Too Perfect
“Do you know what bothers me? That you have money!”
“Bothers you?!”
“Yes!”
Adeline said nothing, she just turned on her heels and walked away. She was deeply offended but saw no point in arguing.
Adeline was used to achieving everything on her own. In school, she always aimed for top grades, surprising both teachers and classmates, sometimes shedding tears over less-than-perfect marks. Her peers would shake their heads in disbelief, secretly envying her “lesser” achievements. Teachers sighed and reminded her that mistakes happen, but Adeline needed her success immediately, not later.
Upon returning home from school, Adeline hit the books immediately, much to her mom’s and grandmother’s astonishment.
“Go on, have a walk, dear! The weather is lovely,” her grandmother would suggest.
“There’s a test tomorrow, I need to prepare,” Adeline replied, tossing her braid over her shoulder as she dove back into her studies. She also adored reading books.
“You’ll ruin your eyesight!” her mother worried. “You shouldn’t spend so much time with your nose in books!”
“Just a little longer, please! It’s so fascinating,” Adeline pleaded, clutching the book she’d been engrossed in.
Her mom would shake her head and head to the kitchen. There, she and her grandmother would chat about the bright future awaiting their girl.
“As long as it’s not at the expense of her health!” her grandmother would invariably add. “God willing…”
Naturally, Adeline graduated with honors and a scholarship to a prestigious university, acing her studies there too.
Finding a job wasn’t necessary; offers came in as soon as she completed her degree. She even had her pick among two options, choosing the one closer to home.
With her perseverance and dedication, work went exceptionally well. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, and she was frequently rewarded and promoted. Soon, Adeline bought herself an apartment and moved out.
“Oh, my dear granddaughter,” sighed her grandmother, “I get it, you’re an adult and want your own space… but we’ll miss you!”
“Don’t worry, Granny! I’ll visit often; after all, we’re in the same city,” Adeline reassured her, embracing her warmly.
“If you find yourself a suitor, make sure you bring him over,” her grandmother said, tears in her eyes but with a smile. “You’re a catch, and they’ll try to take advantage. But I’ve got an eye for these things.”
“You worry too much, Granny. I can spot them too.”
“Oh, I spotted a noteworthy someone once,” her grandmother grumbled, glancing meaningfully at Adeline’s mom, Claire, who protested:
“Mum, will you ever let that go?”
Claire didn’t like to mention her past love story, the whirlwind romance she’d had, leading to Adeline. She’d kept her relationship a secret from her mother, only to be deceived. Her love ended up in serious trouble, thinking he’d be forgiven, which he wasn’t. Claire decided to have Adeline and never regretted it. Her mother helped with everything…
Despite her grandmother’s cautions, Adeline hadn’t introduced her family to Tom, whom she liked very much. She didn’t need anything from him, which, in turn, was what drew Tom to Adeline. A bright, confident young woman, independent and self-reliant. Recently, Tom ended a tumultuous relationship with someone completely unlike Adeline. Stars seemed to align for them.
Tom was a free-spirited artist, still finding his path. Adeline found his romantic nature a breath of fresh air in her structured life. Tom showered her with flowers and gifts, often spending his last pennies. His income was unstable; commissions would come and go. Yet, Tom’s talent was undeniable, and Adeline became his muse. He painted her portraits that sold well, although occasionally he hit creative slumps. Adeline often encouraged him, insisting he was talented but needed more determination for a successful life. He’d joke that all he needed was her, Adeline… and they’d find themselves in the bedroom.
Tom frequently stayed at Adeline’s place, his own studio apartment crowded with canvases and paints, the sagging old sofa he’d sometimes sleep on crammed into the kitchen.
Living together was never proposed by Adeline, nor was it insisted upon by Tom. She didn’t demand marriage, family, or expensive gifts as his former girlfriend did. Why should she? Adeline could buy herself whatever she wanted.
Adeline often covered both their expenses for dinners, outings, and more, forgiving Tom’s frequent “broke phases,” all while suggesting solutions. She tried to boost his art sales and sometimes found him job opportunities alongside painting. But Tom resisted change, often finding faulting with either the pay or schedule. He’d smirk and proclaim himself a free bird. Adeline relentlessly supported him regardless.
Despite everything, Adeline was content with Tom. No grievances were held. His company brought her peace.
But abruptly, during a leisurely walk filled with chatter about weather and art, topics Tom enjoyed, he suddenly declared they should part ways. Adeline was thunderstruck. They rested on a bench as she reeled from the shock. She’d planned a nice dinner for their return to her place, but found herself blindsided…
Tom mumbled something about her being too good for him and unable to offer her anything substantial, mentioning his unstable finances. Adeline was self-sufficient, making her decisions, wanting for nothing, and, yes, financially secure.
“It bothers me! You understand? Bothers me!” Tom argued. “You choose how to spend your money, can buy anything, while I count pennies. I’ve seen your expression with my gifts. You’re gracious, saying thank you. But what takes me months, you can get instantly with just a card. And yes, everything you have is top-notch! Just one of your bags costs me three months’ work.”
“So, my success bothers you?!” Adeline was flabbergasted. “How could you even say such a thing? You, of all people, know how much effort goes into it! I was never judgmental or demanding…”
Tom fell silent, turned away from her.
Adeline merely stood and walked away. Why argue? Instead of trying to rise to her level, he chose to give up. He could’ve shared his feelings, they might’ve figured something out together. But no. He decided to leave. The money annoyed him! Then go earn it! You’ve got the brains, talent, skills… work, create! No? Fine. Let him be. He’s a free spirit…
Adeline was furious with Tom. Granny was right after all—many just look to benefit from others, then lay blame.
***
“So, when will we meet this fiancé of yours?” her grandmother inquired during Adeline’s visit.
“There isn’t one, Granny…” replied Adeline somberly.
“What do you mean? That can’t be right.”
“It can. Perhaps I’m just meant to live alone—like they say, with forty cats,” Adeline jested.
“Don’t fret, dear. You’re still young!” her mom chimed in. “You just need to find your equal.”
“Maybe I do. But honestly, I don’t want to. I’ve realized I can manage everything on my own, why would I want any extra burden? To get my nerves worked up?”
Despite feeling downcast, Adeline eventually found love again. A driven young man who matched her ambition loved her and she loved him back.
They understood each other nearly telepathically, united in their fervor for achieving goals. Together, they shared plans and triumphs.
Adeline came across Tom in passing one day. He was sketching a girl on a bustling street, surrounded by other artists. At first, she didn’t recognize him. Tom appeared worn, slightly haggard. But he spotted her instantly, averting his gaze almost as if they’d never met.
As she sauntered by in her new shoes—the kind Tom once joked cost two months’ wages—Adeline thought, each to their own. Clearly, he was content on his level. No higher ambitions. As the saying goes, better a bird in the hand than two in the bush…
