7 - Remembering

Everyone knew Sebastian Colfer. He was in the news lately, and all the women in the city have fantasized about him being their husband.

Max frowned at Celine’s reaction. ‘How does she know Sebastian? Did they use to date? You asshole!’ he glared at Sebastian. ‘You can’t have my sister and Celine at the same time.’ 

‘I’m going to beat this guy up if he reveals he used to date Celine,’ his mind was racing with all these terrible thoughts, and he couldn’t help but keep on glaring at Sebastian.

Jeremy shakes his head before finishing his drink and gazes into the empty glass. It was typical for his older brother to pursue a married woman while looking for his cheap thrills. Or to get beaten up by a jealous boyfriend by the end of the night. He had a reputation for being amorous without asking enough questions, especially with potential partners.

‘Ms. Jacobs works in our accounting department,’ Sebastian explains. ‘And her dad works in our finance department,’ he added, ‘I thrive in knowing all my employees, no matter what department they work for. Every few weeks, I walk around the company to observe and talk to people in different departments. I want to ensure my employees are cared for. I’m more of a hands-on person, even though people always think of me as very standoffish. 

This explanation cleared the air for Max, and he was happy that there wasn’t any dating history between them. It certainly improved his chances with Celine. 

After some time, and several business discussions later, Max tries to recount their encounter with the restroom. He tells everyone what Celine said, mimicking her voice, which he was doing horribly, ‘If you stalk me or try to sell me something, I will give your number to the sex hotline.’

She laughed from her belly like she used to do when she was a kid, the kind of laugh that was unique to her.

Clara stared at Celine with outstretched arms while tears slowly ran down her face.

‘That’s not what I said? Don’t exaggerate,’ Celine felt embarrassed. She laughed out once more as she slapped Max’s arm, not aware of Clara’s reaction.

Celine stopped laughing when she saw Jeremy tuck Clara under his arm, whispering in her ear. She heard him say, ‘Uhm… I think Clara ate something bad. She’s not feeling well. We’ll come back right away.’

‘Don’t worry about them. Clara has a weak digestive system. She doesn't always agree with whatever she eats. They’re going to the restroom, it’ll be okay. This happens all the time when she gets nervous.’ 

Max was trying to divert Celine and Sebastian’s attention so they wouldn’t ask her too many questions. He does not know what is happening at the exact moment, but he knows his siblings need his help.

‘Maybe I should go help them. I can take her to the ladies’ room and help with the cleanup,’ Celine started walking after them. 

Max couldn’t do anything but follow Celine. It seemed like she had a mind of her own, and there was no stopping her. 

By the time the group made it to the hallway, the siblings were gone. She checked both restrooms, and they were not there either.

‘Clara or Jeremy is not here. Where did they go? Should we look for them?’ She felt concerned for her new friends. But Max just shrugged her worry, trying to divert her attention.

‘Clara’s a little claustrophobic sometimes, and maybe they’re outside getting some air. Don’t worry. She has Jeremy. They’ll be okay.’ Growing up with Clara, he knows that this was not just food poisoning, but the rest of their party need not know that. 

He was heading down the corridor with Sebastian and Celine behind him. ‘Wait!’ They said at the same time. ‘Take us with you,’ replies Sebastian. They both wanted to know what happened to Clara and were unwilling to stay put.

‘It's not a good idea. Clara doesn’t like people watching her when she’s vulnerable. She’ll probably scream at me if I bring you to her.’ Max looks at them with his eyes, pleading them to agree with him and just stay where they were. 'Please, guys.'

‘I’m sorry for all of this. I’ll see you guys tomorrow?’ He looks at Sebastian apologetically, hoping it was enough to soothe his inquisitive nature.

‘Uhm, Celine,’ he pulls her aside, not wanting to lose the opportunity to establish their connection. ‘I still want to have lunch if you’re available tomorrow. I’ll call you?’ She nods, still unwilling to let him go, but didn't want to be pushy, so she let Max run down the hallway and out into the parking.

-=-

‘Where are they? I wonder what happened? I didn’t receive any text, which means they’re somewhere around here.’ Max thinks as he searches for his siblings. ‘Clara did not look good. I hope she’s okay.’

Max found Jeremy and Clara a few minutes later huddled in the garden, sitting on a bench hidden behind an enormous planter. Clara was still crying in Jeremy’s arms. 

‘What happened? What triggered the tears? Is she okay?’ He asks as he rubs Clara’s head to comfort her. 

‘It was Celine. You made her laugh. There was something about it that woke up all her memories. She kept saying, “my sister.” You think it’s true?’ Jeremy replied. 

Max paced around thinking, ‘Fuck! The universe is just messing with me now. I meet someone pretty attractive, and now we probably can’t be together because we’re already entangled in this stupid mess. Can I be selfish? I hope Clara is wrong about this. But then I also want her to have closure.’

In a resigned state, Max says, ‘We better do some research and check out who she is.’

They both feel helpless when Clara cries. All they can do is soothe her and hug her until she stops or falls asleep, whichever comes first. Some would say it was creepy for the siblings to still sleep together. They were all adults, after all. But growing up in the orphanage, and having abandonment issues, they never really outgrew their childish attachment to one another. They would cling to each other like they were the last lifeline they had available, and nobody could tell them otherwise.

Max crouches down towards Clara’s crumpled form and takes her from Jeremy’s arms. Murmuring soothing words, telling her everything is going to be alright. He viewed himself as the big brother, and during times like these, he wished her pain could be his, and that he could just shield her from the heartache. 

Jeremy stretches out and orders a cab from his phone, so they could go back to their hotel. It was going to be a long night, and they might as well be comfortable, no use sitting out in the dark, cold garden where anyone can stumble upon them.