Less Than Perfect Circumstance Read Online Free PDF Page A

did seeme d to stifle the infinite sound  not the pillows covering my ears, not my escape to the living room, since the ch irping only seemed to follow. I felt sleepless. I sat on the living room floo r, in front of the sofa with my legs crossed Indian sty le. Only one thing could lull m e to sleep  not the annoying chirps, not the senseless late night television programs.
    I can’t seem to let him go , I thought. I reached for my cell phone and dial ed a number. With each ring, my heart po unded in anticipation. Our conver sations had cha nged. There was usually a name, a different voice or two in the background, and sometimes our conversations ended too soon because Kelvin was always on his way out the door. Tonight I hoped none of those interruptions were present.
    “Hey . I wanted to give you a call before heading to bed.” I greeted . “How are you?”
    “That’s cool! Is everything ok?”
    Kelvin’s voice echoed in excitement.
    “Yes, everything is fine. I just had a long day. I had several offsite meetings, each one lasting longer than they needed to.  I have a few more meetings tomorrow mornin g. ” I explained.“What’s good with you?”
    “I’m trying to stay busy, and work is definitely making sure that happens.” 
    When I first met Kelvin, we seemed inseparable. People say you often find love when you least expected it, and that’s what happened. After my last relationship, I vowed not t o fall for anyone else because I fell too easily, and then when the relationship ended, it seemed I was always the last to know. I had gotten so good at ignoring the signs. Of course, what we pl an is not often what happens. I had given up on dating .
    During the day, I concentrated on work, and at night I buried myself in a good book that provided the escape I needed. My self-imposed imprisonment had gotten to the point where invites ca me less frequent from fri ends  from anyone. I simply wasn’t interested, and after awhile, this became apparent to everyone. I was fine being by m yself, or at least, I had convinced myself I was. Ever yone else seemed bothered by my decision to spend my nights isolated from the rest of the world.
    “I have an early flight tomorrow,” Kelvin continued. “I’m heading to New York for a two- day conference. Dr. and Ms. Randolph Gerhard are the keynote speakers. ”
    Although he enjoyed his days in the office, Kelvin looked forward to these escapes. He wa s great at networking and seemed to connect with those he me t on one level or another. At 29 , Kelvin was a successful Research Executive for a major pharmaceutical company. He was heading to New York for a conference on Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
    “You’ve always admired Dr. Gerhard and respected his research on ADHD. I am sure you’re excited about this trip”
    “Man, all smiles since I met with my supervisor. I can hardly contain myself at work.”
    A few weeks ago, Kelvin wasn’t so sure he would be selected to represent the company on this trip. As usual, I tried to assure him he was a shoe-in, but it was obvious Kelvin didn’t want to hang his hopes too high and watch it come crashing down in his face.
    I had realized Kelvin’s happiness was my happiness. I loved the excitement in Kelvin’s voice, which seems to triple when talking about his career. With a hint of fatigue in his voice and knowledge of his early morning travels, though I was reluctant to cut our conversation short, I didn’t want to be selfish.
    “I love you ,” I said, and attempted to think m y self to sleep.
    ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
    Music was one of my many simple pleasures. I didn’t write it, could n’t carry a tune if you paid me , so mostly, I just listened. Kelvin was full of surprises, and on my 25 th birthday, that’s exactly what he did. That high-priced sound system that I turn on blast, belting the latest Mariah Carey or classic Aretha, came from him.
    I remember walking into the house and hearing