When he saw me that night, he completely overreacted, demanding that I change shoes. His reaction had my head spinning for the rest of the night. I, of course, won the battle over the shoes, but he wasn’t happy about it.
Nevertheless, he gave me the number of a reputable taxi firm and asked me to promise him that I would use it on the way home. He also made me promise to call if I needed him. The look he gave me was one of such complete desperation that I felt I had no choice but to tell him that I would honor his wishes. In truth, I thought it was sweet of him to care so much.
When I finally got back home, Jake was still up, and he looked like he had spent the whole night pacing. He certainly didn’t look like someone who was close to going to bed—even though it was after one in the morning. I couldn’t believe he had actually waited up for me. Thinking about it now, I can’t believe I was surprised by that.
The minute I was inside, he came over to me and asked if I was okay. I told him I was. Then, despite the fact that he was obviously displeased with me, he took care of me again. He took me to my bed, helped me change clothes, and made sure I had plenty of water to drink before I got up the next morning. He even left another set of tablets along with a glass of water by my alarm clock the following morning.
Jessie has had a much easier time of it. She went on a few more dates with Jerry, and they were all successful—so much so that she is still seeing him. I think it must be a record for her.
And, although the killer is still on the loose, everything has gone quiet. There haven’t been any other murders since that last, extremely ghastly one which everyone felt uncomfortable talking to me about.
Looking at the clock, I realize my reverie has carried me straight through to the end of the day, so I clean up my desk and say my farewells to everyone. Jessie’s still sitting at her desk, but it looks as if she’ll be heading out before long too.
“Do you want a lift back, Jessie?”
She spins around, looking up at me with her head cocked to one side. “That’s okay, thanks. I have my car with me today.”
When I think about this coming weekend, I pout. “I wish you were coming Friday.”
Jessie sighs. “Me too. I really don’t want to be going to this wedding on Friday, especially since I have to leave the day before to be there on time, but Jerry’s coming with me, so it should be okay. I’m dreading him seeing me in my bridesmaid’s dress, though. You should see it. I look like a lemon!”
I let out a giggle. “I’m sure you look fantastic in it. So Jerry’s going with you? Sounds like it’s getting serious.”
“I really like him. Despite all the jokes, he’s a really nice guy. And the sex is … phew.” She waves her hand in front of her face like it is burning up in here.
“Okay. I’m off.” She laughs at that and turns to get her own bag. “I’m glad you’ve found someone who makes you happy. You deserve it.”
Jessie swings around to get out of her seat. “Don’t make me cry. You’ll smudge my makeup.”
Placing my arm around her, I bring her in for a hug. “See you soon. Enjoy your weekend.”
She pats my back. “You too.”
When I get back to the house, I see that all is quiet as I switch the alarm off. It’s quite obvious that I am the only person here. Placing my bag on the counter, I head deeper into the kitchen to find something for dinner. In the end, I settle on some leftover chicken with rice and mixed vegetables, and as it’s cooking, I pour myself a glass of Pinot Grigio.
It’s almost seven when I settle down to eat, and I have to admit that it unnerves me to know that I’m all alone. Jake isn’t due in until seven-thirty, and I assume Matthew is out with his friends. With that thought in mind, I pour a second glass of wine, which I finish along with the rest of my dinner in short order.
Afterwards, I stand up and bring the uneaten food I’d set aside for Jake to the counter and cover it up for him just in case he wants it when he returns. Remembering I haven’t checked the mail yet, I wander out to the mailbox and see a few items hidden in there. I reach in and grab what has been left, feeling only slightly nervous about being alone outside at night.
As I flick through all the letters, I hear a rustling noise which seems to be coming from a nearby hedge. The hairs on the back of my neck rise, and I look up. Even though it’s still light, I can’t see anything or anyone who could have made that noise. Shaking my head, I walk back into the house and head for the sofa as I continue to flick through the rest of the mail. Most of it is for Jake, of course, but I spot one with very familiar handwriting, and it stops me in my tracks. It’s my mother’s handwriting. I would recognize it anywhere. The script is very bold and distinctively large. Also, she curves her A’s in a certain way. I put the rest of the mail to the side and sit on the sofa to open the letter.
Dear Ana,
I’m sorry I left without a goodbye, but I needed to get away. You’re old enough to look after yourself now, and I’m sure you would have preferred to stay where you are. You’re settled with a good job and have your whole life ahead of you. I, as always, have gotten itchy feet, and I need to keep moving. Please tell Jake that I am sorry for everything and that I didn’t mean to hurt him. I think this is for the best. Take care, and I’ll be in touch soon.
Love, Mum
I’m quickly snapped out of the letter and back into reality by the sound of Jake coming through the door.
“Hey, Ana.”
I don’t look around. “I left some rice and chicken on the side for you to eat.”
I hear him walk past me. “Thanks. I’m really hungry.”
He disappears into the kitchen for a while, and I sit on the sofa with my head buried in my hands, which are still clutching the letter. I can’t believe my mother has truly done it again. She just took off without a goodbye—without anything—and now, three weeks later, she decides to send me this crap. How could she do this to Jake and Matthew?
After a few minutes, I feel a dip in the sofa, and I realize Jake is sitting next to me. “Ana, what’s wrong?”
I look up with tears in my eyes and can clearly see the look of worry on his face. I can’t believe my mother left him like this. He’s the kindest, most caring, and most thoughtful man I have ever met. Before I was introduced to him, I just assumed he was another loser. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. He’s nice to us, and when I learned he had a son he had brought up all on his own, my heart melted for him. Right then and there, I was smitten. I really thought my mum was going to stick around this time.
Jake points to the letter in my hand. I look at him for a moment and then at the letter. In the end, I pass it to him. He has to know. As he reads it, his expression quickly turns into a frown. He bites his lip with a sigh.
“I’m sorry, Jake. I’ve expected this from my mum in the past, but I didn’t think she would do it this time. I thought that she really loved you and would stay. I’m so sorry.”
He looks up at me, confused. “What do you mean?”
I can’t bear to keep these secrets in any longer. “She has been doing this my whole life. She moves from one man to the next, and she’s been dragging me along for the ride. You probably hate me now. I’ll find a place to stay and move out as quickly as I can. I know you can’t possibly want me around any longer—especially now that you know she’s not coming back.” I move to get up, but Jake stops me with his hand.