New Feelings

Everything Goes Wrong

Jill and Alice sat within the cozy confines of Jill's living room. It wasn't often that Alice stopped by as it was usually the other way around. Jill would often go to Alice's house to babysit the dog or stop by just for company. It was just the older woman and her dog and she would frequently get lonely. Jill never minded spending time with Alice when the opportunity presented itself. Besides, she absolutely adored Molly and took any time she could have with the dog. All the same, Alice's sudden need to stop by left Jill confused. She had no idea what was so important that Alice wanted to talk about, but she refused to let it take away from her being a good host.

"So," Jill said slowly, wanting to break the strange silence filling the room, "would you like anything, Alice? Tea? Coffee? Something else? I'm afraid that I don't have any dog food, but I'm sure Molly would love a cold bowl of water since it's definitely hot outside." At the mention of her name, the three-year-old golden ball of fuzzy fur bounded into the living room, legs floppy and loose like her tongue that was already half out of her mouth in a smile. It brought a smile to Jill's lips when Molly barreled into her knees, and she was grateful that she was already sitting down.

"Some tea would be nice, dear," Alice said with a smile. "And I'm sure that Molly here would love some cold water. The poor thing has been running rather hot these days with this weather."

Jill nodded, quickly heading into the kitchen and took her time grabbing Alice's tea and a bowl of water for Molly.

Everything felt off the moment the two entered her home, but Jill couldn't figure out why. Everything seemed mostly all right when they spoke earlier, so why did everything seem oddly quiet? It was very out of character for Alice to be so solemn, and the woman arrived with such a concerned look that Jill couldn't help but question things. What if Alice was about to tell her that something terrible had happened to someone in her family? Jill almost considered asking Alice if she wanted something stronger to drink, just in case.

Not wanting to think the worst, Jill took Alice's tea and Molly's bowl with her back to the living room. She set Molly's bowl on the ground, giggling when the dog attacked it to get a drink, and handed Alice her tea. Jill didn't want to bother grabbing something for herself, not wanting to make things difficult.

"So, how are things?" Jill asked, putting on a bright smile when Alice hadn't said a word and was nursing her cup of tea instead. "It's been a while since we've last talked."

"It has been a while," Alice replied slowly. "Things have been all right. But the bigger question is how are things with you?"

Jill looked at Alice curiously, shifting nervously.

"What do you mean?" Jill asked with a nervous giggle. "I've been great. Like, school's been stressful, but that's normal. It's been a little difficult as my group isn't as well behaved as my other classes, but I deal."

"I can only imagine," Alice said. "Teaching seems like such a stressful job sometimes." Alice fell quiet again, taking in Jill with concern evident in her eyes. "But is there more going on, Jill?"

Jill felt her anxiety start to intensify. She wasn't anxious often, but Alice was really starting to hint at something, but Jill didn't know what. Everything felt confusing and yesterday hadn't been a good day, and that morning was decent enough, she had thought. The only thing Jill could manage was a strangled noise as she started to choke up with tears filling her eyes. Alice was such a nice person and like a second mother to her, so why wasn't she just saying what was on her mind.

"Jill, I'm just going to be forward," Alice said gently, leaning forward across the coffee table between them to put a hand on Jill's knee. She sighed, gently brushing a thumb over Jill's knee. "Are you having some personal issues?"