Chapter 35
It was said that "absence made the heart grow fonder". Although it was only occasional phone calls and a few messages, the ambiguous feeling of longing for each other was better than being glued to each other all the time. Not only did Frederick's business trip not widen the distance between them, but it also seemed to make their hearts get closer.
Since Alicia could go home to accompany her mother after work every day, it was as if she had returned to the past when she was single. Alicia, who was busy working and living her simple life, was happy every day.
One day, her company distributed some freebies to the employees. They were household goods such as cooking oil and detergent. Therefore, Alicia took them back home.
"Why are you here again?" Mrs. Blanchard asked. As soon as she saw Alicia entering the door with a suitcase, Mrs. Blanchard's heart tightened.
"Mom, am I your biological daughter? Why do you dislike me so much?" Alicia asked.
Following Mrs. Blanchard's gaze on the suitcase, Alicia smiled and explained.
"I didn't run away from home. Didn't I tell you? Frederick went to Washington for a business trip. I have nothing to do when I am alone at home. Thus, I came to accompany you! I think the matters that he's dealing with are a little tricky. Therefore, it will take a longer time than expected. You know Washington is very far away, it's not easy to go there!"
As she unpacked the suitcase, she said, "These are some freebies from the company. A colleague who lives in the dormitory saw that it was inconvenient for me to carry them. Hence, he lent this suitcase to me! I took part in an event and won an extra bottle of cooking oil—"
"Although I do miss you, if you really have to stay here every day, I will certainly cry!" Mrs. Blanchard replied. She raised her hand and helped Alicia fix her hair while helping to keep away the stuff.
"You are married. It's not like before. You can't just let your temper decide what to do!" Mrs. Blanchard advised.
"Mom, I know. Don't worry! Hurry up, hurry up. There are still a lot of things! We don't need to buy the daily necessities this month!"
Alicia urged while stuffing them into Mrs. Blanchard's arms. She felt warm in her heart.
After keeping the cooking oil, Mrs. Blanchard put the last few boxes of detergent powder aside.
She said with a little hesitation, "Ally, these look quite high-end. It's not good to keep them all here, isn't it? Take some back to your house and use them! No matter if it's useful or not, it's my token of appreciation!"
Mrs. Blanchard was very clear about the gap between the two families. After all, she used to have all kinds of high-end products. She didn't even look at the common brands on the market. In fact, she also knew that the Clements family might not have kept an eye on these things at all. How could a family like the Clements family use such a cooking oil that was generally sold in the supermarket? But, toiletries were not for eating, and they were with nice packings. Thus, they were not so shabby relatively.
Because of this gap, Alicia and Frederick did not have a wedding, any formalities, or ceremony. However, she did not ask for anything. It wasn't because she wanted to compromise, but she knew that they were no match for each other. Alicia only had her to rely on, and they were not familiar with the place here. They did not have the capital to compete with the Clements family. Instead of
asking for materialistic items, it was better to let nature take its course. If Alicia and Frederick could develop feelings and go on well, it would be better than anything! ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
This was especially when the two of them got married because of a pregnancy that didn't even exist. It made Mrs. Blanchard have a trace of worry at all times. Subconsciously, she also wanted the relationship between them to not be mixed with money and benefits, and that it was more simple and pure.
Of course, Alicia understood all of this. After thinking for a while, she nodded and said, "I'll ask Grandma then!"
Alicia couldn't gauge the relationship between Frederick and his family. But after all, he was not around, and Aunt Clements was not his biological mother. The only person she could get close to was Mrs. Clements.