Perfections
I glanced up from my laptop and stole a quick look at Jane, my roommate. She seemed so normal, almost too normal to be human. Aren't we supposed to be just surviving as mortals? Why is she effortlessly living life to the fullest?
Well, I'm Jessica, the first and only child of my parents. According to my mom, I'm a good person. The one thing I'm good at is stealing. It's a gift passed down from my grandma, Kay. I can just wish for something to be mine and phew! It becomes mine.
But I'm not heartless. I feel guilty when I steal from someone, and I often end up returning it after they must have cried and cried, and their tears broke my heart and caused me sleepless nights.
There's one thing I've kept though, a gift I stole from my first cousin. She never liked basketball, found it too tiring, and eventually gave up. So I took it from her.
Don't blame me, I wouldn't have if I had my own gift. I came into this world with nothing but this dubious ability.
Thankfully, my Mum taught me how to control it, and ever since I moved in with Jane, I haven't stolen anything.
"Jessica, which movie are you planning to watch?" Jane asked, setting her phone down on her reading table and snuggling up beside me on the bed.
"The Beekeeper," I replied, my voice filled with excitement. "It's really interesting, I think you'll enjoy it." I made more space for her by shifting towards the wall. Jane had this uncanny ability to influence my moods and reactions. It's like she had some kind of power and a pure spirit. I couldn't help but feel drawn to her, and there was nothing I could do about it.
"Is it a seasonal movie?" Jane asked, and I shook my head. "No, it's not. It's a standalone film."
After watching the movie together, Jane kissed me goodnight and turned to the other side of the bed. Within seconds, she was fast asleep.
Meanwhile, I couldn't seem to find any rest. I lay on my back, gazing up at the white ceiling and the flowery curtains, my mind filled with questions about who Jessica really is.
She's reserved and strong-willed, incredibly intelligent too. Even while working part-time as a copywriter, she manages to maintain a CGPA above 4.0, something only a few girls can achieve. On the other hand, I consider myself beautiful, with fair skin and an hourglass figure. I may have a bit more money than Jane, but that doesn't make a difference because there's a significant gap between us that money can't bridge.
While Jane spends most of her time engrossed in books and copywriting for clients with her smartphone, I prefer spending my time watching movies and chatting on social media with my laptop. We're both in our third year of college, but unlike Jane, I solely rely on allowances from my parents for financial support.
What amazed me was how Jane could handle so much and still live a normal life.
If it were me, I might have become a total weirdo or a nerd. But Jane, she plays games, socializes, makes friends, and even goes on dates. She's got it all figured out.
I didn't know when I fell asleep. When I woke in the morning , it was exactly 5 am. And there was Jane at her reading table, copywriting as usual.
I walked outside and felt the cool morning air. I decided to give Mum a call.
I dialed her number, and after just one ring, she picked up on the second.
"Good morning, my baby," her voice whispered through the phone, filling my heart with warmth. Just like Jane, Mum has a certain tranquility, although not as much.
After exchanging pleasantries, I started pouring out my frustrations to her. She could sense my mood over the phone, and I expressed my desire to have Jessica's calm demeanor, her intelligence, or maybe both.
After a long period of silence and listening, she finally spoke.
"Jessica, my dear, I understand how you feel. Trust me, things will get better if you follow my advice," she said, and my heart instantly calmed. My Mum always knows how to bring peace.
I'm sorry, Jane, but I have to do this. I thought to myself.
"Mum, go ahead. I'm all ears," I responded excitedly.
"Great. I want you to understand that you can't take anything away from Jane," Mum said, and I felt frozen for a few seconds.
"Why, Mum? Why do you say that?" I asked, feeling helpless.
“Because those are her abilities, and she's using them to their fullest. That's how she keeps them secure," she explained.
"But Mum, your reasons aren't enough. I don't get it. Are you saying there are things I can't take?" I asked, my voice trembling. I prayed for her to say no.
"Yes, my baby," she replied, and I found myself sitting stiffly on the black tiled pavement.
"Listen," she continued. "Someone's talent and gift can only be stolen if they're not using them. If they don't fully embrace their talents, then those talents don't define them. Instead, they become available to anyone who desperately needs them and is willing to use them. Do you understand?".
I tried to ask more questions, but no words came out.
"Jessica, are you still there?" she called out.
"I'm here, Mum," I replied.
"Now you know you can't steal Jessica's talent. But the good news is that you can develop your own," she said, and I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.
"How, mummy?" I asked desperately.
"When you come back for mid-term, we'll talk about it. For now, focus on your studies," Mum said, and I nodded like a five-year-old.
I always believe her.
I went back inside, and was greeted by the appetizing scent of fried potato and stew. I tip-toed into the kitchen and hugged Jane from behind, thanking her for the new me. She blinked and looked confused. She doesn't know.
I made a coffee and handed her a cup of it . “Thank you”. She said and knocked it back like a shot.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
"Wow, didn't know you needed it that much," I remarked, amused and astonished.
She grinned sheepishly, her eyes twinkling. "Sorry, I guess I was just really thirsty for anything—water, caffeine," she replied with mischief in her tone.
We both laughed, the unexpected moment added excitement to our morning. Sadly, I'm about to spoil it. It's either now or never.
"Um, Jane, I'm not the good person you thought I was," I said.
"Why say that? Jessica, are you okay?" she asked, turning to me with pity in her eyes.
I poured out my confession, revealing my jealousy and the intention to steal from her.
Instead of getting angry, she smiled and added another spice to the stew. I felt relieved.
"I never knew things like that could be stolen," she said.
"Well, I used to think so. But not anymore," I replied, throwing a piece of sliced onion into my mouth.
Jane made a disgusted face at me, and I grinned.
"I'll wash my mouth later," I said, feeling embarrassed.
"It's your business," she replied.
I stared at Jane for a while, this time with love, admiration, and the sincere desire to become like her someday - perfect and normal.
Awww... A very insightful read. I enjoyed every bit of it. Jane really seems like an easy and outgoing person.
Awww! I'm glad this was insightful to you, and that you enjoyed it.
Thank you so much for your time and support.
A story that makes use of the phrase character is not given or stolen it is developed. Thank u for sharing this great read.
Thank you dear for stopping by❤️🤗.
Yay! 🤗
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This was an interesting read, you write so well. I look forward to more from you.
This protagonist's ability to steal gifts is a strange quality. Perhaps a little development of this dubious gift would help to understand the complex feelings present in the story.