Page 6 of Tell Me Everything
That had already been established.
“Why?”
“Did you know Elena was mute for a time because of a trauma?”
Alex shook his head. He'd never associated with her since they left elementary school, so he knew almost nothing about her. Alex had spent one evening with her because they were the only ones their age stuck at a wedding they weren't interested in. Elena had been kind and funny, but they hadn't spoken to each other after that. Knowing that this same smiling, cheerful person had been mute was a whole different picture.
Maura ran a finger along the rim of her coffee cup. “You see, her life isn’t easy, which is probably my fault. Dancing was her safe haven. With the accident she's just had, I'm afraid she'll relapse. Maybe she won't talk to anyone now that she can't dance anymore, and I can't reach her. It feels like I hit a wall when I try to talk to her.”
Her eyes were desperate. She was losing her daughter, a little more every day. Every second, Elena lost the will to keep going. She was losing herself, becoming a shadow of her former self. It all seemed too familiar. Alex felt sorry for the girl who’d had to say goodbye to the one thing that had kept her holding on.
“Why me? A therapist would be much wiser.”
“She's already seeing one. But I think talking to someone her age can help. Especially someone who understands what she’s going through.”
Alex sighed. Without having asked for anything, he felt like he'd found himself in a snake's nest. He wasn't convinced that forcing Elena to spend time with him would help. On the other hand, Alex knew that if he refused, he'd feel guilty.What a mess.
“I'll come by tomorrow. Goodbye, Mrs. Fleureau. Thank you for the coffee.”
Tomorrow was going to be a long, long day.
Chapter 4
Alex
Pulling up in front of the Fleureau house, Alex realized just how large their home was. Even though this was still the same town, he felt a certain shock. There were no mansion-sized houses in his neighbourhood.
Maura let him in, but her smile was forced. Alex felt as if he'd appeared at a terrible time. He already regretted being there.
Alex entered the hall. This house was supposed to be so many people's dream home: spacious with big windows. Yet it was cold and unwelcoming. He shook his head and climbed the stairs. His presence was not going to be appreciated; he already knew that much. As long as things went better than the disaster at the hospital.
Elena's bedroom was open. The ballerina was lying on her king-size bed, staring at the ceiling. Alex knocked on her door; she didn't react. It was almost as if she wasn't breathing. Seconds passed, and Alex feared she'd leave him on the doorstep. It was the first time a girl made him wait like that, and he wasn't sure he liked it. After what seemed like forever, she waved, and Alex entered the room. It was large and spacious, like the rest of this place. The walls were painted a pale pink with black silhouettes of ballet positions. Audrey, his little sister, would love this room.
“How much?” she asked.
“What?” Alex tilted his head slightly to the side.
She hesitated for a brief moment before resuming. “How much did she give you?”
“Who?”
“My mother. How much did she pay you to spend time withme?”
She was quite perceptive. Alex sat down on the black velvet Chesterfield under the window. Even the air here seemed expensive. “Nothing. I don't want money.”
“Then what do you want?” Elena snapped.
“I don't know.”
Elena sat up. Her fingers tapped nervously on her arm. What was she thinking? This time, she looked more docile than when he'd visited her a few days ago.
“You can go. All I want is a little peace and quiet.”
God, she was stubborn. Alex wanted to take his bag and leave. But he'd made Maura a promise, and this annoying girl would eventually give in. If neither of them wanted to be here, they could at least try to make the best of this ridiculous situation they found themselves in. If only for an hour. Then they could get on with their lives as if nothing had happened.
“What you need is therapy and a friend.”
“You're going to force me to become your friend? Is that how it works now?”
