PAST OBSESSION

CHAPTER 4

Knew what? What's happening?

Who was that?” Jack forcefully grabbed the phone from Jane and almost tore her arm in the process. Behold, the text Jane read stunned him too. Now he knows why the HR officer denied him the job despite praising his credentials at first glance. “Someone should please tell that old man to go get a life and stop stepping on our toes. He f*****g disowned you already. Isn't that enough? What else does he want from you again?” This is the height of cruelty,”

"Honestly, he's getting on my last nerves. Argh! I don't even know what to say anymore. I can't believe he instructed the HR officer to deny you that job. We Solely depended on that job to improve our lives, considering the benefits attached to it. A fat salary, an official car, and an exquisitely fully furnished apartment. I did my research before recommending you to that firm. But what did he do? He messed up everything we ever worked for. He thwarted our efforts. I would never forgive him for what he did. It's obvious he's just trying to frustrate our lives. What do we do now?” Jane cried in frustration.

“Relocate to a new city, I guess,” suggested, Jack with a hint of uncertainty.

"Because of my Father? The world doesn't revolve around him, you know? That's a bad idea. We aren't cowards, are we? We need to consider other options before concluding. Running away only confirms his claims against you. Do you wanna be labeled as a man who runs away from his responsibility? Or do you wanna be remembered as one who overcame his fears? Your decision best defines you,” Jane preached.

"It's different, Jane. He's got the connections and affluence needed to hamper our progress in this city. It'd be a total waste of time job hunting knowing we are never gonna get one. Let's go somewhere else he can't find us and start a new life. Now think about it this way; we relocate to a new city, get a good job, and have our dream wedding. How about that? I'm sure you want that,” Jack winked at Jane to convince her to accept his idea.

"I'm about to make the most decisive step of my life. Please, I need some time to think about this.” Jane urged and placed her hand below her jaw. Everything seems to be happening so fast, like a movie. Things are not the same as before. From being the precious daughter of a prestigious family to becoming a pauper who can't even afford a proper meal. The reality of life has dawned on her. Jane never wished for any of these to happen. She thought giving up her education for Jack was the best decision she ever made, but as it stands now, she might wanna start regretting her actions.

"I stand with you. Have you got any city in mind?” Jane finally agreed after the prolonged silence.

"I don't know. Maybe Kansas? Yes, that would be wonderful. I've got a friend who works for a reputable organization over there. I bet he'd be willing to assist.” Jack suggested.

“So when do we depart for Kansas? I just can't wait to start all over and bury my past behind me. This city is bad news. It can never get better here,”

“We depart immediately! I'd just inform my friend over there. I'm sure he'd be ready to accommodate us until I get my first paycheck to get us an apartment.”

“Awesome! Call him immediately. We shouldn't waste too much time,” Jane proposed quickly. Her body might still be dwelling in Las Vegas, Nevada, but her soul had already settled in Kansas peacefully. Just as Jack predicted, his friend, Carlos Rossi, granted his request, with a guarantee of securing a better job in the banking sector. Jane was happy but sad that she'd be relocating to a new city and abandoning her friends and family. Nevertheless, she was willing to defile the odds and undertake the risk. Despite touring different cities every Christmas, Jane still hasn't visited Kansas yet. This would allow her to visit the city for the first time after hearing people say good things about the city. Now she's gonna confirm if the stories about Kansas were true or cooked up!

In the process of packing the luggage before relocating to Kansas, her phone rang for an incoming call. She grabbed the phone and to her surprise, it was someone she least expected. Without a second thought, she hissed and hung up the call. He didn't relent and kept on calling, but she wouldn't answer the phone.

"I don't know who that is, but I feel you should answer that. They won't stop calling if you don't answer the phone,” Jack suggested after observing her nonchalance towards the missed calls.

"Whoever that was doesn't matter right now. I just can't wait to leave this city for good,” Jane defended her action and remained adamant. After a while, the caller kept blasting her phone with constant calls. This time, Jack didn't hold back and insisted Jane respond, or he'd be forced to speak with the caller against her wish.

“That was my Father calling,” Jane admitted, wearing a long frown.

“Oh, I thought as much,” Jack exclaimed in complete shock.

“Now you know why I don't wish to speak with him. He should go to hell for all I care. I don't give a f**k about him or him anymore. I would do just fine,” Jane wept and fell into Jack's arms for comfort. Kissing her forehead, Jack assured her, “You'd be fine. Just let it go. Remember, we are starting a new life in a different city. I want you to discard the sad memories here in Las Vegas, Nevada before we depart for Kansas. We don't need that energy anymore. We're aiming higher and that's what's up. Put a smile on your pretty face,”

" You always know how to entice me with your sweet words. Aside from your good looks, I guess that's what got me attracted to you,” drying her tears, Jane teased as they both laughed at each other's jokes. Soon, she forgot about her problems and was ready to move on again.