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

Chapter 30: Reflection

Earlier that day...

<LOUIS' POV>

I woke up to an abrupt hit in the head. I cursed to myself, rubbing the sore spot. "Ah, I'm up, I'm up." I groaned. "Didn't have to smack me in the damn head."

"Got tired of yellin'." My dad said, a smirk on his face. "Now c'mon. Sun's up, means the fish are too." He pats my back and scoots out of the tent to leave me to get dressed. I still don't know why I agreed to go on this stupid trip in the first place. I'm not the most outdoorsy person when it comes to camping and nature. I prefer my food already dead and processed instead of having to hunt or catch it myself. But in spite of all the inconveniences of camping, I've found some peace outside the city and my head. Without the noise and temptation that lurks in bars and local clubs, I've been able to maintain a sense of sanity that usually leaves me during trying times like this. I have my mother and father to thank for that.

When I left Eleanor at the flat, I had no idea what I was going to do. She had basically told me our relationship was a mistake and exposed her hidden distrust in me. And while she has every right to be angry, I wish she would've been honest from the beginning instead of feeding me lies. Again, quite hypocritical of me to say but we had an agreement and I gave her every chance to speak her mind. My first thought was to resort to my old ways and go on another binger. That all lasted for about a day when I accidentally drove to my house instead of a hotel and blurted everything to my mum in drunken confidence. I relayed every detail of Eliza's and I reunion and my unfaithfulness to Eleanor; the gossip surrounding the engagement and me and Eliza's secret rendezvous that isn't so much of a secret anymore. I'm still bothered by how that info even leaked out. Since I didn't, it could've only been Eliza; but I can't think about that right now.  Instead, I need to go wash up and be ready for whatever wilderness tip my father has for me today.

I emerged from the tent to see him over the fire with a pot and two mugs. "Somethin' to help you get up." He mumbled while searching through his jacket for a flask. "And a little somethin' extra." He winked as he poured a bit of liquor in as well.

Welcoming the mix of caffeine and alcohol, I sip on my coffee and let it warm my body inside and out. The first couple days of drinking this was terrible, but now I've actually grown fond of it. It's work and play all in one cup; also with an added sweetness sugar just can't mimic. When I've finished, I rinse off in the nearby creek running into the lake and put on some clothes. My father is waiting with some fishing poles by our little boat, baiting the hooks. I roll my eyes at the fact that we'll be having fish for breakfast again. What I wouldn't do for some sausage and eggs right now. Nonetheless, I join him and grab my pole, ready to catch our first meal of the day.

Peering around the lake, a bit of sadness overcomes me. This is the last day of our trip, the last day to pretend my reality is just a bad dream. I'll miss being able to piss where I please and be able to shit in the bushes without judgement, among other things. These days of reflection have been much needed, but I'm not sure if it's truly given enough time for me to sort everything out. I'm still clueless of my next move. Perhaps I should keep on this hiatus until the news burns out, or maybe go back to Eleanor and try to save whatever's left. No.. my pride, nor guilt would let me crawl back. We've had our ups and downs, but this may be the last straw. To really love someone, you should be willing to let them go if that means their happiness. I've brought her nothing but drama and heartache; this break-up would be the most selfless gift I could give. It'll hurt like hell, but I believe it's the right thing.

As for Eliza, I don't know where to begin. I want answers but at the same time I never want to lay eyes on her again. She's nothing but trouble, she's fucked up my life and been able to slither away unscathed once again. She's tossed me in her cauldron of lies and schemes, bewitching me along the way to distract me while she steals everything I care about. I hate her with all I am. My blood boils just thinking about her.