Our Ironic Serendipity (IM5)

Chapter 11

My parents are back and Will has been helping my dad unload the boat. I guess the Hudson's felt generous this time judging by the amount of boxed canned foods that are being brought into the kitchen.

"Oh, hon, could you put that over by the cereal cabinet? I'm probably going to make gumbo tonight," my mom says from the other side of the kitchen counter. I place the can of tomatoes on the counter, then continue to pull cans out of the boxes and putting them away.

"I think that's the last of them boxes. Thank you, son," my dad's voice sounds in the kitchen. I turn around and see him pat Will's shoulder once before placing his hands on his hips. "I'm gonna go on and check the horses. Darn things must be worn out from that storm."

"We took care of them while you guys were gone, they're fine," I say, glancing at Will without really meaning to. A smirk slides up in the corner of his mouth, but it disappears almost immediately.

My dad raises his eyebrows at me.

"The rain wasn't that bad," I add, hoping he doesn't lose his shit over this.

He seems to think for a moment, then opens his mouth again.

"Alright, I'll go check the roof then."

"Be careful up there, Walter!" my mom hollers as he leaves to the garage. She waits for him to reply, but he doesn't, so she wipes her hands on her apron and pulls it off over her head.

"I better help him, you remember what happened last time," she rolls her eyes and walks towards the garage door. And I'm left alone in the kitchen with Will.

I continue putting away the cans, not really bothering to pay any attention to Will. I can feel him staring at me, though.

"You need help?" he asks after a few awkward seconds.

"Yeah, um, that box," I point, "Just take all the cans from there and put them on the counter. I'll do the rest."

He does as I say.

"So, I guess I'm leaving soon."

I pause. My grip on the can in my hand tightens unintentionally, but I let out a breathe and try to act as though this topic doesn't bother me.

"It'll take at least a day for the water levels to lower enough for cars to be able to go on the roads again," I say, coolly.

"Right, so I guess I'll have to stay another day or two." He gets another box and places it on the far end of the counter.

I sigh, putting my hands on the edge.

"I get it, okay? You want to leave! You don't have to make it so obvious..." I put the can away and reach for another one. He stops walking back and forth and looks at me.

"What? No, I meant we should probably exchange contact info so we can stay in touch. Why are you being snappy?"

"I'm not being snappy."

"You just snapped."

"It's the weather, okay? That's all." I glace at him once, then grab another can, hoping this conversation has been dismissed.

"Rose," he puts his hand over mine, causing me to relax my tense grip on the can of corn, "What's bothering you?"

I close my eyes and sigh, then open them again and fix my gaze on a can of black olives on top of one of the boxes.

"I guess...I guess it's just the conversation with Grace yesterday. I yelled at her, and then she hung up. I keep feeling like nothing I do is right anymore," I say, trying my hardest not to cry again. I don't really think I have enough tears for that, anyway.