Oblivion (Completed)

Ryan

Present Day

A few years ago I would've never said this, but it's actually really good to be back at work. Focusing on something other than my relationship with Henley is nearly impossible when we're around each other every second of the day. Don't get me wrong. I love spending time with her; when I'm around her, it's like I'll never get enough. And that's my problem. I'm trying really hard to respect her wishes and keep a friendly barrier up between us, but as the days go on, it's getting harder to ignore that she's so amazing.

My choice of work surprised many of my relatives when I announced it, because it's not the suit and tie type of job that's usually tacked onto the end of the James name. I have no interest in sitting inside of a stuffy office all day in some high rise downtown. The small town life suits me, and I'm happy with who I've become and the changes I've made. I'm a lot more put together than I used to be. If I can't do the one thing I always dreamed I would, owning an auto repair shop is the next best thing.

I'm highly motivated. I get here early almost every day, long before we open. I have a few mechanics on board that show up when the overhead door rolls up, but I'm the type of boss who walks around in a pair of coveralls and dives right into the job, too. It took me a long time to find something I love enough to make it my career, and I don't care what anyone has to say about it. Fixing cars is my outlet, and it's gotten through a lot of tough shit throughout the years. Like nearly losing my wife.

I hop up off the creeper and prop it up against the wall, wiping my forehead with my sleeve. It's 6 am and the shop is closed for the day since it's Thanksgiving. We're closed for the long weekend, which means I could've come in here anytime to straighten out some invoices and order my inventory, but I needed to get away and think for a bit before we head to Mom's in a few hours.

Everything's always a big ordeal on the holidays, and I'm nervous for Henley.

Mom loves her like her own, and Harlow not only lost a sister-in-law, but a best friend when Henley fell into the coma. My older brother, Kristian, was attending grad school and never got the chance to meet Henley, but he's been back for two years. He won't be meeting the same woman he would've back then, but I'm still excited nonetheless,because he's the closest thing I've had to a father since my Dad passed away when I was 20.

We're only 6 years apart, but he's someone I can depend on to tell me the truth, even when it's not something I want to hear. And I know they all forgive me for not being around for awhile, but I'm still haunted by how I took them for granted for far too long as I was off searching for myself. I didn't have a rough childhood. I was loved immensely by both parents and got along fine with my siblings.

Everything was going great until my Dad died and I lost it. Lost myself. I have my wife to thank for bringing me back to the land of the living; a favor I hope I can do for her in return.

Even now, as I roll out from the underbelly of this beautiful classic car, my head's all wrapped up in Henley. I don't know why I'm surprised, because this car belonged to her. My young Henley drove this 1969 tuxedo black Corvette with curves almost as sexy as hers, and worn vinyl seats. She loved it so much she named it.

I'm hard just thinking about the way she looked sitting on top of it. If I didn't love her the first time I met her, I know I loved her then.

Five Years Ago

My adrenaline is on overdrive as I slam the door of my car carrier. I just had the race of my life. Seriously. I can't think of a better feeling in the world than curving around those turns at shit-enducing speeds.

"That race was sick. So awesome. Can you sign my program?"

There's a young kid behind me, probably around 10, and I'm stuck by the admiration in his eyes. I wipe my hands on my jeans and hold one out to him, thanking him for watching. It's when he lights up like a Christmas tree that it hits me; I'm doing exactly what I want to be doing, and it doesn't matter what anyone has to say about it.