Despicable Desires

Episode 28

Adeline

Excited as fleas, the girls and I head to the shopping center we passed on our previous visits. We have seen three apartments, and although the first two were nothing like the ads, the third is a real gem. Less than fifteen minutes by Metro from the University of Washington, the apartment is on the fourth floor of a stone building with an elevator, and the building is conveniently located across from a large park. We would each have our own room, a large shared living room, and an open kitchen. It's already furnished, which would save us the trouble of organizing a long and tiring move. Honestly, I want it.

"I really hope the landlord picks us," I say, smiling.

"We have to keep our fingers crossed," mimics Esther to my left.

Since she finally confessed her affair with Jayden, we have become much closer. Although we were hurt by her silence and lies, Holly and I understood that her intentions were not evil. Who would we be to judge her for something she couldn't help? I, for one, cannot blame her. But the jealousy is undeniable, and every time I see her and Jayden in the same room, my mind can't help but make up stories. But it has happened, and stirring up trouble is a very bad idea.

Once inside the mall, we settle into a small café-bar and each order a freshly squeezed fruit juice. It is a crazy world out there and people come and go in the aisles with their hands full of shopping bags. It's quite hot outside and we welcome the coolness brought by the humidity of the indoor fountains.

"Have you heard from the boys?" Holly asks me.

"Yeah, Cameron told me they went for a walk in the Fremont district."

"They could have waited for us," Esther grumbles.

"At the same time, they can't wait all day while we look at apartments," I try to defend her.

"Yeah, I'm just a little jealous..."

"Me too, I'd rather walk the streets of Seattle, you know," I continue, laughing.

"If all goes well, we'll do that with them tomorrow," Holly adds, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Once our fruit juices are on the table, we toast quickly, proud to be together, in Seattle, and about to sign a lease for an apartment. I take a quick look around, admiring the hundreds of stores that make up the five-story mall. A clearing of throats catches my attention and I see my friends looking at me with interest.

"So," Esther begins, "what's the plan with Jayden?"

"The plan?" I repeat, confused.

"What are you going to do now that you know you like him?"

I furrow my brow as I look into her eyes.

It seems pretty obvious to me.

"Nothing at all."

"Why?" Holly asks me.

"Because he's my brother," I answer, emphasizing the last word as if it should brand me with a hot iron once and for all.

" Adeline, come on," Holly complains. "Astrid is your sister. Henri is your father. Cameron and Jayden are not your brothers."

"No, it's true that their mother is not in a relationship with my father," I reply.

"And so?" Esther continues. "You're not from the same place."

"When she says 'place,' she means you weren't conceived by the same..."

"Thank you," I interrupt, giggling. "I'd rather not imagine my father and Mia in bed together."

"Or anywhere else," Esther laughs.