Chapter 5 GROWING BONDS

The days that followed Bryan's accident were full of anxiety and sadness for me. I had returned to my life at the Dawn's property. Life at the stables did not seem the same, my usual routine of tending and dreaming became a pattern of mistakes and clumsiness. I replayed the accident, his weak smile, and the sorrow that darkened his eyes as he was being taken away. Uncertainty suffocated my thoughts and I had sleepless nights. I did not know if he was recovering, for I had no way to reach him. I wondered if everything I thought we shared had gone down the drain with that dreadful incident.

Then, two weeks after the accident, there was a call on the home line. An ancient rotary phone that hardly rang. I answered the call.

"Is that you, Miss Tessy?". The voice was soft and familiar. And it sent a rush of excitement through me.

"Yes, Bryan?". I replied.

He chuckled. "I was hoping you hadn't forgotten about me".

"I didn't forget about you; I am sorry, I just couldn't reach you," I said apologetically.

"It is alright, now you do". He hesitated for a moment. "I am back home now, still recovering, though, and honestly, I need a friend around." His voice shook with uncertainty as he spoke.

His words hung in my mind, though I was not certain, but I told him it would be my pleasure to visit, as the thought of being with him lightened up my mind and brought a rush of new hope.

Mira overheard our conversation from over the dining table where she sat, as I hung up and turned around, I noticed she looked at me with an expression of frustration and something darker that I couldn't understand.

"Are you leaving again?". She asked in a sharp tone.

"Yes, Brayn needs company". I didn't understand her mood.

She scoffed mockingly. "Tessy, you are both from two different worlds; he will toy with you."

"Bryan and I are just friends; he had an accident while riding with me; I was the one who called for help, and if he requests my help through this period, then why should I deny him?". I said with a frown on my face.

"No problem then. If you must leave, then I am coming too". She said, crossing her arms.

"What......? why...?". I stuttered.

"I just don't want to be alone again". She replied, avoiding my gaze.

Her response wasn't strange; I always knew she was attached to me, and the joy with which she welcomed me the last time I returned from the mansion showed that she missed me dearly. So, I agreed I was going to take her along, and maybe the three of us would bond as a family. But I didn't understand the uncertain look on our parents' faces when I informed them, we were both leaving. They explained they were okay with me leaving, but weren't thrilled with the idea of taking Mira along. Later that night, my mum tried to talk me out of taking Mira with me, she didn't give me specific reasons for her doubts, but I bluntly refused.

We packed our bags the next morning and set out on our journey to Bryan's estate. I felt a familiar feeling of relaxation the moment we arrived at his mansion. We were welcomed by Bryan's butler, who led us inside to where Bryan was sitting in an armchair with his injured leg supported by a cushion.

The way his eyes lit up with excitement the moment he saw me made me feel welcome.

"Welcome, Miss. Tessy". He said with a broad smile and a tone that made me feel wanted.

I returned his smile with an even broader one as I approached him. "It is good to see you again, Bryan, and good to see you are recovering fine".

"Well, obviously I still need a little help to fully recover". He said as he shrugged his shoulders.

"This is Mirabel, my younger sister". I said, turning to Mira.

Bryan gave a polite nod at her and then returned his attention to me. "I am glad you are here".

Mira muttered a greeting under her breath, I could tell she wasn't pleased with the show of indifference he demonstrated towards her. He was just too excited to see me and couldn't hide it.

Bryan and I spent almost every moment together in the days that followed; he requested I help him with his recovery. We worked on slow, gentle steps, picking him up when he fell, and reading to him in the evenings. We found peace and comfort in each other's company as we shared meals and jokes.

But on the other hand, my sister distanced herself. Even though she was made to feel comfortable in the best possible ways. She was given the best guest room and granted access to all the facilities' luxuries. She stayed withdrawn and it didn't take long for me to understand why.

Everyone who paid a visit to the estate, including Bryan's staff, was drawn to me. They complimented my charm, humility, and my ability to effortlessly connect with Bryan. It wasn't clear at first, but I began to notice resentment in my sister's eyes.

One evening, as I was reading to Bryan in his private chambers, he placed his hands on mine.

"Thank you, Tessy. It is a mystery what I would have done if you weren't here". He said in a low voice with a grateful expression on his face.

His words sent a tremor through me. "You would have gotten through, Bryan; you are a strong man," I said, placing my other hand on his.

This made him smile. He had something in his expression I couldn't understand. "It would not have been easy without you".

The silence between us was intense; I didn't know what to say, so I just held his gaze. Now, I was sure something was brewing between us.