The kitchen was just right in the next room. I would have coffee, I had brought some along with me, and I would begin the house cleaning.
“Ah, neighbors!” I said out loud, still curious about Jacob Bradley’s sudden reappearance in my life. He couldn’t have followed me here.
“Enough thinking about him,” I said to myself. “You have a lot to do”. I dropped my cup of coffee, resolved.
I grabbed the vacuum cleaner and a dust cloth. Hastily, I rolled my hair into a rough bun and started cleaning.
Initially, I thought it wasn’t a big deal, and that I was perfectly fine. Nothing could stop me from taking care of the house. Still, when my eyes kept looking out the window, and the sound of the rain on the rooftop collided with my thumping heart, I was sure I would sit down to rest soon.
A wave of sadness devoured me, and it was heavier than ever before. I was consumed. I couldn’t think straight; it was as if I was back again to when he had walked away.
“What do you mean by that? Why do we need a break?”
“It’s not you, Clara, it’s me. It’s all me. I cannot shirk duty, Clara. I have to be responsible for the company in California, or it will be shut down.”
“I still can’t see how that affects our relationship.”
“Look, Clara,” his voice broke as I stared right into his eyes as if searching his soul.
What had come over him? I had begun to break inside. How could he do that to us?
“I’m sorry,” was what followed.
“Hmm! What are you sorry for? I’m hating this right now. We were fine, Jacob, and we are fine. We have been the best couple so far, and I -I- “
I was whimpering.
The determination was in his eyes; he had already made his decision. He was sorry, my ice cream was melting away, and I was breathing heavily alongside the gust of wind, causing strands of my hair to wisp about. I wanted to shove the ice cream into his face.
I didn’t, luckily, before he walked away.
And that night had been miserable. It was a bright night, illuminated by a round, full moon, but it had been miserable. And so was the following morning, and the one to come after, and the ones to come after.
My best friend, Daisy, had called, but I had not answered. There were peculiar circumstances that called for a certain embankment of solitude, and the situation was one.
Tears were fast gathering in my eyes, and I gripped my head as I felt dizzy.
Curse Jacob Bradley!
Curse California businesses!
Curse the stupid feeling of love!
The overwhelming sound of the rain irritated my ears, and I cried out. Thankfully, I was alone, and the mightiness of the downpour was capable of drowning out my voice.
I nestled in bed until late evening; the rain had stopped by then.
I was grateful to Sunnyvale for the peace that enveloped me. It was exactly what I needed and more. Rising carefully, my stomach growled. I was famished. I had not had anything besides coffee since the morning. Jacob Bradley had succeeded in ruining my day, my excitement about Sunnyvale, and the anticipated reconciliation with my memories of Aunt Madeline’s home.
Aunt Madeline’s room was my refuge. It was large with custom decor which was totally to my taste. Each and everything must have been carefully considered to create comfort, from the plush carpet to the exquisite chandelier overhead, to the sturdy bed covered in white linen that had delicate lace details at the hem, to the gorgeous artworks that adorned the warm-colored walls, to comfy armchairs designed for relaxation and lastly, to the silk curtains that framed the windows.
I decided I was going to use the room as my bedroom. The house was big and had many rooms, but I especially wanted this room, particularly because it belonged to my late aunt.
Slipping off the bed, I checked out the vanity.
Aunt Madeline hardly used makeup, so nothing much was in the drawers besides her stockings.
I was startled when my phone rang. It was my mom. She must have been expecting a call from me upon my arrival at Sunnyvale.
“Hey, Mom!”
“My darling, have you arrived at your aunt’s?”
“Yes, Mom. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a call.”
“Are you okay? You sound down.” As usual, she could detect my emotions anywhere and anytime.
“I’m good.” I lied.
“Did something happen? Talk to me, Clara.” She sounded impatient.
Should I tell her that Jacob Bradley had reappeared?
“Mom, Jacob is here.” I let the cat out of the bag. I couldn’t conceal the fact for a long time; my mom would find it out herself.
“What do you mean he is here?” I could picture the grave look on her face right then. She resented Jacob for acting so irrationally and being insensitive to my feelings.
“He’s here, in Sunnyvale. He seems to be my next-door neighbor,” I added.
