Crazy in Love by Beyonce (FSOG mix)

"I look and stare so deep in your eyes. I touch on you more and more every time."

The next day before going into work, I stopped by the postal office to send a letter to Eve. I couldn't just call her up and explain I was sending some money her way. Knowing my sister and her pride, she definitely wouldn't agree to it. But I wanted to do something to help her situation, because it was the least I could do for her family-for my niece's and nephew's futures.

I left work early to visit my father's grave. God, I missed him so badly. I hadn't seen him since the dream during my miscarriage and just thinking about them-Papa and Baby Kale-hurt my heart so much. But I promised myself I wouldn't shed a tear here-not today.

My baby boy was now safe in heaven with his grandpa who I know will take good care of him. Even if I didn't have a chance to hold him in my arms, cared for him like a mother...I knew that he was real. That he lived in me.

In my hands were a bouquet of red roses and white tulips mixed with baby breaths that I brought with me - my mother's favorite combination. As I was about to place the bouquet of flowers down on the tombstone, I noticed another bouquet in its place already-the same arrangement.

I quickly scanned the cemetery around me for signs of a person, but there was no one around. I wondered who that bouquet belonged to. My mother?

No, I remembered Papa said she died. How could it be her? I shook my head, pushing out the idea that she could still be alive in this world.

"I miss you, Papa," I said to my father. Hopefully he could hear me from the heavens. "Many things had happened since you left us. So many things, I don't even know where to start...but don't worry about us. I'm going to take care of everyone. Eve, her family, Nancy, and even Chris. I promise you."

I smiled and looked around again at the gravestones in this beautiful spring weather. The grass was turning greener and healthier from the past April showers. The flowers and leaves slowly bloomed back on the trees and the birds chirped into the air.

And just like the seasons changing and recovering, I will too.

My mind wondered back to the bouquet placed on my father's place. How could someone have brought the same arrangement with mother's favorite flowers?

"Ally, sweetie, you haven't eaten anything on your plate?" Nana said, snapping me back to reality. "Is it not good, dear?"

My gaze moved to her from my plate and then at Henry who was also peeping up at me. "No, Nana, the food is delicious. It really is. I'm just a little preoccupy about work matters. That's all."

"Don't worry too much, hon, okay? You should eat for your strength." She gave me a warm smile.

"Yes, Nana. I will," I said, also giving her a grin.

As I flipped through my work binders in the living room upstairs, I noticed Henry walking into the room from the corner of my eye. Since last night, we haven't said a word to each other at all. We didn't speak much to each other these days.

He came to sit on the ottoman in front of me and I kept my attention on my paperwork, ignoring him and pretending like he wasn't there. When he didn't say anything, I stopped and stared up at him. His silence aggravated me and I disliked it when he did that. "What is it, Henry? You have something to tell me?"

"I want to take you on a trip this weekend. I think it is a needed one."

"To where?" I asked, trying not to sound interested.

"Anywhere you want."

"Then can I invite my friends?"

"Sure, if you wished."

"Even Nick?"

Henry nodded his head and I was glad he approved. Maybe I could help mend Henry's and Nick's broken relationship and bring them back together as brothers. I knew that deep down, they were both miserable things weren't as before. If only I could make them see it.

At work the next day, I called Adam and Lily, who had just returned from her trip in Europe, if they wanted to come on the trip, and without a doubt, they both agreed. I also walked up to Nick's office to personally invite him. He appeared reluctant at first, but with my pleading, he also consented.

The five of us settled into Henry's jet around six in the evening, in route for Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in British Columbia, the resort I picked out.

I took a seat between Lily and Adam while Nick joined us. Henry sat near the front of the jet, keeping quiet to himself and remained on his laptop through the whole four-hour flight trip.

Once we arrived to our destination, I felt more cheerful and excited than I had been in weeks. The temperatures outside were freezing below zero, but I never mind winter. My spirits easily lifted from seeing the snow and lights of the resort coming closer to us in the darkness. And even though I couldn't see the mountains, I could make out the dark pointed silhouettes circling all around us as Henry drove up the mountain roads.

By the time we checked into the resort, it was close to midnight and we were all tired with fatigue. Henry returned from the guest check in and handed everyone the card keys to their room.

As Henry and I entered our room, I stopped at the door, making a last-minute decision. "Henry, I'm going to stay in Lily's room tonight. I haven't seen her in forever, and I want to catch up with her on things."

"If that's what you want."

"Thank you."

Minutes later, I knocked on the door to Lily's room, which was down the same hall. Standing there waiting for her to open the door, I wondered if I made the right decision. I admitted I felt a little bad, leaving Henry alone. This trip was his idea in the first place and he had been submitting to every one of my demands.

When Lily opened the door, she looked confuse. "Hey Al, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Henry?"

"I'm rooming with you tonight, Peaches. I hope that's alright with you." I walked into the room, carrying my bags as Lily moved aside for me.

"Of course, but what about your husband?"

I placed my bag onto the queen bed. "I already asked Henry and he said it was okay."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes, of course. Don't worry about. It's only one night. Henry will be okay." I jumped on the bed and laid on it, staring up at the wooden ceiling.

"Why do I get the feeling you're lying to me?" Lily asked.

I lifted myself from the bed. "What do you mean, Lil?"

"Nothing, I'm thinking too much," she said. She paced over and sat on the bed next to me. "Anyways, how are you holding up on things? Adam told me about your miscarriage. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you, friend."

"It's okay. You called," I said, heaving a deep breath. I leaned into Lily and wrapped my arms around her waist as her arms held around my shoulders. "It was so hard losing Baby Kale. But I'm getting better now. A little each day."

"That is good to know. You tell me if you ever need anything, alright?"

I nodded. Nick also said the same thing to me the other day. I was so lucky to have such good friends by my side through these tough times. "I do have one thing to ask...Do you think I'm a burden?"

"What do you mean, Al?"

"I feel like I'm a burden-a responsibility. But I don't want to be anyone's responsibility. It makes me feel...worthless."

Lily placed one hand on my hair while other hand held tighter onto me. "Ally, if anyone ever thinks that, then he or she is an idiot. You are and will never be a burden. Not in my book nor anyone else's."

"You think that?"

"I know it. You're a wonderful human being. If anybody thinks like that, then they are blinded."

I removed myself and straightened up. "Enough of me. What about you? How was your trip in Europe?"

I changed the subject. I hated talking about emotional issues like these all the time. They only put me down the more I thought about them.

"The most amazing ever," Lily started, her eyes beaming and I could already tell how much fun she had. "The food, the people, buildings, everything was wonderful."

"I'm so happy to hear. Did you meet anyone there? Your special someone?" I teased her.

Lily's lips curved into a smile, shaking her head, as if she was hiding something from me. "Nah, I didn't meet anyone there."

"Really?"

Her smile told me another story.

...

The next morning after breakfast, everyone packed into their winter gears and headed up on the mountain.

Only the guys were snowboarding today-Lily and I were just watching. I was a little worried about Adam though and advised him to start on the easier slopes-he disagreed. He stated he already watch some YouTube videos yesterday night and this morning and already learned all the turn and tricks of snowboarding. I rolled my eyes at him, hoping he wouldn't injure himself. Snowboarding was easier said than done.

In the daytime, the snow-covered mountains were visible all around us. We overheard news that a snow storm was coming in tonight, but for this morning, just a light snow flurry fell around the area.

On our way to the biggest slope of the ski resort, the three guys agreed on a race from the top, which made me uneasy. The last one to cross the finish line had to pay for dinner tonight.

As all three got onto the ski lift for the top of mountain, my eyes lingered over to Henry's back. I hoped he would be alright and not take this contest too seriously, knowing he was the kind of person who hated to lose.

Lily and I waited for a while and soon, we saw two familiar figures coming down the slope. Immediately, I recognized them as Henry and Nick. They were so close, almost head to head.

For a moment there, Nick pulled ahead of Henry just a bit, but as the two close in on the finish line right next to each other, Henry pulled a quick swerve in front of Nick to cross the line. Nick quickly lost his balance and fell over, tumbling down the slope for a few seconds before coming to a full stop.

Lily and I both gasped and ran over to him.

"Nick!" I called out. When I reached him, I bent down on my knees to check that he was okay. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Nick sat up and smiled. "I'm fine, Ally. It's only a scratch, nothing more."

"Thank god!" I turned around to find Henry staring at us from where he stood a few seconds before spinning around and walking away. I peered up and noticed Adam finally crossing the line a few minutes later-he was alright as well.

"Damn, so close," Adam uttered, unaware of the scene in front of him. "Nick, what happened? Did you hit a bump, man?"

"I guess so," Nick joked. At least he wasn't hurt more than this and could still smile and joke.

"Wait here, you three, I'll be back in a little back, okay?" I started running in the direction that Henry left. I searched for his face among the walking crowd in the street and finally spotted him, treading away by the pine trees into a path up the mountainside. I ran and caught up to him in little time, stepping in front to stop his tracks. He gave me a menacing stare, but I didn't care. "Henry, why did you do that?"

"What did I do?" he questioned.

I reached for his arm and stopped him as he moved around me to continue on. "How could you do that to Nick?"

"I didn't do anything. He slipped and fell."

"No, you crossed his path. Henry, you're better than this." He glared at me without saying anything and I continued, "If this is about what happened in the past-about Jennifer, I want you two to put it behind you. You can't keep going on living like this. Henry, Nick is like your brother."

"Did he ask you to tell me that?"

"No, he didn't."

"Well, it looks like you're already on his side," he plainly stated with a sense of alienation.

He started to walk away from me again and I let him go this time. It didn't seem like the moment to be arguing with him and make things worse as they are.

I returned to the resort with my friends, disappointed that things didn't fare out like how I envisioned from the start of the trip. Nick, Lily, and Adam questioned where Henry went, but I just told them he went to the other slopes around the mountains.

In the evening, Henry had yet to return to the resort. He must still be angry with me, I thought. It seemed like these days, he always was. I didn't understand what he was trying to tell me. I was so lost and confused.

I tried to call Henry many times, but he wouldn't answer any of them, causing me to grow impatient with him.

After dinner-which Nick offered to pay even though Adam insisted to since he lost-we stopped to check out a bar as all outdoor activities were canceled due to the snow storm. Once we sat down at an empty table by the corner, Adam skipped off to ordered us some drinks at the bar stand.

While a local DJ played some current contemporary pop music, a small crowd danced away at the dance floor. I could see Nick staring in Lily's direction once in a while and I wondered why. Did he want to ask her to dance?

I felt like the third wheel just sitting here with these two. "Nick, ask Lily for a dance?"

"Al!" Lily exclaimed, her cheeks blushing.

Nick smiled and stood up, holding a hand out to Lily who gave me one disapproving look-but I could already tell inside, she was saying something else.

Adam finally returned with our drinks, four glasses and a pitcher of Bud Light, and he poured me a full glass.

My eyes scanned the crowd, and I recognized a familiar face sitting by the booth in the opposite end, alone by himself. Just as my eyes landed on him, a woman walked up to his table and sat down beside him closely.

It was Henry.

This woman exuded nothing but confidence. She uttered a few words into his ear, and he smiled at her-the image made me want to vomit at that very moment. How could he act so flirtatious with another woman?

What was he playing at? If he was trying to make me jealous, then he obviously succeeded at it-I had to admit. I swallowed the lump forming at the back of my throat. My hands balled into tight fists, repressing the urge to cry.

Adam, who sat across from me, followed the direction my eyes were pointing intently at and then back at me with eyes wide open. "Al?"

"It's okay, Adam," I said calmly.

I downed the rest of my Bud Light in one shot. I felt so foolish for worrying about him the whole day.

I didn't know if this was the smartest decision. But I couldn't take it like the old Ally would. I collected myself as I stood up and paced over to Henry and the unknown woman. I could feel the alcohol burning the pit of my stomach along with the fire in my cheeks as I approached closer.

As soon as I reached their booth, both of them turned to me. I glared at the strange woman as her sight caught onto me.

"Good evening, Mr. Cavill," I said with a grin. "I didn't you know were going to be here tonight. Is this your newest conquest?"

"Do you know this woman, Henry?" the woman asked him.

"Why don't you tell her who I am...honey?" I remarked sarcastically.

Henry challenged my gaze with glowering eyes before looking away. "She's my wife."

"Your wife?" She raised her perfectly arched brows.

"Thank you for keeping my husband company. I'll take him from here."

I sat myself down on the empty leather seat across from Henry, and crossed my arms, wondering what he must be thinking at the moment. The woman removed her hands from my husband and left the booth with a repulsed look.

"Where were you this whole afternoon?" No answer came from Henry, not even a glance. I exhaled deeply. "Why didn't you answer any of my calls?"

Still nothing. He swiftly rose from his seat and walked out of the bar restaurant, leaving me behind. I scoffed. I wasn't going to lose to him without putting up a challenge. No, not like this.

I quickly chased after him, anger surging through my veins as I sped up to him. He entered his room and tried to slam the door behind him, but I caught it just before it closed.

He flung the card keys somewhere in the room and snatched his bag from the closet. He started to pack his things.

"Why are you being like this, Henry?"

"Like what, Ally. You tell me-because I sure as hell don't know it." The coldness in his voice returned-the one I was so unfortunately used to in the past.

"You're acting distant and stubborn and immature. You flirt with a woman who's not your wife. I don't understand why you're being like this. What do you want from me?"

His eyes remained fixed on mine. "You don't understand."

"I don't." I chuckled bitterly. "I don't understand. Tell me what you want then. Make me understand. Come on. I'm listening. I'll give it to you right here-right now."

"You want me to tell you?"

"Yes. Please."

Stepping closer to Henry, I became suddenly bewitched under his gaze. His eyes were now soft, warm even. Without knowing, I pulled the elastic that secured my bun, letting my hair fall freely around me. I didn't know what I was doing or what was going to happen, but I couldn't resist him. Maybe it was the alcohol.

"Don't tempt me, Alexandria. Once I start-I won't stop."

I disregarded Henry's words and continued on, pulling my sweater over me, exposing my white laced bra in front of Henry who remained still.

"Is it me you want?" I taunted him darkly as I unclasped my bra. It dropped at my feet, and I could feel Henry fighting to keep his eyes locked on mine.

Henry watched as I removed my jeans and knickers, throwing them over onto the dresser. What was going through his mind during this whole time, I wondered.

Then it finally hit me-I was standing completely naked in front of Henry. I should be feeling nervous, vulnerable, because the only thing standing between our skin was the clothes he wore. But surprisingly, I wasn't one bit. Maybe it was the alcohol.

Henry moved away from me, but I stepped right in front him, stopping him from going any further. My hands seized his shirt, pulling him towards me, refusing to let him free until he gave me an answer.

"Is this what you wanted?" I asked, but he remained silent. "Tell me."

Again, nothing. Not even a flinch.

"Tell me, Henry," I whispered in my best seductive voice. I tilted my head, eyeing his lips.

When I met his eyes, he looked quite dissatisfied, which angered me. Was he not satisfied with me? Was he more satisfied with that other woman?

Just the thought crushed my last piece of sanity.

"Fuck Henry! Just-"

In a split second, Henry hauled me into him by wrapping his hands behind my neck and feverishly smashed his lips against mine.