Chapter 543: Parting Ways
I’ve never had thoughts about Harry for so long now.
And by that – I mean it extremely platonically, and really, I think I can hardly be blamed for it either. Ever since that night, and that talk, for the most part, whenever our paths crossed in hallways, between doorways, or even just across the dining table, he would keep to himself.
So fierce was his resolve on maintaining a non-presence that in time, over days, he’d successfully blend into the backdrop of whatever room he was in at the moment.
Of course, there were some exceptions too. I noticed he formed a sorta kinship with Dad, sharing small talks over a drink on warm nights... apparently they share the same love from crime thrillers. In the day, Mom would be the one to keep him company, treating him as she would any other guest in our household, and overwhelming him with drinks and refreshments every other hour.
It was thanks to their efforts that he could feel right at home under our roof, which would be a nice gesture so long as you overlook the fact that these were also the same people advocating for his sacrifice days ago...
Well... I just try not to look at things from that angle too much.
In-between my own busywork, keeping in touch with both Irene and Amanda, and just generally gaining my strength back, there were little opportunities for Harry and I to interact. But from what little I saw him, I could tell it was hurting him.
.....
Being here was hurting him.
In our family he saw his... he saw what could’ve been, what he could have still had. The trivial conversations over meals, the ‘good mornings’ and the ‘good nights’ said to one another. He’d look at me, he’d look at Sammy... and briefly, I’d see his expression tightened.
Then all over again, the temptation surged strong within me. I saved Hayley’s new number, and some nights, I’d just lay in bed staring at it, toiling away in the depths of my mind wondering if I really should.
I never did.
Harry was recuperating well, recovery exceeding even Mom’s expectations.
“Very eager to leave, isn’t he?” She muttered to me one quiet evening, shifting her eyes with an almost knowing look. “But I suppose guilt is a very effective motivator, don’t you think so?”
I didn’t know what she knew, or the extent of what she knew, but I couldn’t agree with her more.
Finally, on an early Friday, it happened.
In new clothes, a groomed look, and a wedding ring fitting perfectly around his finger, Harry walked through our front doorway for the last time, bidding farewell, and expressing his sincerest thanks.
It was there that we made our first direct eye-contact in ages. In a steady healthy stride, he walked over towards me, and extended his hand. I barely lifted mine before he took it and shook it with a firm strong grip.
“I know you don’t want to be thanked,” He said, his expression no longer of that gaunt, hollowed man I was so used to seeing. “But thank you anyway... for everything you’ve done.”
I smiled, gripping his hand back just as firmly. “Let’s just hope your next infestation is just limited to termites.”
“Let’s hope so,” He replied with a snigger. “But just in case, I do hope you accept consults.”
“You know where to find me.”
We broke apart, and he gave me another earnest stare.
“You have a beautiful family, I hope you know that,” He said to me softly, speaking with a slight somberness that I understood far too well. “Appreciate it, take care of it... your sister, your mother, father... promise me you will.”
From the outside, that’s probably how we looked, didn’t we? But were we? Despite all our shortcomings, I still like to think so.
“I plan to,” I simply said and left it at that.
“Good, and on that note...” He shook his head, letting out a heavy breath. “I seriously cannot thank you for what you’ve done... the guilt’s gonna eat me alive if I can’t find a way to repay you somehow.”
“It ain’t necessary...”
“I know, I know... you’re too much of a saint to ask,” He stopped me there. “But indulge me anyway, won’t you?”
I paused for a moment, pondering on his offer. Being put on the spot is a great way of drawing blanks, and for a while, I couldn’t think of anything.
But then...
“Well, I could always use a new customer,” I told him. “See, the manager’s always nagging me about retaining patrons... maybe you could help me out with that, stop by the cafe every now and then?’
“Hmm,” He narrowed his eyes. “And this offer here... it’s supposed to help who, exactly?”
“Why, me, of course,” I affirmed. “I’m asking for your money, your time... who else would benefit from it?”
Briefly, we both exchanged silent looks at each other. Then wrinkles began to form, as a smile took over his doubts.
“You really are a good kid,” He said. “I’ll think about it.”
Harry began to walk away, closer and closer to the idle whirring of Dad’s truck, who was patiently looking over at us by the driver-side.
“I recommend getting the Himdale special,” I called out just as Harry swung open the passenger door. “It’s the boss’s specialty.”
He waved in response before he got onboard, and with a final parting smile from the side window, Harry was finally gone in a cloud of dust and smoke.
I stayed until the roar of the engine wasn’t even an echo, I stared until they weren’t even a smudge in the horizon.
Out here, in the front lawn, my feet pressed against the same patch of grass I’ve stood and knelt on for hours and hours on end.
The same place this all started.
That evening I first came here, I could never have imagined the hassle I have to go through to eventually reach this point.
And now it’s all over.
So many things I’ve discovered. So many preconceptions shattered. About Mom, about Dad, about me... about our family as a whole.
It was plainly clear I’ve only just scratched the tip of the iceberg. In the coming days, this rabbit hole would continue to expand, branching, dragging me deeper into its depths.
This business with the Divines, Dad’s past, Sammy’s visions, these great tidings I’m allegedly supposed to bring. I still don’t think those claims carried any weight... but if they do... then they really leave a lot of downtime to ponder.
The most grievous of all being the source of it all.
Jay... Grieven...whatever he calls himself... he’ll turn up again, like a bolt of lightning on a clear day, a speeding vehicle on an empty road... one way or another, another confrontation was inevitable.
In his memories, I felt his intentions, his resolve, to do something beyond what he’s done thus far.
I still don’t know what exactly he has planned for the future... But for now... while the world is still in one whole piece... I supposed it’s about time to finally head home.
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