-Shelley-

It was a peaceful Sunday morning. After months of restlessness, Shelley woke up feeling surprisingly calm and well-rested. As she sat on the edge of her bed, she casually glanced at the clock on her bedside table. 'It's only 7:30,' she thought, letting out a contented sigh. "I guess it's time to freshen up and head to the kitchen for breakfast." With a stretch and a yawn, she slipped her feet into her cosy slippers and made her way to the bathroom.

Shortly after, she got dressed and entered the living room where she saw David talking on the phone. She said hello to him and then went to the kitchen. There, she saw a tray on the counter with a covered bowl, a piece of toasted bread, sugar, and evaporated milk. She couldn't resist lifting the cover and finding a hot bowl of oatmeal. Just as she was processing this, David mentioned that it was for her, as he had already eaten. She thanked him and sat down at the table to enjoy the tasty meal.

David sat across from her. "How was your sleep?" he asked.

"Good," she replied with food in her mouth. "I slept like a baby. I didn't know I could sleep like that, considering the night I had."

"That's right. About that night, I meant to talk to you about something very important. Although I wanted you to finish eating, I think it would be best to talk about it while your mouth is full. This way, you won't interrupt me while I talk," he said with a serious expression.

His words left her feeling uneasy. What could be so important that he doesn't want me to interrupt? She wondered nervously.

Dropping the spoon in the bowl, She wipes her mouth as she folds her arms around her chest. "What," she asked.

He began, "You need to speak with Adam." She was about to say something when he held his hand up, cutting her off. "I told you not to speak while I talk." He remarks. "I do not dispute that what he did was not wrong, but he owes you an explanation for why he did what he did. Things were not going so well at home. His brother was about to go to jail. Given his innocence, he needed to take all necessary steps to secure his release, but obtaining the necessary proof proved to be challenging."

"All he could think about was you, especially considering how difficult it was for him to deal with his brother when his father was around. He wanted to call you, but he realised doing so would force him to book the next flight back to you, and he really needed his head in the game. The mistake was believing that you loved him greatly and that his absence wouldn't change your feelings for him. He was selfish in putting that much burden on you without informing you about the situation, and for that matter, he is deeply sorry. He really loves you. There was no one else but you. He won't forgive himself if he loses you for sacrificing to be there for his brother."

"He loves you. I think you should give him a chance."

"Where did you hear about this?" I inquired.

"We had a chat when you left," he responded. Staring at him, She accused, "You bonded with the devil." With a chuckle, he retorted, "He's not a devil, and you're well aware of that."

Just then, the doorbell rang. Shelley moved to the door and yanked it open, revealing Mabel behind it. "Hello," she said. "I dropped by to see how you were doing." Stepping aside, Shelley ushered her inside. "I am glad you dropped by." Just then, David joins them in the living room. As Mabel's eyes fell on him, she exclaimed, "Oh! I didn't know you had someone over. I really have a terrible habit of dropping by anytime you have visitors. I'll leave you to it then. I must not intrude."

"Oh, no, Mabel, he is not a visitor. This is my cousin, David. David, Mabel. She's a friend of mine from school."

"Nice meeting you," says David as he extends his hand for a handshake. Mabel accepts and they shake hands. "I am glad to meet one of Shelley's friends. At least now I know she is not a loner." In anger, Shelley smacks him on the shoulder. "What do you mean by loner? You must know I have a lot of friends."

He gives off a soft laugh. "Well, I must leave. It's nice meeting you, Mabel." She replies, likewise, as she stares after him with a smile planted on her lips. She did not take her eyes off him until she heard a cough behind her, drawing her attention to her surroundings. 'What?', she asks. With Shelley's hand folded on her chest, she responded, "Seen anything you like?" with a smirk.

"What do you mean, 'seen anything I like?' I was just being nice," Mabel said. She made her way to the sofa as Shelley stared at her, refusing to back down and waiting for a genuine answer. When Mabel realised Shelley wouldn't back down, she finally gave in, saying, "Fine. I was checking him out. You must agree that he is hot."

In response, she says, "Ew! That's my cousin." Chuckling, Mabel replies, "And there is nothing wrong with it if you admit he is. Does he have a girlfriend?"

"None I am aware of, but I am sure he has eyes for someone. Don't ask who it is, because I do not know." She drops beside Mabel on the couch. "Anyway, how is your son?" She replies, "He is fine. He wanted to tag along to see his favourite auntie, but I told him next time." So, how are things? Mabel enquires.

"Umm, Ben is back in town." She abruptly turned to face Shelley and asked, "What?" "When?"

"Three days ago," she says as she fumbles with the remote. "What did you say to him?" she asks.

"I absolutely do not want to have a conversation with him, but then he proceeds to explain to David why he didn't reach out for a whole year." David had just confided in me. Casually, Mabel strolls over to the refrigerator and enquires, "So, what did he actually say to David?" Shelley lets out a heavy sigh as she passes on the details to her friend. "Well, that certainly explains a lot," she says. Shelley murmurs with a frown, turning to Mabel. "But it doesn't change a thing. I still have no intention of reconciling with him."

"Will you cut that dull sh*t?" Mabel barks. Leaning against the sofa with a drink in hand, she says, "He only made a mistake we all do. This is what you're going to do, and you must pay close attention. You're going over to his place, and you're going to give him a kiss that he'll never forget. This kiss will explain to him how much you have missed him."

Shelley gasped at her friend. "Are you still sitting there? Go!" She commanded and gestured at the front door.

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A/N: Guys, would you like to share your thoughts about Mabel's character?