The Unexpected Mate

Chapter 4 : A Plus One

Cupcakes were the only thing that managed to shut up the endless trap of words. Elinor internally patted herself for spending the ten dollars for dessert!

The sweet smell of cupcakes actually made the Seattle traffic bearable. Elinor took a shortcut route back home and conveniently stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few more snacks and goodies for Ginny.

Elinor had stopped indulging in snacks a long time ago, mainly because it went over her monthly budget sometimes and her savings were always good. But when her cousin was there to visit, she wasn't going to skimp on such things. A little over the budget was absolutely fine.

She stuffed the bag in the backseat and drove home. Ginny finished the cupcakes and sipped some water from her tumbler. She sighed and started building bridges of praise for her cousin's sister.

"I am so jealous of you, Eli. You get to stay in a house of your own, without anyone nagging you to do this and that. You pay your bills. Independent and well off. When can I be as cool as you?" Ginny sounded genuinely impressed by Elinor's life.

Kids tend to think adults have a good life when, in reality, it's often a struggle for most people.

Elinor herself never thought her life was good. With a minimum wage and overtime every day, she couldn't wait to quit this job and do something else to pay off those bills hanging over her head like swords every month.

"You will have a much better life, Ginny. Work hard in school and get into a better college. Don't forget to learn what you like and consult your elders. Don't end up in a fix like me..." She whispered the last sentence so the imagination Ginny had in her mind wouldn't shatter.

They reached the apartment building within a few minutes. Elinor picked up Ginny's bag from the trunk and handed the bag to Ginny and they made their way upstairs.

Ruskin was scratching his butt and yawing when Elinor took Ginny home. The cat was startled upon seeing another human in the house. It jumped up on the sofa, got its butt up in the air and started screeching.

"Ruskin, this is Ginny. Ginny, you know Ruskin, don't you?" Elinor introduced the two.

Since they were going to live together, it was essential to get along. Elinor really did not like the idea of sending Ginny back with scratch marks and bad memories of a cat pooping on her every day.

Ginny was not a stranger to Ruskin. The ginger cat often made special background noise when they talked on the phone or made a guest appearance when they were on face time. Excited to see the cat again, Ginny went over to pick it up. But to her surprise, the ginger cat lifted it's butt, wagged his tail and hopped over the couch to get as far away from her as possible.

Pouting that the cat had not come towards her, Ginny was sad for a while.

"That's just how Ruskin is. Don't worry. It refuses to cuddle me sometimes too," Elinor tried to justify her spoiled cat's behaviour, "You started it just now, so maybe Ruskin is holding a grudge. Usually it has a good temperament....."

The matter of being ignored by the cat was soon forgotten when Elinor asked what she would like for lunch. It was still early, so Elinor wanted to make something delicious for her cousin after a long flight.

"Anything is fine with me!" Ginny said from the couch. Elinor rolled her sleeves and went into the kitchen to make something good. It was a regular Friday, which meant Elinor still had work.

Last night she had sent an email for leave along with her finished documents to the director. She did not receive a reply from him last night and her inbox was still empty this morning. Elinor did not think much of it and treated the day as her day off after a long time.

The kitchen in the apartment had been reduced to a decorative corner, since actual cooking was done only on weekends and sometimes Elinor was too tired to cook on the weekends and hence, take out was the only option.

The kitchen was so clean that Elinor was embarrassed upon entering. Shaking off the feeling of hardship, Elinor took a packet of chicken from the freezer to thaw and chopped some vegetables to make a comforting stew. Once the prep was done, she went out to check on Ginny.

Ginny was watching a show on the television and Ruskin was peeking at the screen from behind the couch. Elinor thought it was funny because that ginger cat rarely showed interest in TV shows. She made a little note to ask Ginny about the show later.

Elinor sat on the couch next to Ginny to take a small break from cooking. Before she could take a deep breath, Ginny pointed at Elinor's phone.

"Your phone keeps ringing. I didn't answer but they kept texting. Maybe it's something urgent," Ginny said.

"Oh," Elinor's heart was tired. She was 99% sure it was someone from the office calling to ask whether she would make it to work or not.

Or maybe they were lacking in labour. At this age, after a couple of years of experience of working in such a place, Elinor's biggest fear was this. Nothing else could scare her more.

However, to Elinor's shock, the missed call wasn't from an office staff member, nor were the texts. The call was from none other than her college friend Gia, who invited them camping during the weekend.

Elinor had completely forgotten about the trip! It wasn't her intention to forget, but work was hectic and Ginny's unexpected arrival messed up everything. Now it was almost time and Elinor wasn't prepared.

However, even if she was prepared, Elinor had to cancel plans by her side. Ginny was there, which meant she had to stay the weekend at home with her. Leaving for camp as soon as her cousin came to meet her sounded like something an a-hole would do.

Gia sent some private text messages and some in the group as well. First, Elinor checked the group messages...

Gia : Everyone is ready, right? I will be picking up all of you from your address!

Freedom fighter Ross : Yup. Packed and ready. Text me when you get here.

Leon : replying to @Gia Ready! Ready! I am confused about shoes! Which one is better? *Picture* *picture*

Freedom fighter Ross : replying to @Leon. Are you crazy? Why is white even an option?? Black ofc!

Gia : What about Elinor?

Leon : It's still a work day Gia. She must be at work.

Freedom fighter Ross : Yes. Try calling her at lunch time.

It seemed like they took a holiday from work to get packed and ready for the camping weekend.

Elinor felt a familiar stabbing pain in her heart. She was known for her overtime and no holidays allowed attitude now?

She left the group chat and opened a private chat with Gia. Gia had sent her a few messages after the call wasn't answered.

Gia : Did you pack for the weekend? I will pick you up by 8pm?

Gia : Call me when you have time off from work.

Elinor : I am so sorry for not answering. I was a bit busy.

Gia immediately replied : No worries! Just confirming about the camp! :)

Elinor felt guilty as she typed out that she wasn't going to join them.

Elinor : Umm, actually my cousin's sister Ginny is here to visit me for two weeks. She arrived today and I don't feel good about leaving her alone to go on a trip.... I may have to cancel.

There was a long pause. Gia saw the message and started typing. Elinor picked up her phone and went to the kitchen to check on the chicken. It had thawed so she wore a pair of disposable gloves and cut them into pieces. Making a stew was the easiest. She followed the recipe and covered the pot with a lid and let it cook.

After washing her hands, Elinor saw a few replies from Gia.

Gia : I understand your situation.

After sending this message, there was a five-minute pause and another message was sent.

Gia : Bring your cousin with you then. I know you rarely get a break from work and I want all of us to enjoy this weekend. So get your cousin to join us. It will be fun!

Elinor was surprised. She bit her lips and typed.

Elinor : I am not sure if that's a good idea? What will Leon and Ross think?

Gia : I asked them and they are fine with it! Just ask your cousin about it and let me know asap so I can make arrangements! Quick!

Elinor went back to the couch and looked at Ginny with keen eyes. The feeling of being stared at was very strong. Ginny tilted her head to the side and raised her lips in a smile.

"What?"

"My friends from college have planned a camping trip in the woods for this weekend. They invited me. I told them you are here to visit me so they asked if you wanted to tag along as well," Elinor said all in one breath.

Elinor had no idea what her heart wanted. She did not want to put Ginny in a situation where she had to do something against her wishes and neither did she want to say no to her friends. Gia was right. Elinor rarely ever had chances like this.

Ginny's eyes lit up like light bulbs. She threw away the remote, which coincidentally landed right where Ruskin was hiding, successfully scaring the ginger cat once again. The cat made a loud screeching noise and went to its bed to be safe from the dangers of humans.

But the humans in the house did not pay attention to the cat. Ginny's excitement was written on her face so well that even an uneducated person would be able to read it.

"Of course I want to go!!" Ginny squealed and threw herself on Elinor, "You are the best!"

Elinor was relieved to know that Ginny was happy. She texted Gia to let her know.

Elinor : Ginny agreed to go... Sorry for the inconveniences with last minute change of plans.

Gia : It's fine! The more the merrier! I'll arrange for one more set of sleeping bags! You have to share the tent though. I can't get my hands on another tent at such a short notice....

Elinor did not mind it. She said it was more than fine. They discussed the timing and said goodbye.

"Let's have lunch quickly and pack our stuff," Elinor announced. The ginger cat made a sound in the background to make its presence known. Elinor blinked, remembering that she still had a cat to take care of.

After eating a hearty lunch, the ginger cat was brushed nicely. A small bag was stuffed with its food and toys for the weekend and sent to the nearby pet store.

"Thank you so much for your help, Ruth!" Elinor expressed her deepest gratitude to the pet shop owner.

Every time Elinor had to spend her weekends working at the office or go on an office trip, she would send Ruskin to Ruth to take care of her. Ruth had become a good friend over the years after taking care of Ruskin ever so often.

Elinor had a rising suspicion that Ruskin was so hostile towards her sometimes because of how often she left it there. But circumstances forced her to do that.

After leaving her cat at the pet shop, she came back and started packing for the weekend with Ginny.