The Book of Jane by Anne Dayton Page A

“Maybe you should.”
    I take a deep breath. Please, God, don’t let me punch my mother.
    â€œI lost my job, Mom. So waiting until I get married to quit it seems a little ridiculous now.”
    I watch as her face registers shock, surprise, and, finally, delight.
    â€œBut that’s perfect! Does Ty know?”
    I close my eyes and place my fingers on my temples. I can’t even begin to deal with the fact that my own mother is delighted that I just lost my dream job.
    â€œNo, Mom. I—” I take a deep breath. “I love Ty. I miss him more than you could ever know. But it’s just not going to work. He dumped me, and he’s moving on, and there’s nothing I can do about it.” I start to cry. “I lost my job, but I’m going to get another. I love working; I love doing something to make a difference in the world.”
    â€œBut honey, your job wasn’t really about making—”
    â€œI am proud of my work,” I cut her off. “And I was just starting to be able to do what I really wanted with the charity work. And a magazine printed a lie about me and Matt Sherwin, and I had to take the blame.” She nods, taking it all in.
    â€œSo that’s what it was,” she says, looking at me. “I wondered.”
    â€œAre you okay?” Dad asks, sitting down at the table.
    â€œI’m fine. I just…need some time to think.”
    â€œHoney,” Mom says, taking a sip of coffee. “Take some time. You deserve it. But why don’t you give Ty a call?” She looks at me sweetly.
    â€œMom, I can’t,” I sigh. They don’t get it. I know she’s trying to help, but I didn’t come here for advice; I came because I needed someone to take my side. I came here because moms are supposed to protect you and defend you against the world.
    â€œOf course you can. Ty loves you,” she says, placing her cup down precisely.
    â€œYou’re acting like this is all my fault,” I say, sitting up straight. I look at one, then the other, and they’re both shaking their heads.
    â€œSweetheart, that’s not what we’re saying,” Dad says and then glares at my mom. She ignores him and looks at me, pursing her lips. I wait, but she doesn’t say anything.
    I nod, then stand up and walk to the stairs to gather my things. I don’t need this. I’ll take the first train out of here.
    Â 
    I trudge up the stairs to my apartment building slowly, closing my umbrella and shaking off the water. I’m so glad it’s pouring. I couldn’t deal with the world being sunny and beautiful while I am so miserable. I spent the whole train ride thinking about what they said. Is it all my fault? Is this whole thing one big mistake? What is God trying to teach me in all this? All I know is that I couldn’t stay there any longer. I know they loved Ty, and they were disappointed, and they’ll come around, but I can’t stand to sit and be judged until then.
    After I drop off my bag, I’ll head to the animal hospital to pick up Charlie. It’s just a short walk from here, and maybe on the way I can even find him a Welcome Home from the Hospital toy. I think about how good it will be to see him. At least he still loves me.
    But at the top of the stairs I stop and sniff the air. It smells weird up here. Damp. Like mildew. I’ll have to contact the building manager about that. It feels damp too.
    I put my key in my lock and push the door open. Why…what? Why is there water all over the floor? Is that some kind of trash? My couch? My couch is all wet. What happened? I look down. I’m standing in an inch of water. The entire floor is covered with debris. And there, in the middle, is Elvis. The giant statue is lying on its side on my living room floor, his stupid mouth still open in a ridiculous grin. But how did Elvis get—oh no. I look up slowly.
    The skylight is gone, the broken pieces