Metanoia: A Sequel

Chapter 12: Soul Cleansing and "Lona" Chaos

Rory informed Rob of the whole situation, purposely leaving out personal details on some parts. "I just don't know what I should do," she finished.

"You know, an attractive youngster like you would have no problem finding lots of other fish in the sea," Rob admitted, his Southern accent peeking through. "He's not everything you've got."

"I still feel betrayed, though, like I received a punch in the stomach. The emotional pain lingering afterwards is intense."

"I feel ya," he replied, winking. "Antoinetta and I had trouble too. She was my girlfriend back in the ol' days. I thought that we would spend eternity with each other. When you're soaked completely with love, you are primed into thinking that everything will go right with your significant other. But sometimes, that ain't gonna work out. She hurt me. My mama would spend hours trying to revive me, but Antoinetta took a piece of me away when she left me for someone."

Rory was partially relieved. She had someone who had also gone through the same phase.

"But you know, you recover! I found a new girl, someone who I knew I was going to be with. Delilah and I married two decades ago, and we are happily together. And I know you're going to experience the same delightful ending as well. So don't settle."

Rob clasped his hands as soon as he hit the brakes at the intersection. He turned a little in his seat to face Rory. "So, ya think that was a bit of a soul cleansing, as they call it?"

"Yes. Thank you, Rob."

"You are very welcome."

They stayed in silence for the rest of the drive to Logan's condominium. Before Rory forked over the couple of dollars as the taxi fee, she sighed. "You know, I should really get to know you more. Talking with you made me feel like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders. Thanks, Rob."

"It's no problem," he sincerely replied.

Rory, before her departure of the taxi cab, handed over the money, but Rob pushed it back. "No need. That's the least of your problems now."

Rory began to speak. "But Rob...you deserve it. Anyway, it's no trouble giving you what you are entitled to."

Rob was stubborn and insistent. "No, keep it. I ask that you do."

Rory reluctantly put the few dollars back in her purse. "Are you sure?"

"Positively sure," Rob replied brightly. "Go on now, see your friend." He waved her off.

Rory felt a wave of comfort wash over her because of her consultation with Rob and his friendliness. She hopped off excitedly, though still bummed deep inside her because Ashton wasn't the boyfriend she had envisioned him to be who loved her and only her.

She slipped inside the condominium building, passing through the same lobby. Francine wasn't inside because her shift at Conrad Café wasn't over yet. Another assistant with an identical outfit, however, offered her a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Rory was tempted to accept it because hot chocolate was heaven in freezing Chicago. But she couldn't stop now. She had to see Logan. She politely declined.