Chapter 253: Reflection
So, to keep my creative juices flowing, I ditched painting for a bit two years ago and dove headfirst into learning all sorts of cool stuff. Then, I started mixing that new knowledge into my art. That’s probably why I got what FutureVision wants so well.
Larry used to totally dig this, and even Brad, who’s usually all low-key with his compliments, gave me props today. I was stoked because, hey, hard work paid off.
After breakfast, Brad mentioned he had a ton of stuff to handle at school, and I needed to hit up Crystal House. I hadn’t been there in like four or five days and was falling behind.
Since we were both heading to campus, Brad and I left together.
Crystal House and Brad’s office were in opposite directions, so we split up at the intersection.
With the campus being all crowded and everyone watching, Brad, being the big shot he was, held back from kissing me goodbye and just messed up my hair instead.
“Hold up, Brad, I gotta tell you something.” I suddenly remembered something I hadn’t had a chance to say, so I called out to him.
Brad stopped, grinning, and asked, “Can’t stand to be apart, huh? You asking me to lunch?”
I smiled. Lunch was cool, but his feelings were more important.
“Brad, you saw what went down yesterday. Jenny came in hot, and she was gunning for you. You’ve never really told me what happened during the disaster, and I don’t know how she saved you. But I believe in people’s goodness and don’t wanna think Jenny would go all crazy just to get you.”
Looking up at his perfect, handsome face, I said seriously, “Brad, I’m a stubborn girl. Once I make up my mind or give up on something, that’s it. Like with Daniel, once I chose him, those eighteen years were his. Now that I’ve chosen you, the rest of my life is yours, through thick and thin, rich or poor, I won’t let you down.
I don’t need much in life: a house, two hearts, a family of three. But all that needs pure, clean love, no BS. I’m sure I’ve fallen for you. I’m grateful to Jenny for saving your life, and I’ll take care of her, but she can’t have any part of you. If there’s even a hint of that, I’ll walk away and never look back. So, Brad, don’t let me down.”
Brad looked at me, first all calm, but then his eyes lit up with joy and satisfaction, making his smile even more irresistible. “Babe, thanks for choosing me. All your dreams will come true because they’re mine too, for over twenty years. And about walking away, don’t even think about it. Because,” he paused, then leaned in close, “I won’t give you that chance.”
Having said my piece and getting Brad’s promise, I felt super light-hearted and hummed a tune as I walked into Crystal House.
After all those days, everything here was the same. Even Adam, who’d been here way before me, was the same as always. He sat in his usual spot, dressed in white, looking fresh and focused.
I stood by his side, watching him paint for a good ten minutes until he uncomfortably moved his neck and noticed me standing there.
Adam's eyes went wide with surprise. Once he realized it was really me and not some mirage, he put down his pen, extended his right hand, and grinned, "Well, well, Miss Jane is back! Welcome back to the squad."
I was in a pretty good mood too and appreciated the flattery. Playing it cool, I nodded and shook his hand, "So, did you slack off while I was gone?"
"Of course not, we're all good kids here."
Adam, startled, tried to jump up but forgot he was sitting. He lost his balance and toppled towards me.
All I saw was a blur of white before something heavy pressed down on me. Instinctively, I reached out to support him, but Adam, who looked skinny, was surprisingly heavy. With the momentum of his fall, I stumbled back a few steps before barely regaining my balance.
Everything happened so fast that we didn’t even realize what had gone down before we collided. If he hadn’t steadied himself in time, I might’ve been squashed.
He patted his chest with his left hand, repeatedly saying, "That was close, that was close."
"What the hell are you doing?"
A steady voice, tinged with anger, suddenly came from behind me, making me jump.
Adam, facing the direction behind me, had a momentary stiff smile. He quickly straightened up, rubbing his head, and explained that it was nothing, he just almost tripped.
The look in his eyes told me the person behind me was Brad.
Actually, I didn’t need to see Adam’s eyes to know who it was; Brad’s voice was all too familiar.
I turned around to see Brad’s angry gaze fixed on my right hand, his brows furrowed dangerously, and his eyes filled with anger.
Following his gaze, I saw that Adam and I were still holding hands.
No wonder Brad looked so jealous.
I thought, it was just a handshake, a normal human greeting, and he was jealous? He almost lost his cool yesterday, didn’t he think I’d be jealous?
Jealousy is boring if only one person feels it; only when both have experienced it can they understand each other’s feelings.
Adam quickly let go of my hand. I calmly withdrew my right hand, smoothing the hair by my cheek, and sweetly said, "Brad, what brings you here?"
With our hands apart, Brad’s expression softened slightly, but it was still gloomy, like a storm was brewing. His voice was as heavy as clouds on a rainy day, "The weather forecast says it’s gonna rain. I came to bring you an umbrella. I’ll pick you up at noon, just wait for me."
I looked at the clear sky outside, wondering where the rain would come from. And couldn’t he bring the umbrella when he picked me up for lunch? He was coming to pick me up anyway, did he really need to make a special trip? Was bringing the umbrella an excuse, but declaring his territory the real reason?
At the time, it was just my guess, but Brad confirmed it that evening.
"This place is a bit far. It’s fine on rest days, but it’ll be a hassle on days with classes, mainly wasting time. For now, keep painting here, and later we’ll look for a bigger house near the school, where I can set up a studio for you, so you don’t have to run back and forth so much." Brad said while taking out a wet wipe from his pocket. He carefully wiped my right hand repeatedly until the wipe was dry, yet he continued to clean.
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