Chapter 14
I climbed back into bed, determined to erase everything about Ewing from my life.
But then, scrolling through social media, I saw he’d posted again.
Apparently, he’d gone to see a remastered version of “Les Misérables.”
The post was a photo–two hands clasped together
The caption read: “The first time you watched this movie, it was in the school cafeteria. Now, years later, it’s still you by my side for the new release.”
I glanced at my own movie ticket confirmation on my phone.
Suddenly, I remembered an old review I once wrote:
“Do we ever need a reason to love, or not to love? Can we really choose the path we walk? Some people are like starlight–playful, radiant, and unforgettable. And if the one riding the clouds crosses your mind for even a moment, it’s only because I left my tears in your heart once.“%
By the time I came back to myself, my face was streaked with tears.N
I felt hollow with pain for my own sake.
Almost involuntarily, I typed out a long message to him–then deleted it, thinking better of it. In the end, I just sent a single question mark, smiling bitterly at myself.
But when an alert popped up saying I couldn’t leave comments, I froze.N
He really would do anything to get a reaction from me.
Was this some kind of psychological warfare? Like something out of a reality show breakup?
At that moment, Melvin came home holding Joy in his arms.
He set the cat down and looked ready to leave.
My mom hurried over, stopping him. “Melvin, why don’t you stay for dinner?”
He smiled, “Thank you, but I have some things to take care of.”
My mom shot me a look. “Irene, ask Melvin to stay. Aren’t you two still friends?”
She glared at me, eyes blazing–her unspoken meaning loud and clear: “Why are you so clueless?”
I looked at Melvin and muttered, “Just listen to my mom.”
He stifled a laugh. “Alright, but let me clean Joy’s paws first.”
Melvin knelt, carefully wiping Joy’s feet. “I used to have a cat just like him. He ran away.”
“Did he have any special markings?” I asked, suddenly suspicious.
“Yeah, he had a heart–shaped spot under his front leg. I used to joke with the shelter owner, hoping he’d bring me my soulmate someday.”
As he spoke, realization flickered in his eyes. He glanced at me, then, as if we shared some secret connection, he lifted Joy’s front leg–a heart–shaped birthmark stood out against the fur.
I stared at him in disbelief. “I adopted Joy ”
He crouched down, hugging Joy tightly, repeating “Thank you” over and over.
“Looks like fate really does work in mysterious ways.”
My mom beamed, delighted by the whole scene.
In the days that followed, my injury healed well.
Melvin, busy as he was, still made time to keep me company
He also brought me some news about Ewing.
Apparently, Magnolia was pregnant.
She’d forced her way into Ewing’s company, bossing everyone around like she owned the place, making enemies left and right.
Back in college, she was never much of a student. If she was popular, it was only thanks to her looks and her willingness to do whatever it took.
I still couldn’t get over the twenty grand my parents paid for me.
Why should I be the one to pay?
I hadn’t done anything wrong. Yet because the other side was shameless, my parents had to hand over their hard–earned money to smooth things over for my future. After turning it over in my mind, I remembered hearing that Magnolia’s divorce had been rather humiliating for her.
If she was truly blameless, given how shameless she could be, there’s no way she would have come back empty–handed.
It seemed there was more to her divorce than met the eye.
As I focused on my recovery, i quietly asked around for records of Magnolia’s divorce.)
Melvin started coming by more often, helping my mom cook
I never would’ve guessed that someone as reserved as him could be so skilled in the kitchen–his roast chicken was especially amazing &
My mom kept dropping hints, encouraging me to spend more time with Melvin
But my old wounds hadn’t healed, and honestly, I felt unworthy of someone as good as him
So I kept my distance, dodging the topic.
Chapter 14
If Ewing taught me anything, it’s that affection can be one–sided, but real love takes two people moving toward each other.
To rush into something now would just be too soon.
Soon, I’d be heading home with Joy.
Ewing was almost comical these days–even managed to smash his new TV.
But I felt nothing for him anymore.
Strangely, Joy seemed just as indifferent. When he saw Ewing, he didn’t react at all.
People can hold back their feelings, but animals? They usually can’t.
Ewing noticed, too, glancing at Joy in surprise.
Animals don’t talk, but sometimes they understand more than people do.
Ewing spoke quietly. “You must be really disappointed in me.”
I had no idea what angle he was working now.
I shook my head. “I used to not want to see you. Now, I don’t want anything that even smells like you around me.”
“I’ve already put the house up for sale. There’s nothing more to say.“”
As I said it, i realized I didn’t feel the least bit awkward or small.
Ewing, for once, didn’t storm off in anger.
Instead, he just looked like he had something to say, but held back. He turned and left in silence, and I could tell he was burdened with thoughts.
But I didn’t want to be involved in any of it anymore.
Even though I knew, thanks to Magnolia, he was fighting endlessly with his parents; most of his friends had cut ties with him, and his company was hitting rough
waters.
That evening, Melvin stopped by, glanced around my place,
and after handing me a bowl of nourishing chicken and corn soup, finally spoke up. “Irene, can you come with me to the hospital tomorrow? They’re bringing in a lawyer for a consultation.”
Without thinking, I said, “Sure.”
I never expected to run into Ewing and Magnolia there.”
