If Only

Chapter Forty-Nine: Fireworks

JADE

Time seemed to slip away, and before I knew it, New Year's Eve was just around the corner.

The uncertainty surrounding my father's return for the New Years remained a puzzle.

Internally, I couldn't help but hope that he wouldn't return for New Year's. It felt selfish to wish for his absence, but the recent days of peace we'd experienced at home were too precious to lose.

That night, my mom surprised us by suggesting we all stay over at Gramps' house. It was quite a departure from her usual stance, especially considering she let me bunk with Jared in one room. The house was spacious enough to accommodate us all, and Jared ended up spending the night.

If I were to rank all the seasons based on enjoyment, this one would top the list. With my father absent, there was no need to wear a mask or play a role to please him. I didn't have to pretend to agree with his decisions simply because he was my father.

I've never felt more liberated. My mother was beginning to give me space to navigate life on my own. At 18, I was now considered an adult, and while she still retained her parental role, she was starting to treat me with more independence and respect.

I've been keeping busy, either at the studio with Jared and his friends or hanging out at his place. Sometimes, he'd be painting on the walls, and I'd just sit back and watch him work his magic. Other times, he'd come over to our house, offering to cook dinner with Glenda. My mom even insisted he stay overnight sometimes.

It almost felt like Jared and I were out in the open... but there's only one thing holding us back who has no idea about us... my father.

Now wasn't the right time to tell him. I had to prepare for his reaction, considering every possible outcome carefully.

Over the past three days, I've noticed Jared acting strangely. He kept insisting on going out alone, turning down my offers to accompany him. Despite my insistence, he pleaded for me to stay put, claiming he had some matters to attend to.

He was wise enough not to ignite my curiosity further, though I couldn't help but feel overly suspicious. Despite my probing, he continued to reassure me that he simply needed to handle a few matters solo. It left me feeling a bit down since I had grown accustomed to us doing things together.

I trust him. I know I do. It's just that I'm not fond of things being kept from me... but hey, it's still his life after all. And I trust him.

I decided to spend the day at home, relishing the privacy of my room. I popped one of the discs my grandparents gave me into the player, filling the space with soothing classical music. It was a simple pleasure, but it brought me comfort and contentment.

As I laid on my bed, the melody enveloping me, I found myself humming along unconsciously. It felt like a return to the starting point, where everything began. Lying sprawled across the bed, I gazed up at the ceiling, my eyes tracing the familiar patterns etched into its surface, each line and curve a comfort in its repetition.

Lost in the soothing rhythm of tracing patterns on the ceiling, I was jolted from my trance by a soft knock on my door. It was an unexpected interruption; I hadn't anticipated any visitors today. With my mom likely occupied with New Year's preparations or preoccupied in conversation with Glenda, I wondered who could be at the door.

I propped myself up on my elbows, eyeing the door with reluctance, debating whether to answer it. Another soft knock broke the silence, prompting me to rise from the bed. As I made my way to the door, a tentative smile tugged at my lips, growing wider as I swung it open to reveal Jared standing there.