Jane
Where the hell is Brandon? It’s ten in the morning, and he is nowhere to be found. I want to shout the words in frustration, but I can’t, at least not in front of the kids.
I can’t remember how many times I have tried calling, but he hasn’t replied once. I tried one more time just in case he picked up but groaned in frustration when he ignored the call.
Marlene’s having some pancakes with Liam for breakfast. It’s been like 24 hours since Brandon dropped her here with Liam and me. It’s not like I mind her staying. I love it when she is with us. But she misses her father. Marlene has asked me so many times where Brandon is and why he hasn’t come yet. And every time I avoided the question by acting busy because I didn’t have any answers to her question.
I tried calling Brandon one more time and yet got no response. Things are worrying me a bit. This is the first time Brandon has not come directly from his shift to pick up Marlene from my house. Why is he so late today, and it’s not just me who is worrying here? Marlene looks worried too; it shows on her face that she is disturbed, the way she is eyeing the front door. It seems as if anytime the doors open, she will run to snuggle up to Brandon the moment he enters.
I’m also thinking of checking at Brandon’s house to check for him. Maybe he came home and fell asleep, being too exhausted from his shift.
Ding-dong!
I heard the doorbell ring, distracting me from my thoughts, with legs moved fast, hoping to see Brandon behind the door. But, disappointed, coming face to face with Rachel.
“What, you’re not happy to see me?”
I shook my head. “My mind is a mess today.”
“Maybe I can help. Tell me,” she said enthusiastically, with a cheerful smile on her face.
“It’s okay. Why don’t you join Marlene and Liam for breakfast? Come,” I said, welcoming her into the house.
“I would love it too,” Rachel bounced playfully, looking at both Liam and Marlene as they were sitting at the table eating.
“Hey, cuties,” Rachel said, embracing both the kids in her arms, once at a time.
I made some pancakes for Rachel, with my eyes scanning Marlene now and then. The sadness that was vividly present on her face, with the presence of Rachel, disappeared quickly. There is something about Rachel’s personality that lifts everyone’s mood. Maybe that’s why everyone loves and adores her.
I smiled, watching Rachel laughing with both the kids as I served a plate for her. She came at the right time; her presence changed the atmosphere in my home.
“Rachel,”
With her mouth stuffed with pancakes. She hummed. “Hmm,”
“Do you mind taking care of kids? I have something important to do,” I said, with my feet tapping on the floor, waiting for her response.
“Sure, take your time,”
“Thanks.” I wrapped my arms around Rachel, hugging her with a smile on my face. After Brandon, Rachel is someone I can trust blindly, like a family.
I removed my apron, caressing Liam’s hair with the back of my palm, “Liam, stay with Auntie Rachel, mama will be back soon. Okay,”
“Marlene, take care of yourself and Liam, okay?” I said, caressing her hair too. She giggles at my response. Marlene knows the meaning behind my words; she knows one can’t trust Rachel alone. Sometimes Rachel does things that only she can do, and no one else.
Marlene nodded her head, and I took it as my chance to leave.
“Good Morning Jane,” I heard someone greeting me, the moment I stepped out of the house.
“Good Morning Mrs. Samuel,” I replied with a smile on my face. She is one of my neighbors, whose house is right next to mine.
“So… How are you?”
“I’m fine,” I said with a smile.
“I made some cookies. Why don’t you come later and have some for Liam,” she said brightly.
“I would love to,” I replied, making my way toward Brandon’s house.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel is such a lovely couple in their eighties. Their story is filled with many ups and downs, yet they are together, and happy.
Looking at them made me think of Jared. He was my first everything; my boyfriend, my love, my first kiss, my prom partner, everything. At every step of my life, he was there for me, supporting me, and standing by my side. We also have our ups and downs, but in the end, we lose our love in the battle of life. And he is nowhere but in my memories.
I sighed, shaking my head. I can’t change the past, and thoughts of happily ever after with Jared are myths for me, myths that will never come true; Jared is not here with me, and he will never be here with me, ever.
Standing in front of Brandon’s house, I searched in my pants pocket to find the house keys Brandon lent to me. We both have keys to each other’s houses.
I unlocked the door and got inside the house. Finding myself in deep darkness, with all the lights off and the windows covered by blinds, it’s very dark inside.
But thanks to the flashlight on my phone that helped me locate the lights switch, with the lights on.
The living room is all empty, with nothing but intense silence. But that’s when I felt something wrapped around my ankle, gripping my leg.
I yelled, with all the strength in my body as I felt a firm hand clutching around my ankle and a person on his stomach sprawling on the floor with his face down