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

Chapter 31: Clarity

"It's so empty in here now..." Eliza's voice fills the quiet space, bouncing off its now barren walls. Nan moved in with my parents when my grandfather passed years ago. We had to practically tear her from the house because she refused to sell it and let all the old memories go. I made a deal with her that if she moved, I'd buy it so no one else would ruin the place and she could come back and visit any time. Eventually she came to terms and agreed. Together, very slowly, we were able to sell the old furniture- minus some stuff, so she could have some extra cash. Now it was just a mere shell of the house it used to be.

I watch as Eliza explores the old place, her heels tapping on the hardwood with every step she took. She paused to touch the walls, admiring the dreadful wallpaper still hanging on for dear life. When she reaches the hallway, she hesitates for a moment before deciding to enter. I quietly follow behind her, curious to see if she's heading where I think. As I turn the corner, I see her lingering by the guest room. Her hand hovers over the knob until finally twisting it around and disappearing inside.

I contemplate joining her or letting her have a moment to herself. We still needed to have a serious talk and the last thing I want is to get caught up in old memories again and steer left from the plan. I decided to just wait in the hall until she was done.

"You followed me this far and can't even join me inside?" I overhear Eliza say. "We've had sev'ral talks in here already. Might as well add anotha'." Her melancholy smile is filled with nostalgia, her eyes silently pleading for me to stand with her. I think she finally realizes I'm serious this time and fears the worst. She's anxiously picking her nails and is fidgety. Her smile is forced and I know inside she's still crying as hard as she was in the car. I oblige and slowly move inside beside her.

She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes as she takes it all in. I can feel the depth of emotion left behind here as well. The memories are still there, just as fresh and real as ever. As I look around, I can picture every scene that took place here. Eliza sleeping over after running away, me hounding her about her bruises, the first time she fell asleep in my arms, everything floods back in full force- just what I was afraid of. I can't let myself get caught up and distracted. I have to put an end to this vicious cycle of me and Eliza for good but it's hard when you're battling so many thoughts and feelings at once.

Eliza's voice breaks my thought, bringing my attention down to her as she stands with her watery eyes looking off into space. "I was going to come 'ere first- to look for you. But I wasn't sure which way to go." She says, letting out a slight chuckle.

"Why here?" I shouldn't be engaging her but curiosity got the best of me.

"I dunno', just a feeling I guess." She said with a small shrug. "I figured if I was right, it'd prove that we were still connected in some way. Funny thought, yeah?" Her glossy eyes look at me, still trying to hold that smile. I know now is the time to bring this moment of sentiment to a close and get back to the real issues at hand. Only when I've had a chance to release this budding anger and find clarity will I be able to come to a decision on what to do next.

"Let's not waste any more time." For once my voice is clear and concise when addressing Eliza. She responds with a deep sigh then takes a seat on the piece of furniture left in here; the old futon. Here we go.

"I feel like we've had this talk a thousand times- maybe even more, who knows. But I want to make this the last one, Eliza." While listening she takes a sharp breath, biting her lip to keep it from quivering. She's not even trying to mask her feelings like usual. There's no shield, no blank stares or resistance. I know I have her full attention and that's she's ready to listen. A rare side of Eliza I've only experienced a couple times and am pleased to see her make an appearance now. We just might get somewhere.