The Suburbs

Chapter twenty-three

It took me so long to fall asleep last night. After Jacob left all I could think about were his words. How he has fallen for me. I can't quite believe how quickly this has all happened. One minute, I was just the new neighbour to the suburbs, ready to throw myself into my work and quietly spend my evenings alone with a glass of red and my new friend, Puss. The very last thing that was on my mind was falling for a new man. Particularly a married one at that. I guess the saying is true, things really do happen when you least expect them too.

I woke up this morning feeling so different from yesterday. Well, almost. I feel great but also a little foolish after my antics with Daniel. Now that Jacob made me understand it was all a case of having my wires crossed, I feel quite silly that I allowed the whole think to unravel the way that it did.
Especially for Daniel's sake, he was actually a really decent guy and didn't deserve to be caught up in our drama.
I can't lie though, Jacob's protective nature at times can be quite a turn on. The way his face was wild with anger when he saw my legs wrapped around another man, it was intense.
I can feel this pent up energy growing between us and last night I wanted nothing more than for Jacob to take me to bed. But neither of us will allow it. It's strange, nothing we have done has been exactly innocent but when it comes to sex I know we are both waiting. For the right time, or at least a better time. A time when Jacob is officially separated, perhaps.

It really is quite incredible how much my mood has improved since sorting things with Jacob. Rather than dragging myself out of bed, I'm up fresh and have all the energy to give this entire house a good clean. The spring is well and truly back in my step when I realise I'm practically singing to the top of my lungs as I give the house a vacuum.

"Mia!?! I really need a wee!" I hear an all too familiar voice call through my letterbox.

I turn off the vacuum and hurry down stairs.

"Sara?" I say, surprised to see her as she rushes pass me the second I open the door.

"Can't talk! Full bladder!" She shouts before disappearing into my bathroom.

I smirk at the thought of Sara frantically knocking on my door which I couldn't hear over the vacuum noise.

I wish she had given me a slight heads up that she was coming though, I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable in my old white vest and my pink pyjamas shorts with my hair shoved up high in a messy bun. A shower and some appropriate clothing was next on my list after all the cleaning and vacuuming.

"God, that was a close call!" Sara smiles as she reappears in the hallway.
"Way too much coffee this morning!"

"This is very out of the blue?"

"I know, I had to come by. I was worried about you after my wedding. I got the feeling I upset you a bit."

I pull at my clothes awkwardly. Sara did make me feel a bit fed up and it was annoying to have her burst my bubble. But I'm not good at honestly saying how I feel.

"It was fine. Don't worry about it." I finally answer.
"Cup of tea? I'll put the kettle on."

"Good! So you're not upset with me?"

"No. It's fine honestly. I get you were saying it all from a good place. It was just a little difficult to hear, especially because you don't know Jacob like I do.
I promise, this isn't just some game to him."

I try to say it assertively so she knows not to throw more questions my way. But whilst I make our drinks, I notice her staring at me blankly.

"Oh. Okay." She finally adds hesitantly.
"So, he has left his wife then has he?"