to lie to me Tessa said clearly not buying her answer. But.. I'll let it go for now she concluded.

Henri brings her mug to her lips, relishing the taste of her favourite beverage and almost choked when she looked up and saw the playful smile on her sister's face.

What now, she asked not totally comfortable with her sister's smile.

So....Tessa said to her sister teasingly.

So what, Henri teased back.

When were you going to tell me that our handsome patient was the guy you met in Switzerland she asked.

What? Henri asked, completely caught off guard. I have no idea what you are talking about she said.

I'm talking about Nathaniel Duval Tessa replied.

Who? Henri asked her sister unconvincingly.

Don't try to lie to me Tessa warned her sister.

I thought he looked familiar and I tried to remember where I'd seen him before. Then I found the album the institute sent and I saw his picture right next to yours and I realised it was him.

You went through my things, Henri queried her sister. When did you even find the time to do that she asked.

God no! Tessa replied. I didn't go through your stuff okay? Papa had them framed. I told you about it remember? He has them in his office.

He framed the entire album Henri asked incredulously.

No silly, Tessa replied. Just the ones that had everybody in your class.

Right Henri replied. But.. that means Papa ought to have known about him. That he was the same person and yet he called me?

He needed your help henny, Tessa insisted. He wouldn't have asked otherwise.

But he knew..he knew that meeting him the first time almost cost me my relationship with Auguste Henri said. And now, knowing what we'd

been through, what we were going through, he does this? It's totally unacceptable.

So, what are you going to do Tessa asked her sister.

Nothing Henri replied. It was a long time ago. I'm married now she said displaying her wedding band for her sister to see.

Says the girl who divorced her caring husband for no reason whatsoever Tessa chided.

Shhhh henri shushed her sister. Not so loud. Besides,I had my reasons. I'm not that stupid you know.

You think? Tessa asked. And what were your reasons. Can you tell me what they were? Auguste loves you.

I know Henri insisted. I love him too. I love him so much it hurts.

Auguste is perfect for you her sister continued. In fact,I believe he was tailor made for you.

I know Henri replied. I was stupid to think I could stop loving him. Who am I kidding? I'm always going to love him. I will never stop loving him but he might not feel that way anymore. Not after what I did.

Henny...Tessa said trying to calm her down.

I was so scared Tessa she said. I was so scared of hurting him that I ended up hurting him. I knew I wasn't deserving of him..of his love. That he deserved better than me, better than I could ever offer. So, I let my fear drive me into doing something stupid. I thought it was the only way. That it was the right thing to do.

Henriette...her sister called.

He didn't say a word to me the whole day yesterday Henri confessed. He left this morning without saying a word or leaving me a note so I wouldn't worry. He always said I spiral out of control when I'm worried.The Auguste I know would never do this. Not even when we were fighting or when he was mad at me. What if he doesn't love me anymore. What if he ends up hating me.

Henya! Tessa scolded. He would never stop loving you. And I know for a fact, that it's not possible for him to ever hate you.

I hope so,Henri replied brokenly. I don't think I could live with him hating me.

What do you plan to do when Nathaniel wakes up Tessa asked.

What else? Go back home and try to salvage my marriage Henri replied.

What about the papers Tessa asked slowly. Perhaps.....

I didn't mail them yet Henri said. I couldn't bring myself to. It felt too final. I just couldn't do it.

Maybe you should consider counseling Tessa advised.

You think he'd go with me Henri asked her sister.

Sweetie, Auguste flew halfway around the world with you when you asked even though he was bone tired and he hated flying. He'd go anywhere with you but...I was talking about you.

Me? Henri asked confused.

Yes Tessa replied. You need to deal with the issues that made you run in the first place and then..talk to him.

Oh God! Henri gasped. I'm a terrible wife and a horrible human being. What kind of woman divorces her husband because of something so silly.

Henny, why did you ask for a divorce, her sister asks quietly.

I didn't even talk about it with him Henri continued seeming to not have heard her sister's question. I just assumed that he wouldn't feel the same way and I'd be a big disappointment to him.

Henya..her sister called. What really happened?

I can't tell you about it until I've talked with my husband she began. But I was scared that he would want more...more than I was ready to give and Auguste has never asked for more than I could give. I was scared that it would change things for us. What is wrong with me she asked.

Honey..her sister responded. There's nothing wrong with you. Change is scary but it can be good too. You and Auguste have been friends since you were both in diapers. You two together has always been inevitable. What you should realise is that you are never alone. Auguste has always been on your side. He will always be on your side if you let him and you've got me and James and Papa. We've all got your back. We are your ride or die. Always.

I know Henri replied. Thanks sis.

Meanwhile, across the hall, Nathaniel Duval opens his eyes and his first thought is of one person... Maria.....