Chapter 559
Chapter 559:
Zane was Jalen and Meilani’s son, and Carrie’s elder brother. Fernanda didn’t know the details, but she felt guilty for bringing up his name, which had upset Jalen.
Later, as she and Bobby were leaving that afternoon, Meilani quietly reassured her. “Don’t worry, Fernanda. Jalen isn’t upset with you—he’s upset with Zane.”
Fernanda hesitated, wanting to ask more but unsure if it was appropriate. Meilani, sensing her curiosity, continued, “Zane left home twelve years ago. Since then, he’s only called occasionally to let me know he’s doing fine. We don’t know where he is or what he’s doing.”
“Twelve years ago?” Fernanda echoed, stunned.
Bobby was equally surprised.
Meilani nodded, her voice trembling. “When we moved to Esaham, Jalen wanted Zane to learn the craft of gown-making, but Zane refused. They fought constantly. When Zane applied for college, Jalen insisted he study fashion design instead of architecture. Zane couldn’t accept it. He left before college, and we haven’t seen him since.”
Tears welled in Meilani’s eyes as her voice broke. “When Zane calls, he only talks to me. I’ve begged him to speak to Jalen, but he always says his life was ruined by him.”
Fernanda felt a pang of sorrow, a swirl of emotions leaving her uneasy. “So, don’t think Jalen was upset with you,” Meilani added softly.
“I understand,” Fernanda assured her, offering a tissue to wipe away her tears. “Zane’s an adult now—surely he’s not as impulsive as before. He’ll come around.”
Meilani shook her head, tears streaming. “If he wanted to come home, he would have by now. We’ve stayed here all these years so he’d know where to find us. Jalen doesn’t say it, but I know he’s afraid Zane might lose track of us if we move.”
Bobby, ever the mood-breaker, chimed in, “But if he calls you, he will know where you are! He could always ask.” Fernanda nudged him sharply, shaking her head.
Meilani forced a smile. “Yes, Bobby’s right. If Zane wants to find us, he can. Let’s not dwell on this—it’s Christmas Eve. We should be happy.”
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Later, as they were leaving, Bobby insisted that Meilani accept all the gifts he had brought, saying they were from him and Fernanda. Meilani tried to refuse, but Bobby wouldn’t take no for an answer. On the drive back, Fernanda turned to him in surprise. “I didn’t know you’d thought of gifts. That was thoughtful. Thank you.” Bobby smirked.
After a pause, he asked, “Why did you nudge me earlier?”
Fernanda sighed softly. “Meilani knows Zane could call if he wanted. But she tells herself otherwise to hold onto hope. She wants to believe he might come back, that Jalen is waiting for him, too. It’s what keeps her going.”
Bobby scratched his head, embarrassed. “I didn’t think about it like that. I hope I didn’t upset her.”
Fernanda gazed out the window, her heart heavy. She hadn’t realized how much Jalen and Meilani had endured.
When Bobby dropped her off, it was late afternoon.
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