HOW CAN I FORGET YOU

The Encounter

Margaret Pov...

As we had planned to strengthen family ties, my brother opted to make the most of our company by taking a trip to a resort. It was their honeymoon too. I wanted them to have a blissful honeymoon, yet she agreed with him. What a beautiful soul she was sacrificing her happiness. Her parents raised her well to be this considerate. Unlike me I was selfish, hurting my family, shutting them off out of my life.

I now understand why my brother was enchanted by her beauty. I can still recall my brother's face every time he saw her. He lit up glowing as if he saw an angel descending from the sky. She wasn't just packed with a beautiful body and face, but she had a big heart. Her generosity and thoughtfulness stood up, complimenting her envious beauty. She is perfect in every way she is.

I'm elated watching her take care of our parents comfortably, just being her, not a celebrity and not picky. T'was a beautiful scene to watch before the night faded, all worries ceased and just like that, four days were already gone. The empty feeling that creeps inside me is unbearable. I don't want to be clingy at my age right now, but I feel stuffy.

"Margaret!" My brother called joining me.

"Hey!" I replied, getting the other goblet of wine in his hands. I looked at my parents with Vicky while sipping my wine.

"What are you thinking gazing far away?" My brother asked curious. I smiled looking at him. Some things are better unsaid especially if unsure.

"My life." I simplified.

"Margaret, you know I am always here for you no matter what. It's not yet the end." He emphasizes and he is right. It's not the end but the beginning of the end.

"I know Ethan. It's just that, sometimes I have to stand with my own feet. Becoming dependent will not make me grow." I retorted.

"And did you grow distancing yourself?" He asked meaningfully.

"I'm sorry!" I grimaced. For six years I couldn't say I grew because I just tend of my broken soul.

"Working on your broken heart is nit just crying on it. The best revenge is to become someone else. Missing you badly diverted me into becoming a business venture instead of an employee." He reiterated. I'm embarrassed that I didn't achieve something else besides the head concierge.

"You are the best adviser I had. I'm sorry for hurting you, Ethan."

"Nothing to feel sorry about Margaret. If there's someone you should feel sorry about, it's not me." He enunciated.

"They would be fine without me, Ethan. Your wife is handy." I added.

"But it will be more fun and lovely when you are here, Margaret." My brother retorted, looking into my eyes.

I put down my glass of wine and lay down on my bench looking at the clear sky.

"You know Ethan, I always wanted to come back but I was scared. The truth is, I haven't let go of him yet. I really don't know. I am angry at the same time as I want to forgive them." I clarified before gulping my wine. All those years I wasn't here, it was not as easy. If I could turn another page, maybe I would see what is stored ahead of me, but something inside me isn't letting the page turn.

"You'll get through this, Margaret. Just don't shut us down like you did six years ago. We can definitely help you. Maybe you should start opening your heart to forgive. What if there is something behind that you need to know? Letting go isn't easy, yes, but start to forgive yourself. You will definitely find what lies behind preventing you from moving ahead." My brother implied. My tears dropped thinking why I was feeling this way when I was the victim. I still remember vividly what happened on my supposed wedding day but something is odd nagging me off. I just can't predict yet.

"Thanks, Ethan. If you guys aren't too busy, you can visit me in London. Though my place isn't as comfy as our home, but that place makes me a decent human in six years. I work as a hotel concierge in the City of London." I said, smiling at him. Maybe this will be my first step.

"We will, Margaret. I'd love to be there for you. You don't know how much I miss the old times. I can still lend my back to you if you need a piggyback. Vicky would not mind that. She knows how much I miss you. She did all her best to make us comfortable amidst our desperate longing." He let his tears fall while talking. I can feel and see how sincere my brother was. Maybe I was really a little selfish doing this to them. They didn't do anything bad, but I punished them too. I stood up and pulled him for a bone-crashing hug.

"I'm sorry Ethan!" I cried.

We hugged and cried like babies. Those who don't know we were siblings might misunderstand us. For the first time after 6 years, this was the first time I let my guard down and felt one thorn prick in my heart was uprooted. Now I get it. One of the burdens I carried in my heart for 6 years was hurting my family.

After another tear-jerking scene with my brother, I left them for a while to call Danica in London. I need another refreshment.

"Margaret. How are you?" She immediately blurted out answering my call.

"I am a little fine now with my family, Danica." I replied, smiling like a fool while looking outside, overseeing my family's happy chatting while eating.

"I'm glad to hear that, Margaret. Don't worry about us here. We are fine. Just let your guard down a bit and enjoy." She informed.

"Thank you so much, Danica. I owe you a lot." I said, showing appreciation in my voice.

"Don't mention it, Margaret. What are friends for if we can't help each other? Just enjoy your vacation. See you soon." She bleats.

I'm full, still smiling, walking back to join my family when I accidentally fall on my knees again. Why do I keep on stumbling easily? I murmured, feeling the pain in my knees. I can't stand up when someone lends a hand to me. I grab his hands, still wincing.

"Hey be careful!"

"Tha-'" I froze, unable to move, and finished my words when I saw who my helper was. He was also surprised to see me like he had been struck by lightning mouth agape still holding my arm. Before we could manifest things, my brother was in front of us shaky and shocked.

"Margaret!" They both uttered, petrified.