It was early December. Cold and very snowy. The perfect day to lay on the couch by the fire, have some tea, read a book, or make love. I was reading a book at the moment. I was lost in my own little world not aware that my evening was going to change for the better.
I was sitting on my couch with a hot cup of tea and a book, covered by a blanket when I heard a rustle outside of my apartment.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard a light tap on my patio window.
It was Jacob. He was holding what appeared to be a mug or something to that effect.
I went towards my front door and let him in. He had hurriedly rushed to beat me there with success. "Would you like to come in?" I asked. It was freezing outside.
He stepped through the doorway and I closed it behind him to seal in the warmth. Jacob lifted the empty coffee cup and asked me if he could borrow some sugar. He looked quite awkward.
I laughed happily, "Do people really ask that?", I nudged him on the arm, "Borrow sugar I mean. It just seemed like something that happens in movies."
"Or when even the seven-eleven is closed." he retorted with a mocking sneer.
I looked at him curiously, not making a move to take the cup.
"Are you ok?" I asked.
He squinted at me, maybe wondering if there was something in his appearance that betrayed his emotional state. I had picked up on whatever it was, using my extraordinary skills of observance. He laid the cup down on the nearby counter.
"Come in."
He asked me if I was sure and I told him that he was only saving me from watching another rerun of the Drew Carey Show. Once in my living room, I asked him to sit down.
He did. I found it interesting that he chose the spot that I usually sat in. He pushed the blanket to the side and I sat on the other side of the couch. I tucked one of my legs under the other as I faced him.
I asked him if he wanted to talk about whatever it is bothering him. I looked at him for a long moment and waited for an answer, settling into the cushions of the couch more comfortably. "Or not say anything, if you'd like.
He raised an eyebrow to me and looked over at a picture on the mantle. He walked over and picked it up. Jacob saw the two young girls in the picture with me and asked me if they were my daughters. I nodded.
He looked back at me and gave me a lopsided smile, "They are beautiful. I can see where they get their looks."