Keeping Adalyne (Threequel)

Safe Distance

Jazmin

I can't believe Adalyne invited me to stay with her. I wasn't expecting that, but I wasn't about to push my luck in questioning it. She's a lot more fragile and reserved, despite what I saw last night. That Adalyne was incredibly confident and I hope to bring her back these next few weeks.

Adalyne stayed on her side of the back seat on the way to the hotel, then again after helping me pack and on the way to her house. She seemed to be decompressing and only made small talk, or random comments during the long drive. I was at a loss on whether I should give her space or try to make her break down that wall she's put up since whatever happened this morning and at the gallery. This weird obsession that she hurt me is pretty concerning as well and I intended on getting to the bottom of that before I leave.

"Leslie and Laiken live with me, as well as a few of the staff I consider friends, but the house is large enough that you'll still have privacy if you need it." Adalyne finally said as we pulled up to large, wrought iron gates.

"It's fine. I don't need privacy; I just want to be wherever you are."

"How are you still so perfect?" Adalyne breathed out as the car slowly started moving forward.

"Trust me, I'm definitely not, nor was I ever. You just don't see the bad in people."

"Unfortunately, that has proven to be true."

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"It's nothing. We're here." Adalyne mumbled.

I would have responded if my breath weren't taken away by what I could see from the window in the back seat. Greenery as far as the eye could see with well kept trees, bushes and flowers adorned the property, but they paled in comparison to the mansion that came into view as we rounded the drive.

"Jesus fucking Christ." I muttered under my breath.

"Jazmin.." Adalyne said disapprovingly.

"Sorry."

"It's fine. Welcome, and I hope you make yourself at home while you're here."

"Home is an understatement. I wasn't expecting.. I don't know.. this."

"I was in shock the first time I came here too. Moira failed to prepare me for the grandeur back then and I should have thought to tell you, but it's been home for so long I didn't think about it. I apologize."

So, this is actually Moira's home. Of course. I couldn't help the jealousy that began to boil in my stomach and threaten to spew from my mouth. I would never be able to give Adalyne anything close to this and it made me feel 2 feet tall. Being with me must feel like a step down after being with Moira and living her lavish lifestyle.

"I would never have imagined you living in a house like this. It doesn't seem very you." I mumbled.

"I know, it's pretentious and gaudy, but I can't seem to let this place go. It would be like letting her go. We made a lot of memories here and I'm not ready to give them up yet." Adalyne quietly said, her voice sad and shameful.

I smiled in understanding, but inside, the jealousy was still brimming to the edge and becoming close to anger. I know, I have no right, especially since I'm the one that let Adalyne go, but Moira really did rub me the wrong way. Not just for being whatever Adalyne needed to fall in love again, but she left a bad taste in my mouth after she showed up at my apartment with a ridiculous check in exchange for Adalyne's first painting. She didn't even ask really, just made it clear that I would hand it over so it could be returned to Adalyne and accept compensation for parting with such a precious piece of art. Which, I did hand it over, but I wasn't going to be bought, and more importantly, I wanted Adalyne to have whatever she wanted. It felt good to rip that check to confetti in her face, then tell her to get the fuck out of my apartment.