Don't Look Back

Chapter 18 - Sylvia

January 2019
Boston, MA, USA

For the past two weeks, Ian and I have explored everything. Our minds with in-depth discussions about every topic under the sun. Our bodies with curious lips and gentle hands. Our hearts with glorious stories of exciting fantasy adventures and alternate universes, illustrated by Ian's drawings.

We've also explored Boston for the first time in over eight years. Ian's taken me to see every landmark under the sun, from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Old State House. Every night I go back home with Ian, but he respects my faith and my personal space, offering me Helena's room to sleep.

But that doesn't mean I don't let myself dream!

As Ian cooks breakfast in the kitchen, I steal glances at his toned and wiry forearms. Especially when he perfectly flips the omelet, fried in the leftover bacon fat.

My heart flutters. Gosh, that takes skill! And it smells amazing!

"Where would you like to go today, my muse?" asks Ian while I set the table. "Last chance before you return to Germany."

"I was wondering if we could visit somewhere very important to us..." I pause. "Well, at least to me."

Ian turns to me with that intense stare. "Anywhere you want."

"What about the Museum of Science?"

It's a risk. That's where we began our three-year tale of college romance, but it might bring up as many bad memories for him as good ones.

His lips part. It takes a moment before Ian replies, "Yes, that museum holds a very special place in my heart as well."

"What do you think about repeating what we did that day?" I ask, hoping my words don't give away my little surprise. "A walk through Public Garden? A tour of MIT with the bookstore, of course?"

"Of course," he says with a smile. "Is it even a tour if we don't go there?"

I pour a couple of cups of coffee. "And then stop off at the Museum of Science?"

While he dishes up his deliciously cheesy omelets with a side of bacon and toast, Ian says, "That's a fantastic idea."

As though nature is conspiring to help me, we have glorious weather just like we did back in the late spring of 2007. Albeit a bit colder because it's winter. It's hard to believe it was almost twelve years ago. The whole experience feels like deja vu in the best possible way.

When we enter the campus bookstore, I make a beeline for the language and literature section while Ian focuses on the natural sciences and math.

"Find anything interesting?" he asks about half an hour later.

"Yeah, there's this interesting book that will help me with my thesis."

"Allow me?" he asks, holding out his hand.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, it would be my honor to help in what little way I can."

"You help," I say, handing over the book. "More than you realize."

Once Ian hands it to me, I thank him and pop it into my backpack before we walk to the Museum of Science. My heart thuds against my ribs. Not sure if Ian will like what I have planned, with him being rather conservative and all.

Here goes nothing!

After we get our tickets, Ian turns to me and says, "I think we should go visit our little friend."

My jaw drops. "Holy crap! He's still here?"

"Pretty sure he's a permanent exhibit."

Grasping his hand, I race with him to the Robot Park exhibit. Sure enough, there he is, dancing in circles as though he's excited to see us again.