Chapter 493: Mood Swings
It was late at night. Hannah was sleepy, and Oscar was ready to leave the pub. Theodore, however, insisted Oscar stay, claiming he needed the distraction to avoid a relapse into delirium, threatening a return to the mental hospital if left alone. Oscar, knowing Theodore's tendency to exaggerate, but understanding his anxieties from their shared history, reluctantly agreed.
"We should go home," Hannah said worriedly, watching Susan and Theodore. "If you keep drinking, you'll vomit." The two, normally at odds, were becoming inseparable in their inebriation.
Oscar nodded, eager to return home and spend time with his wife.
Hannah approached Susan, who suddenly stood and rushed from the room, clearly intoxicated. Hannah started to follow, but the door opened to reveal Susan colliding with a man.
Manuel felt a forceful impact, nearly knocking the woman backward. He steadied her, only to have Susan vomit on him. The room fell silent. Hannah froze.
Susan, having merely sought the restroom, felt immediate relief after the unexpected collision. Still dazed, she noticed something amiss—the familiar feeling of the man she’d vomited on. Looking up, she saw Manuel's face.
His expressionless features, still handsome, held her gaze. Three seconds passed before he spoke, his voice devoid of emotion but chillingly cold. "Can you get out of the way?"
Susan, feeling immense embarrassment, was mortified. Her reckless drinking, fueled by a competitive spirit with Theodore, had led to this humiliating display. She moved aside, apologizing.
"No, thanks," Manuel replied, continuing directly to the bathroom. Susan realized her mistake, regretting the avoidable incident.
Hannah approached. "Let's go, I'll take you home."
"Okay," Susan replied, suddenly appearing sober. "Wasn't I embarrassing?"
Hannah's rhetorical question prompted a hurried, "Let's go."
Hannah and Oscar left with Susan, leaving Theodore sprawled, unconscious, on the sofa. Manuel, a known neat freak, discarded his coat and sweater, wiping down his trousers before venturing out. Finding only Theodore, he offered to take him home, a reluctant acceptance following the mention of his father.
Manuel had been invited by Theodore for a gathering celebrating Oscar's return, but a last-minute work issue delayed his arrival. He certainly hadn't anticipated encountering Susan.
Outside, Susan was still vomiting, with Hannah and Oscar waiting nearby while Jimmy positioned the car. Theodore, weaving toward them, was quickly intercepted by Manuel.
Oscar asked about Manuel's leg, noting his steady gait without crutches. "Almost recovered," Manuel replied. Oscar, noticing Manuel's light clothing in the winter chill, urged him to take Theodore home quickly.
Hannah observed Oscar's concern, questioning her perception of his character. Susan, having overheard, watched Manuel escort Theodore to the car, noticing his inadequate attire. She managed to stand, accepting Hannah's assistance into the vehicle, Oscar taking the passenger seat.
Susan's discomfort seemed less physical than emotional. Hannah’s attempt at comfort was met with a sudden, bitter declaration: "I will never be where Manuel is!"