2nd May, 12:00 pm
As Jeff opened the door to the sitting room, he stopped abruptly upon seeing his aunt, Mrs Anderson, seated on a leather armchair with her legs crossed, inhaling the aroma of the coffee in the mug she cradled in her hands.
Jeff raised an eyebrow at his cousin, Jason, a man in his twenties with a slender frame and a warm chocolate complexion.
Jason’s eyes shifted uneasily to meet Jeff’s gaze. Noticing the exchange, Jason smiled widely at his mother.
When Jeff closed the door, Mrs. Anderson finally looked up, her surprise turning to excitement. She gently placed the mug on the table.
“Finally, you’re here!” she exclaimed with a sigh of relief, watching Jeff approach.
“I wasn’t expecting you, Mum,” Jeff said, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he sat on the two-seater sofa next to Jason.
“I didn’t plan to come either,” Mrs. Anderson replied, smiling. “But thank goodness I did.”
Jeff glanced at Jason, who returned a brief, wary smile.
“Is there a problem?” Jeff asked.
“I’ve been here since last night, waiting for you. We called you several times, but….” Tight-lipped, she shrugged. “You didn’t answer.” She squinted at Jeff. “Where were you?”
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Jeff leaned closer to Jason and whispered, “What did you tell her?”
Before Jason could reply, his mother interjected, “He said you went to Alicia’s house.” She raised a curious eyebrow, her expression demanding confirmation.
“What?” Jeff blinked in astonishment and turned to Jason. “Did you tell her…?”
Jason let out a loud, awkward laugh that trailed off almost as quickly as it began. “No! No! I didn’t!” he protested, glancing at his mother and then back at Jeff.
Mrs. Anderson’s mouth fell open.
“So, I’m lying?” she asked in disbelief.
Jason hesitated, his gaze bouncing between the two. “I… I need to get some wine,” he mumbled with a sheepish grin. Rising quickly, he slipped out of the room, avoiding their stares as he disappeared into the adjoining space.
“Don’t intimidate him, Jeff!” Mrs. Anderson yelled. “I know you went to her house.”
“But Mum….”
“Don’t! Not again, Jeff!” Mrs. Anderson cut him off before he could explain.
Jeff’s shoulders slumped as he lowered his head.
“Everything is about that girl! Why? You promised to stay away from her for a while, didn’t you? Why are you so obsessive? Do you still want her to break up with her boyfriend for you?” Her voice rose with agitation.
“They’ve already broken up,” Jeff replied firmly, meeting her gaze. “We’re dating now.”
Mrs. Anderson scoffed, unsurprised. “And you believe that? Do you really think that girl has left Wilson for you? Let me tell you—she won’t. No matter how badly he treats her, she won’t leave him. She’s….” She shrugged. “She’s stupidly in love with him.”
“Not everyone stays a fool forever, Mum. I know you don’t like her, but…”
“I don’t hate her,” Mrs. Anderson interrupted, shaking her head. “You think I hate her?” Her gaze softened, filled with concern. “I’m just worried about you. That’s why I wanted you to give her some space for a while. It bothers me when you act so obsessive about her, Jeff. I need you to know that I’m concerned. I only have you and Jason. Just you two.”
“You think I’m crazy?” Jeff tilted his head, studying her face.