Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert was deep in thought. ‘Is that so? Really? Yeah, that's how it is. It’s exactly like that. There’s no doubt about it.’

...

The next day was Saturday. Gilbert didn't expect to see Sherilyn chatting with Sylvia when he came downstairs.

"Up and about?" Sylvia waved him over as soon as she saw him. "Perfect timing. We've got something to discuss with you."

"What's up?" Gilbert sprawled onto the couch, grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl, and started peeling it slowly.

"Here's the thing." Sylvia began, "You need to pick a date to go with Sherilyn and get that divorce finalized."

Startled, Gilbert mechanically lifted his gaze to Sherilyn. Was this what she came over so early for?

Meeting his look, Sherilyn nodded slightly, speaking softly and slowly, "I had a promise to keep with Sylvia. Now that I'm not alone, I want to move forward with Edgar, which means getting the paperwork done."

"Exactly." Sylvia nodded in agreement. "We need to sort it out quickly. If the Ferguson family catches wind that the documents are unfinalized, that's another mess!"

Sylvia glared at Gilbert. "You need to set a time today. If you mess this up for Sherilyn, I won't let it slide!"

At first, it was about giving Sherilyn a way out, but that was no longer necessary.

"Alright, got it." Gilbert flipped through his phone.

Sylvia kept nagging. "The sooner, the better."

Gilbert frowned, irritated, and blurted out, "How about first thing Monday morning?"

"Monday morning? Won't that interfere with work?" Sylvia was concerned.

"No worries." Gilbert shook his head. "I'll head in a bit later. It won't cause any major issues."

"Then it's settled." Sylvia clapped her hands, patting Sherilyn's, "That's decided then. Do you feel better now?"

"Yes, thank you, Sylvia." Sherilyn smiled and nodded but thought, ‘I won't be relieved until I have the paperwork. That's when it's truly over!’

"Sylvia." Having achieved her goal, Sherilyn stood up. "I should get going." She said somewhat sheepishly, "I've got plans with Edgar."

"Oh!" Sylvia's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Then I won't keep you. Go on. Don't make Edgar wait!"

Sherilyn smiled shyly. "Yes, Sylvia."

Sylvia reluctantly saw Sherilyn out the door.

Gilbert remained seated, his apple fully peeled, popping a piece into his mouth. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

He grimaced instantly. "Ugh! What kind of apple is this? So sour??"

Was it rotten or what?

...

On Monday morning, Edgar took the day off to meet Sherilyn on Serenity Street to head to the town hall. Firstly, that walk back from Wind Bridge had left a shadow in Sherilyn’s heart, fearing another mishap. Secondly, she was worried that Gilbert would back out at the last minute. With Edgar there, Gilbert wouldn't.

The car stopped at the town hall, and Edgar leaned over to unbuckle Sherilyn's seatbelt.

"Do you need me to come with you?" he asked gently.

"Not for now," Sherilyn shook her head.

"Alright." Edgar didn't insist. He reminded her, "If you need me, just call. I'll be waiting right here."

"Okay, thanks." Sherilyn took a deep breath, opened the car door, and stepped out.

Meanwhile, Gilbert alighted from his sleek Bentley. Like four years ago, they headed in the same direction. Back then, it was to join hands for a life. This time, it was to part ways.