Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 89
I had a great snooze that night, and when I woke up, I was still in Neil’s arms.
He was still asleep. I carefully crawled out of bed, not to wake him. His clothes were on the chair. I took a sniff, and yup, they smelled like booze. He must have had quite a few last night.
My phone started to vibrate. It was my dad, again.
I sighed and walked out of the bedroom to take the call.
9 སྒྲརྒྱུ
“Rena, when are you and Neil coming over? We’ve already got the groceries. Your mom says she’s going to cook today!” My dad sounded super excited.
“Dad, Neil and I might not be able to make it today…” I hated to let him down. It was rare for him to look forward to our visits this much.
But Neil had to go to Zion Chemical Plant today. It was pretty hectic over there, so he often had to check up on things.
My dad was clearly disappointed when he heard this, “Why? Didn’t you tell him? Or he just doesn’t want to come?”
When we first got married, my parents often invited us over for meals, but Neil always politely declined. He only visited on my parents’ birthdays or holidays.
Over time, my parents got the hint and stopped inviting us. Their impression of Neil got worse and worse.
Just as I was about to make up an excuse about work, my phone was sna tched out of my hands. I turned around in surprise and found Neil awake. He took my phone and told my dad, “We’ll be there soon.”
My dad hung up, satisfied with Neil’s reply.
Neil handed me my phone. Seeing my stunned look, he chuckled and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

‘Aren’t you supposed to go to Zion Chemical Plant?” I asked, taking back my phone.
“I can go in the afternoon,” Neil replied while putting on a navy blue crew-neck sweater. His broad shoulders made the sweater look really good. He paired it with some black pants, a casual look.
Well, that’s a relief. At least I won’t be bothered by my dad’s calls anymore.
After freshening up and getting dressed, I headed downstairs. Neil drove me home.
When we arrived, my parents were unusually warm towards Neil. They greeted him with wide smiles. Neil had helped them out big time when their decades-long marriage was under threat, and they were grateful.
Such a harmonious atmosphere was a first time for me, but it felt really good.
Just as we were about to have lunch, I got a call from Ada, “Ms. Finch, my relative who studies traditional medicine said he has a special medicine that’s really effective for promoting pregnancy. Do you still need it?”
Ada was really enthusiastic.
I glanced at Neil. He was busy looking at his phone, probably texting someone.
“Great. Could you keep it for me? I’ll come and get it in a few days, okay?” I said, in a low voice.
“No problem. I’ll send you the address,” Ada replied.
Soon I got the address to Bonnie’s place. I locked my phone screen, keeping a straight face.
After lunch, Neil told my parents he had to go to Zion Chemical Plant for work. They understood his situation and didn’t insist on him staying.
I decided to stay at home for a few days, so I didn’t leave with Neil.
After Neil left, my dad invited a few friends to go fishing by the river, seemingly undeterred by the cold. Meanwhile, my mom and I stayed home and watched TV. She asked, “I feel like Neil has changed. Have you guys been getting along better recently?”
I thought for a bit and replied, “Kind of, I guess.”
I mean, we did have sex a few times. Does that count as getting along better?
She said, “Maybe he’s slowly discovering your good points and starting to cherish you. You’ve loved him for so many years. It’s about time you got some reciprocation.” I knew my mom was always worried about me.
I was lying on the couch watching TV, and responded with a smile, “Maybe.”
I didn’t want to tell her about Bonnie, nor the real situation between Neil and me. I’ll tell her after the divorce.
Listening to her talking, I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, I found a blanket covering me. My mom was tending to her plants. I looked at the soft sunlight streaming through the window, feeling calm.
I stayed at home for almost a week this time. Life at home was always leisurely. Sometimes I accompanied my mom to her company. At home, she was a gentle wife and mother, but at work, she was a tough lady boss.
During this time, my health completely recovered. I felt much better me ntally too.
On a sunny day, I drove to Bonnie’s place. She probably had no idea I was coming, or she would’ve contacted me earlier.
Seeing Ada, I greeted her with a smile, “Ada!”
Ada was cleaning. Seeing me, she was surprised, then greeted me warmly, “Ms. Finch, welcome! Please, come in!”