Part 5

After Gladwin left, Abigail sat on a bar stool. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as if trying to release the heavy burden she had been carrying without realizing it.

What did his uncle do this time? How long will the man stay? Why did that man come back without any notice at all?

Abigail glanced at the two bedroom doors, which were closed alternately. She was sad for her friend. She was the only person who knew how much her step-cousin and best friend fell in love with her uncle.

Yes, Abigail knows Flavia loves Gladwin even though she discovered it accidentally.

She knew why her friend chose to leave Kansas and study in California. It was none other than the girl's attempt to forget her uncle, who suddenly decided to continue earning his doctoral degree in Germany.

Heartbroken teenage Flavia. How could it not be the man she loved decided to leave after rejecting her love? A love that she hasn't even had the chance to express directly.

Flashback

That was the day Antony's family celebrated Ignazio's third birthday, as well as a thanksgiving for Claire's pregnancy, which was seven months old.

Abigail, Flavia, and their friend Haisley, who was on holiday in Kansas during their college years with Gilbert, Steven, Loretta and Nathaniel—a figure whose existence was shocking—chose to sit together in the gazebo to enjoy food. Gladwin arrived late at that time. He came with fellow doctors who worked at the same hospital as him and joined them. Freddie and Phoebe.

"Can I join?" Greet Freddie in a friendly manner. Abigail and Flavia knew him because the doctor often came to their house to play. Meanwhile, Phoebe, this is the first time they have met.

"Please, Doc," Abigail answered. The almost entire pavilion was now full.

"This is Doctor Phoebe. She's new to our ward." Gladwin said as an introduction. "These are my nieces. Abigail, Flavia. And their friends." Then, they introduced themselves to each other.

Abigail watched Phoebe and Gladwin take turns. Judging from her movements, she knew that the female doctor liked her uncle.

Regarding age range, Abigail, Flavia and Haisley were the younger people among the ten. So when those people talked about business and things appropriate for their age, the three young girls didn't understand. But there was one thing that Abigail understood from the gathering of people there. The smell of love and jealousy wafts in the air.

Abigail could see how Nathan didn't take his eyes off Haisley, and neither did Steven. And every time Steven looked at Haisley or was nice to her, Nathan's face would suddenly turn cold.

Meanwhile Gilbert. The man Abigail likes also clearly likes Flavia, even though the face he shows looks flat. Both she and Gilbert knew that the person Flavia adored was Gladwin.

Meanwhile, Gladwin, whether he knew or chose to pretend not to know, preferred to pay attention to Phoebe, who was sitting beside him.

Abigail didn't lose her mind. Because she knows Flavia won't dare to express her feelings, she will try to help her.

"Hey, Uncle." Point Abigail to Nathan, Gladwin and Freddie. "May I ask you something?" She asked, to which the three answered with nods. "But please answer honestly." Abigail continued again, to which the three gave a nod. "Okay, here's the question. So, I'm currently eighteen years old and going on nineteen. Do you think that's an adult or a child?" Abigail looked at Freddie first.

"Obviously, still young. Not yet an adult." Freddie answered honestly.

"Same," Nathan answered

"Depends," Gladwin answered.

"Depends on what?" Abigail asked, confused.

"Depends on what kind of adult you mean. Physical or mindset?"

"Both of them," Abigail answered again.

"Yes, everyone has a different character. Some are mature in mind but have yet to be in age. And some are the opposite."

Abigail's brow furrowed. "Okay. Now assess the three of us. Me, Flavia, and Haisley. What does our uncle think?" She challenged.

"I don't know Haisley. As for you, you are far from an adult. You are still a child. And Via, she is already an adult in her thinking." Gladwin answered honestly.

"Okay. Next question," Abigail said. "For example, Haisley, Via, I like men the same age as the uncles here. Will you accept us?"

"Like and love may have different definitions for us boys and those of you who are still young," Freddie answered.

"It means?"

"There is like just like. There is something that leads to obsession. There is love that is love. And there is love that is based on obsession. So which like and love do you mean?"

Abigail frowned. "Mm... a kind of like where our heart beats faster than usual when we see that person. Then we wish we could keep seeing him. Waiting for his message; who knows when it will come in? Or beating just by getting a greeting from him?"

"Are you annoyed if he is with another woman?" Freddie asked, and then Abigail nodded. "Are you worried that he didn't send you a message? But did you have the courage to ask him how he was doing first?" Abigail nodded again. "Did you cry when he left?" Again, Abigail nodded. "Then, if another man approaches you, will you accept that man?" This time, Abigail shook her head. "Even though he is more handsome or richer than that person?" Abigail nodded. "Okay, fix, it's love. Even though I don't know how long it will last." Freddie said with an amused smile on his face. "But considering that you don't turn to men who are more handsome or maybe richer, it means you sincerely love his ugliness." Laughter could be heard echoing in the pavilion.

"So?" Abigail asked impatiently.

"Yeah, if that happened to me, I wouldn't mind. Twelve years apart, it's not that bad. Besides, that's enough age to live together or get married."

"I'm okay. I'm only two and eight, only ten years apart." Nathan answered casually.

"How about uncle?" he asked Gladwin.

"For me, No!" The answer is short.

"Why?"

"The answer is clear. It feels like marrying my niece. I prefer women who are not too far apart in age. At least our mindsets are balanced.

"A decade's difference has more or less an influence on a relationship. Characteristics, hobbies and ways of learning will be different. In a relationship, the main foundation is communication.

"We can't give in and become childish to balance ourselves with a younger partner. Likewise, you can't pretend to be mature to balance us, older men.

"And other complicated problems will arise due to one factor. Age. Even though those who are the same age don't necessarily have any conflicts. But in terms of communication, they feel more comfortable." The answer is long.

Abigail nodded in understanding what her uncle said made a lot of sense. Although on the other hand, she was pretty heartbroken to hear that.

Abigail looked at Haisley, who was smiling blushingly, looking satisfied with the answer from Nathan, the man she adored.

Meanwhile, Flavia seemed smiling, trying to look as strong as usual. Her friend knew that what Gladwin said was an indirect rejection of her existence, of her love. The girl was sad, and it could be seen from her eyes. But Abigail didn't want to prolong it.

Decade. That was the word Gladwin said earlier as a benchmark. Walls built to keep away from Flavia's love. And since then, Flavia seems to have kept her distance from Gladwin. And when Gladwin said he would continue his PhD in Germany. The girl chose to pursue her scholarship at UC Berkeley as her last attempt to forget her love.

Flashback Off