ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX

ALONG THE CORRIDORS OF THE HOSPITAL

Two young men walked in different directions. One of them stood in his tracks when he saw the other one.

"Please, may we talk? For how long are you going to ignore me?" the slightly shorter of the two entreated.

The taller of the two, as if he had not heard a word, continued to walk down the corridor before disappearing into a room. A loud sigh was heard echoing in the silent corridor.

ON ANOTHER DAY

A young man walked and came to a halt in front of a door. After hesitating for a while, he lifted his hand to knock at the door.

"Come in!" a familiar voice spoke from within. Slowly he pushed the door open, and when the man seated on the chair saw him, he frowned and said, "I'm sorry I cannot talk to you at the moment."

"When do you think we can talk? I really need to talk to you?"

"I don't know. For now, please give me some space."

AT THE ENTRANCE TO DYLAN'S MANSION

A beautiful car came to a stop, and a guard moved closer.

"Sir Pete," the security guard smiled.

"I need to see Dylan," the man said sternly.

"I'm afraid sir Dylan has given us stern orders. We are not to allow anyone inside unless if he himself gives us the go ahead."

Pete wound down his window and faced the security guard. "Listen, open that gate for me. Do it now! I don't care what Dylan has said, I belong here, and I am getting in. How dare you have the guts to refuse me entry?"

Frightened by the firmness of Pete's voice, the security guard quickly pressed the remote control and the gate opened wide. Mrs Silva welcomed Pete happily. She announced that Dylan was not in, but Anisha was upstairs working on her assignments.

Pete went straight to see Anisha, and after the greetings, he went straight to his issue:

ANISHA'S POV

"I will not leave until Dylan comes back home. he hasn't spoken to me in almost four days now, I cannot handle it anymore." Pete sounded very desperate

"He told me…." I said in a low voice.

"What did he say?" Pete asked.

"He said he feels betrayed. He thought you saw Arianna as your sister, and he feels like you used her." I told him truthfully.

"He isn't giving me a chance to explain. I will wait for him until he comes."

I offered him some lime juice, and he started to drink it. Pete seemed to be very lost in his thoughts. I started to get fearful of what was going to happen once Dylan walked back in. Dylan had told me many times how hurt and betrayed he felt, so I could not guess how he was going to be like when he walked in to the room to see Pete.

"Congratulations on your baby on the way," I said to Pete.

He smiled and asked me if I too was angry with him. I assured him that I was not.

"I have always loved Arianna." He said.

"The problem is there was Raelynn, so I guess people are failing to understand how Arianna came into your life so soon." I told him.

"I know. Everyone thought Arianna was not seeing anyone." Pete sighed.

"I suspected that she was. Once when we were at Oakley's, I saw her in the ladies room but she avoided me."

Pete laughed a little and said, "she told me. I was with her then. And although I wouldn't have minded, she was adamant that no one from the family was supposed to see us there."

Starting to loosen up, Pete narrated the problems that they were having, how Arianna was experiencing very serious morning sickness, and he stated that he could not wait to officially make her his wife. He told me a lot of staff about the baby, and his plans to make Arianna the happiest woman on earth.

"You really love her," I commented.

"I do. I wish Dylan would just understand that and give me a chance," his faced down in desperation.

I smiled and assured him that his friend was surely going to come around. We continued to talk about many other things. I asked him whether they preferred a boy or a girl, and if they had a name for the child yet.

"I don't mind any, boy or girl. Arianna definitely wants a little girl. As for names…I'll leave it to Arianna to pick the first name, and then I will give the middle name." Pete smiled.

After we had spoken for a long time, I realised Pete could be hungry, so I called Dylan to check what time he was getting home. He announced that he doubted if he was going to make it in time for dinner. It seemed like his dad was being super tough on his training for him to be able to solely take the CEO position. At that moment, his dad was still involved with running of the de Milo Children's Hospital, and he occasionally asked to meet with Dylan in the evenings. Their meetings would go well into the night. But I must admit that it was better at that time. Soon after the handover, Dylan was scarce. His dad was heavily involved in the day to day running of the children's hospital, and thus he requested to meet with Dylan every single day.

I asked Mrs Silva to go ahead and serve dinner. While we ate, I told Pete that Dylan was not likely to be home anytime soon. Pete was so disappointed that he held his fork mid-air, before slowly bringing it back to his plate. I felt very sorry for him, he had really hoped to meet with his friend on that day. I felt helpless, for I could not know how to assist him; that was until an idea came to my mind….

"Write him a letter, Pete! Write him a letter! Since you said when you try to talk to him, he doesn't give you a chance, why don't you write it down? Find a way of sending your written message.

Pete stood up and smiled widely. "You have given me the best idea ever! Why did I never think of that?" he straightened his shirt and picked his car keys.

"Your food! Finish up your food!" I said

"Thanks but let me go now. I have a letter to write!"

With that he briskly walked out of the room. I could not help but smile.