CHAPTER 12: SOUR

AUTHORS POV

A week passed by, Gavin hadn't returned home. He called the house telephone, and Emily picked up. He told her he was on a business trip in Paris. He asked of Ethan and she told him he was practicing Hockey in his room.

Gavin got angry and asked to speak with Ethan. Ethan put the telephone on the table and went to the kitchen while Gavin ranted to himself. Ethan kept on saying, "Yes, I heard you." every minute.

Gavin asked if Sydney had taken her drugs, then he ended the call and hadn't called since.

"I need need a bag of vegetables, four packs spaghetti..." Sydney had the phone pressed to her ears with her shoulder as she talked to a salesperson.

He was listening to rock music as he took her order. She was convinced he wasn't listening because she had repeated herself continuously. "Four cartoons of root bear and six Scottish wines. Check."

Sydney groaned. "Forget it. I'll stop by and get it myself.

"Took you long enough." He ended the call.

Sydney threw Ethan's clothes into the washing machine. She wanted to be sequestered from the world. She had been receiving hateful emails since the rumor about her and Gabriel's affair.

When she'd check the mailbox she saw tones of heart-warming messages for Gavin. He'd managed to get what he wanted. She was a sit-at-home mum with nothing to do.

She heard the doorbell ring. "I'm coming, if it's a mail, leave it in the mailbox."

Sydney opened the door and saw Sofia holding a box of donuts. Sofia frowned when she saw how pale and gaunt Sydney looked.

"What are you doing here, Sofia? Come in."

Sofia looked star-struck as she took the majestic house in. She felt like she walked into a vibrant fiery haven. The LED lighting system, embedded in the walls and ceiling, shifted seamlessly from soothing blues and greens to fiery reds and oranges. The room was now bathed in a warm, golden glow, evoking the crackling flames of a campfire.

"I wanted to know how you are doing. The company is boring without you." Sydney didn't believe that, considering how many times she had shouted at her for just minor issues.

"I didn't expect anyone to miss me."

"Well, I do, Mrs. Reed. I brought you donuts." Sofia smiled nervously and handed it to her.

"You didn't have to but, thank you." Sydney took the donuts and placed them in the fridge.

Sofia helped Sydney wash the dishes since the dishwasher was faulty. They talked about work. Sydney was happy Alfred considered her request. Sofia changed the topic and asked about her family but Sydney didn't want to answer.

"I'm low on groceries. Would you mind getting them for me from the grocery store down the street? I have to pick up Ethan and Emily."

Sofia shrugged. "Anything for Mrs. Reed."

Sydney smiled gratefully. They talked about books and celebrities before Sydney had to take a shower.

—————

Ethan didn't have practice today so Sydney took him with to Theresa's. Theresa managed to convince her to stay for an hour. They were watching, The Kissing Booth, in the living room.

"Mum, can we leave now." Ethan groaned, tired of watching Emily and Authur spell words he hadn't heard before.

"You can play Call Of Duty with Vanessa and Oliver," Theresa suggested.

Ethan's eyes glowed with excitement. He got up from the dinette chair. "Where are they."

Without peeling her eyes off the screen, Theresa replied, "Upstairs, second room by the left. Call me if the door is closed and make sure you knock and wait for five minutes before entering if it is."

Ethan nodded and ran up the stairs. Sydney released a breath. "I have to leave now, Theresa."

"But you didn't stay for an hour."

"I know, I stayed for two." Sydney immediately regretted saying that, when she saw Theresa's shoulder slump. "I'm sorry but I have to make dinner."

Theresa forced a smile. "Okay, but I'll drive Ethan and Emily back, you look like you need a long nap."

Sydney smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

"Since you are home all the time. Every Thursday and Saturday at the country club, old folks comes to play tennis. You could stop by sometimes. "

She knew if she refused, Theresa would press on the matter. So, she replied simply, "I'll try."

_________________

"Dad!" Avery exclaimed happily after she opened her front door and saw Auxanger.

His smile widened and he pulled her into a hug. "Three months seems like a lifetime."

Avery chuckled and pulled back. "Tell me about it. Come in!"

Auxanger stepped into the room and his smile was replaced with a grimaced. He suddenly felt angry as he sat on the faded slumped couch in the middle of the room. He shifted, unnerved when he noticed the deplorable condition of the roof.

"That could cause a lot of damage during a storm."

Avery smiled wryly. "I'll have it changed this week. What would you like to eat, Dad?"

Auxanger waved her off. "Don't bother yourself. I wouldn't want to add more to your problems."

Avery went to sit next to him. Auxanger had a bitter look on his face. "Any time I think of that son of a b!tch, I lose my mind. If only that bastard had taught his son how to control those things between his legs... I warned you that girl would betray you one day."

Avery's body turned rigid. "I wish I listened."

Auxanger scoffed. "You can't correct the past, can you? You had something good in your hands and you foolishly handed it to that girl."

Avery's hatred towards Sydney surged. "I had no idea she'd betray me."

Auxanger sneered, " Have you heard the saying, tit for tat Avery? Take back what she took away from you, from us. And that husband of hers, he's also a party in this. I wouldn't have been such a terrible father-"

"Dad." Avery stopped him. She shook her head, angry tears glistening in her eyes. "You are not a terrible father."

She held his hand and spoke through gritted teeth. "Trust me, the game only just began.