Something Different, part 1, 2017

Patar, summer, 2017
Bill is 33, Emma is 32, Jacob is 11 and Abigal is 10.

optional soundtrack-The Worst, Jhene Aiko

narrated by Emma

Usually during the summer time I try to ignore Abigal's early morning dance sessions in her room,

and her dangerous habit of sliding down the stairs. But she's my daughter and pretty much a splitting image, well personality, of her mother. She is a rowdy spit fire and won't back down to anything or anyone.

Jacob reminds me more of Bill, but he's more withdrawn, preferring to spend quiet early mornings staring at the sky with his new telescope.

Both kids managed to get their grandfather to promise to take them to the beach, if they got on the honor roll. 

Well, they both got on the honor roll with a lot of work, long nights crying over homework and extra credit projects.

They couldn't wait to show him their report cards when they finally arrived.

For weeks they talked about leaving for three weeks with their grandparents. I don't know if they were more excited about riding the light rail or the actual beach.

However, Jacob did assure me that he would be taking his puzzle book.

With the children gone, it was a lot quieter around the house

so everything seems a bit louder, like when Bill got a call from work.

I knew it was Zoe.

She works at the university, but they have been working together on some project.

Bill has been spending a lot of time tinkering on the design, but I felt that the phone calls and meetings were becoming excessive.

I hate her. There's something different about her as compared to the other women. She's not the same as a lonely old woman, or those young college girls. 

She was trouble. 

I always eliminate trouble.

Unfortunately I got an unwanted phone call. Abigal broke her arm only two days into their three week trip. I groaned thinking about the deductible, but thankful that we at least had insurance.

After that phone call, I needed to relax, so I drew a bubble bath, 

attempted a friendly conversation, which didn't go too well,

and met Ming for a little shopping. I arrived a bit early and couldn't help but lovingly caress the designer shoes. 

I may not have Ming's paycheck to spend on designer shoes each month, but now that she has a kid, her paychecks are not going to monthly designer shoes either. 

Honestly, I can afford designer shoes every six weeks if I'm careful with other budgetary items, but I do love to splurge on my designer shoes.

---
ROS: break a limb, Abigal