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"Well, it’s evident that he’s interested in you. You single, and honestly, I've never seen you with anyone other than Jason. Now that someone is genuinely persistent about being with you, I don't think it would hurt to give it a try," she suggests.
"Mabel, stop this. I’m really not interested in any man," I tell her. But deep down, I know it’s not entirely true. The only man I ever wanted can’t be mine anymore, and I’m beginning to accept that fact.
"Why? It's been years since Jason died. You need to move on," she says.
"You think this is about Jason?"
"Well, yeah. He is the only man you've ever mentioned who’s been in your life."
"Listen Mabel, it’s not about Jason. This is about me and my son. Don't you get? I'm not interested in relationship right now. Dealing with bills and job hunting is enough for me. I don't want to add more by being in a relationship."
"Oh, my goodness, that’s true. How is the job hunt going?" She asks.
"It’s the same old story. Seems like most employees here prefer to hire young people, unlike someone like me in their 30s. You won't believe the audacity of one person who told me not to bother searching for a job because it’ll be difficult for me to get one," I share.
"What the hell! who dares say that?" Mabel snaps angrily. My life has been a mess since the night my father forced me to leave Sausalito. Nineteen years have passed since then, and I wonder if my life would have been different if he didn't forcefully marry me off to Jason for a business deal. He stopped being my father that day. That's why even after so many years, I’ve refused to return. I want nothing to do with him. Thoughts of Jeffrey bring a sad smile to my lips. I'm happy he managed to break free and become a thriving artist, and the last I heard, he is about to get married.
Damn Jason.He conspired with my father to block any contact with Jeffrey. His chilling threat to permanently remove Jeffrey from my life if I attempted to reach out was enough to deter me. I knew he’d find out if I defied him. Things got worse when Jason discovered I was pregnant with Jeffrey’s child. I remember how he pressured me to have an abortion, but I stood my ground, determined to keep the baby no matter what. It was the best decision of my life because I wouldn't have gotten my precious gift, Michael. He’s a reminder of my love for Jeffrey.
"Earth to Phebe! Are you even listening to me?" Mabel's words snap me back to reality.
"Oh, sorry. What was your question?" I inquire apologetically.
"Are you serious right now?" Mabel asks, clearly annoyed.
"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about a few things," I try to explain.
"It's fine, I was just asking maybe it might be best to try somewhere else other than New York. Maybe there will be more job opportunities in neighboring cities. You're a brilliant interior decorator and I'm sure you won't have trouble fitting in wherever you decide to go," Mabel suggests, and I sigh. Now that I think of it, she might be right. Maybe it's time to leave this place. Besides, Michael is in college in San Francisco, and there is nothing else here for me here except Mabel.
"I'll think about it," I tell her.
"Please do. How is Michael?" She asks.
"He is doing great," I tell Mabel. I smile as I think of the impact of Mabel has had on my life. She might not know the full story of Jeffrey, but she’s aware of the struggles I faced after being forced to marry Jason, who made my life hell. She also knows Michael isn't Jason's, and thankfully, she doesn't pry about his father. I’m grateful I met her at college. One thing my father got right. He ensured Jason allowed me to complete my education but it's not enough to erase everything else. Mabel became my rock. She made me stronger even in moments of despair, and I'll forever be grateful to her.
"Thank you,"
"For what Phebe?"
"For everything. For standing by me, for being the best friend anyone could ask for. Thank you, Mabel," I say sincerely.
"Come on, what are friends for? You know I’ll always have your back, right?" She reassures me.
"Of course," I reply with a smile. But my attention is drawn back to my laptop screen. The emails staring at me fill me with fear about what might happen next.
"Speaking of which. I spoke to Henry, and he agreed to loan you some of our savings," she says.
"What? No, Mabel. I won't allow you do that. You've done this several times and I've not even returned the previous loan," I protest.
"It doesn’t matter. What matters is that it will help you get back on your feet. Camilla and Wilson will be out of high school soon. We would have been able to give you more if we weren’t considering their college fees," she explains.
"That's even more reason you can't loan me that money. Trust me when I say you should save as much as you can. College loans aren't something I want you to delve into," I insist.
"We are not going to. Trust me Phebe, we can still save up more money before Camilla is out of high school," she says.
"I won't take it Mabel. I can’t. Please let me figure this out on my own. I don’t want to be a burden to you and your husband," I tell her.
"Stop it. You're never a burden to us," she counters.
