Chapter 129
Calvin and Daisy’s fondness for Harrison was palpable. In their eyes, Harrison had already be
their future son-inw, and an excellent one at that.
How many men would change jobs just because their partner asked, or move cities to be with the one
they love? It showed a deep level of care andmitment to their daughter
To wee Harrison. Calvin and Daisy had prepared a feast and made sure none of the dishes were
spicy, catering to Harrison’s sensitive stomach.
“Jocelyn, you’ve got to treat Harrison well,” Daisy urged her daughter. “He’se all this way to be
with you, to adapt to your way of life. Guys like him are rare these days. Don’t take him for granted,
take good care of him”
The saying goes that a mother-inw finds her son-inw more endearing over time.
Daisy, not yet a mother-inw, already treated him as if he were her own son.
Hamson, not wanting Jocelyn to struggle for a response, chimed in with augh, “Daisy, I’m a grown
man. I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”
“Even grown men need a little looking after, Daisy responded. And don’t you spoil Jocelyn too much.
Her dad has pampered her since she was a lot. I’m afraid she might walk all over you.”
“Mom!” Jocelyn was at a loss for words. “Where are you going with this?”
“I just mean that since you two are in love and nning a life together, neither of you should spoil the
other too much or take things too far In a rtionship, it’s all about mutual understanding andProperty ? of N?velDrama.Org.
tolerance. And don’t be afraid of a little argument here and there. A good tiff shows you’re really living
life together. It would be abnormal if you never fought at all
As Daisy went on and on. Jocelyn apologetically nced at Harmson.
But Harrison was thoroughly engaged, nodding along and even agreeing with Daisy’s points.
In an unspoken understanding, neither Harrison nor Jocelyn revealed to the old couple that they had
already broken up. It was to keep their parents’ minds at ease and to avoid the pressure of mamage
After dinner, Harrison joined Calvin for a game of chess..
“Not bad at chess, Calvin nodded in approval. “Would be even better if you didn’t let me win.”
Harrison chuckled, I’m not letting you win, Calvin. I just can’t beat you”
Calvinughed heartily. “Whether you are letting me win or not, I can tell. These are the social graces
of adulthood. The most unpredictable and inconsiderate yer I’ve ever yed against has to be
Preston, a student in Jocelyn’s ss Thatd ys chess like a wild thing”
At the mention of Preston’s name, Jocelyn’s expression shifted
Now, Preston’s name had the same effect as Melvin’s-it always brought up connections.
She was just relieved that Preston would soon be out of her sight
Hearing the name “Preston, Harrison’s thoughts drifted to Melvin. He remembered Jocelyn mentioning
that name the day before it must be someone rted to Melvin Understanding Jocelyn’s feelings now,
he had no particr thoughts about anyone connected to Melvin. “Children have the most sincere
intentions. They take everything seriously!
“That’s why as we grow older, we seem to lose the simplicity of our youth As kids, we’re seen as
disobedient, but as adults, we realize that childish rebellion is nothingpared to theplexity of
being true to oneself, Calvin mused
“Because adults think more and have moreplex emotions. Sometimes you have to be hypocritical,
it’s a way to survive Harrison added.
“You’re right. Harrison. Children long to grow up, but once they do, they wish they could return to the
simplicity of their younger days.” Calvin took a look at Jocelyn. Jocelyn is the only child Daisy and I
have, and we always concern and worry about her the most Jocelyn frowned slightly, Dad, why are you
talking about me again?”
“Calvin, your really don’t need to worry about Jocelyn. She’s outstanding and knows where she’s
headed in life. Rest assured, she’ll do
Calvin bearned at that, “With you looking out for her. I’m definitely at ease
Movision just smiled
window and felt to wa
alicing thenugh the neighborhood, Jocelyn nced back at the two figures still watching frosty the
They’re really concerned about you, Jocelyn.”
“They’re just worried I’ll never get married, Jocelynughed, half-joking. “I don’t know how I’ve be
this old maid’ in their eyes.”
Hamson empathized, “It’s not just their concern. It’s society’s pressure. I’m 35 and still single. Although
my neighbors don’t gossip to my family’s face, I can tell they talk behind our backs, saying something
must be wrong with me”
Jocelyn was shocked “You’re such a catch: how could there be anything wrong with you?”
“Some issues don’t show on the surface, do they?” Harrison joked.
Jocelyn got his point and shook her head in resignation. “Society expects so much As teens, If we’re
seen with a boy, we’rebeled troublemakers. As adults without a partner, we’re either too picky or
have some defect Living up to expectations is tough”
Harrison looked at her as if she’d seen through life’s charade. “You’re younger than me. There’s no
need for you to be so pessimistic”
“It’s not pessimism. It just feels like there are invisible hands pushing us forward, Jocelyn said
dispassionately. “If I could, I’d live a natural life. Whether marrying and having kids or not, it wouldn’t
matter Whatever happens, happens. Many say be yourself, but so far, I’ve struggled to do so It’s hard
to go against the current alone.”
Harrison didn’t expect such depth to her thoughts. “Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why did you two break up?” Harrison genuinely wasn’t one for gossip. He was just curious. If it’s too
personal, you don’t have to
answer.
Jocelyn drew in a deep breath, tugging at the corners of her lips, “It’s exactly because of the reasons
we just discussed.”
“How long were you two together?”
“Over three years.”
“He didnt propose to you?”
A bitter smile crossed Jocelyn’s face as she shook her head.
It was a wait without an end in sight. Even if she couldn’t let go, she wasn’t about to keep ying the
fool. To linger any longer would only sink her deeper.
Hamson nodded, “It’s not just the pressure to settle down from your parents, is it? It’s theck of a
future together that’s eating at you.”
“Yeah. Jocelyn didn’t deny it, “All I needed was a sign ofmitment.”
“But it’s clear he can’t let you go. Harrison sighed, “He must really love you.”
Jocelyn let out augh. “Love? Shouldn’t lovee with some sort of conclusion?”
“Maybe there’s a reason – something he can’t help.
“Everyone who knows about us says that. But if it’s true love, why wouldn’t he share his troubles with
me? Shouldn’t two people nning a life together be open and honest to each other? You’ve probably
noticed, after all these years, my parents don’t even know I was with him.”
Jocelyn looked up at the sky, pulling her coat tighter around her. Her gaze was a bit hollow, “Actually I
also know little about him. He never told and I never asked ”
She suddenly turned to Harrison and offered a weak smile, “Pathetic, isn’t it?”