Swiping (Mr.) Right

2: New Beginnings

After our argument last night, I didn't waste time packing the rest of my belongings into boxes and plastic bins. Xavier wasn't kicking me out today, but I didn't think I would survive living here any longer. It was evident that we needed a complete break to move on after the demise of our two-year relationship.

Luckily, my best friend from back home, Shannon, and her husband, Ian, were available on short notice to help me move today. Ian was going to drive the small U-Haul I rented while Shannon and I followed in our cars.

Xavier sat at the kitchen table, watching me pile my belongings by the door. This morning, when he came out of the bedroom, he tried apologizing, but I didn't want to hear anything from him. Our two-year relationship meant nothing to him if he was so quickly willing to throw it away after I was unemployed for a month.

A knock came at the door, and I opened it to reveal Shannon and Ian in the hallway. Shannon's bright red hair gleamed in the afternoon light as she squealed and hugged me tightly. She practically shoved me backward as Ian politely greeted me before entering.

Her rambling was cut short when she spotted Xavier at the table and gave him a middle finger as a greeting. Xavier's nostrils flared, and I quickly ushered my friends to my belongings piled at the door.

Since I wasn't taking any furniture, it didn't take long for the three of us to pack my life into the U-haul. Ian offered to stand by while I gave back my key, but I declined, not wanting anyone to witness the finality of my longest relationship.

Dread filled my stomach as I approached my now former home. Xavier was sitting on the couch when I entered the apartment, looking remorseful. He said nothing as I placed my key on the coffee table before him, and I choked back tears. Two years, and he had nothing to say. I swallowed the lump in my throat and grabbed my purse, mentally preparing myself for the two-hour trip back to my parents.

"Abby," Xavier choked out as I opened the door. I looked at him over my shoulder, not moving an inch. "I'm sorry about all of this."

I bit my lip, warring with myself on whether I should be civil. The petty side of me won. "Have fun with Liz," I answered. "Half the office has already."

I slammed the door behind me and hurried downstairs so I didn't keep Shannon and Ian waiting. Shannon was about to exit her car, but I gave her a thumbs-up and got into my car, anxious to put some distance between Xavier and me.

----

I groaned as I exited my vehicle parked in front of my childhood home. I'd barely gotten out of my small car when Mom excitedly came rushing out of the house to greet me.

"Abby, you're finally home!"

I offered her a weak smile in return. I didn't want to be living back home as a 26-year-old, but I had no choice. "Thanks for the excitement, Mom." I sighed.

We quickly unpacked the small U-haul and set my belongings in the garage. An hour later, the truck returned, and I dropped Ian off at their home, where Shannon was waiting for him.

"You look like you could use a drink," Shannon commented on my worn-out look. "Want to hit up our old spot later?"

"I don't know," I tiredly rubbed my face, only wanting to relax for the rest of the day before I officially moved back into my old bedroom. "I don't think I'd be good company."

"Sure you will. Everyone is good company with the right amount of alcohol."

"Don't you have work tomorrow?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Shannon was a kindergarten teacher at the same elementary school we attended years ago. Her bubbly attitude made her the perfect person to be a kindergarten teacher. Me? Not so much.