The Truth About Nora Jones

Sorrows, Karma, and Jules

Balancing my foot from one side to the other, I listen to my dad and grandparents speaking about their adventures. I never thought my grandmother Denise could have been such a sporty person!

During my absence, they took the road to the closest Via Ferrata, and even did it. They listened to some joyful music during the trip, dancing like monkeys! Yet when I asked my grandfather to danse the macarena during the trip, he shook his head.

Why not? I asked with a whine

Marc Jones never admits his talents. He claimed as he smiled proudly, Denise agreeing in the back next to me

My father wore an amused smile, winking at him for the rear mirror. I never thought my grandfather was a dancer! A wave of guilt feels right through me; how did I not know? He's part of the family, I'm supposed to know about it.

Enjoying my family's presence, life gives me a cruel reminder. Just like a dagger, my breath catching in short gasps. My eyes fill with tears, as they roll down my face.

They haven't noticed yet. I bury my face in my hands, taking deep breaths. My lips tremble, my body shaking. I feel like I'm in a trance. A familiar feeling. Coming over to me.

A hand on my shoulder. I startle, wiping away my tears. For a second, I thought it was my mother. Getting out of my trance, I stare at the person.

Oh. My father. Obviously.

Nora, sweetheart, why are you crying? Aren't you happy to see us?

I remain silent for a second, thoughtful. What do they want me to say? Of course, I am happy to see them! Problem is, I feel like the odd one.

They did special activities during my absence, and I feel like I don't belong with them. I should've been with them, because they're my family, and so the only one I have left.

The only one I ever had. Shaking my head to remove all those blurry lies, I take a deep breath, deciding to tell them the truth. They need to know.

Even if they probably already do.

You know how my name rhymes with drama queen? I ask nonchalantly, praying to nobody that he wouldn't find me ridiculous

Surprisingly, my father nods and looks at me, waiting for me to continue.

Effectively, you got this from your mother...comments my grandfather with a cheeky grin as he winks at me

Well...My thoughts have wandered...um...about us being together in the family and uh...

Marc, Denise, and my father stare at me intently, tilting their heads to the side as they remain silent and patient. Trying to ignore the upcoming, I take a deep breath, looking away from their gazes.

I feel like I should've been with you guys. I feel a bit selfish since I apologized, then left, and in my opinion, it looks like I never cared. As you do know, I care, yet maybe you saw it a separate way than I wanted it to show, so, I'm sorry.

Agape, all the three of them stop their actions, looking at me like I'm crazy. My father parks the car and turns over at me, a hand on the wheel while his brows furrow.

I can't help but feel guilty. Oh no, that doesn't look positive. All eyes on me and my eyes on the ground, I gulp a little. Please, I hope I didn't say anything bad, nothing hopeful.

Nora, look at me.

I hesitate a second, before looking over at my father. He puts a hand over my chin and looks me in the eyes with concern.

Nobody's expecting you to be the perfect child, you know.

I-I know, yet I want to be perfect for you guys.

We don't want you to be perfect. Denise says, shaking her head as my father stops the car

Be yourself and we'll love you the way you are, got it? Asks my grandfather

I look down, trying not to act so selfishly. If that's how they'll like me, well I'll do my best to be like they want me to. My thoughts wandering some more, I open the car door and walk off.

Got it.

My father wrapping an arm around my neck, we enter the house, closing the door behind us. I put my shoes down on the floor and shoot my gaze where they lay. On the table, a white box enveloped with sapphire ribbon decorates the room.

Accompanied by a small paper with the nametag Nora on it, paw prints seem to paint it all over.

A surprise, for me? I ask my family intently as I stop myself from opening the box, my heart fluttering in my chest

Oh, we bought this last minute for you, and we figured it would be perfect when you'd come back! You can open it but start with the card.

Eagerly, I grab the card and pull it out, reaching for the opening. My fingers snatching through it, I read the letter out loud.

For our dear daugther, Nora. With the lost of your loved one and your dramatic outcomings, you deserve a great birthday! So here is the gift for your birthday!

My heart stops. My birthday.... It's today, June fourteen, and I totally forgot! I can't believe I did. Quickly opening my gift, I gasp.

A cat. The cutest cat I have ever seen in my entire life! Within my general knowledge, this should be a Maine Coon. It is characterized by its generous size, plumed tail, square muzzle, feathered ears, and long hair. This one is adorable. Brown colored with darker spots; his eyes are a deep jade.

I love it! Thanks you, thank you, thank you! I squeal, jumping at my grandparents' neck, then my father's

Marc chuckles, hugging me back as he pets my back gently.

How would you name this cat? He questions me

I don't have to think twice. This cat will be dedicated to all those dramatic events.

Karma.

***

All afternoon, I cuddled with Karma as he purred to my sides, stuffing his head in my leg. I kept on giggling and petting him softly with a sigh, happy.

I still can't believe I forgot my birthday. I am now sixteen years old! And I didn't even think about planning a birthday party with the girls. Yet the trip to La Ronde was pretty much worth it.

Receiving a call, I pull a hand away from Karma and pick it up:

Hello, Nora Jones on the phone...

Hello Nora, it's Jules. He starts calmly, his voice cracking a bit

I freeze a bit, directing my glare on Karma running after his tail. Jules really didn't look happy. I hope nobody's forcing him to talk to me...

Oh, hey Jules, what's up?

Just wanted to talk. I miss you...Jules admits with a lower voice, remaining silent for a second

You do? Right, what do you want to talk about?

Well, first, happy birthday! I heard it from Avery today as she told me you seemed to forget it

Embarrassed that she noticed it, I nod vigorously and try to speak confidently, even though I don't think I truly can't.

Well, yeah, I was stuck up with all that drama related to the girls, Ann-Marie, and you...

Jules clears his throat and sighs, and I can barely see him nodding in silence. Why is he so silent? I have no idea; I simply wish I didn't do something so bad.

Meet you at the park tomorrow at 10 in the morning?

Startled by the sudden suggestion, I keep on petting Karma, trying to clear my mind from all of this. My breath catching in my throat, the only thing I can manage to say is:

What's wrong with you, honey?

Nora, he sighs, do we have a deal? Jules wanders impatiently, his tone of voice making it clear that he is angry

I-I....Yes....I finally say

Bye, see you later.

Hanging up the phone, I shake my head with a sigh, rubbing Karma's belly gently.