Chapter 43: This One Is For You, Phoenix
(Arata)
Stella was waiting for me when I arrived back. She listened to the whole conversation as I narrated what Karsten bought for me.
"Are you ready to do this? Ara. I hope you are not doing it just because of Andy’s words. You realise his words mean nothing." I knew she was just looking out for me and didn’t want me to get hurt in the process.
"That’s the thing, Stella. You only get hurt when feelings are involved. Andy hurt me because I was in love. It won’t happen with Karsten for I am keeping myself detached. It’s not real."
I was astonished at how clearly one could see when the glasses of love were removed from one’s eyes.
"I know but still be careful. Let’s speak to sister Cheryl and take her opinion too." Sister Cheryl was Uncle Lawrence’s younger sister.
Although she was much older than me and Stella, we had a special bond with her. She always looked after us like an older sister. She was extremely close to Baba and considered him a father figure.
After what went down with Andy, she was there for me like an elder sister and still texted me daily to inquire how I was doing.
"I don’t want to trouble her Stella. You know how close she is to Baba. She can spill to him so I don’t want to involve her."
Stella squeezed my hand, the tension rippling on her face. The prospect of me going to meet Karsten’s family wasn’t sitting right with her.
"I just don’t want you to get hurt. Uncle and aunt will be cross if something is to happen to you." I patted the back of her hand.