Back atJayden
“Why did you and Elizabeth have issues back then?” I asked. “I’m sure you were ignoring this family because you had issues with Elizabeth and it was too obvious not to even noticed. Wasn’t that why you never visited home for days. What was the problem?”
Sally’s gaze dropped, and her hands stilled. “She found out my secret,” she signed, slowly.
I leaned in, curious. “What secret?”
Her eyes flashed up to mine, and she shook her head. “You don’t have to know. I’ll keep it to myself for now. But when I’m ready, I’ll let you guys know.”
The conversation seemed to be at an end. Sally’s expression turned dismissive, and she signed, “I think that’s enough for tonight. Can you leave?”
I nodded, smiling softly. “Thanks for talking to me, Sally. And congratulations on your mom’s new relationship.” I signed off and left the room, shutting the door behind me.
As I walked down the passageway, my mind wandered back to the conversation. I realized I’d passed Allison’s room and doubled back, knocking softly on the door. When there was no response, I called out, “I’m coming in,” and entered.
Allison lay sprawled across the bed, fast asleep. A soft smile spread across my face as I approached her. I gently adjusted the bedding, pulling the sheet up to her shoulders. Then, I lay down beside her, taking in the peaceful beauty of her sleeping face.
“You’re so beautiful,” I whispered and kissed her forehead. As I closed my eyes, I felt a deep sense of contentment wash over me.
That morning, I woke up to find Allison still fast asleep. I carefully stood up, trying not to disturb her, and began to quietly leave the room. But just as I took my first step, Allison’s hand grasped mine, and I gasped, turning to see her eyes wide open.
“Why are you leaving me?” she asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
“I didn’t want to wake you,” I replied softly. “I was going to call you later.”
Allison’s face scrunched up in a frown. “Don’t leave me, please,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’ll miss you so much, Jayden.”
My heart melted at her words. “I’ll miss you too,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I have to go. I have work.”
Allison’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she patted the bed beside her. “Stay with me for just five more minutes… Please.”
I couldn’t resist her request. I nodded and lay back down beside her. Allison wrapped her body around mine, and I reciprocated, holding her close like a cocoon.
As we lay there, I whispered against her ear which shivered to my touch, “I love you so much, Allison.”
She snuggled deeper into my chest, her head nodding against me. “I love you too.”
Before we knew it, we drifted off to sleep again, wrapped in each other’s arms.
***
I jolted awake, the sunlight streaming
through the window. I looked around, disoriented, and then my eyes landed on the clock. I gasped, “Fuck! Allison, I need to go, right now!”
Allison stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice groggy.
I gently unwrapped her arms and legs from around me. “We slept in, and I’m late. I didn’t mean to oversleep, shit. I love you, and I’ll miss you, baby. Bye,” I said, kissing her hair before rushing out of the room.
I hurried outside, where I found Sally and Liz in the sitting room. “Goodbye, I’m leaving!” I called out.
Elizabeth jumped up, “Hold on, wait!” She ran after me, catching up just as I was about to get into my car.
“Please wait,” she said, holding out a wrapped package. “I made you some homemade food, rich in nutrients. You know, it’s not always about takeout. Sometimes, it’s nice to have a home-cooked meal.”
I smiled, touched by her thoughtfulness. “Thank you so much, Elizabeth. I’ve always loved your cooking.”
I took the package, sniffing the sweet delicious smell.
“You will enjoy it,” she said, smiling.
I nodded, got into my car, and drove off, feeling grateful for the loving gesture.
As I was driving away, I noticed a woman walking past who caught my attention. She was a striking resemblance to Sally, but older. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the ‘mother’ Sally had been talking about.
I continued driving, lost in thought, until I arrived at the office. As I stepped out of the car, I saw my dad waiting outside, a look of concern etched on his face.
“Where have you been?” he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. “I’ve been waiting for you since last night. I even called you, but you didn’t answer. You didn’t respond to my texts either.”
I felt a pang of guilt and apologized, “I’m really sorry, Dad. What’s up?”
My dad’s expression softened, and he replied, “Some clients came in today. They’re waiting for us to finalize the deal.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of urgency. “Let’s get to work, then.”
After settling in at the office, I sent a message to Allison: “Can we have a date today? I’ll meet you after work and give you a call so you can come out. Love you.”
I set my phone aside and headed into the meeting room, where the client was waiting. As we sat down, the discussion began, and I was pleased to find that it was a productive and healthy conversation.