Romanticismo Per Caso ❤

Packing (Elias POV)

Tomorrow was the day for my my flight to Sweden. Glancing around my house, I noticed scattered items in every corner. The only clear space was a small sliver of a kitchen counter. I had already reached out to a few people about my upcoming journey, but I have yet to call Nils.

Hovering my finger over the "call now" button, I hesitated for a moment. Then, closing my eyes, I pressed it arbitrarily. After a minute of the call dialing out, I was greeted by an automated voicemail prompt robotically asking, "Would you like to leave a message?"

I sighed and dialed his number once again. Despite the probability that he was intentionally avoiding my calls, I persisted. He's aware of my annoyance; sooner or later, he will cave.

"What's up, Elias? I mean seriously?" He exhaled in anger.

"Well good morning to you," I replied, checking the time on my clock. It was just around noon, giving me plenty of time to prepare myself for my flight tomorrow.

"Cut the crap," He curtly ordered.

"Nils, don't be so rude. I was just calling to tell you that I'm leaving for Sweden tomorrow," I responded, holding my phone between my shoulder and my ear as I sealed one of my boxes and placed it by the front door.

"Wait what? Why?" His tone carried curiosity, yet I could tell that he lacked true concern.

"Well, I was fired from Offredi's, and I think it would be better if I spent some time in Sweden." I took a breath, grabbed my phone with my hand and looked at the 5 other boxes. Glancing at these boxes, I realized I needed to move them to the front door. My gaze also shifted to my computer that was open. I was in a conversation with a woman about renting a place in Sweden. She agreed almost instantaneously to my generous offer.

"Is this because of that woman at Offredi's?" Nils laughed. "No, wait, how do you even know about her?" My eyebrows furrowed in suspicion. 

"Dad talks, mom talks. Anyways, I don't care, but still, thanks for telling me. Is that all?" He seemed annoyed by my news.

"I mean yes that is all but-" The call abruptly ended before I could finish my sentence. It was typical of him to push me away. I wondered how he treated his friends. If he treated everyone like this, it wouldn't be surprising if people started distancing themselves from him. He was really entitled.

In frustration, I put my phone on the counter and closed my open computer. I needed to visit the post office today about shipping my items over to my new house in Sweden. I didn't know what I was going to do about my current home, but I really just needed to escape this environment.

Part of me was thankful that I got fired, because it helped me move on from Lorena. Another part of me told me that her absence was destroying me.

In the past, I had always managed to move forward when hardships struck. For instance, when I found out my college girlfriend was using me. I didn't let it deter me, because to be honest, I didn't trust her one bit. But, Lorena, she left like a scar that couldn't be removed.

I felt trapped in a tormenting cycle of longing and despair, unsure of how to untangle myself from the trap of memories that bound me to her. I don't know how I was going to move on from her.

As I prepared to leave, I gathered the last of the boxes, wincing in pain as I felt the strain in my arms from a recent arm workout I had. When I stepped outside, I noticed the unexpected brightness of the day. In the sky the sun stubbornly broke the the clouds which casted a glow over anything that reflected it. I noticed my bright car, which was parked in a goofy manner. However, I shrugged it off, my mind consumed with what I needed to get done. 

As I neared the post office, my surroundings displayed before me.  Each sight triggered memories that I couldn't shake.  It was this whole city.  Offredi's, Two River Gardens, and that one ferris wheel that stood by the docks.  However, Two River Gardens stood out to me the most.

I couldn't help but reminisce about our first kiss, the spark that ignited between us.  At that moment, I knew I was falling hard for her.  Even now, part of me clings to the idea that I love her.  Even if she broke me.

Continuing to drive, I forced my thoughts away from Lorena and focused instead on my father's company.  I pondered what would happen if he found out I'd exposed his scandals to Mr. and Mrs. Offredi.  He would be furious, unleashing his anger upon me without a second thought.  He would most likely fire me on the exact spot, sever all ties, leaving me searching for another job.  My father was such a rude person.

For one fleeting moment, I thought about the idea of resigning from the company altogether and letting Nils inherit the company eventually.  But I hadn't mustered the courage to take that leap just yet. 

Regaining my consciousness, I found a single parking space in the parking lot of the post office. I rapidly locked my car, rushing into the building. The contrast between the tranquil atmosphere of the post office and the chaos of the city outside struck me as an odd paradox.  

"Hello, sir, I can take you up here," a tall older man ordered, waving me over as I approached the counter with my phone in hand. 

"Hello, I was wondering how long it would take to ship around 6 boxes to Sweden from here?" I inquired.  

"It depends on the size of the boxes also if it's premium or standard delivery." He reached over for a calculator awaiting my response.  

"Premium," I said then cleared my scratchy throat.  I gave him the dimensions of the boxes, explaining that they were in my car, while he punched numbers into his calculator.  His scrutiny felt almost judgmental as he peered at the result.

"Um, that would be around $300," he informed me, looking at me with an eyebrow raised. It was more than I had anticipated, but I reluctantly agreed to the offer.  My bank account could handle it. 

"Okay, $300," I finally said with a sigh.  I dug into my deep pockets for my wallet and grabbed my credit card.  As my credit card accepted my transaction, he gave me a smile.  "I will go grab the boxes," I told him. 

In a matter of 10 minutes, we managed to get the boxes inside, and I was finally able to leave.  On the way home, the rush of moving weighed heavily on my shoulders.  I despised the chaos that came with packing up and relocating, but I knew I would adapt to the change, hopefully.

Back at home, I spent the rest of my day packing the rest of my essentials into my suitcase that I would take with me on the plane.  I carefully noted which items that I could and could not bring with me on the plane, making sure everything was in order.  By the time the clock struck 10:30, I was ready to slumber. 

I sent a message to my mother and brother, informing them of my departure time once again.  However, the silence that followed spoke volumes, reminding me once again of the isolation I would face. 

Though I had uncertainty, a glimmer of hope flickered within me.  It was going to be okay, I told myself.  I laid myself down in bed, trying to get comfortable.  Making every ounce of resolve I could muster, I took a few deep breaths and delivered silent pep talks to myself, willing strength into my weary bones.  I closed my eyes and tried to drift into an uneasy sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring both trials and triumphs in equal measure. 

I glimpsed seeing Sweden and the environment that I missed dearly, the opportunities that could appear, and the new beginning.  I dreaded the prospect of confronting the ghosts of my past.  They would hopefully not haunt me anymore.