Flipped: Back Again (L.T. Sequel to Flipped)

Chapter 14: Until Luck Runs Out

<LOUIS' POV>

The house has been deafly quiet for a good two days. With Saturday approaching just the next morning, Eleanor was creating more distance between us and making sure I knew she didn't want to be bothered. She had yet to tell me why she was so upset. The only explanation given was that "you should know" or the infamous, "if you haven't figured it out, then why are we even talking" speech. As determined as I was to resolve this quarrel, Eleanor's constant attitude was chipping away my endurance. The more she ignored me, the more I ignored her. If one party didn't want to cooperate, then nothing could be fixed. And with that, my hatred for Eliza dimmed as the conflict focused elsewhere. I was actually looking forward to whatever plan she concocted for this weekend's getaway; I needed a break from the tense atmosphere.

She wanted me to "remember why I fell in love with her again". How she was going to pull this off, I don't know. I could easily tell her that I never truly stopped, that a piece of me always would regardless of who I ended up with. I believe she discovered this earlier when we hooked up in her studio but that wouldn't satisfy her. She didn't want past feelings resurfacing; she wanted to renew them and make the emotion alive once again. I admired her determination, especially since my own woman lacked any to keep me. If I was so important to her, she wouldn't be acting so childish now and want to work it out; talk and such like real couples should. This whole silent treatment is getting out of hand and I'm honestly done with the whole situation all together. It isn't worth the energy.

So while I had some time to spare, I began packing some clothes in my duffle. I know Eliza said we'd be going to Doncaster as a cover, but just in case that was a lie, I'd need clothes for the weekend. I didn't know what to pack so I went for some casual shirts and my joggers, pants, and maybe a blazer if things got fancy for a night. I nearly forgot underwear so I went back in my drawer to dig some out. Doing so, I uncovered an old gem. My red beanie. The one Eliza held hostage for the longest time and fit so perfectly. I slip that in the bag as well, just in case.

I've been reminiscing a lot about her lately. Not just because of the dispute after dinner but Eliza has been butting into my thoughts now and then. I was beginning to sense her as I used to. The more we came in contact, the stronger they'd become; similar to when we were younger. She was starting to overtake my thoughts at an intangible rate. Last night for instance, I could've sworn I heard her laying next to me. For moment, I got a whiff of her tantalizing fragrance and sat up abruptly, searching for her. The sad realization of me sleeping alone in my study haunted me for the rest of the night as I coaxed myself back to sleep. I dreamt of her that night and slept soundly with the sweet fantasy of her in my arms again.

A part of me felt ashamed for giving up the resistance so easily. Well, not giving in entirely but ignoring my starting declaration to erase Eliza out of my life. Eleanor was showing me a whole new side of her I never had witnessed and it was only driving the wedge between us further and pushing me right towards Eliza. I'm sure that was part of her plan too and unfortunately, it was working. I was at a point where I'd be willing to forget a few of my rules and simply enjoy whatever reparation Eliza was going to seek from me. One weekend wouldn't totally detour me from Eleanor but it sure as hell something I would risk.

I thought about calling Eliza and just asking what the deal was for this weekend, but I still didn't have her number. I could've made another trip to her gallery as last time but that idea may come off sketchy and I didn't want to make that a routine thing. People may start getting suspicious and our last meeting already raised enough questions. Maybe I would get lucky and run into while in town or walking down the street. Unlikely, but, worth a try. I had some errands to run anyway so I grabbed my bags and keys, loaded the car before Eleanor could steal my clothes later, and dove into traffic.