When I Left, He Found His Way Back-Chapter 23: Going shopping

Jessica POV.

Hilda lived in a neighborhood plagued by building congestion and noise pollution.

The narrow streets were lined with towering buildings, their proximity to each other creating distress for someone like me who isn’t used to such suffocating places.

The endless sounds of car horns blaring, people shouting, and the relentless chatter from the street food vendors and hawkers nearby made it difficult to find peace.

I stood there, becoming an eye candy for almost everyone walking by. Was it that they’d never seen a beautiful lady looking downcast, or was their interest in me all about my dressing?

My mind busied itself with anything and everything, except thinking about what Maddie did to me. To be fair, I willed it to stop thinking about my adopted family. Explaining to Hilda while crying again, soliciting pity was the last thing I wanted to do. Hilda had her own problems too, adding to her hefty troubles wouldn’t be considerate.

By the time I finished taking in my surroundings and thinking about whatnot, my foul mood had subsided - I was finally ready to face anyone with a smile.

I walked along a street, leading up a small hill, leaving the bustling city behind. With each step, the noise and chaos gradually faded, replaced by an increasingly peaceful atmosphere.

As I climbed higher, the sounds of car horns and chatter grew distant, giving way to the gentle rustle of leaves and the warmth of the sun.

Finally, I arrived at Hilda’s home, nestled among the crowded buildings. Her residence was a four-story structure, sandwiched between other tall buildings, with barely an alleyway to separate them.

The proximity of the buildings seemed to squeeze out any remaining space, yet Hilda’s home offered tranquility amidst the congestion. Climbing up the fleet of twirling stairs that was, I arrived at the third floor and knocked on Hilda’s door.

I didn’t inform her I was coming, but I hoped she was home. She doesn’t go to work or the university on Sundays.

My knuckles rammed against the door again, and this time, I heard Hilda’s voice, asking who it was while making her way closer.

Opening the door, she was startled to see me. "Jessica? What are you –" she began, but stopped herself at the last minute.

A warm smile spread across her face as she opened the door wide. "Please, come in."

"Thank you," I replied, taking off my shoes and stepping inside.

Her room was dim, curtains were drawn and the lights were turned off. It was a cozy sanctuary, filled with the comforting scent of books and the soft glow of lamplight. The cluttered space felt welcoming.

She pushed apart the curtains, letting the morning sun bless the room with her light. Hilda’s one room self-contained room was painted a soothing gray, a bookshelf to one side, wardrobe to another, and a shoe rack to complement.

Although her shoes were only three, they looked clean and well maintained.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Hilda asked, closing the door behind her.

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Just water, please."

Hilda nodded, heading to the kitchenette in the corner of the room. As I waited, my gaze fell upon the university textbooks and notes scattered across the desk.

"You’re studying hard, I see." I said, taking a seat on the couch.

Hilda returned with a glass of water and handed it to me. "I have to," she replied, sitting beside me. "Otherwise, all my suffering will be in vain."

With a long, awkward pause, she asked, "So... what brings you here?"

Avoiding her gaze, I took a sip of the water as I collected my thoughts. "I was going shopping and decided to stop by and see if your room had changed," I said with a grin.

Hilda chuckled, shaking her head. "You’re a case."

She stretched out her hand, gesturing to the room. "As you can see, only the wall painting and bookshelf changed - because of the volume of books.

"A few other things have changed too," she added with a smile. "My shoe rack, for one. And maybe a few more clothes in the wardrobe.

"And the kitchen," she said, her eyes sparkling. "I had it renovated. You know how much I love kitchens."

I glanced around the room, taking in the familiar yet updated space. Hilda’s warmth and hospitality made it feel like home - I’ve always felt at home with her.

My head bobbed up and down. "That sounds like an awesome achievement. I’m proud of you."

I gave her a thumbs up, and she giggled even louder, her head falling back in amusement.

"You know that’s a bully statement, coming from you," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. It was moments like these that I cherished, surrounded by Hilda’s infectious laughter and easy friendship.

"Bully?" I asked, feigning innocence. "Me?"

Hilda’s grin widened. "Yes, you. Always pushing me to be my best self."

Her words caught me off guard, filling me with a sense of gratitude and affection for our friendship.

"As a woman, don’t you think you need more girly things?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "I’ve always told you not to make me your role model," I winked.

This time, she couldn’t hold herself back. Her laughter reverberated through the room, contagious and joyful.

"Role model? You? Hahahaha! Don’t kill me, Jessica," she gasped between giggles.

I grinned, pleased to have elicited such a strong reaction. "Hey, I’m a great role model," I protested, laughing along with her.

Hilda wiped tears from her eyes. "Of course. You’re one of a kind, Jess. No one can emulate your... uniqueness."

"I’ve changed, I’m no longer that old Jessica, trust me," I said with a smirk.

Hilda raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh? You’ve changed from the Jessica that would rather wear one shoe for a whole month?"

She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Or the Jessica who doesn’t like luxury?"

Her gaze swept over my outfit, and I could sense her skepticism. "I’m very sure this outfit stings your skin right now, and you don’t want anything but to get out of it for something more... casual."

I grinned, my eyes twinkling. "You know me too well, Hilda."

"Hmm, I’m not convinced," Hilda teased. "Prove it. Let’s see how long you last in those heels."

Our laughter intertwined, filling the room with warmth and friendship.

"Hahahaha...Alright, you win. Now, get up, let’s hit the shopping mall. We’re going on a shopping spree."

Hilda lifted an eyebrow, her expression incredulous. "You and who? I’m not going anywhere with you. I need my rest. Yesterday was hectic, and tomorrow doesn’t promise me anything better."

I pouted, feigning disappointment. "Aww, come on! It’ll be fun, I promise."

Hilda shook her head, a hint of a smile on her lips. "You know I’m not buying that. Besides, what’s with the sudden urge to shop? You hate shopping."

I shrugged, grinning mischievously. "I’m turning over a new leaf. Luxury Jessica is born."

She looked at me with a sneer. "Tell me something else. I’m sure you hate your wardrobe and want something more casual, which is why you’re going for a shopping spree. Now, that’s what I’d believe."

I smiled cheekily. "And...I need bras too."

Hilda’s eyes widened in surprise. She threw her hands up in the air, "Praise the Lord! Jessica is finally wearing a bra!"

"Stop it!" I laughed hard at her drama, holding my sides. "Your neighbors will hear you."

She rolled her eyes and put down her hands. "Finally, you’ve admitted it. Your wardrobe is a disaster." she changed the topic.

I chuckled, feeling a bit defensive. "Hey, my wardrobe isn’t that bad."

Hilda raised an eyebrow. "Really? When was the last time you bought a new bra?"

Oh, she didn’t.

I hesitated, and Hilda’s grin grew wider.

"Exactly," she said triumphantly. "You need this shopping spree more than anyone I know. Get up, I’m coming with you. I’ll personally select the best bras in the mall."

With a sigh, I stood up. "Fine, but don’t expect me to try on a million bras."

Hilda clapped her hands together. "Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it." She grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement, and from that I knew a million bras would be tried on.

Shortly after, Hilda and I left the apartment to head to the Mall. As we walked, the warm sun cast a gentle glow over our conversation.

"Hey, how’s life with your adopted mother and Maddie?" Hilda asked with a gentle tone.

I shrugged, feeling a familiar mix of emotions. "Same old, same old."

Hilda nodded sympathetically. "Any improvements?"

I hesitated, unsure how to articulate the complexities. The feelings I’d tried so hard to bury finally came crushing down on me. "I think something’s wrong with my adopted family, Hilda."

"How so?"

I explained everything to her and she frowned, a deep line etched on her face.

"Do you think what I’m thinking?"

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