Fate at Work: A Love Compelled

It was really quiet for a minute. I could feel Tee looking at me, but I couldn't look at her. I thought she'd be mad or disappointed but instead, she hugged me, surprising me.

"Oh, Jess. Oh, my God Jess," she said softly, "what have you gotten yourself into?"

I cried even harder then, letting out all the fear and guilt I'd been holding in. It's like finally letting some weight off my chest. I might not have realized it earlier but I really needed someone to talk to about this. Someone apart from Don.

"I don't know what to do, Tee," I cried. "I've messed everything up. Everything."

"Shh, it's okay. We'll figure this out together." She said stroking my hair. "You're not alone, Jess. I'm here for you, no matter what." She continued.

Lying there on the couch in my sister's arms, I felt a tiny bit of hope. Things were still really hard and scary, but at least I had one more person on my side. (Maybe I can find a way to get through this mess after all).

"I thought you'll be angry or disappointed." I said after some time, still holding onto her.

"You're my sister Jess. And although I'd like to scream at you for what you've done, I know you. I know there's an explanation for it." She said.

"I really cannot remember Tee. We......we just woke up one morning and we were just there in the hotel room. I can't remember what really led to that. But I know we were definitely both drunk. That's all I can say."

"What do I do Tee? What do I do?" I asked not really expecting an answer. I just needed to vent. I needed to know that I had someone by my side.

"Jess, you know I'm here for you, no matter what," Tee said, squeezing my hand. "We'll figure this out together."

I nodded, wiping away a stray tear. "Thanks, Tee. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Just then, the doorbell rang. My heart leaped into my throat as I checked the time. Ray. I'd completely forgotten he was coming over.

That must be Ray," I said, panic rising in my voice. "Tee, please, you can't say anything."

Tee nodded solemnly. "Of course not. It's not my secret to tell."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself as I went to open the door. I counted to ten in my head before reaching for the door knob. Ray's smiling face greeted me, and I felt a pang of guilt hit me like a physical blow. He was looking great as always. He obviously headed to my place from work since he was still in a work suit.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, leaning in for a kiss. I returned it half heartedly, wondering if he'd pick on my nervousness. My mind was racing.

"I've missed you babe" He said holding onto me. "Hope you did miss me too" He added with a sly smile.

"Of course, I did. Do you have to ask?" I responded despite my nerves going everywhere.

"I don't think you look happy to see" He said still not letting me go.

"You're beginning to see things Ray"

"Am I now?" He said cocking an eyebrow at me.

"Of course. I've missed you Ray. You've been away for a week remember."

"I'm glad you do babe" He said hugging me tighter.

"You'd be crushing me at this point Ray" I said placing a hand between us, suddenly conscious of his noticing any changes in my body.

"Sorry babe" he said laughing "I wish my job didn't involve travelling this much " he added with a sigh.

"I'm not complaining. Besides, I know how much work you have and how much it means to you" I said "There's probably no girlfriend as understanding as me, you know" I added on a lighter note, hoping to lighten the atmosphere. Ray is always this emotional after a business trip and since his work requires alot of travelling, he feels terribly guilty for going away most times. But that is something I always understood. I know how much his work means to him and with his father's retirement looming around, the burden of the company is mostly on him since he'd be taking over from him. Ray's family has been running an international investment firm for many years now. Founded by his grandfather, the company has grown so big with operations in many counties across the world, which is why he travels a lot.

"Can we atleast leave the door?" I asked since we've been standing there all this while.

"Oh. I didn't even realize we've been standing here" he said finally releasing me from his hold.

As we walked back to the living room, Ray noticed Tee. "Oh, hey Tee! Didn't know you were here. Sister bonding time?" I almost forgot there was someone else in the house with me.

Tee smiled, but I could see the strain in her eyes and i hope Ray doesn't. "Yeah, just catching up. I was actually about to head out."

"No, stay!" Ray said. "I brought enough food for everyone. We could make it a movie night or something."

"That's tempting I must say" Tee responded lightly but I could pick the eagerness in her voice.

"You look tired Ray. I don't think that's a good idea" I said trying to put a stop to any plan that involves him staying the night.

"I'm not complaining. Besides I want to make up for the times I've been away" he responded.

"I'm all in for that" Tee chops in.(Whoever asked her to)

"That's settled then" he insisted.

I turned to Tee, shooting her a pleading look, silently begging her to say something. I wasn't sure I could handle being with Ray right now.

"Sure!" Tee agreed, settling back onto the couch. (Traitor)

Ray bustled about, unpacking the food he'd brought, I tried to act normal. But the smell of the takeout hit me suddenly, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. I tried hard to not let it show but I knew I failed when Ray turned to me.

"Jess? You okay? You look a little pale," Ray said, his brow furrowing with concern.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. "I'm fine, just a little tired." I said but the nausea intensified, and before I could stop myself, I clapped a hand over my mouth and bolted for the bathroom.

"Jess!" Ray called after me, alarm in his voice.

As I knelt on the cold tiled floor, my stomach heaving, I could hear Ray's worried voice just outside the door.

"Jess what's going on? Are you sick?" He asked clearly concerned, and I heard Tees' voice calling out to him. I hope she draws him away from that door. But there was no other sound coming from outside the door. I guessed she was able to drag him away then. After practically emptying my stomach, I leaned back against the cold tiled walls and heaved a sigh. I didn't even want to step outside that bathroom. I wish I would just remain there. I managed to step out after composing myself but before I even thought of heading back to the living room I heard Tee talking.

"Ray, there's something you should know..." She said and I froze, my heart pounding. (What would Tee say?)