Scattered Emotions
1937 Words
It wasn’t like Adam to return home this early, so when he walked in and stood before his mother, Maggie had every right to be surprised.
“What’s this... Adam, you’re home early today?” she remarked, glancing at the wall clock. “I can’t believe it’s only six in the evening and you’re here.”
Her eyes then caught the shopping bags in his hands. “What are those?”
“Some toys for Haru” he answered casually, his eyes meeting Freesia’s. A soft smile formed on her lips.
“Well then, I’ll get up and prepare dinner” Maggie said.
“I’ll come help” Freesia offered, but was quickly met with resistance.
“No, no. The maid will help me. You stay here and keep an eye on him and Haru” Maggie added in a whisper.
Adam noticed the slight wrinkle forming on his mother’s forehead. “What did you just say to her, Mom?”
“Nothing, son” she replied quickly, already heading toward the kitchen.
“What did you get Haru?” Freesia asked, her eyes on the bags.
He lifted them. “You’ll find out upstairs. Come on.”
They climbed the stairs together and as soon as they entered the little one’s room, Haru dropped what he was doing and ran to Freesia, clinging to her clothes with a big smile on his face.
No one truly understood what Freesia meant to Haru. She wasn't just his savior—she was everything.
“Did you enjoy playing?” she asked. He nodded, and her heart melted as she kissed his cheek.
“Well, Adam brought you lots of toys. You know you can start calling him brother now too, right?” she whispered.
Haru nodded again, making her chuckle.
🌺
Haru sat beside Maggie at the dinner table. Across from them were Freesia and Adam’s father, Elvin, who sat at the head of the table. Adam sat beside him. Despite having house staff, Maggie insisted on preparing the meals herself.
“So Freesia, you’re studying journalism?” Elvin asked, drawing Freesia’s attention.
“Yes” she replied politely.
“And how are your exams going?” he continued.
Adam quickly cut in, “Dad, let her eat in peace. Who talks about exams during dinner?”
Elvin laughed, fully aware of Adam’s long-standing habit of avoiding school talk at mealtimes.
“Alright, alright. My apologies” Elvin said.
“No, really, it’s fine” Freesia quickly assured him, waving her hands slightly.
🌺
October 6, 2022
Adam examined his designs displayed on the models in front of him with intense focus.
“Rina, turn around” he instructed.
She obeyed, giving him a view of the back of the dress.
“Is something wrong?” His assistant Moon approached curiously.
“I think we need to adjust the backline” he murmured, taking off his glasses and getting up.
He stood behind Rina and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Straighten your back.”
“But…” she hesitated.
“But what, Rina?” he prompted.
She turned to face him. “I just don’t feel comfortable wearing this. I feel like my entire back is exposed.”
He removed his hand and simply said, “Yes of course, because it's exposed.”
Turning to Moon, he added, “You heard her. That’s exactly what I was trying to point out.”
“Sir, a lot of girls love bold dresses” Moon said.
“I know. But we should also consider the ones who don’t. Let’s close the back a bit and replace the thick straps with thinner ones.”
“Understood” she nodded.
Adam then turned his attention to Kevin, who sat nearby watching.
“Alright, you two can continue. Thanks for today, Rina.”
He sat next to Kevin on the couch. Kevin flipped through some papers.
“Found the right design yet?”
Kevin shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll collaborate with you this winter.”
Adam frowned. “Really? Couldn’t find a men’s design to complement the women’s collection?”
“I did. It’s just a bit complicated.”
Adam placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I believe in you. I’m counting on this.”
Kevin sighed. “Let’s talk about something else. I want to ask you something.”
“Have you been dating Rina lately?”
Adam looked at him, surprised. “Are you joking?”
“No. I’m serious.”
Adam sighed and leaned back. “I don’t date anyone I work with.”
“So you’re still sticking to that rule?”
“Of course I am. Are you doubting me?”
Kevin chuckled. “Not doubting, just confirming. I noticed something earlier.”
“What did you notice?”
Kevin just smirked. “Never mind.”
Adam groaned. “You’re so annoying. This week has been exhausting.”
Kevin clasped his hands together. “How’s your thing with Freesia going?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Come on, Adam. Just tell me.”
“I haven’t seen her in a week. Exams.”
Kevin burst out laughing. “So that’s why you’ve been ignoring the club lately.”
“I told you I’ve been busy.”
“Right. Busy chatting online all night. Who are you even texting?”
“You’re insufferable.”
“Glad you noticed.”
Their banter was interrupted by a message notification. Adam reached for his phone, but Kevin grabbed it first, grinning when he saw the sender.
“It’s from Freesia—she just finished her last exam!”
Adam snatched the phone. “Give me that.”
He read her message and immediately called her as he left the room.
“So you’re finally free” he said.
Her laughter rang through the speaker. “Yes, just waiting for the certificate and graduation party.”
“You’re still at the university? I’m coming to pick you up.”
But her next words crushed his hopes.
“I’m with Lily. We’re going to spend the day together.”
Adam stopped in his tracks, disappointment washing over him. “Alright... have fun.”
He hung up and returned to Kevin, who was now laughing hysterically.
“You knew and didn’t tell me. I hate you and your wife—you’re both cruel.”
“Calm down, man. It’s not that serious.”
“It is! I haven’t seen her in a week! I was so ready to spend the day with her and your wife ruined everything.”
Kevin was still laughing. “Is this really you, Adam?”
“Shut up, Kevin. I’m seriously mad.”
“You’re falling for her.”
Adam didn’t respond. He just sighed, resting his head on the couch.
“I don’t know anymore.”
Everything had changed since Freesia entered his life.
Kevin stood. “Anyway, I’m heading home to spend the day with Lily and Freesia.”
Adam’s eyes snapped open. “Freesia… she’s at your house?!”
Kevin smirked. “I invited you yesterday, but you said no.”
“I’m coming with you.”
Adam didn’t even finish his sentence—he was already out the door.
🌺
“You finally showed up” Lily said, surprised to see Adam with her husband.
“I thought you weren’t coming.”
Adam didn’t respond. His eyes scanned the place.
“Adam, I’m talking to you.”
He finally looked at her. “Changed my mind.”
She raised a brow but let it go. “Come sit.”
Adam took a seat, still glancing at Kevin. He clearly had a question.
“Where’s Freesia?”
“She’s upstairs, resting.”
He stood immediately and approached Lily.
“Is she sick?”
“Not really. Just tired. I told her to lie down until Kevin arrived.”
“She’s not sick? Are you sure?” His worry was obvious.
“She’s just exhausted, Adam. Don’t make me suspicious of you.”
“I’m just curious” he said softly.
“Kevin, come help me with dinner. Oh, and where’s Edward?” Lily asked.
“He left yesterday for a vacation” Adam replied.
Lily scoffed. “I bet he’s with a girl. Didn’t you miss your trips with him?”
“None of your business” Adam retorted, lying down on the couch.
“Don’t lie on my—” she began, but Kevin pulled her away before she could throw something at Adam.
Peace returned for a moment—until Adam noticed the sunlight that light his face from window was now blocked.
He opened his eyes and found her standing there.
She looked at him, and he stood quickly. “You’re awake. Are you okay? Lily said you were tired.”
“I’m fine” she said, sitting beside him.
“Are you sure?” He placed his hand on her forehead. “No fever. But your face is pale.”
His concern was unbelievable—even to himself.
“I’m just tired” she said softly.
“Is something wrong?” Lily asked, sitting next to Adam.
“She doesn’t look okay” he muttered.
“She’s just overthinking again. Not the first time.”
Adam didn’t understand. Freesia’s face clouded with sadness.
“Is this about that message?” Kevin asked.
“What message?” Adam looked between them, confused.
“It’s nothing. I’m leaving. Goodbye” Freesia said, grabbing her bag and rushing out.
Adam started to follow, but Lily stopped him. “Let her go. She wants to be alone.”
He sighed in frustration, dragging a hand through his hair.
“Why is she like this?”
“Let’s tell him. He might help” Kevin said.
Lily hesitated, then turned to Adam.
“There’s a high school reunion tomorrow. I was going to go with Freesia, but I have to attend an important event with Kevin.”
“So?”
“John will be there. He and Freesia… they were dating”
“Not just dating they loved each other” Kevin corrected.
“She loved him. He never understood what love was. He just played with her.”
Adam felt an odd ache in his chest.
“When did they break up?”
“They got together the first year of high school, lasted two years…”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Even so, he keeps coming back. Just yesterday, he texted her saying he’s excited to see her.”
“Do you think… she still loves him?” Adam asked, his voice uncertain.
“I don’t know,” Lily said. “She says no. But every time we mention his name… she changes.”
Adam was quiet for a long time.
“So what do you want from me?”
“Can you go with her tomorrow? She wants to see our friends. I’d feel better if you were there.”
“You want me to pretend I’m dating her?”
“No! She’d never agree to that. Just… be there.”
Adam hesitated. “I’m not even invited.”
“It’s a joint reunion. Your classmates and ours.”
He finally smiled. “I’d never say no to you, Lily—especially not when it’s about Freesia.”
“Thank you, Adam. But if you hurt her—”
“I won’t. I already promised you, your friends are off-limits.”
Kevin rolled his eyes. “Off-limits, sure… in your dreams.”
Adam shot him a look, making him laugh.
- Writer
