Crossroads

Chapter 10

B A C K I N C R E T E I L

C H L O E

I walked into Isabelle cozy living room, greeted by a warmly aroma of freshly baked cookies with the nostalgic scent of melting chocolate and caramelized sugar filling the air.

isabelle embraced me warmly “Thank you for coming under a short notice, Chloe”. She said

“I appreciate it.”

The timer went off, and she took the cookies out from the oven, setting them on the counter to cool.

Isabelle always makes cookies whenever she’s worried about something. This has been a habit of hers that I’ve noticed over the years.

“ of course, Isabelle. I’m happy to be here, I came as fast as I could”. I followed her into the living room where she gestured me to sit.

I couldn’t help but notice the old family photo on the mantle. Isabelle must have been looking at it.

There were other photos in the house but this particular photo stood out ; When Cecelie was about 5, Isabelle was cuddling baby Leo while her husband held her shoulders.

The trio beamed with smile. That photo wasn’t always there. It seemed to have reappeared out of nowhere.

I remember years back, a bright Saturday morning my mom and I came by. She had errands to run and my baby sitter wasn’t available.

She brought me over to the Garniers to keep an eye on me as she usually does.

Isabelle would always tease her knowing the reason she would always bring me over is because she knows I’m in good hands and she didn’t have to worry.

But that Saturday morning, Isabelle didn’t tease and That was the last time I saw the photo.

“ you’re baking again” I said with a smile

“Old habits never die,I suppose“ she replied wistfully “Can I get you a cup of coffee,dear ? “

“ No, thank you, Isabelle. I’m fine” i declined

“ nonsense” she slapped my hands “ you’re not a guest chloe. I’ll get you a glass of water atleast”

She cups my chin like she always does before heading Into the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes, with a smile to take the edge off

“Really Isabelle, I’m fine!” i called out to the kitchen hoping she did hear.

she returns quickly with a glass of water and a plate of cookies. And set them on the coffee table.

“ just in case you change your mind. You and Cecelie use to like this cookies when you were girls. Still the same recipe, just the way you like it”

The way she smiled with her eyes wrinkling at the corners transported me back to the happy times and the countless afternoons I spent at Isabelle’s house with Cecelie.

Isabelle would spend hours in the kitchen whipping up a storm of sugar and flour whenever anyone of us was sick with a flu.

she would make cookies and soup to make us feel better. and most of the time she would make them to cheer Cecile and her brother up whenever they feel down about their father not being around.

she’s right, we loved those cookies and I’ve missed it terribly, I’ve missed spending time with them all together.

“ How are you holding up?” I asked

“ you know, just managing” she chuckled dry.

“But I have to admit I’m fretful about Cecile. She’s needs space, but it’s hard not to worry ” she said taking a sit beside me smoothing out the folds in her apron.

“ you sounded so urgent on the phone, is she alright?” My forehead creased.

“ I didn’t mean to scare you” she brushed my shoulder gently with her hand. “ it’s just…. I haven’t heard from her since she left, not as often as I’d like, and I’m starting to get a bit anxious”

I nodded understandingly. this made a lot of sense why she was baking. She was worried about Cecelie.

“same here…” i said “—I mean— she’s been busy with her trip and exploring, but I’m sure she would reach out soon. I just heard from her one time and i haven’t been able to get through to her”

Isabelle peered at me for a while, and i instantly knew what the look was for. Isabelle probably stunned Cecile had reached out to me first and not her.

“ you’ve heard from her” she repeated

I nodded to reaffirm what she just heard and then shifted uncomfortably in my seat avoiding her intense gaze that she had locked into mine.

“ what did she say” she asked trying to sound casual despite her growing unease and anxiety that was visible all over her voice.

“Has Cecelie said anything unusual to you dear ? Confided in you anything at all? “

I glanced up briefly to the ceiling as if searching for the right words before lowering my head and my eyes darted back to meet hers.

“ Now that you mention it Isabelle, Cecelie did mention something about an altercation with some one but it’s nothing serious…” I said with a shrug, trying to downplay the situation.

“And she made me promise not to tell you about it.”

I gave an awkward smile.

“Who was it Chloe?” She asked firmly “ she must have told you who it was?”

“ No, I told her who he was?” I corrected

feeling guilty for breaking my promise to Cecile.but Isabelle’s urgency was infectious that I didn’t know when i blurted that out.

“Oh it’s a “he”?”

“ Isabelle, calm down” I pleaded.

“Why won’t you tell me!” She asked sullenly almost raising my voice at me.

“This is exactly why she doesn’t want you to know , you are always worried about her and You end up making a fuss about it, she doesn’t want that now” I pointed out as i wiped off an invisible sweat from my face.

“ I’m scared Chloe” her voice trailed off “ I don’t want her to get hurt”

“ I know … I know you worried about Cecile health, Isabelle” I said, trying to reassure her.

“you’ve always been protective of her ever since she was a little girl. But maybe that’s what’s scaring you. The thought of loosing her to illness”

I had expected Isabelle’s worry to ease but instead her reaction grew more extreme.

“No, chloe. This isn’t just about her getting hurt.” She shook her head in disagreement

“It’s —it’s something else entirely and I’m scared Cecile won’t want to talk to me again. that I’ve failed her in some way and she’ll push me away forever” Isabelle voice trembled.

I reached out and took her hands, offering words of comfort “ Isabelle that’s not going to happen. Cecile Loves you, and she knows you only trying to help”

But Isabelle shook her head frantically, her eyes filled with tears.

“You don’t understand, chloe. I made a promise. Now I’m scared I won’t be able to keep that promise”

“ what do you mean, I thought you were just worried about her health?”

I blinked slowly, trying to process Isabelle confusing words.

“ I __ I don’t know if I should say” she withdrew her hands from mine and wiped off her sweaty palms on her apron.

I searched for some clarity in her eyes and for a moment we just stared at each other.

Isabelle shuddered “ I can’t Chloe. I just can’t “

And with that she stood up and hurried out of the room Leaving me confused and concerned.