A surprise visit

Chapter 6

Lately, the weather has been very cold with Christmas approaching quickly. Today, Emilia is returning from college, and I am eagerly awaiting her arrival. However, I have to clean Mrs. Rachel's house today; she might come back before I am finished.

I went to Mrs. Rachel's house and began cleaning. She approached me and commented, "Do you think Cole has changed a lot?" I bobbed my head in agreement, acknowledging that he has changed significantly, but he remains the enigmatic and attractive Cole," Mrs. Rachel chuckled, "Indeed, he mentioned his son, but I can't help but wonder why he never spoke of his wife."

I recalled how he looked when discussing marriage, the pain clear on his face, unfamiliar to me. I hope he is okay and not going through a tough time. "Maybe he wants to keep her a secret. Let's not push him; it's better if he tells us himself," she agreed. "That's why I didn't ask. My back hurts," she said as I offered her a chair. "I noticed something else too. He had that familiar look in his eyes from when you were young, some things never change."

What is she implying? "Alright, what type of expression is that?" she asked with a smirk. "Do you really believe that I am unaware?" She inquires slyly. I became curious about the topic she was discussing. I halted my actions and turned to look at her. "What is it that you know precisely?" I am eager to listen to her response. " Thirteen years ago, I witnessed two teenagers kissing in my backyard, reminding me of Martin and myself. Hahaha". I blushed and averted my gaze, carrying on with my chores as she chuckled.

"Oh, you're skirting around that subject, huh?" I am in disbelief that she spotted us. "You saw us but didn't tell me for all those years." I also chuckled. This cunning lady is only mentioning it now to provoke me. "Even a fool can see how much you adored him, constantly smiling broadly whenever he was nearby." This woman has an abundance of knowledge. "so? You, elderly lady, I did fancy him more than just as friends back then" I eventually turned my gaze back to her. "I said that back then, but now he's married with a child, and I've lost hope in love," I mention. "Hmm, he gave the impression of a man who still harbors feelings for his first love while looking at you." Alright, Cole did not have any feelings for me and that kiss should not have happened. "I believe you are wrong" I was never his first love. Cole regarded me as a close friend; he never reciprocated my loving gaze, but I am clueless as to why he kissed me on that day, a fact that remains valid. I was completely taken aback by what occurred on that fateful day. "Anything you say, dear, but I know what I'm saying."

I completed the cleaning and went back to my house. I heard Emilia speaking from the balcony. I swiftly entered through the door. At once, she spotted me and rushed into my embrace. I embraced her firmly. "Oh wow, Anne, I've missed you." I took a whiff of her hair before letting go of her in order to observe her properly. Since the last time I saw her, she had become even more beautiful and delightful. It made me cry. "I also missed you Em, I'm very happy that you're back." My mother sat on the sofa, a smile on her face, watching her lovely children show their emotions.

"Well, Xavier and I are already in a relationship, let me show you a picture of him," she said excitedly as she went through her phone. I wondered how handsome he might be. She handed me the phone, and a strikingly handsome young man with blonde hair and brown eyes stared back at me. He was truly handsome, no doubt. It seems this is the type of guy Emilia likes.

"Wow, he's so handsome," I said. She had a big smile on her face. "I know, right? When he confessed to me, I was so happy I could die." Oh, I miss those days. "What about Harrison, do you have any photos of him?" She pursed her lips together and nodded, also going over her phone to find his photo. She handed me the phone, and wow.

"Is this Harrison?" I asked. Emilia could see the surprise on my face. "Yeah, that's him. Is something wrong?" Seriously, she's asking me?

The boy was handsome. His piercing green eyes were the first thing you noticed in his picture. His full, long brunette hair was tied in a rough ponytail, with some hair falling on his face, making him look so attractive. "This young man is beyond handsome, Emilia," I remarked.

She snorted. "Anne, when you haven't even seen him, I noticed you seemed to like him more." Well, true. I do not think Xavier is a good friend. Your friend got rejected by a girl, and suddenly you like her and ask her out. But I'm not going to tell Emilia that, she seems to like him so much.

"Well, I just think he's more handsome, that's all. So how did he take it when you started dating his best friend?" She bites her bottom lip. "You could say their friendship is hanging by a thread. He was angry, telling Xavier that he felt betrayed." Of course, he would be upset. I would be too if I were in his shoes. "Yeah, it's normal human behavior. He'll come to accept your relationship with his best friend as time goes on". They are still young, and there will be plenty of girls for him to date. He's a good catch. "By the way, how's your friend Cole?" "Ah, yes, Cole. He's doing alright. He's here with his son, who is so cute, Em." I say smiling as I remembered the little one showing me his toys with excitement. "I really wish to see him. That reminds me, I saw that woman Diane on my way home. I still can't believe Rodney left you for her." I laughed. "Well, I'm over that. So tell me, how has college life been?"

Em coming over was a good thing. I really miss my little sister a lot, she's the one who keeps me going. The one I want to give the absolute best to. My sister and my friend. The next day, I took a day off from work. We talked all day and in the evening, we went to Mrs Rachel's house. She was so happy to see Em that she gave her an apple pie. They talked for a while before we headed home. I was so happy that I forgot about all my problems, just living in the moment.

The next day, my busy day began. I went to several houses to clean, and then decided to go to the cafeteria for lunch. As I entered, the waitress Harriet approached me and asked, "What can I get you today, Anne?" I smiled and replied, "I'll have mac and cheese with cheese bread and a cold chocolate, please. How have you been, Harriet?" She giggled. Harriet is one of the few friends I have. She is a beautiful blonde and a single mother of two. When we were in high school, she got pregnant by a boy named Harry. He didn't want anything to do with the pregnancy, so she ended up giving birth to twin girls. She is truly a strong woman. "I've been good, and you look exhausted. Just coming back from work?" I knew I looked tired. "Yes, I am. Can you say hi to the twins for me?" She nodded as she went into the kitchen to get my order. I scrolled through my phone to pass the time when I heard a familiar voice. "Annette, here for lunch?" It was Rodney, my ex. Who did he think he was to ask me that?.