Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BLUE (11/09/17)
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TITLE: Jacob Blue House | Previous Challenge Entry
By Leola Ogle
11/16/17 -
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Rollie had been her companion since she was widowed five years earlier. Amanda was in college and Brian a senior in high school when Mike passed. During their twenty years of marriage, Mike was a workaholic, spending little time with his family. Still, his passing left a void in her.
Her children were great about spending holidays with her. It had been a beautiful Thanksgiving with Brian, his fiancé, Lindsey, Amanda and her husband, Nate, and baby Aiden. After eating, the guys watched sports and the women put baby Aiden down for a nap, then played Scrabble.
Now they were gone and the empty house mocked her. Sarah wandered around the living room as darkness fell. She glanced through the front window and saw her neighbor, Jacob, still had cars in his driveway. She smiled. Jacob’s bright blue house. She hated that neon blue. It had always been blue. Her kids called him Jacob Blue House.
Earlier, Amanda shocked her by saying, “Jacob’s in love with you, Mom.”
Sarah had gasped. “Nonsense. We’ve been friends for years.”
Amanda laughed. “I know. Brian and I grew up with his kids. Jacob was such a fun single dad. Brian and I loved hanging out there whenever he barbecued.” Amanda’s eyes got moist. “It’s been five years, Mom. You’re still young, only forty-six. It’s okay to love again. Don’t spend the rest of your life alone. It’s Thanksgiving. Be thankful for another chance with someone like Jacob.”
Sarah laughed it off, saying “But, that ugly neon blue house.” Amanda laughed with her.
Amanda’s words about Jacob played through Sarah’s mind. Both Brian and Amanda lived in other states. She grimaced at how lonely life would be without Jacob’s company. But in love with her? Was it true?
She turned the television on but found it hard to concentrate. Images of Jacob devoured her thoughts. Nervous excitement teased her as she allowed herself to think of Jacob as more than a friend.
He had been a steady presence in her life since Mike’s passing. A few days after the funeral, Jacob appeared on her porch with a puppy in his arms. “I know you’ve always wanted a pet, but couldn’t because of Mike’s allergies. This is Rollie and hopefully, he’ll help ease your grief and loneliness.”
Three months later, Sarah fixed Jacob dinner. “As a thank-you for Rollie,” she told him. It started a weekly ritual of Jacob coming over for Friday dinner. It was platonic. They would watch a movie afterward. Jacob was a perfect gentleman. He helped with repairs and maintenance on the house, and she supplied him with casseroles and baked goods.
Jacob had been at the house that morning when Sarah’s kids arrived. They laughed and talked, catching up on news. “Hey, Jacob Blue House, are you joining us for Thanksgiving?” Brian asked, clapping Jacob’s shoulder.
“Naw, my kids are bringing the Thanksgiving meal today.” Jacob chuckled and whispered, “No one makes pumpkin pie as good as your mom, though.”
Amanda hugged Jacob. “I agree about Mom’s pies. Bring your family over. We’ll share. It’ll be nice to see everyone.”
“Maybe we’ll drop in later, but I have to eat at my house so my daughters won’t know I prefer your mom’s cooking.” Jacob and his family did come over later and stayed for thirty minutes. Laughter and camaraderie filled the house.
It was after Jacob and his family left that Amanda asked Sarah, “Is there’s something special going on with you and Jacob? You know, Brian and I wouldn’t mind.”
Now she couldn’t stop thinking about Jacob. Sarah shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had just walked into the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Her heart fluttered. It had to be Jacob. She hoped it was Jacob.
She brushed hands over her blouse and smoothed her hair before opening the door. Her heart flip-flopped when Jacob smiled. “Happy Thanksgiving again. Got any pumpkin pie left?”
When Sarah blushed, Jacob’s eyes widened. A smile spread across his face. Before the evening was over, he kissed her. “I’ve wanted to do that for so long. Please tell me we can be more than friends. I’d do anything for you.”
Sarah nestled in his arms. “Kiss me again. Oh, and about that neon blue paint.”
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And I'm a sucker for romantic endings to heart-warming tales. So glad it was Jacob at the door. Hope this makes the EC list. Great job!