Unconventional Love - Chapter 9
Xenia Snyder-Collison@xeniasnydercollison751687
7 days ago
A VISIT FROM THE PAST
Ursula was in a vehicle, returning home from work. As she glanced out the window, she watched as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
She soon realized, however, that it had been a while since she had heard from Malcolm, and a growing sense of concern compelled her to reach out to him. ‘It’s been a while since I heard from Malcolm. I should check up on him and his mum,’ she mumbled to herself.
She held her phone tightly, ready to chat with Malcolm. For some reason, she paused for a moment, wondering what to say. After a minute or two, she finally decided to text him. Her fingers danced across the screen as she poured her heart into each word.
“Hey Malcolm, how are you and your mom doing? It’s been a while since we talked,” she typed, her concern palpable.
In Malcolm’s room, his phone buzzed, notifying him of Ursula’s message. He quickly responded, his fingers tapping out his thoughts.
“Hey Ursula, we’re doing okay, thanks for asking. My mum’s getting better slowly, but it’s a long road to recovery.”
“So what did the doctors say? Is she getting surgery for her hip fracture? Hmm, that’d also cost money.”
“Oh no”, Malcolm explained. “The doctors said that although surgery is recommended for most people, it may not be right for people who are too frail to recover, like my mum, for instance. Thus, when she is discharged, she’ll be given conservative treatment, or pain management and bed rest, instead. Since her hip fracture is a minor one, she should recover after a couple of weeks or a month, at most.”
“That’s relieving to hear. She should get better soon, then. But until then, is there anything I can do to help?” Ursula typed, her empathy radiating through her words.
In Malcolm’s room, a small smile formed on his face as he read Ursula’s heartfelt message. Her willingness to lend a helping hand touched him deeply, and he felt a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges they faced.
“Well, I have to work overtime to pay for mum’s medical bills, and it’s been difficult to juggle that and take care of her at the same time. Perhaps you could come over once in a while to keep her company. … I’m having a pretty bad time trying to balance everything,” Malcolm typed, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his words.
In Ursula’s hand, the phone felt heavier, but she knew in her heart that she wanted to be there for Malcolm and his mum. Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she composed her response, offering her support wholeheartedly.
“Of course, I’d be happy to help. I will try and stop by anytime I’m less busy,” Ursula typed.
In Malcolm’s room, relief and gratitude washed over him as he read Ursula’s response. Knowing he had someone to lean on brought solace to his weary heart.
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate it,” Malcolm typed, punctuating his message with a smiley-faced emoji.
Ursula received Malcolm’s response and smiled, feeling a sense of purpose and fulfilment in being there for her friend during a challenging time.
Soon the taxi came to a halt, and Ursula paid her fare before stepping out of the vehicle. She walked briskly to her home, eager to rest her aching body. As she approached and entered her house, she couldn’t help but notice the unusually bright smiles on her parents’ faces, and her curiosity was piqued.
“Good afternoon, Mum and Dad. What’s got you both this happy? Did I miss something?” Ursula asked.
Caleb’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he replied, “You won’t believe who just paid us a visit.”
“Is that so? Who was it?”
“Gareth, your childhood friend”, her father replied.
Gareth – The name echoed in her mind, conjuring memories of their past together. It had been years since she last saw him, and the unexpected visit stirred a sense of apprehension within her.
“Gareth? It’s been ages since I last saw him,” Ursula remarked, her surprise evident. Caleb continued, “He asked about you and even brought us some gifts. He’s a successful businessman now, you know.”
Her unease grew as her parents hinted at the possibility of rekindling a relationship with Gareth. Memories of their high school days flooded her mind, memories of a young man who had become overly infatuated with her appearance, leading to their eventual parting of ways.
“Why are you trying to set me up with him?” Ursula’s voice held a tinge of suspicion as she questioned her parents’ intentions. Hailey, eager to see her daughter settled and happy, responded, “He clearly still has feelings for you, dear. And he’s a good catch. You should consider it.”
Ursula took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to express her feelings. She knew she had to be honest with her parents, even if it meant disappointing them.
“I don’t have feelings for him, and I won’t be with someone who’s only interested in my appearance. He got so obsessed with me in high school, and it annoyed me. That’s why I cut ties with him. Please, I don’t want to be with someone like him,” Ursula asserted firmly, her resolve unwavering.
Caleb and Hailey exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of disappointment and hope. They wanted what they believed was best for their daughter, and Gareth’s success as a businessman seemed like an appealing prospect.
“He has changed, Ursula. He’s a good man now, successful and capable. Give him a chance,” Caleb pleaded, hoping to persuade his daughter, but Ursula held her ground. She refused to be swayed by wealth or success alone. She knew her worth and what she wanted in a partner.
“I appreciate your concern, but I won’t be swayed by his success alone,” Ursula replied, her voice resolute. “Money isn’t everything, mother. I’d rather work hard and achieve my own success than be with someone solely for their wealth. I hope you can understand that.”
Caleb and Hailey fell silent, absorbing their daughter’s words. They knew they had raised a strong and independent young woman, but letting go of their own expectations for her future was challenging.
“Of course, we only want what’s best for you,” Caleb finally said, his tone seemingly understanding. Ursula’s heart softened, knowing that her parents’ intentions were rooted in love and concern.
She ascended the staircase and walked towards her room, leaving her parents with a sense of defeat. As she closed the door behind her, she began to feel conflicted. She valued her parents’ guidance, but she also knew that she needed to follow her own path, even if it meant defying their expectations.
#unconventionallove
#novel
#chapternine
