Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Sullen Introduction

Chapter 41:

Sullen Introduction

"We need to figure out who is taking Alana," George said, his words as systematic as ever.

He was always one to figure things out. To take charge even in dire situations. At least whenever he was around.

"George!" My father berated him, "Now isn't the time for that!"

"If not now, when?" He stated simply, "She can't stay here, and Dolores isn't in a state to care for her right now."

Alana's sobs grew heavier. My brother wasn't always one for tact. I could only shoot him a death glare, trying my best to comfort Alana. Even Esmae was taken aback by his words.

"Dear!" She admonished, "This isn't something to discuss in front of her!"

Esmae was a beautiful woman, or I always thought so. She had soft features and held a slight French accent. She was someone I thought was too good for my brother, yet they loved each other. I was happy for them, but often times I wondered what she saw in him.

"I'm sorry, but it has to be said, we-" He defended himself, beginning to motion around.

"I'll take her," I found myself answering without thought.

My words cut through his as they came from my heart. Clear and without faltering. Everyone went silent, even Alana's crying grew quieter. My father and mother exchanged skeptical looks, smiling sympathetically. Esmae was surprised, but a pleasant smile crossed her face. George, however, looked at me with near anger in his face.

"You?" That one word was punctuated with such doubt that I could feel it, "Really? And how are you going to do that? You don't even have a job."

"Yes, George," I spoke with an exhaustion accumulated over the years, "I don't have a job, but what you fail to remember is that I am married."

Almost as if on cue, the double doors opened as Cecelia strode in. Yuriko and Julius by her side, and behind her was a team of doctors decked out in pristine, white scrubs. The Ishikawa-Alden Corp logo stitched in small wording on the chest.

"Wh-Who the hell are you?" George flustered, commanding her to answer, "This is a private family wing!"

Ignoring him, Cecelia strode over to me. Her hand upon my shoulder was supportive.

"Alex? Do you know these people?" My father questioned, rather confused.

"Not how I wanted to introduce you..." I mumbled, sighing as I spoke up, "Everyone, this is Cecelia, my wife. I've told you about her."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you, despite the circumstances," She introduced herself with a empathetic smile, "As he said, I am Cecelia, his wife. Alex has told me all about you. Only good things of course."

"Sure...I told you about them," Giving her a knowing look, she returned it in kind.

"I-It's nice to meet you as well," My mother looked on in shock, but I saw there was light returning to her eyes, "Alex did tell us, but..."

Clasping her hands around one of Cecelia's, she held it with a warm smile.

"This is a scam, right?" George was skeptical, "You're really his wife?"

"Yes, I am," Cecelia answered, squeezing my mother's hand gently, "He told me you didn't believe him, but...it is true."

"Uncle..." Alana's quiet voice broke through everything else, "My mother...is she really..."

The silence that fell upon us was heavy, almost suffocating. I wasn't sure what to say or how to answer. Thankfully, I wasn't alone. Yuriko popped up next to me, opposite of Cecelia. Her serene smile a comforting sight.

"She'll be alright," Yuriko's soothing voice was calm, her hand placing itself upon Alana's head, "That's why we're here. Right Julius?"

Looking towards her brother, he scratched his cheek awkwardly. Nodding shyly, he made motion to the doctors who began to move towards the door of my sister's room.

"N-Now wait a minute!" My father broke free from all of us, stepping in front of them, "You may look like doctors, but..."

"Father..." I spoke with understanding, passing off Alana to Yuriko who held her from behind, her arms draping around her.

Alana took an instant liking to Yuriko, holding her arms to her. Something about Yuriko's presence was always so...calming.

"I know this is a lot, but..." Walking up to him, I placed my hand on his shoulder, "Dolores doesn't have time to wait...let them through. Please. I trust my wife with my life, and if she brought them..."

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My father watched my eyes. His gaze meeting mine, measuring me. After a brief moment, the tension in his body released as he nodded. Stepping aside as the doctors made their way quickly into the room. Carrying with them metallic briefcases and other medical equipment.

"Can we talk? Elsewhere?" I asked everyone, looking around, "Here isn't exactly the right place..."

Almost everyone agreed, and it wasn't long before we were sitting together in a waiting room type lounge. Cecelia sat on my right, while Yuriko sat to my left. Alana sat with her, with Julius in a chair nearby. My brother sat with his wife on a loveseat, and my parents took the other.

"So...as you heard, this is Cecelia," I motioned to her as she smiled politely, "She is my wife and who I've been staying with."

"Yes, you told me a bit about her," My mother answered, "Honestly, I was worried. After the last one..."

I nodded in understanding, "Yeah, they weren't the best, but...Cecelia is different. I promise you that."

George sat defiantly with his arms crossed. I could see the wheels in his head turning. Esmae, on the other hand, sat with her arms looped around his. She had a pleasant smile on her face as she tried to get him to loosen up.

"I don't buy it..." He finally spoke up, shaking his head, "You're telling me...you are married? To her?"

"Okay, first off...ouch," I replied, glowering at him before relaxing a bit, "Secondly, yes. I am. Trust me, I can hardly believe it myself. I have to be reminded of it constantly."

"But you're...you," George's words were unfair and unfiltered.

"Again...Ouch," I sighed, leaning back as I didn't want to argue.

"And?" Cecelia's tone held a bit of steel to it as she spoke up, "What is that even supposed to mean? Are you saying your brother doesn't deserve to be loved?"

"I-That's not what I..." Flustering about, he looked to his wife for help, "Dear?"

"What? Am I to agree with you just because I'm your wife?" She asked, giving him a condemning look, "That was quite rude. He is your brother...you should be happy for him."

Placing a calming hand on Cecelia's thigh, I gave her a look to relax. George was having a hard time wrapping his head around this. He may act like this, but deep down he cared.

"I...You're right," He answered, sighing, "I just...everything happening lately is a lot. Stress at work, and now this...I'm sorry. That's no excuse."

"It's alright, George," Squeezing Cecelia's thigh, I felt calmed by her presence, "This is real, I am married, and..."

Looking towards Yuriko, she smiled at me lovingly as well. Alana lost in her own world as she held Yuriko's hand, playing with her fingers.

"...I might be again sometime," As I said it out loud, I realized how true those words were, "But for now, let's not focus on that. Our sister. Dolores..."

Alana froze, her hands pausing their motion. I knew she couldn't stay here. Placing a hand on her head, she looked up at me with sad eyes.

"Uncle?" She asked, her angelic voice tore at my heart.

"Are you hungry? Did you eat today?" I asked, as she shook her head I nodded to Yuriko, "Can you take Alana to get something to eat for a bit?"

"Of course!" Her words almost purring as she stood with her, "Come on!"

Taking her by her hand, she led Alana out of the room. As the door shut, the room felt heavier than before. Gloomier. Every room Yuriko was in just seemed to brighten.

"That girl...will they be okay?" My mother asked, concerned.

"Yuriko? Yes," I nodded, smiling fondly, "She'll make sure Alana stays safe and gets some food. Don't let her appearances fool you. Yuriko has it."

"O-Okay," My mother was nervous, but she trusted me.

"Now...Tell me, finally," My tone became hardened, "What happened?"

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