Fate at Work: A Love Compelled

Sunday was just another normal day, but one thing I liked about it was the fact that I didn't have to go to work. I stayed home all day. I didn't have to force myself to go out. And with the way I'd been feeling too tired lately, I couldn't have asked for a better day. It had me developing a strong love for Sundays, wishing every day was Sunday.

I know you must be wondering how everything ended that day, but nothing important happened afterwards. After Don stormed out, nothing about that issue was said between Ray and myself. We had a normal meal, and Ray left afterwards. He didn't ask me again, and I was glad he didn't.

A week had passed since that day, and the silence from Don was deafening. Usually, he'd check in daily, his texts a constant in the weeks prior to that day. But now, my phone remained somewhat quiet and although I was still mad at him, I found myself staring at my phone screen, willing a call or even a message to appear. He made me get used to his calls. He must still be angry.

The doorbell rung at that moment and I had to force myself out of bed to go get the door. The monitor showed a face that told me my quiet day was ruined. Tee. My younger sister.

"Hello to you too dear sister" Tee said walking past me into the apartment. A sly smile on her face. (Oh, welcome trouble)

"A normal big sister would be jumping for joy at the sight of her baby sister," she said with all smiles.

"Glad I never said I was normal Tee" I countered. I didn't have time for her trouble this morning.

"Woahh, you are grumpier than usual, Jess" she said. "Are you okay?" She asked, concern suddenly lacing her words. (Who knew she had that side to her).

"Who knew you had it in you to worry about me?" I asked shrugging.

"I am you sister and I care about you more than you think," She grumbled.

"One would think you're the big sister Tee. With that speech and all," I said laughing. She looked cute whenever she tried to appear serious and my reaction to that is usually the last thing she wants in such situations.

"Oh, stop it!" Tee huffed, crossing her arms. "I'm being serious here." She said coming to stand before me, giving me a look over. "You look like you haven't slept in days." She added.

I waved her off, trying to change the subject. Tee can be too curious for my liking. If I let her, she might notice things she shouldn't. "I'm fine, just work stress. What brings you here anyway?" I asked

Tee's face lit up, her earlier concern evaporating. "Well, I was hoping to catch up. It's been a while since we had a proper sister chat." She plopped down on the couch beside me, making herself comfortable. "So, spill. How are things with Ray?"

I tensed slightly at the mention of Ray's name but quickly composed myself remembering that she knew nothing.

"Things are good. Same as always."

"Hmm," Tee hummed, seeming convinced. I knew who she'll be asking about next. She doesn't disappoint when it comes to asking about him. "And what about Don? Have you seen him lately?" She asked all smiles.

My heart didn't skip a beat at the mention of Don because I expected the question from her. Typical Tee. Says he's her childhood crush. So I decided to pull her legs a little. "Don? Why are you asking about him?" I asked seeming ignorant.

Tee's cheeks flushed slightly. "Oh, you know, just curious. He's your best friend and Ray's friend too right? Isn't he practically our brother?" She asked and that had me internally rejecting that. (Definitely not my brother).

"And, well... he's not exactly hard on the eyes, is he?" She muttered under her breath but I still caught the words.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a mixture of annoyance and a sudden unease. "Tee, don't tell me you still have a crush on him." I asked even though it was no news.

"What? No! I mean, maybe a little," she giggled. "Come on, Jess. You can't deny he's still got that whole cold charm thing going on. Plus, he's so sweet and funny." She said while I huffed.

"Don is the last person to be called sweet or even funny Tee" I said, reminding her because that was only in her imagination, but she just laughed and continued talking about him. Recounting different scenarios I couldn't even remember.

As Tee rambled on and on about Don, I felt a knot in my stomach. The guilt I'd been trying to suppress came rushing back in full force, along with a surge of irritation at my sister's non stop chatter. I love her yeah, but she talks too much.

"Tee, can we talk about something else?" I interrupted, perhaps I sounded a bit too sharp.

She looked at me, surprised. "Geez, what's got you so worked up? I'm just making conversation. Oh! Did something happen between you and Don? Is that why you're acting weird?" She asked suddenly sounding curious.

"Nothing happened!" I snapped, immediately regretting my outburst. ( Oh, me) "I mean, we always argue about small things. You know that. No big deal." I said in an effort to explain my sudden outburst but not sure she was convinced.

Tee only raised an eyebrow. If she didn't believe it, she didn't show. "Okay, okay. No need to bite my head off. So, if it's not Don, then what's going on? You and Ray having problems?" She asked making me sigh inwardly, feeling trapped. (Can someone come get her?)

"Everything's fine, Tee. Can we just drop it?"

"Fine, be that way," Tee pouted. "But you know I'm here if you need to talk, right? About anything... or anyone." She said. I wish I could confide in her but I couldn't bring myself to.

As I looked at my sister's concerned face, I felt a wave of loneliness wash over me. I wanted so badly to confide in someone, to share the burden of my secret. But I couldn't. Not yet.

"I know, Tee. Thanks," I said softly, forcing a smile. "Now, how about we order some takeout and watch a movie? Just like old times."

Tee's face lit up, and as she began debating what to order, while I silently prayed for the strength to keep my secret just a little longer. A little longer.

As evening rolled around, I decided to take a stroll, hoping the fresh air might clear my head. Tina was sleeping when I headed out. Clearly exhausted. That's what talking too much does to you I guess. She'd probably be staying the night. Not that she has openly declared but I knew.

The park was bustling with people,maybe because it was the weekend but it was still a welcome distraction from the turmoil in my mind.

I wandered aimlessly, barely noticing the people around me. Lost in thought, I didn't see the uneven pavement ahead. My foot got caught, and I stumbled forward, my heart leaping into my throat. But before I could fall, strong arms wrapped around me, steadying me with a familiar grip.

"Careful," a voice growled in my ear. Don.