By the time Van stopped walking and her senses was somewhat coming back, she found herself in the middle of an empty pathway far from her apartment.
Frustrated, angry and sad she broke down in a sob. Every emotion assaulting her in waves she could not control. She screamed into the vacuum until she lost her voice. She tried to remember happy times she spent with her mom but came up with nothing. Even her face was starting to blur and fade away.
"I'm sorry mom. I didn't know. I had no idea. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." If she had known that her mom did nothing wrong. If she had known her grandparents were responsible for half the things that happened to her family. Now all she has left are what ifs.
"So what do we do now?" Karl looked at his sister expectantly where she sat curled up on the bed.
"I don't know. Those people are strangers to me...to us and frankly all I feel right now is hatred and anger." She said, her gaze was distant.
"I feel the same way. I keep thinking that if they were in our lives sooner then father would still be alive." Karl said echoing her earlier accusation. "I can't believe they're mom's family."
"To them we don't exist."
"I'll make us dinner." Karl offered. He must’ve noticed how pale and washed-out she looked and like any caring brother he felt like he ought to take care of her for a change. Van had it hard when their mom died and their dad fell sick nobody understood her struggles like Karl did which is why he tried to help in ways he could to ease the burden even when Van strongly objected. The sudden revelation must hit her hard than anyone else could imagine except Karl.
When Karl left, Van stared fixatedly at the bare wall not quite looking at anything in particular. it had been a long day and a part of her wished all of it had been just a dream but she knew better than to dwell on fantasies. They might be her mom's family which automatically made them hers as well but they were strangers and never cared for her or her brother so why should they be expecting any warmth from her when they never gave her any.
"Here, have some tea you need it." Karl waved the steaming cup in front of her face. Van was about to protest but the look on his face told her he didn't want to argue with her so she grasped the steaming cup and her lips curved into an appreciating smile. Just then, he reminded her of their father, he would've worn a similar expression.
"Thank you." She said choking back a sob.
"No thanks I don't want any coffee." Ash softly declined when she came to pour him coffee and Van turned to leave without a word when he called her name. She stopped and turned back reluctantly "Can I talk to you? If you don't mind." Ash looked uncomfortable but Van didn't care, she was still angry not to mention how horrible she must look this morning; with puffy eyes and messed up hair. She hadn't slept at all last night and she'd been crying.
Even though Ash didn't tell her what his relationship was with her grandparents Van wasn't angry with him about that it was none of her business, she wasn't even angry with him for knowing who she was all along or for having her investigated, he was probably doing his job; frankly, Van had no idea why she was angry at Ash, she just is period.