CHAPTER 39: Unexpected Connections

HELENA. I sucked in a deep breath. 'I remember I saw an old woman there, and I told my friends Emily and Oliver that I did but they never saw her. The old woman was always there, watching us." Watching me. I leaned back in my chair. 'One day, I was alone, reading about Alexander Hamilton. She came up behind me and whispered something. ‘Destiny'. It was weird, and after that, she just disappeared. I never saw her again." Old and frail. Wearing a pink nanny dress. She was beautiful, even in old age. I didn't know who she was, and I probably didn't even dare ask. After she did that, I didn't think too much about that single word until now. Was my destiny tied to the stupid library? 'Damn… that is actually creepy." Caleb muttered. I snapped my head at him. 'That's not even the worst." I laughed. I called the waiter, and ordered another cup or cappuccino. This was gonna be a long talk. 'I'm intrigued. Tell me more." I got so carried away telling Caleb of all our outrageous adventures, that I had no idea when it hit 6pm. I was supposed to be at the office an hour ago. I hurriedly said goodbye to him and ran off to the office. I met Georgina packing up. Oh no. 'Georgina…I'm so sorry. I got caught up in my meeting and.." 'Don't worry Helena. I understand, it's one of those things. I left you some coco in my flask. Why don't you have some?" She smiled. This lovely woman. 'I'm fine, Georgina. Thank you so much. I'll see you tomorrow!" I grabbed my bag and walked out of the office. Then, I froze in my tracks. Caleb's car was parked on the other side of the road, and he looked like he was waiting for someone. Couldn't be obviously. Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked closer. I knocked on his window. 'Are you looking for something?" 'Isn't this a pleasant surprise?" He smiled, throwing out a piece of nylon. 'What are you doing here Caleb? I didn't ask you for a ride." 'Relax princess. I'm here to pick up my aunt. And if I wanted to take you home, you wouldn't have a choice." He smirked. I rolled my fingers into fists. This guy…. 'Who's your aunt?" I crossed my arms. I remember he said something about dropping her off in the morning. He could be lying tho… 'Helena! What are you still doing here? Saying hi to my niece ay? He's such a sweetheart. You'll like him, I know." Georgina rambled on, placing her bags in the backseat and sliding into the passenger's. I stood there in shock. 'H-how can s-she be your aunt?!" Yep. The universe was fucking with me. 'I know it's not the most believable news. But we're related." Caleb said, trying to sound normal. 'You two know each other?" Georgina said, buckling her seat belt. 'We're…" 'Friends." Caleb cut before I could speak. His eyes held a warning. ‘Don't say anything.' I gritted my teeth. This idiot. I smiled, but it was forced. Georgina's smile wavered for a second before she said, 'Oh. Even better. You two will get to know yourselves more." We've known enough. 'Helena, sure you don't wanna join us?" Caleb asked, arranging his tie. He looked so fine. What? Fine? Hell nah. I shook my head violently, getting rid of the sudden thought. 'Jeez, you don't have to shake your head that hard. It's fine. But remember." He looked at me knowingly. Oh just go. They zoomed off, leaving me to attend to my raging heart. People passing by were staring at me, whispering among themselves. I sighed. Veronica was right, I needed to stop seeing him. I called a cab and headed home. My mind raced with possibilities on what Veronica said earlier. She was happy. Happy means good. I breathed. Nothing crazy happened. I got to the house, and failed to calm down. I rushed to the door, knocking with slight urgency. There was the faint sound of voices inside the house, and within seconds, the door opened to reveal a wide eyed Luna, foaming at the mouth. 'Luna? Are you okay?" I was a bit scared. She returned her expression to normal and giggled. 'Sorry Helena. I thought it was someone else. Come on." She pulled me inside. I took a second to survey the living room. Okay, no paint. I turned and plopped down on the couch. I looked towards the door leading to the kitchen. My jaws dropped. Veronica stood at the entrance. Yes! She was standing! 'Vee!!!" I yelled and ran over to her, trying to support her. She shook her head. 'No no Helena, I want to do it on my own. My legs are getting strong again." Her eyes were brimming with tears. Mine did the same in a few seconds. 'Are you sure you can do this?" I whispered. She nodded. She carried a tray of food and water, probably heading for me. I quietly walked back to the couch, pretending I hadn't just seen the best thing since this year. It took Vee a few struggled steps, but she made it to me with the tray. I felt so proud. 'Oh my God Vee, you're doing it." I wanted to hug her so badly. My mind raced to the day I heard she got into an accident, the hospital visit, the weird things that happened, the physiotherapy sessions she had. It all summed up to this moment. We would definitely go and see Dr. Emily in a while. We owe her. 'I did it, Helena. I did it." She sat on the couch, breathless from the exertion. I reached out and hugged her. 'Yes, yes you did." We remained in that position for a while, and my mind roamed. I realized that no matter what happened, moments like this were cherished. They proved that we would always pull through, no matter what the obstacle seemed like. 'What's going on here?"