Too Perfect
“Do you understand? It annoys me that you have money!”
“Annoys?!”
“Yes!”
Adeline didn’t reply. She just turned on her heels and walked away. She was deeply upset, but there was nothing she could do. And why should she?
Adeline was used to achieving everything in life on her own. In school, she always aimed for straight A’s, which often surprised both her teachers and classmates. She was one of those who would cry over a B. Her peers would roll their eyes and secretly envy her B grades. They would have been thrilled to have them. Teachers would sigh and tell her not to obsess, that mistakes happened, and she could get an A next time. But Adeline needed it immediately. Right now.
As soon as she got home from school, she would dive into her homework, while her mom and grandma watched in amazement.
“Go out, Adeline! The weather’s nice,” grandma would say.
“There’s a test tomorrow. I need to study,” she’d reply.
Tossing her lovely hair over her shoulder, she’d grab her books. Adeline also loved reading.
“You’ll ruin your eyesight! We’ve told you not to sit so long with books!” mom worried.
“Just a bit more! It’s really interesting,” Adeline would plead, hugging the book she was devouring.
Mom would shake her head and go to the kitchen. There, she and grandma would discuss the bright future awaiting their girl.
“As long as it doesn’t hurt her health!” grandma would add. “God willing…”
Naturally, Adeline graduated with top honors. She was accepted into a prestigious university, passing a tough competition. She excelled there too.
She didn’t even need to look for a job. Offers came as soon as she defended her thesis. Adeline had to choose between two positions. She picked the one closer to home.
With her dedication and perseverance, she excelled at work. Her efforts were recognized, rewarded, and her salary increased. Soon, Adeline bought an apartment and moved out from her mom and grandma’s home.
“Oh, granddaughter,” grandma sighed, “You’re grown up now, wanting to live on your own, I understand… But we’ll miss you so much!”
“Don’t worry, grandma! I’ll visit often. We’re still in the same city, not miles away,” Adeline reassured her with a hug.
“If you find a suitor, make sure you bring him over,” grandma smiled through tears. “You’re a catch with your own money. Don’t let anyone take advantage. I can spot those sorts from a mile.”
“Oh, grandma, I’m no fool. I’ll see through them myself.”
“Have a look at one,” grandma frowned, giving Adeline’s mom, Olivia, a meaningful glance, who protested:
“Mom, really! Will you remind me forever?!”
Olivia wasn’t keen on talking about Adeline’s father, a man she once lost her head over, only to be deceived by him. She hid her relationship from her mother, was fooled, and he turned out to be not what he seemed. He even ended up in prison. From there, he reached out to Olivia, thinking she still loved him and would forgive. But she did not. She chose to have Adeline, a decision she never regretted. Her mother helped raise her…
Despite grandma’s advice, Adeline was in no hurry to introduce Edgar to her family. She simply liked him. Needed nothing from him, which was precisely what drew Edgar to her. A smart, beautiful woman who knew what she wanted, paid her way, and was entirely independent. Edgar, who had just split from his last girlfriend—a stark contrast to Adeline—was drawn to her. The stars aligned.
Edgar was a free spirit, still “finding himself.” Adeline’s practicality missed a bit of romanticism in life, which Edgar provided. He was romantic. He gave flowers and gifts, often spending his last penny. He was always short on cash. Orders sometimes came, sometimes not. But Edgar was clearly talented. Adeline inspired him. He painted her portraits, which sold well, though at times he lost inspiration and spiraled into a slump, producing nothing. Adeline often urged him not to procrastinate. He lacked only perseverance for success, as he had the talent. He’d always joke back that all he needed was her, Adeline. And then they’d head to the bedroom…
Edgar often stayed over at Adeline’s. His tiny flat served as his studio, cluttered with canvases and paints. A small, worn sofa sat in the kitchen where Edgar occasionally slept.
Adeline never suggested they live together, nor did he push for it. She didn’t control him, didn’t demand marriage, dream of family or children, or request lavish gifts unlike his former girlfriend. She could buy whatever she wanted herself.
Adeline often paid not only for herself but also for Edgar: romantic dinners, trips, and other activities, forgiving him his recurring “broke phases” while always offering solutions. She tried to help Edgar improve his art sales and get more commissions. Sometimes, she offered him jobs where he could earn money without giving up painting. But Edgar dismissed her suggestions, citing dissatisfaction with earnings or schedules. With a bittersweet smile, he’d say he was a free bird, apparently meant to stay that way. Adeline disagreed and tried supporting her beloved.
Nevertheless, Edgar suited her perfectly. She made no demands and felt content with him. Only with Edgar did she truly relax.
But one day, during a stroll after idle chatter about weather and cultural events Edgar usually kept up with, he stunned her by saying they should break up. Adeline was shocked. They sat on a bench. She had mentally planned their dinner, prepared food and drinks. After the walk, they’d head for her place. Nothing hinted at such a turn…
Edgar clumsily explained she was too good for him, he had yet to achieve anything significant, his finances were unstable, and he had nothing to offer. Adeline was so cool and self-sufficient. Solving her problems, she was independent and had money.
“And it annoys me! You understand, annoys! You decide how to spend it, indulge in whatever. You can buy anything you want, while I count pennies. I see your expression receiving my gifts. You’re polite, say thanks, but what I saved for over months, you could buy now, just by pulling out a card from your purse. And yes, everything you have is so expensive! One purse of yours costs me three months’ work.”
“So my wealth bothers you?!” Adeline was astonished. “How can you say that? You, of all people, know how hard I earn this money! I work very hard for it. And you reproach me for my earnings? I never criticized or mocked you, never forced you…”
Edgar remained silent, turned away.
Adeline simply stood up and walked off. Why talk any further? Instead of trying to reach her level, he quit. He could have shared his feelings, and together they’d find a way forward. But no. He chose a breakup. The money bothers him! What stops you from earning? You have the mind, the talent, the skills, work, create! But no! Fine. Let him live on his terms. He wants his freedom…
Adeline was furious with Edgar. Grandma was right; people out there want to live off others, then blame them for it.
***
“Why haven’t you introduced us to your fiancé?” grandma asked during another visit from Adeline.
“There’s no fiancé, grandma…” her granddaughter replied sadly.
“What do you mean, no fiancé? Impossible.”
“Possibly. Looks like I’ll be on my own. How do they say, with forty cats,” Adeline smiled.
“Don’t worry, dear, you’ve got time!” mom encouraged. “You just need to find your equal.”
“Maybe I do. But I don’t feel like it. I realized I can do everything myself. Why take on extra burden? Stress myself out?”
Despite her bleak mood, Adeline eventually found love again. A goal-driven young man loved and was loved by her in return.
They understood each other effortlessly, being quite alike. With relentless effort, they steadily pursued their goals together. They shared plans and celebrated achievements.
Once, Adeline spotted Edgar on the street. He was painting a girl, sitting with an easel on the boulevard. Other artists sat nearby, painting from life. She barely recognized him. Edgar seemed worn and slightly haggard. He noticed her instantly, quickly glanced away as if they were strangers.
Walking by in new shoes, which Edgar once commented cost two of his salaries, Adeline thought that everyone has their place. He was evidently content at his level. He had no intentions of rising. As they say, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush…
