Chapter 4

Colette woke up early the next morning. Someone was busy in the kitchen when she entered the dining room. James was making breakfast in an apron. Sophie spooned him from behind. Not only did he not flinch, but he would occasionally flash her a doting smile. Their intimacy brought Colette back to a point in time. In the past, they had a lot of maids at home. James was often busy at work and wouldn't be back the entire night. The maids, slacking off, would bully her and not give her enough to eat. After James found out about that, he fired all the maids and learned to cook all three meals for Colette. Alas, Colette could love him no more. If being with Sophie brought him happiness, Colette would give them her blessings. She quietly looked away and wandered over to the calendar. Sophie, who showed up without warning, noticed the calendar and blurted out, "What's the countdown calendar for? And why are there only seven pages?" James turned around and saw the calendar. Colette, rather fazed by their attention, made up an excuse, "I found this calendar when I was hanging out with my friends that day. I got it because it looked quite interesting." James did not question the poorly made excuse. Instead, he brought up another topic. "I'm going on a date with Sophie today." He described it as it was and anticipated protests from Colette, but she only nodded at him. "Have fun, then." He felt oddly frustrated when she did not react the way he expected to when he should have felt happy for her agreeable attitude. The mood instantly tanked. Sophie spoke at that time, "Colette, since you're free, why don't you join us?" Colette was surprised at the invitation. It took her a while to wrap her head around it, but she finally shook her head. "I have something going on today. I will meet with my friends as a farewell, so I'll have to pass." Weeks before college started, Colette's friends expressed their anticipation of college life during their gathering. She was the only one who silently sat in the corner. After all, she only had five days left before her soul departed. She had no future. Someone inched closer to Colette upon noticing her silence. "Hey, Lettie, I thought you had a crush on your 'Uncle James'? Why don't you make him your boyfriend before the school holiday ends?" "Right, Lettie! A girl who shoots her shot stands a better chance than guys who do the same! Don't be shy; it's not like you're related to him in any way. Just go for it!" The girls stirred in excitement at the mention of Colette's crush. They wouldn't stop giving her ideas, with some as bold as to suggest that she sleep with James. Colette shook her head. "No. I will not have a crush on him anymore. I can't." The gathering was a short one. She formally said her farewells to each of the girls when it was time to leave. "Candace, congrats for getting into your dream college. I'm sure you will have a bright future ahead of you." "Sylvie, you get sick easily, and you always forget to take your breakfast. You should remember to take care of yourself." "Emma, Susie, I'll miss you all." She hugged everyone with a serious look that tickled them. "Lettie, you're being too serious like this is the last time we'll meet! Don't worry. We won't forget you, even if we attend other schools." After the farewell, the other girls left one after another. Colette was the last to leave. Watching her friends leave made her sad, as she knew they would never meet again. "Goodbye, my dear friends." … James was already home when Colette got back from the gathering. She found him seated on the couch with a long face. She looked around but did not see Sophie. "Where's Sophie?" "She's on a business trip." Colette did not give his answer much thought. Nodding, she was about to leave when he stopped her with a bunch of stuff in his arms. "Hey, stand there! What's up with this urn and the linen shroud?"