Celestial Ties

CHAPTER 3

As I pushed the key into the lock and turned it, the familiar creak of the door echoed through the quiet evening. The comforting scent of home—of memories and warmth—welcomed me instantly. But just as I began to step inside, a voice from across the street interrupted my moment of peace.

"Welcome back, my love!" It was Carter, my persistent neighbor, calling out in his usual sing-song voice.

I sighed, trying to keep my response neutral, though I could feel the weariness tugging at me. "Thank you," I replied, my voice barely carrying over the distance.

But of course, Carter wasn't done. "Do you need any help? I'm always here for you, you know, my darling," he added, and even from where I stood, I could see the playful wink he threw in for good measure.

"Carter," I said with as much patience as I could muster, "I'm in no mood for you or your jokes tonight. And really, you need to work on your flirting skills. Even if you somehow perfected them, I'm still not interested." With that, I turned on my heel and stepped inside, closing the door behind me firmly, as if sealing out the entire world outside.

Ever since Carter and his family moved in next door, he's been relentless in his so-called affections. Despite my clear disinterest and polite refusals, he just wouldn't give up. Sure, everyone says he's a nice guy, and maybe that's true. He certainly comes from a good family, but in my experience, a nice family doesn't automatically make someone a nice person. And I, Evelyn Gale, have no interest in any man, particularly not Carter. My world revolves around my mum, my best friend Cassandra, my job at the advertising firm, and my volunteer work. Everything else is just background noise.

I don't care much about appearances either. I prefer the simplicity of my daily life, reflected in the simple, easy-to-wear floral dresses that fall just below my knees, my hair always pulled into a messy bun, and my reliable shoulder handbag slung over my arm. I'm content with my routine—working hard, taking care of my mum, and trying to make a few people a little happier along the way. That's enough for me.

I made my way to the kitchen, placing the provisions and vegetables on the table with a soft thud. "I'm home!" I called out, my voice ringing through the house, announcing my return like a declaration of normalcy.

Within moments, my mum appeared in the doorway, already in her cozy nightwear. Her eyes sparkled with that familiar warmth, and a dramatic grin spread across her face as she opened her arms wide. "My love, you finally decided to come back to your old mother!" she exclaimed, her tone dripping with playful exaggeration.

"Mummy," I laughed, stepping into her embrace. "Always so dramatic." The weight of the day began to lift as we shared a warm hug, her familiar scent of lavender and comfort enveloping me.

"How was all your multiple work?" she asked, her voice soft with genuine curiosity.

"You know I only have one job and a few volunteer gigs," I replied, still smiling.

"I know, I know," she teased, patting my cheek. "Now go freshen up so your dinner doesn't get cold."

I blew her a kiss as I made my way to my room—the sanctuary where I could finally unwind. As I entered, I dropped my bag on the small bed, and out tumbled my latest treasure, 'A Part of You'—the book Cassandra had so kindly saved for me before it sold out. A soft smile tugged at my lips as I picked it up, the feel of the book's cover bringing a rush of excitement.

"Let me freshen up, eat, and then I'll get lost in you," I whispered to the book, placing it gently on my reading table before heading to the bathroom. The bathroom—my personal heaven. It's where I could wash away the day, both literally and figuratively, and emerge feeling renewed, ready to lose myself in the pages of a story that wasn't my own.