The Library Of Edinburgh

Chapter Two - Departing

Norwich, England

The day after Eleanor received the call and the confirmation for her interview was different than the other days. By now she would be doing what she does every morning, she would be getting ready to get to the Children's Center on time and to do her daily reading for the kids. However, today was not like most days, in fact, the rest of her week would be quite different than the usual. 

She was now sure that she had a chance, even if it was the slimmest of them, to get a job she knew she would love. The thought of being able to run a historical library in a romantic city like Edinburgh made her mind flutter with wonderful thoughts. The anxiety she held in trying to balance reality and her dreams and not wanting to mess it up was increasing by the minute. She could barely contain herself but she knew that if she didn't kept it inside, she would might end up tarnishing her desired result.

Eleanor was getting ready and preparing herself for the long car drive she had in front of her, the luggage and the essentials were already packed up, waiting for her by the front door. As she was dressing her long coat and staring at mirror to check her outfit, the memories of yesterday's fight with her parents invaded yet again her mind.

"I got an interview in Edinburgh mom, it's not like I'm moving there! Can you stop dramatizing everything!?" Eleanor asked from her bedroom door, hoping to not escalate her situation any further.

"No you are not moving there YET! What if you get the job, huh? Are you going to leave us here? Is that what you want? You want to get away from me and your dad!?" Teresa, Eleanor's mom, screamed from the other end of the staircase.

"Why did you send your curriculum in the first place Eleanor? I don't quite understand your motives, you knew the job was in Edinburgh." Her father, Henry, didn't even try to show his discontent and obvious disapproval of Eleanor's decision.

"Listen, I like books and libraries, it's not like I'm applying to a super awful job, it's a quiet and calm occupation. Plus, they pay well! I'm not going because I want to be away from you guys, why is that even a problem??" Eleanor protested as she tried to manage the conversion between the two of them.

"You haven't done anything with your life except reading for some kids at the center and you're telling us you're going to move across the country!?" Teresa criticized with an accusing tone, crossing her arms with a smirk when she realized she had made a good point, touching Eleanor's weakness. Eleanor was a natural introverted, which helped shaping her shy and 'under the radar' type of personality. It was, in fact, out of character for Eleanor to want to be away from home for long periods of time, but where did that got her? Not very far, maybe far enough down the street opposite to her home, but not across the country.

Eleanor remembered what Nicole said, that woman always had great advice. Her friend's words echoed in her mind and she, once again, questioned herself. How does she expect to live a great story if she's scared of turning the first page? Her decision had to be made now, even if that meant failing and come back home with a big Loser sticker on her forehead, at least she tried.

For it is better to live something once than wonder about it a thousand times. 

"Excuse me? I might even not get the job but at least I tried. And even if I DO get the job, what's the big deal? Scotland is a few hours away, not across the bloody globe!" Eleanor refuted, trying her hardest not to lose her composure while simultaneously seeking to make her parents understand her position and support her decision. The last thing she wanted was to have their disapproval and end up moving across the country in the middle of a family feud with them. 

"For fuck's sake Eleanor, you're not a bloody doctor, they don't need you there! It's not like the job is important anyways. Let some random girl take it and don't bother." Her father remarked coldly.

It was useless for Elle to try and to convince two brick walls to understand and support her. She wasn't asking for money or help for the trip, bloody hell she wasn't even asking for them drop her off or anything! All she was asking for was support from her parents. 'Maybe it's too much to ask' she thought.  She had given up on the idea of trying to make them agree, she got quiet and went back to her room, packing her stuff in the suitcase and making sure nothing she would need was missing.

Eventually, the argument ended up dying down by it's own since she was no longer paying attention to the rude remarks her parents made. It was crystal clear for Eleanor that her parents disapproved and didn't support the decision she had made. Their position on the matter was undeniable and their help could not be counted on if something went wrong. 

After realizing the devastating lack of support from her parents side, Eleanor had decided to text Nicole and update her on the recent events, her friend reassured her and told her that she would be contactable at all times in case she needed her help or just someone to talk to. 

Eleanor took one last glance at her already packed suitcase and went to sleep, dreaming about the charming city of Edinburgh and the vast possibilities and experiences this journey could bring her.

Teresa and Henry went early to work, like they did every other day. Eleanor checked the fridge to see if there was any message for her, a goodbye or a safe travels note, but she found nothing. Her heart sunk for a little bit as she felt the loneliness of her decision, the withdrawal of the love and the affection that her parents started to show as soon as she revealed the news to them.

It was clear that they did not wish to have her away from them but until when was she willing to go just to make them happy? Up to when was it acceptable for her to renounce her dreams to please them? Did her dreams and aspirations depended heavily on her parents geographical location? Eleanor had not the answers for the questions her mind threw at her and she probably didn't want them either. She had everything she needed for the trip, a car, money, warm clothing and the interview as her goal. The trip was already planned out and she was going to use the Google Maps directions as a guideline for her traveling. Eleanor told herself time and time again that if physical barriers weren't going to stop her than she was damn sure mental ones wouldn't either.

Focusing back on her preparation for the trip, she gave a one last look around her, making sure she haven't forgot anything, and steeped out of the house, safely locking the doors on her way out.

She quickly opened the trunk of her small white Fiat and placed her suitcases inside. Eleanor had packed two suitcases for the trip, more than enough outfit changes for two weeks. Her hopes were up and she deeply wanted to make her dreams a reality, therefor she decided to pack extra clothing in case she was accepted and needed to stay there for a longer period of time.

She got in the car and turned it on, mentally preparing herself for the journey ahead of her. 'This is it, it's coming to reality', she thought with a reassured smile as she drove away from home and into unknown lands.

Author's Note

Hello lovely readers! This book will be fast updated, I have wrote chapters ahead of time and I will be updating almost everyday!

Please comment and vote and don't forget to place this story in your library so it will be easily accessible to you. 

I wish you a wonderful reading session <3