I snapped back to the present. Reveling in the past wouldn't help me move on. Following through with my plan, however, would. I looked up from my coffee cup, and realized that my dad had asked me a question that I hadn't heard. He could tell that I was lost in my thoughts, but didn't press me for details. I smiled and apologized for spacing out.
"So, what's your plan for today? Your mother will be leaving for work before long, and I've got some stuff up at the station I need to take care of. You're more than welcome to come with if you'd like. I know the guys will probably have a stroke when they see how much you've grown up," he smiled.
I spent most of my free time as a child wandering around the fire station, playing on the trucks and ambulances. I realized it had been quite some time since I had visited. It would be fun to pick on all the guys, and give them shit about their gray hair and beer bellies. They didn't see too much action in this small town, so a majority of their time was spent hanging out and telling stories about the glory days.
"That sounds good," I replied. "I've got a few things I need to take care of first, so I can meet you up there after lunch if that's ok?," I asked.
Dad nodded in agreement. After a few minutes, mom left for work and dad left for the station. I wandered back to my room. I found my crumpled up list from earlier on the floor, and pressed the wrinkles out until it resembled a sheet of paper again. I looked at the first item on the list...separation of possessions...Well, that didn't exactly go as planned. I remembered the conversation that took place this morning with Issac. I'd have to figure that part out later.
I glanced at the next task on the list. Establish a New Home. This presented some problems. I was used to splitting the rent and utilities for a small one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. I knew I couldn't afford that much on my own, so that left me with one option. I would have to find a roommate. I mentally scanned my small list of close friends that would potentially work. First, I thought of my friend Jo. She was my best friend from high school. She was a year older than me, and moved to Silent Springs for college after she graduated high school to attend the university there. She was part of the reason that I decided to pursue my degree in the same city. I had visited her a few times after she moved, and I really liked the city. So Isaac and I agreed to move there together. But she got married last year, and even though I knew she had an extra room, "reserved for me" as she put it, I always hate to be a burden on anyone, especially a new marriage since its common knowledge that the first year is the hardest. I crossed her off the list unless I was down to my last resort.
Next, I thought of Leeanne, my good friend from the softball team in high school. She currently resided in Silent Springs as well, so that would be convenient to be able to stay in the area. Plus, we had the type of friendship that required little maintenance. We could go months without talking, but when we did get the time to catch up, it was like we had never missed a beat. But she was a free spirit, often drifting between cities as she pleased, never really committing to one. I, on the other hand, had a stable job and didn't want to be in this predicament again anytime soon. I was determined to stay in Silent Springs. I didn't eliminate her as a possibility, but decided I'd return to that thought later, since I craved stability.
I thought of Leilani, who was married shortly after we graduated from Greyfall High to her high school sweetheart. Sadly, that relationship didn't work out. But she had established herself in a city a few hours north of Silent Springs. We were close friends, but I wasn't willing to give up everything I had built and move that far. I crossed her off of the mental list as well.
I sighed, realizing that my hopes were looking bleaker every minute. I grabbed my phone to scroll through my contacts as my possibilities dwindled. As I hit the unlock button on the side, I saw the tiny envelope icon appear on my screen, along with 6 missed calls. I quickly typed in my password, and my heart dropped as I saw his name appear on the screen. 5 of the missed calls were from Isaac, as well as the text message.
YOU ARE READING
Changing of the Seasons
Cerita PendekHow long can a soul survive without its mate? Two lovers, separated by circumstance, are forced to navigate the world of heartbreak alone. Can they carry on without each other? Or are they destined to be intertwined in each other's lives forever?