BACK-STORY II

There was a deadening silence in the room at Curtis' pronouncement. Clem, for one, was very shocked. His sister had found her mate? How lucky! He thought. So, why had she gone ahead to stay with Derek? Didn't she know of Curtis?

"Did you tell her?" Anthony asked, recovering from his own shock. He hadn't seen this piece of news coming. if Curtis was really right, then perhaps, there was at least a way to separate Claire from Derek. That way, there might be hope if Emma sees that Derek is still single. Perhaps, they can tell her the reason for his denial. Perhaps... Anthony sighed, even as he waited on a reply from Curtis. Emma wouldn't make it easy for them. He thought, remembering that she had said that she didn't want to see any of them.

"Yes, I did..." Curtis muttered, looking crestfallen all of a sudden, an outlook which already told the guys in the room what might have transpired between the duo. Clem broke the haze first.