Whispers Turn

Dr. Nel said, trying for a baby is like waiting for water to boil – the more you watch, the longer it seems to take. But telling her not to worry was like asking the sun not to rise.

The next day, during her lunch break, Sherilyn headed back to her home in Sunset Ridge Community as usual.

There was Jenna, perched on a step stool at the kitchen counter, carefully eating her lunch with her own set of cutlery.

Sophia couldn’t help but compliment, Jenna’s amazing, never makes a mess while eating.” She then turned to Sherilyn, “You’ve taught her well.*

Sherilyn just laughed and shook her head. “Not really. It’s probably just in her nature.”

In this regard, Sherilyn had never imposed any strict rules.

From the time Jenna was about a year and a half, she had started feeding herself. By the age of two, she had become quite proficient, rarely spilling anything.

Her manners at the table were impeccable, making one wonder whom she got it from.

“Mama,” Jenna piped up, waving her little spoon, “I want strawberries.”

“Coming right up,” Sherilyn replied with a smile, “Finish up your lunch and I’ll get some strawberries for my little princess.”

In the heart of winter, strawberries were a treat, bright red and plump. Just three would satisfy Jenna for one meal.

After washing and slicing the strawberries, Sherilyn’s phone rang.

“Hello?” It was Gilbert. “Sherilyn, I might get home late tonight. If it gets too late, don’t wait up for me.”

Don’t wait up for him? That meant it could be a long night.

Sherilyn frowned, “Why? Can’t you skip whatever it is this time? It’s a crucial period for us.” Hearing her worry, Gilbert cracked a smile and said, “You don’t want me to leave? Want to stay with me tonight?”

“Yeah,” Sherilyn didn’t hesitate, “Can you not go?”

“Let’s do this…”

After a moment, Gilbert suggested, “I’ll have David pick you up after work, and bring you over. With you there, I can easily duck out early. How’s that?”

15:18

Holding the plate of strawberries, Sherilyn stepped outside. “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

“It’s settled then.”

After hanging up, Gilbert tossed his phone in the air, catching it with a grin.

He was over the moon! Sherilyn was showing such affection for him!

Yates walked in just in time to catch Gilbert’s lovesick expression, “Cut it out with that smitten look!”

Didn’t he know he was single? Such a tease.

“Ha, sorry man,” Gilbert laughed heartily, unable to contain his happiness.

At the end of the workday, David arrived on time to pick Sherilyn up and brought her over to where Gilbert was wrapping up a meeting with Yates and others in a small conference room. Upon hearing of her arrival, Gilbert sent her a quick text. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

[There’s food in the fridge, a tablet on the table, and you can watch TV. Entertain yourself for a bit, and I’ll come to keep you company once we’re done here.]

Sherilyn replied promptly.

[Okay.]

Her message was brief, followed by a smiley face emoji.

Imagining Sherilyn’s expression, Gilbert couldn’t help but smile, his spirits lifted.

Finally, when the meeting was over, Yates suggested, “Let’s hit up Platinum Pearl Club tonight. My treat.”

“Thanks, but no thanks,” Gilbert declined, much to everyone’s surprise.

Yates was puzzled, “What’s the deal? Weren’t you in?”

“Sorry, guys.”

Gilbert was already mentally out the door, “My girlfriend’s here… She’s quite clingy. Insists. on having me around, or else it’s a scene. What can I do?”