Down the road of memories

Saw the mistakes of up and down

Noah POV

Despite the wonderful evening and night Elle and I had last night, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach this morning.  My mom had told me Thursday morning before leaving for Colorado that Mike, Linda, and Brad would all be there to see Elle on Sunday at noon.  They were going to stay at the beach house all week so our traditional Flynn-Evans lunch was going to be here today with the whole gang there.  

I hadn't seen Mike much since my breakup with Elle maybe 2-3 times during the 4th of July party while I was on a little jaunt to LA.  

Flashback 4th of July, 2 years after the breakup

The Flynn's 4th of July celebration is always a big event.  With my breakup with Elle, I practically avoided LA for 1 year for fear of seeing her again while the pain was still present ... too much present!  But despite everything, I didn't have the heart to miss coming to celebrate this holiday with my family.  

Elle wasn't there yet this year, having gone to Europe.  This morning, I discovered photos on social media of her with friends in a nightclub in Paris.  What an adventure she was living!  It always hurt me a little to see her bright smile when she was so far away from me.  But, I was grateful for this way that allowed me to stay on top of her life, at least partially.  

Seeing Mike and Brad without her, made me realize her absence a little more.  I played a little volleyball and football with Brad hoping that maybe he would tell his sister a little about me!  Was she still thinking of me?  Did she suffer as much from the breakup as I did?  Would she agree to see me again, to talk to me? Lots of unanswered questions. 

What was my surprise when, before the meal, Mike spoke: 
- Everyone, I have an announcement to make!  It's not my style to start news like that, but I'm really excited and the person concerned isn't there to do it herself.  I spoke to Elle yesterday and she has been admitted to medical school at Johns Hopkins University.  So, my little girl is going to be a doctor!

I don't know how I felt at that moment!  Surprise, pride, sadness, loneliness... But most of all, I felt empty.  After the general concussion and congratulations given to Mike for Elle, I went into the house to clear my mind.  I ran into Mike on my way down the stairs, dressed to ride my motorcycle. 
- Noah, would you like to give me a few minutes before you go?

I didn't want the conversation that was going to follow at all, but I followed Mike anyway.  
- Could you pass on my congratulations to Elle on her admission to medical school?  This is really great news!  
- Thank you, I think it's pretty obvious that I'm really proud of my daughter!  

I dodged a smile but I'm sure Mike noticed that smile was superficial.  
- Noah, I've never been able to go over with you about what happened 2 years ago.  I was quite baffled that you came to me at the beginning of the summer when you came back from Harvard to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage only to finally break up with her and leave her behind.  
- Mr. Evans...
- I know this hasn't been easy for you, Noah.  I know your mom is worried about you.  But, I wanted to tell you that I am grateful to you for making this sacrifice for my daughter.  She probably wouldn't be admitted to medicine today if you were still together.  I believe that by doing this, you allowed her to become herself.