Widow's Christmas

CHAPTER 3

TARA

"Now Tara, I know Theodore can be grumpy sometimes, but he's also a good man," Mother said, trying to persuade me into calling that asshole back.

"I'm sure he was slightly rude to you."

"Slightly?" I squinted my eyes at her. Did she call that slightly?

"Mom, it's more than that. That man is the most annoying human being I've ever seen!" I sparked, stunning her with my outburst.

"Calm down Tara, Goodness! I've never seen you this mad before." She drew closer to pacify me.

"I know what I'm saying. Theodore has been in this town for years. He can be grumpy and rude but not to the point of making someone explode. I'm surprised he made you this mad."

I was fuming at this. I couldn't even control my mood.

Mom is used to his nonsense since she has known him for years, but that doesn't mean I'll allow someone like that to work in this house.

My main problem is the fact that he's the only plumber in Green Hills. I've asked Mom if he ate the other plumbers to be the only one standing, and she frowned at me.

"It's a family gift passed down to him. Even if there's another plumber here in Green Hills, he can't top Theodore. He's a pro," She praised, adding to my worry.

"Tara please, just put this anger aside and think about our home. Do you want to head down to the neighbors to get some water again? I saw how upset you were this morning. You didn't like it one bit."

Of course I didn't. It felt weird visiting the neighbors to fetch some buckets. They were even staring at me weirdly and asked if I'll come back in the evening for another round.

"No, I don't want to go back there," I shivered, lowering my head.

"Then do what is right and let us live in peace," She begged, cupping my face.

Having no choice, I swallowed my pride and decided to go and get Theodore. I got his address from my mother in-law and went out to see that rude man.

I would have called but I didn't want my line to be in that man's hand. I even asked mother to call and she said it was my duty, since I'm the one who has the problem with Theodore.

So, I made my way to his place.

On getting to his house, I met the plumber sitting outside and cleaning off dirts from his tools. When he saw me... "Ho! Looks like my timing was right," He mocked, chuckling.

I glared at him and said, sliding both hands into the pockets of my sweater, "I need to get my pipes running."

"What happened to your mojo? Did the cold neutralize it?" He joked, making fun of me.

I was slowly losing it but still... Still, I held back my temper!

"Can I expect you at my place before evening?"

"I don't know about that," He groaned while rising to his feet. He looked at me and said, "Who knows what would happen when I bring in my frustration. Maybe this time we won't be fixing pipes only but the house itself." He scoffed, walking to the door.

Provoked, I asked, stopping him on his track, " What the hell is wrong with you? What's your problem with me?! "

"I should be asking you that question, City girl. You're the one who has been keeping your eyes on me like I'm a criminal," He accused, glowering at me.

Hearing him call me City girl, I assumed what the main problem was. "Oh, I see, you're jealous. You've never been to the city before. You don't have what it takes to leave this town that's why any city folks you lay your eyes on becomes a problem to you. Isn't that right?"

"Classic, you all share the same stupid ideas," He chuckled, crossing his arms.

"I've been to the city before and it's not a place for me."

"Because your type doesn't belong there?"

"Because the place is filled with craps like yourself," He insulted, making me angry.

"If anyone offers me a job there, I rather choke than take it," He smirked, feeling proud.

Again, I could feel that heat. I felt like exploding but didn't have the right words to use.

Unable to control my rage, I gave Theodore the middle finger and sparked, " f**k you!"

He saluted, leaning against the wall.

"I made a mistake coming down here to meet a lousy man like yourself. We don't need your service. In fact, I'm going to find a better plumber that can do your job!"

"Here in Green Hills? Good luck finding one. In fact..." He took out his phone and placed a timer. "I give you just forty eight hours to return here. I'm sure you'll eat your words, Ma'am," He bragged, spiking my hatred for him even more.

Furiously, I left Theodore's place and came back home.

Without my mother in-law's knowledge, I took our car into town and bought some pipes and other tools, before heading home.

When I pulled up in front of the house, mother saw the things and assumed I had called Theodore.

"When is he coming?" She asked, coming to help me with the pipes.

"Never."

"Huh?" She uttered, looking at me confusingly.

"We don't need that man. Besides, I'm sure fixing the pipes myself won't be hard. It should be easy," I said, facing my mother in-law while carrying the pipes on my shoulder.

She had fear written all over her face.

I groaned at her reaction and assured her of a good result. "I'm serious. We'll have the taps running with water in no time."

"Are you crazy?! I thought you went to call Theodore! What even happened between over there?!"

"Forget that man and help me out here. We have a lot of work to do," I said, heading into the house to begin my work.

Mother, who followed me from behind, showed her disapproval to this idea, believing I'm being too childish over a small issue.

"This is not your work, Tara. Call Theodore now!"

"Mom!" I called, almost snapping out. "I can do it, okay? I've... I've seen Fred work on the pipes back in the city, so..." My heart ached when I thought about my late husband.

My mother in-law stared at me with concern, making me feel upset with myself.

"Just let me do my work, please." I held the pipes and went inside, clenching to it.

She didn't come after me but allowed me to do what I wanted. I began my work with the frozen pipes and took them out carefully

When it was time to fix, I began to experience a lot of fails which almost frustrated me out of my skin.

But I don't plan on giving up yet. I know I can fix it if I stay focus.

"Forty eight hours, that's the time I have to show that man I don't need his service. He'll lose his pride when he sees the result." I ran my hand across my head, cleaning the sweat that rolled down my face.

"I won't crawl back to Theodore for help. Never."