A Few Months Back

 

Everyone drove off to Bernie's Ranch for a few days to attend Denver and Sapphire’s wedding. It was just an hour's drive away towards the west of Houston. After driving though scenic countryside they finally reached the 500-acre working ranch set in the peaceful countryside amidst majestic Live Oaks and beautiful gurgling lakes maintained at the ranch for its guests. 

There was excitement in the air as they all alighted from their cars, taking in the fresh air and the sprawling greenery all around them.

“This place feels so close to my heart. Even I’ll have my wedding here,” said Nate, glancing at Alexis who had been exceptionally quiet for the last few days. Ever since she heard Nelson’s parents discuss Drake leaving Houston and going away to Stanford, she had been heartbroken. Drake had stopped talking to her and that hurt her even more. She tried breaking up with Nate many times without creating a scene in her sister’s family but Nate turned a deaf ear to it. 

“First complete your studies, then decide,” said his mom. 

“Yours is a long way off. Next is Daxton’s turn,” said Stuart. Nate made a sad face.

“Does it have to be sequentially?” he argued. Drake lost interest in the topic and walked away. 

“Shut up Nate, “ said Ryan, walking away too. Nate didn’t argue anymore. Alexis and Aries took a stroll around the property while everyone settled down. 

“Do you really plan to marry Nate?” asked Aries worriedly. 

“I’m just sixteen. I don’t have any plans of getting married in the next five years. What’s the hurry?” she shrugged.

“Yeah, five years is a long time. I hope you have a change of heart by then and marry someone who loves you,” said Aries. 

“Let’s drop the topic, Aries. Tell me about your trip to the Space Centre,” she asked with curiosity. They had a school trip arranged there when she was hospitalized and therefore had to miss it. The next few minutes, they strolled along the grassy, rolling hills as Aries explained to her about what he saw there. 

“What are you two talking about?” asked Drake when they stopped at a gazebo near the Enchanted lake where he was standing all alone. Alexis looked up at Drake with surprise. She had been so engrossed in what her twin was saying that she didn’t see where they were heading to. Her eyes met Drake’s for a split second before he looked away. 

Aries explained to him about the trip to the Space Centre which Alexis missed. Drake explained many more things to them about the museum and they listened to him intently. Drake couldn’t take his eyes off Alexis as he spoke. He was spellbound and hypnotized by her gaze as he talked. He felt a rug at his heartstrings thinking of having to go away after Denver’s wedding. He wouldn’t be able to see her for four years! How would he survive? Suddenly he started having second thoughts about leaving.  He just wished he wasn’t going away, he just wished that he could see her like this forever! Hearing Nate start planning his wedding with her broke him. He just couldn’t stay back to see them get married. 

Alexis stared into Drake’s eyes and suddenly felt an urge to ask him why he was going away. Was it because of her? She would break off with Nate if that would stop him from leaving. But she couldn’t say a single word and sat there listening to Drake’s se*y voice. It stirred her soul and made her feel like wrapping her arms around his neck and begging him to stay. 

“I think your sister’s calling you,” said Drake, looking away. Alexis turned to see Annalise walking towards them. 

“Alex, Aries, come and check your rooms. Will you look after Adrianna and Norman while I go and freshen up? Nelson’s gone fishing with the boys, “ said Annalise. 

“Sure, Anna,” said the twins, rushing off to the ranch house, followed by Annalise. Drake sat watching the Enchanted lake, hiding to avoid all interactions with the family. He knew that everyone would try to convince him to change his mind. 

“So, you’re going away?” asked Nate as he came to sit beside him. Drake didn’t turn to look. He just nodded.

“Yes,” he said.

“Why? Is it because of me? Are you escaping?” asked Nate. 

“I don’t need to escape, I haven't committed any crime,” said Drake.

“Then why Stanford?” asked Nate. 

“I want to get away from here,” shrugged Drake. 

“Why?” asked Nate. 

“I’m tired of fighting with you, Nate. I want you and Alexis to be happy,” said Drake, getting up and walking away, leaving Nate gaping after him. He didn’t have anything to say. Suddenly he felt guilty for what he had done. He had driven his closest friend and brother away from home all because of some silly bet. He wanted to stop Drake from leaving and wanted to apologize to Drake but he couldn’t. It was too late. 

Drake walked back to the ranch house and played with the children while watching Alexis play with Nelson’s babies. He somehow stayed in the background and always watched her quietly. It was his most favorite pastime. Alexis was acutely aware of his presence and enjoyed the attention that he seemed to bestow upon her. He hardly talked to her, just watched her silently. It seemed as if he was memorizing every detail. 

Afterwards everyone gathered together and there were many games and activities arranged for them after a gala breakfast. Everyone was mainly interested in the tug of war activity, and were busy selecting their teammates. It was Henry Taylor and his team versus Officer Brad Williams,  who was Sapphire’s dad, and his team. 

While Nate joined Officer Williams’ team, Alexis opted for their team and Drake couldn’t have been happier. Denver opted to be a referee since both team heads started a war on who Denver should join. Ultimately the cops won and Denver declared Brad Williams and his team as the winners. 

In the evening they organized a bridal shower party for the bride but all the guests were invited. There was music, dancing, food and lots and lots of drinks. What more could they ask for. Denver pulled Sapphire for a close dance while Sean, Stuart, Nick and Nelson too started dancing with their wives. Nate and Alexis danced with one another too while Drake danced with baby Sienna who was Vienna’s daughter in his arms. Finally seeing Nate and Alexis dance with each other, he looked like he was at peace with his decision of going away. He tried to ignore them as much as possible after that. They looked happy together and he knew that it was time to forget Alexis and move on. Maybe he was wrong about Nate’s feelings after all. Maybe Nate really loved Alexis and it wasn’t a big show off to rile him up as he had thought. 

Nate laughed at his own joke while dancing with Alexis. To his dismay, Drake didn’t even look at him once and neither did he look jealous like he always did. Alexis pushed him away. 

“My feet are aching, Nate. I need to sit for a while,” she said, walking away. Nate stared after her with a confused look on his face. He noticed that Alexis wasn’t responding to him at all for the last few weeks. In fact, they hardly went out as a couple and hadn’t even kissed for the past six months! He had to find out what was going on! Were they still dating or has she called off their relationship?

Determined to talk this out with her, he followed her out of the dance floor. “Alexis, wait. We need to talk,” said a frustrated Nate.

“Not now, Nate. I don’t want to spoil my mood, right now,” said Alexis, rushing away. Drake observed them closely, it looked as if there was actually some trouble in paradise, contrary to what he had been thinking. He wanted to follow them out and find out what exactly they were fighting about. 

“Don’t get so involved with them, Drake. Couples fight every now and then. It’s quite normal,” said Allison who was standing next to him and observing him. 

“Oh! I thought they were breaking up!” said Drake looking upset. 

“No Drake. Don’t live with that hope. You’ll end up getting hurt. Try your level best to move on. If Alexis is meant for you, it will happen,” said Allison. Drake sighed and nodded in understanding. 

“Yes, you’re right. I’m glad that I’m going away. I couldn’t see them getting married, “ said Drake. 

“That’s a wrong thought, Drake. You have to accept the fact that they are a couple and might get married in the future. Love is not always about getting, love sometimes means sacrificing for the one you love, for her happiness,” explained Allison. Drake looked solemn as he grasped her words. So was his love meant for sacrifice?