Vanessa

With my father telling everyone else I'm only left with Mia to tell. Even though I only tell her on the phone, it's more difficult than I thought it would be.

"I'm so sorry about this," she says. "I just want to hug you right now, but I'm out of the country."

I chuckle painfully. "You can always hug me when you come back."

"How's Dominic taking all this?"

As I respond, I instantly think about the kiss right before he left. I still can't stop thinking about the possibility that he did it out of pity and it makes me a little sad.

"And you know what?" she says, "I was going to ask you about how it went with Patrick yesterday, but now obviously isn't the time. It'll be up to you to tell me all about it when you're ready." "Thanks for understanding."

"How could I not understand when I'm your best friend?"

I chuckle softly.

Hearing footsteps from the staircase, I look up and notice my father in a different suit, which instantly makes me narrow my eyes.

"Can I call you back?" I say to Mia.

"Of course. Take all the time you need."

Right after the call, I approach the stairs and wait until he gets to the bottom step.

"Dad, what's going on? Why do you look like you're going out?"

"I am," he says, fixing his collar.

"But where are you going?"

"I know I said I was going to tell everyone over the phone, but I think it's better to do it in person. Do you want to come with me?" "No. I'll stay right here and wait for you."

tell me the reason

to relive that moment from yesterday when he broke the news

means Dominic will

I smile, feeling

that's the truth. You won't be home

he looks to the side and coughs painfully, twisting his face in discomfort. I get

relaxes his facial muscles

alright," he assures

you." I

don't worry about

constantly take strolls around the yard and in most of the rooms, trying to relive all the memories that I hold dear to me and those that have to do

one to see me, I break down again for a few minutes, then compose myself and proceed to look for a distraction. I put on a show but barely watch it as I not only think about what it's going to be like as the months go by, but also hoping to see my

rings, making me flinch a little. The caller ID makes me purse my lips for a moment. I haven't spoken to Patrick since I left his apartment yesterday and he hasn't been in touch with me

distractions, I decide

"Hello?"

awkwardly clears his throat. "How are you

"Great."

mean that

up more, wondering how he found out about my father's health

it's about

something else but because it's something I already wanted to talk about, I don't

I actually wanted to talk to you about it in person but

tell. I'm sorry I just..." He trails

"Go on. Tell me."

other time. I was just checking on you because we haven't spoken ever since

I sigh. "Of course."

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