He returned an hour later with her prescription and some fresh-made chicken soup from the supermarket. He brought the medicine to her and she took one of the tablets. She called out to him as he began to walk from the room. He turned around, feeling hopeful that maybe she had forgiven him.
“I need to use the bathroom,” she said, not appearing too thrilled about having to ask for his help.
He walked back over to her and helped her from the bed. He supported her on one side while she held the IV stand on the other. He shut the door to the bathroom and waited for her to finish, after which he helped her back to the bed and tucked her under the covers.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Better, actually.”
“I’m glad.” He stood for a minute as he gathered the courage to speak. “Can you forgive me?”
She looked away as tears welled in her eyes. She remained silent as they began to fall and then she finally answered, “No.”
Viktor didn’t want to believe it. It was hard to accept that she didn’t love him as much as he loved her. He loved her so much he would have forgiven her for practically anything. He didn’t know what to say. He left completely dismayed, wondering how she could profess her love for him all those times and then just be over him so quickly.
Needing to unload and wanting emotional support, Amanda called Kim after he left. Kim listened patiently as Amanda told her everything that happened. She was emotional and crying and Kim had to ask her to repeat some things.
“I just can’t believe he was lying the whole time,” Amanda cried.
“Well, Amanda. Try to look at it from his perspective,” Kim said. “It must be hard for him to make real friends. A lot of the people he meets are probably only interested in his money.”
“What? You’re taking his side?”
“I’m on your side, Amanda. But that doesn’t mean I agree with you.”
“He lied to me!” Amanda said, angrily.
“No. He just didn’t tell you.”
“He purposefully hid it from me. He deceived me. What’s the difference?”
“He didn’t tell you he was a brain surgeon who saved puppies on the weekend,” Kim shot back. “With your prejudice against rich people, can you really blame him for being afraid to tell you?”
“I’m not prejudiced!” Amanda protested.
“You are judging him based solely on the merit of his fortune, Amanda. How would it be any different if you rejected him for confessing to be broke?”
“It’s different,” Amanda insisted.
“You’re not basing your decision on his personality or how well you get along or even how much he clearly loves you. You’re rejecting him because he has money. How is that not prejudiced?”
Amanda shook her head. “Nevermind. I need to rest.”
“Amanda …”
“I’ll call you later.” Amanda hung up feeling angry and frustrated that she didn’t get the support she wanted. She called her mother next, hoping for a better outcome. She explained the situation again, this time slanting it even more in favor of her view, hoping to get some validation.
“Amanda, honey. Don’t you think you’re being unfair?” her mother asked after Amanda finished telling her side of things.
“How am I being unfair?” she asked defensively, feeling frustrated that even her mother wasn’t taking her side. “He lied to me.”
“Amanda, deep down you know you’re being unfair to him. And quite frankly, a little cruel,” her mom bluntly chastised.
Amanda was taken aback by her mother’s strong and pointed reprimand. She sat stunned as her mother continued.
“You didn’t even give him a chance to explain. You just wrote him off as if he meant nothing to you. How would you feel if someone did that to you?”
“Mom …” Her confidence shattered, Amanda’s words took on a softer tone. “It’s too late. It’s over.”
“If he loves you the way I believe he does, he will forgive you. But you need to apologize.”
Amanda felt so conflicted. She still felt angry with him for what he had done but at the same time, her two closest friends and confidants were telling her she was in the wrong. Which could only mean that she was.
“Talk to him, Amanda. Listen to what he says and don’t be quick to write him off. You won’t feel angry anymore if you forgive him,” her mother admonished.
“Mom, I’m scared.”
“Don’t be. Talk to him now. Don’t let any more time pass by.”
“Okay,” Amanda agreed.
“I love you. I’ll be here if you need me.”
“I love you too.”
Amanda hung up the phone feeling numb. She took a few minutes to absorb what Kim and her mother said. The more she thought about it the more she realized they were right and then the guilt set in.
She texted Kim, You were right. I’m sorry.
There was a soft knock on the door and then Viktor stepped inside. “Would you like some soup?”
“Viktor.” She suddenly appeared emotional and distraught and started to cry.
He stepped closer. “What is it?”
“I’m so sorry,” she cried, not knowing what else to say and then curled up sobbing.
He wasn’t sure what she was sorry about but he walked over and sat on the bed next to her. He waited for her to calm down and gather her thoughts.
“I’ve treated you terribly,” she blurted out between sobs.
He quickly pulled her into his arms and squeezed her. Her mother was right. The moment she forgave him in her heart, the anger disappeared. Now she just had to deal with the guilt over her own words and actions.
“Please forgive me,” she cried into his chest.
“Of course, I forgive you,” he quickly responded.
His readiness to forgive made her feel even more remorseful for the unforgiving and cruel way she treated him. She languidly sobbed in his arms, wondering why he was so good to her and feeling unworthy of it.
“Shhh.” He stroked her hair and tenderly
