Rekindling the Flame

Chapter 1 : Visiting Grandpa

It was still early in the morning, but Jade was already up. She was looking for something to wear. It was the first time she was visiting her boyfriend Jack’s grandfather. They had been together for two years now.

Why wait so long ? Simply because they didn't live nearby, eventually, Jack moved back to his hometown for work, the place where his grandfather was his only remaining close relative.

His other siblings were far away both geographically and from his life.

" Damn, what am I going to wear ? "

As usual, it was a challenge for her. Jade was twenty-five, with long brown hair and piercing brown eyes, a rare and unique combination. She looked at herself in the mirror, trying on different outfits.

In the end, she opted for simple shorts and a cropped T-shirt that showed off her flat, toned stomach.

" Yeah, not bad... . "

She glanced up and realized thirty minutes had already passed. She went back into the bedroom.

" Jack, are you ready ? "

" Hmm... . "

The man, the same age as her, stirred in bed, the curtains were still drawn. His girlfriend's voice finally woke him up.

" Give me five minutes and I'll be ready. "

The fundamental difference between guys and girls. In less than three minutes, he was ready. A simple outfit, jeans and a T-shirt. A quick splash of water on his hair to make it look presentable, and he was all set. When he found Jade putting on heels, he paused for a moment.

" You're going out like that ? "

" What do you mean ? "

" Well, knowing my grandfather, he might find that provocative. He's an old-school guy. "

She rolled her eyes.

" So, are we going or... ? "

He sighed, too. Jade was pretty, and he was a little jealous. It was only natural to feel a bit of jealousy at times like that. It wasn't the first time she’d dressed that way, he just wanted to avoid an overreaction from his grandfather.

At the last moment, she slipped on a little jacket to cover her midriff, giving him a reassuring wink. It showed she knew how to pay attention to the little details and to his feelings.

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek... .

He didn't let her go, instead, he took her by the waist and pulled her close.

" You always know how to make me happy. "

Since the two places were close by, they decided to walk. Twenty minutes later, they arrived in front of a decent-sized house.

Unlike the apartment where they lived... the house looked much more appealing. Jade squeezed Jack’s hand tightly, smiling at him. He was feeling a slight twinge of stress. Since this was the one family member he actually wanted to see... yes, there was some anxiety.

DING-DONG !

He rang the bell, and soon the sound of footsteps could be heard.

" Yes ? Oh, Jack ! "

His grandfather was surprised to see him with a woman, and the feeling was mutual. The grandfather was much younger than Jade had imagined, likely just in his sixties. She had pictured someone closer to eighty.

" Grandpa ! This is Jade... my girlfriend. "

The young woman stepped forward with a big smile.

" Hello, I'm Jade ! "

" Oh, so you're the one... . It's a pleasure to meet you. Do come in... . "

Just from that first impression, it was clear his grandfather wasn't nearly as old-fashioned as Jack had led her to believe. It was probably just a matter of perspective. The couple walked in, and the old man suggested Jade take off her jacket for comfort.

" Oh, no thanks, I’m fine as I am... I’m actually a bit cold, she replied quickly, before adding. Anyway, I’m delighted to meet you. To be in your company. Jack has told me nothing but good things about you ! "

The grandfather, Alfred, paused for a moment at her words. He sensed that she was saying it mostly to please him.

" Well, if my old company is pleasant... then I’m already content. "

Despite a charming, slight smile, there was an air of loneliness about him. The years leave indelible marks. Jade was touched by this, so she took off her jacket.

" I apologize for refusing earlier. It’s actually quite warm in here. "

She had refused initially mostly to avoid revealing too much or appearing too provocative. Seeing that loneliness, however, she changed her mind and decided simply to be herself, which was, quite simply, the most respectful approach.

It was about showing that she was there with him not just to go through the motions but to bring him some happiness.

" Haha, make yourself at home. I’ll go get us something to drink. "

Alfred doesn't even glance at Jade or her outfit, which could be considered provocative, even though her midriff, partially exposed, is certainly eye-catching. Once they are out of the room, she leans toward Jack.

" See ? There was nothing to worry about... . He’s just happy to see you. Let’s just enjoy the moment. "

He places his hand over hers.

" You're right. I was afraid things might go wrong. I was afraid he wouldn't like you... my new family. "

Jack was truly torn. He would have been deeply hurt if his grandfather and his girlfriend hadn't gotten along. This first meeting was crucial, after all ! He exhales in relief.

His grandfather quickly returns with a tray and some filled cups. Everyone takes a cup and sips. Jack and Alfred chat casually about recent events in town and the grandson's future.

After about ten minutes, Jack stands up, needing to use the restroom. Left alone, Jade feels a bit nervous. The old man breaks the ice.

" So, you're Jade, is that right ? What do you do ? "

At his words, she settles more comfortably into the sofa, wanting to put herself completely at ease. Her long, exposed legs are a striking sight, though, out of politeness, no one comments on it.

" Well, sir, I'm a final-year student majoring in Modern Literature. I love classical literature and hope to make a career out of it, perhaps by teaching or working in a library. "

" Oh... an intelligent young woman. "

He nods, taking another sip from his cup.

" I do my best... . For now, aside from my studies, I do what I can to help Jack. To be a good girlfriend... . "

Alfred nodded once more.

" That’s good. You have to enjoy life while you’re young. My wife left me three years ago. Even though I’m still fit enough for some daily tasks, sometimes it’s hard. "

Jade clearly felt sad and sympathetic.

" I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Losing someone you love is always hard... . "

She wanted to say more, but the words escaped her. It wasn’t as if he were young and his loss merely an accident; his wife had been the love of his life. It was only natural to feel so lonely deep down, even if he didn’t show it.

Her expression shifted, becoming determined.

" I understand that you struggle with some of the daily chores. You know what ? If you don’t mind, I’d like to come and help you out from time to time. Whether it’s cleaning, grocery shopping, or cooking, anything at all ! "

Her tone grew more insistent at the end, though it remained warm.

The old man nearly jumped in surprise at this sudden offer.

" Oh no, you don’t have to do that... . It’s just little stuff. "

At that moment, he tried to stand up, but... .

CRACK !

His back had other ideas. He stopped dead in his tracks, frozen, before saying sheepishly.

" I think I’ll take you up on that offer. "

" I’m so glad you accepted! It’ll be a pleasure to come and help. And don’t worry, I don’t consider it a chore at all. "

Jade rose gracefully and helped the old man get fully to his feet.

" If the back pain keeps bothering you, I can show you a few stretching exercises next time I visit. You’ll see, it really loosens up the muscles. "

He offered a somewhat forced smile.

" Haha, thanks. It’s been so long since I exercised that it can only do me good, I suppose. Then again, I’m not young anymore. I don’t expect my body to be too cooperative. "

Despite a twinge of pain, he reaches out toward the tray to carry it back to the kitchen.

" No, no, I’ve got it ! "

But Jade rushes past him, not wanting him to move around too much. She leans forward, gathering up the tray and cups. She pauses for a moment.

In that position... .

Her nicely rounded backside was on full display, practically right in the grandfather's line of sight. It’s only now, in her haste, that she realizes it. A faint pink flush rises to her cheeks, which she immediately tries to hide.

She straightens up and turns around to find Alfred looking at her. He’d seen everything, that was certain, but... .

There was no lust in his eyes. His gaze simply said, « she looks pretty ». Jade was clearly reassured. Whatever he was thinking, he certainly didn't seem to be thinking anything bad about her. It was just a bit funny.

She carried the tray back to the kitchen, muttering to herself.

" God, what a ditz I am... . "

If she had wanted to come across as trashy, she’d certainly succeeded. She sighed.

" I hope that didn't ruin the good impression I made on him. He seemed surprised and flustered himself, though he hid it well. "

There was just a tiny hint of disappointment. She was very beautiful, yet even something like that hadn't really provoked a reaction from him. All women love being told they’re beautiful, whether through words or looks.

That was the contradictory nature of women, too.

She would undoubtedly have been repulsed if he’d looked at her with a predatory gaze, yet seeing nothing at all made her feel a little less confident in her beauty. It wasn't worth trying to figure out. It was just a minor, insignificant incident.

When she returned to the living room, Jack was back.

The couple didn't take long to head home after that. On the way, Jade explained that she had decided to help the old man out from time to time.

" That's a good idea... . Like you said, he seems pretty lonely. I'd like to come by more often too, but with work... . "

As the only one of the two with a job, he even had to work overtime to cover all their expenses. Jade had more free time around her classes, given that she did a lot of self-study.

" And did you notice ? He really wasn't grumpy or old-fashioned about my outfit. "

" Yeah, I guess I was being a bit cynical. I hadn't seen him in a long time, and I was dreading his reaction. "

She nodded. The grandfather had really made a good impression on her. He wasn't the type to make inappropriate comments at all. She moved closer to Jack and said tenderly,

" You know, I found the way you two were talking really touching. It made me realize how lonely he must be feeling. That’s also why I offered to help, not just to lend a hand, but to keep him company if possible. "

That was the second reason she wanted to help. Keeping a lonely person company was crucial for their mental well-being. Her boyfriend certainly wouldn't disagree with that.

" We haven't heard from him as much since Grandma passed away. Having a female presence around will surely help him feel better, like a real pick-me-up ! "

They had arrived at the apartment while they were talking. Jack inserted the key and opened the door. Jade stepped inside first, kicking off her shoes and tossing them into the corner.

" Exactly ! In my humble opinion, he needs to socialize a bit more and get out of the house. "

Jack changed out of his street clothes into something more casual. Jade was already wearing sweatpants and a loose-fitting T-shirt.

" With your boundless energy, I'm sure you'll be able to put a smile back on his face. "

" Oh my... . "

Her voice took on a seductive tone.

" How do you know I have boundless energy ? "

Their eyes met. It was Saturday... no work tomorrow, and no classes either. The two of them quickly slipped into the bedroom, knowing full well they wouldn't be coming out for quite a while.