Keeping Adalyne (Threequel)

Crazy

Jazmin

Adalyne did not return with us to California, but not because she decided that New York is where she belongs. She just has a life there; a business; responsibilities; friends, and told me she kind of left in a hurry to California, so she needed to check and make sure everything was running smoothly.

That was a week ago and she still hasn't come back. I was beginning to get really scared after our last conversation on the phone and she told me she's going to stay in New York awhile longer. Did I freak her out when I told her I loved her? She said it back, so it can't be that. Did I dream it into fruition when I thought she might figure out she belongs there and not here? Did I do something wrong?

I missed her. I missed our lunches. But worse, the kids missed her. They kept asking when she was coming back and I couldn't give them a definitive answer. This is what I was afraid of: My kids falling in love with Adalyne, then she disappears. Hell, me falling in love with Adalyne and she disappears.

I called her every day and while she never rejected my calls, she didn't stay on the phone long because she was too busy. One time she couldn't talk because she had to bake a cake with Emily, which made no sense, but I didn't ask. I wasn't jealous of Emily because I think she's true in her words, but she also had a boyfriend or whatever, so she's probably straight. Maybe, it was Emily's birthday or something.

Another week went by and Adalyne's messages began to slow down. I chalked it up to her being busy with work, but one night, I saw Adalyne on television at some event in Paris. She didn't even tell me she was going there. Fuck, what the fuck is going on?

I finally had enough and drove to Adalyne's home here in California and let myself in through the gates, then pounded on the door. I know Sue is here, because she flew back with us.

She opened the door, then gave me a concerned look as she spoke, "Jazmin? Are you ok?"

"Hey, Sue. No, I'm not ok. What's going on with Adalyne? She barely speaks to me anymore and won't tell me if she's coming back. Do you know? Is she staying away because of me?"

Sue put a hand on my shoulder, then said, "Oh, dear. She's just busy. There's a lot going on with her gallery and before you, she had networking to do and was required to show up to this or that event constantly. She has put all of that on hold for you and right now, she needs to show her face at these events, so she can continue to charge what she charges for her work. It's nothing to do with you, I promise. She's crazy about you and those kids. She'll be back, just give her space to handle her responsibilities, ok?"

"Ok. I'm sorry for just showing up and freaking out like this." I said

"It's fine. You're obviously crazy about her too."

"I am. Too crazy maybe. Certifiable even."

"You're just in love. This is a stage that will pass, then the good stuff will be here before you know it." Sue said with assurance.

"Thanks, Sue."

"You're welcome. Are you hungry? You're looking skinnier than the last time I saw you. Come in, I'll make you something."

I backed away from the door with my hands up and said in a joking tone, "Oh, no. No, thank you. I already have a mother. Nice try, Sue."

She laughed, then said, "Fine, but I made cheesecake with the blueberries you like."

I stopped backing up and instead moved forward, "I retract my earlier statement."

"I thought so." Sue said, then stepped aside so I could come in.