Self

Chapter 36

“What’s going on?”

Zachary cleared his throat. “The doctor says you’ve been eating wrong and maybe drinking a little too hard lately. So, well, you’ve got a hole in your stomach

Charlotte made a face. “You have no idea. You scared the life out of me just now! I walked in, and there you were, sprawled out like you were gone. Thank goodness you’re alright. The doctor says you’ve got to rest up and take this seriously.”

Jean had been brooding since he came to, her face stormy like she was ready to blow. Seeing Zachary so weak, she finally lost it. “Where’s Yara? How can she not show up when something this huge happens?”

Charlotte was confused, too.

Before, if her brother ended up in the hospital, Yara would have been right there, fussing over him, eyes brimming with tears. However, she was nowhere to be seen.

The moment the question was asked, a heavy silence fell over the room.

Yale kept his poker face while Zachary and Michael, who knew the score, kept silent.

It was Shane who casually dropped the bomb. “They split up, didn’t you know?”

Jean scowled. “What? They’re still at it? How long has it been? She’s really letting her temper show!”

Yale’s expression turned even grimmer.

“This time, it might not be so easy to bounce back.” Shane shot a look at Jean.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Is Yara throwing a fit now?!”

Yale cut in, his voice icy, his look frosty. “Mom! It’s over for good; I ended it.”

“What?” Jean was floored.

Charlotte was also shocked.

Well, Yara’s absence had gone on a bit too long….

Jean stormed out of the hospital room, so impatient that she dialed Yara’s number before even stepping foot outside.

The moment Yara picked up, Jean let out a mocking laugh. “Yara, who do you think you are? My son choosing you was like winning the lottery, you didn’t even appreciate it!

“He’s wasted so much money on you over the years. And this is how you repay him? You’re worse than a stray dog, and even they know a thing or two about loyalty!”

Jean was fuming. “My son’s sick now, and you better come crawling back!”

Yara listened to the tirade without a word, then coldly replied, “I’m sorry, but I’ve moved on. Your son’s problems aren’t mine anymore.”

With that, she hung up and blocked Jean’s number without a second thought. With a few taps on her phone to delete and confirm, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders, a breath of fresh air she had not felt In ages.

Meanwhile, Jean was left staring at her phone in shock When she tried to call back, all she got was a busy signal, and she was livid. Fine! You think you’re so clever, Yara! We’ll see about that!”

Solomon caught the hint of a smile on Yara’s face and asked, “Something good happened?”

Yara shook her head. “Just cleared up some hassle, that’s all.”

They wrapped up their study session, and night had fallen by the time they left the library. The cool breeze of the evening whispered through the leaves under the soft glow of the streetlights.

Solomon stole glances at Yara’s serene face, her skin glowing in the dim light. Gathering his courage, he said, “You mentioned dinner some other time. What about tonight? I mean, only if you’re up for it.”

Yara paused, considering. Solomon had been a real help lately, and she owed him a meal. “Sure, I’ve got some groceries back home. Let’s do it if you don’t mind a home–cooked meal.”

Solomon could not help but feel a bit starstruck. “Oh? Your place?”

Yara nodded. “It’s a quick ten–minute walk, super close. But hey, if you’d rather hit up a restaurant, I’m totally down for that. You can pick the spot.”

Solomon noticed she did not make a big deal out of it, and while he felt a twinge of disappointment, he was mostly relieved. “No worries, a home–cooked meal sounds great. Clean and cozy, right? Let’s do that then.”