Chapter 111: Chapter 111
Everyone was busy shopping and preparing for Ava's upcoming wedding.
Audrey was going through her things when she came across her dad's note and smiled. She has been broken for months that she forgot about his note and her birthday though Luke remembered. She ignored his attempt on pleasantries. She was that broken.
She whimpered and picked her twenty-fifth birthday note opening it slowly. She looked at the old envelope, concentrating on the words though it wasn't much she wanted to feel his presence.
" Here's a toast to you Audrey on your ttwenty-fifth birthday imagine you'd be grown and it's not wrong to think you're married right? Don't mind me just kidding. I hope life treats you kind my dear. I wish I could be there for you but I want to think I am. My wish for you today is prosperity; to find happiness, to live long, and enjoy it. Happy birthday, my beautiful girl, you're now a full-grown woman I know you'll do wonders for the world. I love you so much. Cheers." She sobbed reading it over and over and over again sobbing more.
Patty entered with bags of clothes from shopping.
" Audrey, your dress has arrived. It's French wear. Wanna try it? She asked in Oblivion checking the dress for error. She noticed the silence and looked her way
" You found your dad's note. I know you miss him. No one misses him more than me. He lives here" she demonstrated touching her left chest
" It's hard knowing his intentions for me. It's like he had no choice. I wish he lived longer. I miss him so much " she whimpered as Patty enveloped her in a bear hug trying to control her emotions
" I'm here for you now, I'm here to share your burdens and be a shade to you that is if Luke will let me" she teased chuckling wiping her tears
" Yeah, I know. He's like that because we had a misunderstanding. He's trying to make up for it. I'm kinda enjoying it so far" she giggled
" I see. I brought your dress. You'll look lovely in it. Make a choice " She commented touching the fabric
" I don't know Mom. You chose. I'll be in a wheelchair that day. I don't see a need for a special outfit" she stated not interested in wearing an expensive dress
" You can walk now. Maybe not that much but yeah you can move. Take little steps at a time. Trust me. I'm sure Lucas will be glad to escort you" she persuaded showing her the dress
" Fine. You convinced me. Purple will do. And the purple wedge. I don't want to fall on my butt while on heels" she lamented staring at the big box on the chair
" What's that? She asked pointing at it
"Jewelry for you. Courtesy of the Hamiltons. " She giggled drawing it close to her
" All this? She asked checking various brands of jewelry.
" Yep. It's real gold. Some are made of a diamond while some are jade and pearls. Make a choice" she urged as Audrey closed them
" Alright thanks, mom. Do you like it here? I know you're here because of me"
" Yes, dear. Wherever you go I go. I found a job as a banker. I'll resume once you're fully recovered" she announced making her feel guilty
" That's good news Mom. You should go for it till I get better then you don't have to work again for the rest of your life. " She promised
" I want to take care of you. Let me" she urged as Audrey chuckled standing up from the wheelchair.
She still finds it difficult to believe that she has been in a wheelchair for seven months. She walked slowly to get a better view of the dress.
" I've been wondering about something Audrey," said Patty holding her from falling
" What's wrong? Ask" she muttered anxiously holding her hands
" Where's Ivy? I want to talk to her. What prompted her scheme and plot?
" I don't know yet. Luke is keeping her captive. He said she'll remain there till I recover" she announced as Patty nodded in understanding
" I understand. Wanna try it on? She asked in Ecstacy parading with the dress in poise
" Mom c'mon" laughed Audrey agreeing to it. Patty couldn't help but admire how beautiful her daughter was: she really can see her late husband in her. She wondered what came over her that she thought she wasn't worth her time. She wiped a few drops of tears from the corner of her eyes.
" You look beautiful Audrey. " She commented enveloping her in a warm tight bear hug patting her back. Audrey was startled but held her too. She's fortunate to have a mother: family. Somehow she thinks their family of three hasn't changed. All thanks to her Dad.