Loving You Too Long

“Haisley is currently facing Gilbert’s anger. Just as he had predicted. His friend couldn’t accept the fact that Haisley had already paid the flat rent and would be moving out over the weekend. And that’s tomorrow.

Haisley himself didn’t know Nathan’s response because the man was out of town, attending one of his friend’s weddings. Haisley knew that the man was accompanied by his girlfriend, Loretta, because she had posted a photo of them on her social media.

Even though the photo only showed Nathan’s back, Haisley knew it was him.

“H, think about it again. I can cover your rent. I can talk to my friend who’s looking for a place. But don’t move, H,” the man pleaded.

“G, please,” Haisley begged. This was beyond his patience. He couldn’t take it anymore; he didn’t want to keep getting hurt.

“I thought it was just a momentary emotional outburst, H. If I knew you were serious, I wouldn’t have taken my eyes off you,” Gilbert replied, still reluctant. “What about Uncle, Aunt? What about my parents, Haisley?”

“I already told Mom and Dad. They agreed to let me move. I need to be more independent. And about Uncle and Aunt, I asked Mom and Dad to talk to them,” he replied.

Gilbert could only look at Haisley and then let out a long sigh. He was clearly frustrated with Haisley’s unilateral decision. After all, it was Haisley who had asked him to help her get closer to Nathan. But now, she suddenly decided to stop.

Gilbert wasn’t frustrated because of Haisley’s submission. He liked her so much that he couldn’t bear to lose her. Deep down, he really wanted Haisley to succeed with Nathan. But so far, Haisley had endured. If compared to himself, Gilbert wasn’t sure if he could withstand his love as strongly as Haisley.

“Fine. But remember, if anything happens, you have to tell me. If something is bothering you or if there are people making you uncomfortable. You have to tell me,” Gilbert said. Haisley just nodded as he hugged Gilbert’s tall, broad body.

Saturday morning, the doorbell of Nathan’s residence rang. Steven and Reia appeared there. They had promised to help Haisley move, even though she had prohibited them. She didn’t bring many things anyway, just clothes, some books, and electronic gadgets, most of which she had bought during her few months in England.

Before noon, the packing was already done. Using Gilbert’s SUV, which they were both fans of, they loaded Haisley’s belongings, which weren’t much. They stopped briefly to eat at a fast-food cafe before heading to Haisley’s flat.

Haisley’s small rented flat was in an affordable area considering its proximity to her campus in South Kensington. It could be considered a luxurious area in the UK due to its strategic location. It was close to museums and both upscale and simple franchise restaurants. Haisley was determined to apply for a part-time job after she could socialize with her new living space.”

“At seven in the evening, the three of them finally left Haisley’s residence. While Haisley sorted her belongings with Steven’s help, Gilbert and Reia kindly bought her groceries and other necessities they thought she might need.

Now, exactly at eight in the evening, Haisley was enjoying the instant coffee that Gilbert had bought for her, savoring the view from the balcony.

On Sunday morning, Gilbert even returned with breakfast. Claiming boredom at home, he used it as an excuse to disturb Haisley all day. However, his real intention was to change Haisley’s mind and convince her to return home.

Nathan returned from his trip at midnight. He dropped Loretta off at her place before heading back to his own residence. Something felt odd as he unlocked the door. It felt different. Empty. Or was it just his imagination?

Not wanting to dwell on it too long, Nathan quickly entered his room. He wanted to lie down and unwind. Tomorrow was Monday, and he had a lot of work to attend to.

In the morning, Nathan had breakfast alone. He didn’t see Gilbert. Nor the petite girl. Why did the atmosphere feel so chilly? He intended to ask Aunt Jody. But a call on his phone diverted his attention. Eventually, without asking his housekeeper, Nathan left for his office.

Days passed by like this. Nathan was engrossed in his work. He came home late, and the house was quiet. Occasionally, he hoped to find Haisley watching in the backyard, wearing his oversized shirt and her hair in a bun. But he never got that chance. He also never saw Gilbert at home. Was his brother really that busy with his activities?

Yes, Nathan and Gilbert’s relationship couldn’t be described as close. They only contacted each other if there was something important to discuss. There were no shared stories or sessions of confiding in each other. Or perhaps, was this how a normal relationship between brothers was? Nathan didn’t know; he never compared his life to others’.

And then, the weekend came again. Nathan intentionally made no plans to go anywhere. Today, he just wanted to laze around at home. Or perhaps, he just wanted to see the petite girl with her busyness in the kitchen, cooking and exchanging shouts with Gilbert.

Strangely, by eight in the morning, Nathan still hadn’t seen a trace of her. Did she have classes on the weekend? As far as Nathan knew, she didn’t.

Gilbert came downstairs a little after eight in the morning. He was wearing casual shorts and a sleeveless shirt. Nathan greeted him casually as Gilbert went to the kitchen and took out food from the fridge. Gilbert poured cold milk into a tall glass, put frozen food in the microwave, and started the stove to fry sausages and eggs.

“Why a Ready Meal? Doesn’t Haisley usually cook for you?” Nathan commented when Gilbert placed his breakfast on the dining table. Gilbert snorted.

“Later. She’s going to cook. For lunch.” Gilbert replied casually. He was confident; Nathan was so indifferent that he didn’t realize Haisley was no longer with them.