42 Disappointed

It was like any other time waiting for him. Often such waiting would feel too long even if it is just a short time. The anticipation makes waiting lonely.

However, the last two days were different. I was preparing myself to look at his handsome face as he would be proud of me. I was preparing myself to look at him encourage me. This time it would not be consoling for some failed intern interview, but it would be encouraging me to go forth.

I was planning on my wording, how I should actually put this achievement into words. I imagined the two of us as I shared the news with him and hand over the appointment letter for him to see. I envisioned the two of us standing there, right beside the dining table with elated smiles on our faces. At last, I would have one thing to brag to him about. As I was dreaming of all the perfect situations, the time just rolled by before I head the doorbell ring.

I leaped from the sofa I sat and opened the door for him enthusiastically. There he was, with a small bag slung over his shoulder. Every time he came back, he was more handsome and dashing than the last time. And somehow, I feel that he is also growing taller each time. But mom would say that I was just too charmed.

"Welcome home! You look more radiant!"

I am a reserved person. Though I open up to my exact thoughts with these people who are very close to me, I also keep some things to myself. Like how I just cannot bring myself to call him handsome.

"I don't look radiant. I missed you!" He exclaimed as he shuffled forwards and hugged me tight. After I nuzzled into his chest for a few seconds, we parted.

The sun outside was the brightest for the afternoon. It was a beautiful afternoon indeed.

"I'm hungry! Come, let's have lunch," he called me. Since mom and dad were out on some errands, it was just the two of us.

He looked pretty exhausted. After I grabbed two plates from the kitchen counter, I started serving. I had made the table ready with the cooked dishes just before.

He started eating as I sat beside him. Just as I was about to start he decided to make a wrong comment.

"Jessie, why do you cook?" If there is one thing James actually picked at, it is the taste of the food. Mom's cooking is great but no matter how hard I try or how well she teaches me or how many tips and suggestions she gives me, it seems like I just don't improve. I am an average and plain rookie at cooking who has already reached a saturation point. And the point was way below this man's expectation.

"Get used to it." He does not know where we store what anyway. So what's the point? There's just zero other ways.

"Fine, fine!"

Lunch was done. We were watching the TV while waiting for mom and dad. I was cuddling with him, thinking if I should just tell him now or wait for parents to return.

"I will stay two more days this time," his voice sounded from deep within his chest where my ear lay.

"That's good!" I said and I pecked his lips.

"It's almost a month since you've officially graduated. I'll help pick some good universities and apply for them. You said that you'd collect a few reference letters. Just let me see them once."

I did not know how to respond to him. "I only have a two. But hey, why waste time on that? We will go picnic!" Anything that will deviate his thoughts should do.

"Only two? Didn't I tell you to get at least five or six?" The change of his tone and voice was rather clear. It showed that he was not at all satisfied. He lifted my head off of me as he turned to sit facing me.

Last time the same discussion came up, we left it to be on a compromise between our disagreement.

"James, I'm not really interested. . ." I said slowly, testing the waters.