Hiding out
The aperitif was in full swing in the living room, the laughter and bursts of voices sounding like a familiar melody. Thalia stood next to Blaise, observing the scene with a wry smile, but her mind was preoccupied with just one person.
—I’m going to check on Abby,’ she whispered to Blaise. She’s been gone a while.
—Do you want some help?’ he asked, his worried gaze fixed on her.
—No, I don’t want to worry Astoria and Draco,’ she replied, glancing furtively in their direction, a little further into the room. Just make sure they don’t find out.
He nodded, understanding without needing to ask any more questions. Thalia moved away from the group, her heart beating a little faster as she got closer to the bathroom where she suspected Abby was holed up.
She knocked gently on the door, anxiety gnawing at her.
—Who’s in there?’ she called, but there was no answer. Just a barely audible gasp.
—Abby? It’s Thalia,’ she insisted, anxiety rising in her chest.
Still no answer. Thalia felt a wave of apprehension sweep over her. She needed to make sure Abby was all right, but she couldn’t force the door. She returned to the living room, where the party was in full swing, but her heart was heavy. She couldn’t leave Abby alone at this difficult time.
She took a deep breath and returned to the bathroom.
—It’s Thalia. I know you’re in there. You okay there? She asked, her voice softer than ever, resisting the urge to force the door open.
The lock had been turned. Cautiously, she pushed open the door and entered. Abby was sitting on the floor, crying. At the sight of her, Abby whispered:
—Please, don’t tell anyone.
Thalia approached and sat down beside her, feeling the pain of seeing her like this, she assumed she was thinking of Samuel. Thalia let herself go, tears welling up in her eyes.
—I don’t want to be ruining the night,’ said Abby in a broken voice.
—I want to be there,’ replied Thalia, trying to smile weakly. No one deserves to cry alone, if it’s not wanted.
Abby sighed, sadness and despair filling the room.
—I don’t want that. Samuel should be here.
—Yes,’ murmured Thalia, unable to say anything else.
—He was killed. I lost him. Luna is traumatized. By my fault,’ Abby finally blurted out, her voice trembling.
—No, not your fault. Not any of this,’ replied Thalia, her voice firm but gentle.
—I was frightened by the magic. Children can sense everything. It’s my fault,’ Abby admitted, her gaze lost in emptiness.
Thalia shook her head, her determination growing.
—No. It’s the situation’s fault, the tragedy. You can stay as long as you need to, with or without me,’ she said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Abby shook her head, refusing to leave the room.
—I… I can’t.
Thalia made a decision.
—What if I offered you some ice cream? It won’t solve anything, but it might help you break down, hide a bit.
Abby looked at her, a sad but genuine smile forming on her face.
—It might help,’ she finally admitted.
—I’ll take care of it, it’s just between you and me,’ Thalia promised, standing up and wiping her eyes.
As she left, she took one last look at Abby.
Thalia returned to the kitchen. She opened the freezer and rummaged around for a tin of ice cream, trying to concentrate on the task in hand.
Once she had the ice cream, she returned to the bathroom. Abby was still sitting on the floor, the tears having stopped, but the sadness was still on her face.
—Here,’ said Thalia, holding out the box. A little comfort.
Abby took it with a shy smile, but the shadow of melancholy remained.
—Thank you, Thalia,’ she murmured, her voice full of gratitude, but also sadness.
They remained silent for a while, savouring the ice cream while listening to the sounds of the party that continued in the living room. Finally, Abby broke the silence.
—You know, even when I’m surrounded by everyone, I sometimes feel lonely,’ she admitted, her voice trembling. Especially seeing the love and complicity between you and Blaise, or Astoria and Draco… She lowered her eyes, her heart clenching. It’s not your fault, but it reminds me so much of Samuel.
Thalia’s heart broke at the words. She had always admired the love between Abby and Samuel, a relationship that seemed so solid and full of promise. But now that light had gone out, leaving Abby all alone.
—I understand, Abby,’ Thalia replied gently. It’s normal to feel that way. Samuel was such an important part of your life, and the void he has left is unimaginable.
Abby nodded, tears beginning to glisten in her eyes again.
—I don’t know how to move on sometimes,’ she confessed. I honestly didn’t want to come.
Thalia felt guilty, aware that her own joy with Blaise could be accentuating Abby’s pain. She moved closer and took Abby’s hand in hers. After that, she would go and find Blaise, being able to be with him and Abby not being able to.