Love's Redemption

Redmption 38

That night, I slept deeply and soundly. Suddenly, I was awakened by noises outside. It wasn’t Brandon talking, but a woman with a local accent. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Judging by the voice, it wasn’t a young lady. Young ladies‘ voices were soft and clear. A woman’s voice was usually heavier and rougher.

I had a knack for recognizing people by their voices. Yet, I failed to realize that the man I loved for ten years turned out to be a jerk.

People said you forget someone when you stop thinking about them

constantly. But it seemed I haven’t reached that point. I still involuntarily think about Chris, even if it wasn’t out of love but resentment. 1 found myself thinking of him often.

I didn’t get out of bed but listened intently to the conversation outside.

“Mrs. Rhodes, where’s Brandon?” the woman asked.

“He left early this morning,” Kelly, replied. Her voice was accompanied by the sound of running water.

“He left? I thought he hadn’t gotten up yet.” The woman’s voice carried a hint of laughter.

“Hammy, why do you care whether Brandon’s up or not? He’s not interested in you, so stop wasting your efforts,” Kelly said bluntly.

Most people wouldn’t be able to handle such directness. But the woman outside didn’t seem fazed and even laughed. “Mrs. Rhodes, what do you know? Men like to play hard to get.

I chuckled to myself. This woman was quite confident.

“All I know is that he tossed you out like a rag doll,” Kelly retorted mercilessly.

“You’re old. What do you know?” Hammy sounded annoyed.

“I know enough to be ashamed and know that people need dignity.” Kelly’s words made me silently applaud her again.

“Mrs. Rhodes, we’re neighbors. I’ve taken care of you quite a bit. You don’t have to help, but don’t mock me.” Hammy started playing the morality card.

Kelly wasn’t having it. “Yes, you’ve helped me. But it’s only because you wanted. to see more of Brandon.”

I

I laughed under the covers. Kelly’s sharp tongue was truly formidable.

“Alright, enough of that. I heard you took in a pretty lady. Is that true?” Hammy. shifted the topic to me.

“Yes. She’s fair and delicate. Plus, she’s a proper and decent lady. I’m even fond of her,” Kelly praised me to the skies, making me instinctively touch my own face. My skin was indeed smooth and soft.

“Is that so? I’d like to see her. Where is she?” Hammy asked.

I hurriedly sat up in bed. It seemed that she was here for me. She was probably worried that I’d steal her beloved Brandon from her.

I slipped my dainty feet with painted toenails into my slippers. I then stood up in my white silk nightgown. The thin straps looked like they could snap at any

moment.

My hair was tousled and voluminous from sleep. It gave me a lazy yet charming allure.

I opened the door, yawned, and walked out. “Mrs. Rhodes, your place has poor soundproofing. I get woken up every day.”

As I spoke, Hammy turned to look at me. Her eyes first filled with amazement and then with jealousy and envy.

Kelly glanced at me. “There’s nothing I can do about that. This is a small place. I’ll make sure to close the door next time to keep out unwanted guests.”

I laughed inwardly. “Thanks, Mrs. Rhodes.”

I then picked up my toothbrush and toothpaste from the sink. Next to mine was a military–green– toothbrush holder. It was unmistakably Brandon’s.

Mine was pink, and his was green. His was large, and mine was small. They looked quite nice together.